The Lost Kids in the Middle - A Conversation with Dr. Tom Kingery

Can the Next Generation Still Farm? | Seth Ariens

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429369/fan_mail/new] What does the next generation of agriculture really want? In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue student, sheep producer, dairy cattle judge, and former Indiana FFA State Officer Seth Ariens for an honest conversation about where agriculture is headed and what it will take to keep young people engaged. Seth shares why he believes production agriculture still offers tremendous opportunities, why the barriers to entry may not be as high as many people think, and how technology, leadership, and relationships are shaping the future of farming. Along the way, we discuss Purdue's role in preparing students for careers in agriculture, the value of leadership experiences through FFA and FarmHouse Fraternity, and why authentic conversations matter more than scripted answers. Whether you're a farmer, student, educator, or simply care about the future of rural America, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership, opportunity, and finding your place in agriculture. In this episode we discuss: • Why young people still want careers in production agriculture  • Breaking down the barriers to entering farming  • Purdue, leadership, and preparing the next generation  • The future of livestock, technology, and family farms  • Lessons from FFA, FarmHouse, and the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)  • Why relationships remain agriculture's greatest asset

What We're Still Getting Wrong in Swine Production | Dr. Bob Thaler

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429369/fan_mail/new] What challenges will define the future of the pork industry? In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith welcomes Dr. Bob Thaler of South Dakota State University for a thoughtful conversation about swine nutrition, sow mortality, pig survivability, and the future of animal agriculture. Drawing on decades of experience in research, Extension, consulting, and commercial pork production, Dr. Thaler shares his perspective on improving sow productivity, reducing mortality, developing the next generation of animal scientists, and why Land-Grant universities remain critical to the future of agriculture. The discussion also explores workforce challenges, livestock economics, technology, and the practical realities of modern pork production. Whether you're a swine producer, nutritionist, veterinarian, animal science student, or agribusiness professional, this episode offers practical insights into some of the biggest questions facing today's pork industry. Topics include: • Swine nutrition and sow productivity • Sow mortality and pig survivability • Land-Grant universities and Extension • Graduate education and workforce development • Technology, automation, and the future of pork production

Bonus Episode: Three Ag Market Veterans Compare 2026 to the 1980s Farm Crisis

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429369/fan_mail/new] In this special bonus episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, recorded live during Ag Day at the Allen County Fair, Jim Smith sits down with three respected voices in agricultural markets and communications: Rob Winters, Jon Cavanaugh, and David Kohli. Collectively, these three gentlemen bring well over 150 years of experience serving agriculture. From broadcasting and market reporting to grain merchandising, commodity brokerage, and risk management, they have helped generations of farmers navigate changing markets and economic conditions. Their conversation explores today's agricultural economy, compares current conditions to the challenges of the 1980s farm crisis, and discusses what producers should be watching in the months ahead. Drawing on decades of experience, they share candid perspectives on farm profitability, grain markets, interest rates, and the resilience of American agriculture. Whether you remember listening to farm radio on the tractor or are simply interested in where agriculture may be headed next, this discussion offers valuable insights from three men who have spent their careers helping farmers make sense of uncertainty. Guests: • Rob Winters – Agricultural Broadcaster • Jon Cavanaugh – Grain Merchandiser and Marketing Advisor • David Kohli – Commodity Broker, Marketing Advisor, and Risk Management Consultant Recorded live at the Allen County Fair.

What Farming Really Costs with Mike Burkhart

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429369/fan_mail/new] What does farming really cost? For Mike Burkhart, the answer goes far beyond machinery, land, and interest rates. In this conversation, Mike reflects on beginning his farming career in the 1970s, surviving the 1980s Farm Crisis, the growing dependence on off-farm income, and the financial pressures that continue to reshape American agriculture. Along the way, we explore family succession, the realities of cash rent, why "it's just business" isn't always enough, and how one family's tragedy changed the course of their lives forever. Today, Mike spends much of his time educating consumers through social media and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation, proving that purpose doesn't end when a farming career does. This is a conversation about resilience, stewardship, and discovering that some of life's greatest harvests happen long after the last crop is planted. A few things we discuss: *  Growing up and farming through the 1970s and 1980s  *  The Farm Crisis and its lasting lessons  *  Why off-farm income shouldn't carry a stigma  *  Cash rent, consolidation, and the changing structure of agriculture  *  The impact of Travis Burkhart's accident on the family and farm  *  Retirement, purpose, and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation  *  Lessons every generation of farmers can learn

Why Farming Needs More Strategy and Less Guesswork | Dr. Michael Langemeier

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2429369/fan_mail/new] Agriculture today faces many of the same pressures it did during the 1980s farm crisis—but the solutions may look very different. In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue agricultural economist Dr. Michael Langemeier to discuss how modern farm businesses can navigate low margins, rising costs, global competition, and generational transition. Our conversation explores the difference between strong balance sheets and healthy cash flow, why working capital matters more than ever, and how strategic planning is becoming just as important as production efficiency. We also discuss the growing influence of Brazil in global agriculture, the challenges of succession planning, and why many farms need to think more like businesses without losing what makes family agriculture unique. We finish with a fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, and how new technologies may help producers make better decisions in an increasingly complex industry. Topics include: • Comparing today's farm economy to the 1980s farm crisis  • Cash flow, debt, and working capital management  • Strategic risk versus production risk  • Value-added agriculture and competitive advantage  • Accrual accounting and financial decision-making  • Family business transitions and succession planning  • AI, decision support, and the future of farm management  • Why lifelong learning remains agriculture's greatest advantage Dr. Michael Langemeier is a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University and a leader within the Center for Commercial Agriculture. His work focuses on farm management, financial performance, strategic planning, and producer decision-making.