Around the Fencepost

🌾Around the Fencepost Episode 21 Ernest Weaver Byron Seeds Southwest TM

Ernest Weaver, the Southwest Territory Manager for Byron Seeds, shares his journey from dairy farming to becoming an integral part of Byron's growth. He discusses the vital role he played in the company's development and the focus on forage, grasses, and summer annuals. Ernest's commitment to superior feed and digestibility is evident throughout the conversation. The conversation covers topics related to farming, dealer networks, forage management, and the impact of government involvement in agriculture. It also delves into the significance of regenerative agriculture and the role of different players in the industry. The conversation covers a range of topics related to summer and winter annuals, government subsidies, forage improvement, and fall planting. The speakers discuss the impact of subsidies on farming, the effectiveness of forage improvement programs, and the challenges and benefits of stockpiling summer annuals for grazing. They also touch on the importance of soil management, fertility, and moisture for successful fall planting. Takeaways * Forage Focus * Commitment to Superior Feed Dealer networks are farmer-based and farmer-focused, providing valuable support and knowledge to farmers. * Improving forage programs can lead to significant improvements in farm profitability and livestock health. Government subsidies impact farming practices * Forage improvement programs can be effective without subsidies * Stockpiling summer annuals for grazing requires careful management * Fertility and moisture are critical for successful fall planting Chapters * 00:00 The Journey to Byron Seeds * 12:27 Selecting Alfalfa and Summer Annuals * 18:48 Dealer Networks and Farmer Support * 36:13 Government Involvement in Agriculture * 54:36 Importance of Soil Management and Fertility for Fall Planting

How to be your Bankers Best Friend, w/ Ty Smithson Farm Credit

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🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 19 Ben Masemore Genetics matter/ Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

Ben Masemore shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to transitioning to carpentry and housing crisis, and eventually returning to the family farm. He discusses his experience with no-till farming, soil management, and the importance of conservation in agriculture. The conversation covers the impact of cover crops on soil health, the growth and expansion of Noble, and the art and science of breeding cows. The conversation delves into the impact of genomics and AI on agriculture, the value of good cows in dairy farming, the influence of big money in the show world, and the future of dairy farming and agriculture. It also highlights the importance of educating the public about dairy farming and the continuous learning and pursuit of improvement in the industry. Takeaways * Transitioning between different industries can provide valuable insights and skills for farming. * No-till farming and cover crops play a crucial role in soil management and conservation in agriculture. Cover crops contribute to soil health * Noble's growth and expansion * Breeding cows is a combination of art and science The impact of genomics and AI on agriculture * The importance of educating the public about dairy farming Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Background * 08:07 Transition to Carpentry and Housing Crisis * 19:04 Transition to No-Till Farming and Soil Management * 26:09 Experience with No-Till Farming and Cover Crops * 33:19 The Impact of Cover Crops on Soil Health * 52:18 Breeding Cows: Art and Science * 01:08:19 The Reward of Weaving Through Challenges * 01:13:40 The Impact of Genomics on Jersey Breed * 01:20:30 The Influence of Big Money in the Show World * 01:26:37 The Importance of Educating the Public About Dairy Farming * 01:36:38 The Care and Pampering of Dairy Cows * 01:42:08 Continuous Learning and Pursuit of Improvement

🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 18 Veronica Steer Sunbow Jerseys / Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

The conversation with Miss Veronica Steer of Sunbow Jerseys in Cottage Grove, Tennessee covers the farm's history, challenges, and the use of social media to share authentic farm experiences. The discussion also delves into the importance of storytelling and the impact of technology on dairy farming practices. The conversation covers a range of topics including vaccination, dairy promotion, grazing, women in agriculture, and equipment maintenance. The speakers discuss the importance of explaining the 'why' behind vaccination, the benefits of whole milk, the challenges and rewards of grazing, and the role of women in agriculture. They also touch on the need for equipment maintenance and the loss of knowledge in family farms. The conversation delves into the multifaceted nature of dairy farming, highlighting the challenges, joys, and essential role of dairy in nutrition. It also emphasizes the importance of care, enjoyment, and safety in dairy production. Takeaways * Authentic storytelling is a powerful tool for sharing the real experiences and challenges of dairy farming. * The use of social media allows for the sharing of authentic farm experiences and provides insight into the daily life of a dairy farmer. Vaccination 'Why': Explaining the reasons behind vaccination is important. * Whole Milk Benefits: Whole milk has nutritional benefits and its promotion is significant. * Grazing Challenges: Grazing presents challenges and rewards for dairy farmers. * Women in Agriculture: The role of women in agriculture is essential and involves various responsibilities. * Equipment Maintenance: Equipment maintenance is crucial for farm operations and requires knowledge and skill. Dairy farming involves a diverse range of tasks beyond milking cows, including equipment maintenance and crop management. * Each farm has its unique focus, whether it's on cows, crops, or technology, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to farming. * The Chapters * 00:00 Introducing Sunbow Jerseys * 05:21 Influence of Family and Community * 21:20 Vaccination 'Why' and Whole Milk Benefits

🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 17 Juliette Albrecht Grassi Milk Dairy / Jacob Leach Wet Meadows

Juliette Albrecht of Grassy Milk Dairy shares the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to small-scale, grass-driven, and consumer-connected dairy farming in Missouri. From the initial move to Missouri to the success of direct milk sales, Juliette's story is one of resilience, learning, and community connection. Juliette shares her experiences and insights as a dairy producer, emphasizing the importance of preventing losses and promoting animal welfare. She discusses the challenges and misconceptions surrounding small dairies, the use of medicines, and the future of the industry. Juliette also highlights the need for consumer understanding and transparency in dairy production. Takeaways * Small-scale, grass-driven dairy farming requires adaptation and learning, especially when transitioning from confinement to pasture-based feeding. * Direct milk sales have been a successful and rewarding venture, creating a strong connection between the producer and the consumer. Preventing losses through personal experiences * Challenges and misconceptions of small dairies * The importance of consumer understanding and transparency in dairy production Chapters * 00:00 Community Connection and Support * 26:27 Preventing Losses and Promoting Animal Welfare * 35:11 Consumer Understanding and Transparency in Dairy Production * 44:10 Separating Calves from Cows and Animal Welfare