How VT Changed Farming

AI, Anxiety, and the Next Generation

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with his daughter, Emery Sampson, just hours after her high school graduation for a heartfelt conversation about growing up, stepping into adulthood, and navigating the uncertainty of what comes next. What begins as a reflection on graduation day quickly turns into a deeper discussion about purpose, pressure, faith, technology, and the realities of being part of today’s younger generation. Recorded during a milestone week that included Emery’s graduation party, 18th birthday, and final day of high school, the episode captures a unique snapshot in time between father and daughter. Emery opens up about the emotions of leaving childhood behind while preparing for her next chapter at Iowa State University, where she plans to study psychology and pursue a future career as a pediatric psychologist. Joe and Emery discuss the common misconceptions surrounding younger generations, particularly around social media and artificial intelligence. Emery explains that while technology and AI are heavily integrated into modern education, genuine human connection, friendship, and personal growth still matter deeply to students today. The conversation also explores how competitive swimming helped shape her work ethic, resilience, and ability to push through difficult moments both mentally and emotionally. Faith becomes another central theme throughout the episode as Emery shares how challenging seasons often bring her closer to Jesus and help ground her perspective during stressful moments. Joe reflects on the defining experiences that shaped his own life — parenting, career changes, loss, and personal growth, while encouraging Emery to trust the process ahead rather than worry too much about the future. The episode closes with a meaningful exchange about identity, community, and the importance of finding purpose in every stage of life. Throughout the conversation, there is a strong focus on growth, family, faith, and the emotional complexity of entering adulthood while balancing excitement, fear, ambition, and hope for the future.

How VT Changed Farming

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with Rodney Hake of Great Plains Manufacturing for an in depth conversation on the evolution of tillage, the rise of vertical tillage, and how innovation reshaped modern farming practices over the last two decades. What starts as a conversation about equipment history quickly becomes a broader discussion about soil health, crop emergence, technology adoption, and the future of agriculture. Rodney reflects on Great Plains’ early acquisition of Kent Manufacturing and the influence leaders like Roy Applequist and Tom Evans had on shaping the company’s future. At the time, agriculture was entering a difficult economic cycle, and Great Plains recognized the need for new ideas and products that could help farmers remain productive even during challenging market conditions. The conversation centers around the development of the Turbo Till and how it ultimately helped launch the vertical tillage movement. Rodney explains that the original concept was not intended to be revolutionary, but rather an effort to create a tool that fit changing farming practices. Early adopters were primarily no till farmers who were struggling with uneven crop emergence caused by cold, wet soils and heavy residue. They needed a way to lightly manage the soil surface without destroying the benefits of no till farming. Rodney walks through the agronomic reasoning behind vertical tillage and explains how traditional horizontal tillage tools can create density layers beneath the seed bed. These layers impact root development by forcing roots to spread laterally instead of penetrating deeper into the soil profile where moisture and nutrients are located. Vertical tillage aimed to eliminate those density layers while still managing residue and preparing an effective seed bed. Joe and Rodney discuss how studies conducted by agronomist Ken Ferrie helped validate the performance advantages of vertical tillage. Through multi year trials, Ferrie found measurable yield increases compared to more conventional tillage practices, particularly in environments where moisture availability became limiting during the growing season. Rodney credits these studies with helping establish vertical tillage as a legitimate agronomic practice rather than simply another equipment trend. The conversation also explores how the market evolved over time. As vertical tillage gained popularity, nearly every equipment manufacturer entered the category with their own interpretation of the practice. Rodney explains that many tools labeled as vertical tillage were not truly vertical tillage tools, but instead hybrid systems designed primarily for residue management. This created confusion in the market and led to different performance outcomes depending on soil conditions and farming practices. Another major theme throughout the episode is how data and technology are changing modern farming. Rodney notes that today’s farmers have access to more information about their soils, yields, and field variability than ever before. This has created a more analytical approach to equipment decisions and management practices, where farmers are increasingly focused on return on investment and understanding how specific tools impact productivity across different soil types and environments. Throughout the discussion, there is a strong focus on innovation, adaptability, and the constant evolution of farming practices. Rodney explains that the future of agriculture will continue moving toward greater efficiency, fewer passes across the field, and increased automation, but ultimately the goal remains the same: helping farmers improve productivity while protecting the long term health of their soils.

Can American Manufacturing Survive?

In this special onsite episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson travels to WorkSaver in Litchfield, Illinois, for a behind the scenes look at American manufacturing and the realities of building agricultural equipment in today’s economy. Joined by company leaders Tim Burenga and Mike Kloster, the conversation explores the challenges, opportunities, and evolution of manufacturing in the United States while highlighting the importance of leadership, innovation, and long term thinking. Joe opens the episode by reflecting on the significance of visiting companies in person and seeing firsthand how products are built and businesses operate behind the scenes. He explains that manufacturing often goes unnoticed by the average consumer, despite playing a critical role in both agriculture and the broader economy. Touring the WorkSaver facility provides a unique opportunity to understand the complexity and discipline required to run a successful manufacturing operation in today’s environment. The conversation focuses heavily on the state of American manufacturing and how the industry has changed over the years. Tim and Mike discuss how manufacturing today looks dramatically different than it did decades ago, with automation, technology, and operational efficiency becoming increasingly important. At the same time, they emphasize that many of the core principles of success have remained the same, including strong leadership, skilled workers, and a commitment to quality. Joe and his guests also explore the challenges manufacturers are facing in the current economic climate. Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and uncertainty across agriculture have all created pressure on businesses trying to remain competitive. They explain that navigating these challenges requires adaptability and the ability to make strategic decisions while maintaining a long term perspective. Another major theme throughout the episode is the importance of company culture and investing in people. Tim and Mike discuss how building a successful manufacturing business depends on having employees who take pride in their work and understand the impact of what they are building. They stress that retaining skilled workers and creating a positive work environment has become more important than ever as competition for labor continues across industries. The conversation also highlights how manufacturing businesses are balancing tradition with modernization. While technology has improved production capabilities and operational efficiency, there is still significant value in hands on experience, craftsmanship, and practical problem solving. Joe reflects on how seeing products physically built inside the factory reinforces the connection between innovation and execution. Joe, Tim, and Mike also discuss the broader importance of manufacturing within rural communities and agriculture as a whole. Companies like WorkSaver not only provide products and services to farmers but also create jobs, support local economies, and contribute to the long term sustainability of rural America. The discussion reinforces the idea that manufacturing remains a foundational part of the agricultural ecosystem, even as the industry continues to evolve. Throughout the episode, there is a consistent focus on resilience and adaptability. The guests explain that success in manufacturing often comes down to being willing to evolve, solve problems quickly, and stay committed during difficult periods. Whether dealing with changing market conditions or operational challenges, maintaining a long term vision is critical. This episode offers a candid and insightful look into modern American manufacturing while showcasing the people and businesses working behind the scenes to support agriculture every day. Learn more about WorkSaver and their leadership team here: https://www.worksaver.com/about/worksaver-leadership [https://www.worksaver.com/about/worksaver-leadership]

Why Farmers Are Struggling

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with Jonathan Coppess for a wide ranging and deeply insightful conversation on agriculture, policy, and the realities shaping today’s farming landscape. Drawing from his extensive experience in Washington D.C., including work on multiple farm bills and time spent with the USDA and Senate Agriculture Committee, Jonathan offers a unique perspective on how policy is created and how it impacts farmers on the ground. Jonathan begins by sharing his background, growing up on a farm in Ohio before eventually finding his way into law, policy, and government work. His career path took him through Capitol Hill, where he worked directly on the 2008 and 2014 farm bills, and into the USDA, giving him a front row seat to both the creation and implementation of agricultural policy. Today, he serves as a professor at the University of Illinois, where he focuses on teaching and researching the history and development of farm policy. The conversation offers a behind the scenes look at how policy is actually made in Washington. Jonathan describes an environment that is fast paced, complex, and often misunderstood from the outside. While public perception tends to focus on division and dysfunction, he highlights the constant flow of meetings, negotiations, and decision making that shape legislation. He emphasizes that policymaking is not a simple or linear process, but rather a continuous balancing of competing interests, perspectives, and priorities. Joe and Jonathan also explore the growing disconnect between the public and the policymaking process. Jonathan explains that influence in Washington often comes down to who shows up consistently, and organizations with the resources to be present have a stronger voice. This dynamic can create an imbalance, where certain interests are better represented than others, contributing to the perception that the system is not working as intended. A major portion of the discussion shifts toward agriculture and the current challenges facing farmers. From global trade disruptions to shifting markets and geopolitical tensions, Jonathan outlines how a series of events over the past several decades have reshaped the competitive landscape. He shares the historical context behind Brazil’s rise as a major agricultural producer, tracing it back to policy decisions and global events that altered trust in U.S. supply chains. Despite these challenges, Jonathan emphasizes that the greatest strength of American agriculture is its ability to innovate. He argues that farmers are some of the most creative problem solvers, constantly adapting to new conditions and finding ways to improve efficiency and productivity. However, he also raises concerns that certain policy approaches, particularly those that rely heavily on subsidies and payments, may unintentionally limit that innovation by reducing the need to adapt. The discussion also touches on the importance of maintaining critical thinking and engagement, both in agriculture and in society as a whole. Jonathan stresses that self governance requires participation, and that stepping away from the process creates space for others to shape outcomes. He encourages listeners to stay involved, ask questions, and contribute to the conversation, even when it is complex or frustrating. The episode closes on a note of cautious optimism, pointing to the next generation of farmers and professionals entering the industry. Jonathan sees growing curiosity, frustration, and a willingness to challenge existing systems as signs that meaningful change is possible. He believes that this mindset, combined with the innovative nature of agriculture, creates an opportunity to rethink how the industry approaches policy, production, and long term sustainability.

The Problem No One Is Solving

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with Stephanie Wedryk, founder of Wedryk Ag LLC, for a wide ranging conversation on innovation, agriculture, and the evolving future of work. What begins as a discussion on product development quickly expands into a deeper look at how the industry is navigating change, uncertainty, and opportunity. Stephanie shares her journey into agriculture, describing how she initially entered the space through scientific research and product development before building a career across multiple areas of agribusiness. Her experience spans working with large organizations, startups, and various segments of the industry, giving her a broad perspective on how ideas move from concept to real world application. A central theme of the conversation is the gap between innovation and execution. Stephanie explains that while new technologies are constantly being developed, many struggle to reach the field in a meaningful way. The challenge is not just creating a new product, but understanding how it fits into the full agricultural value chain. From manufacturers to distributors to local retailers and ultimately the grower, each step introduces different priorities and decision points that influence whether a product succeeds or fails. Joe and Stephanie explore how this complexity impacts innovation, especially in today’s environment where rising input costs and economic uncertainty are creating hesitation across the industry. Despite this, Stephanie emphasizes that innovation still exists, but it requires a more open minded approach. Rather than focusing only on large breakthroughs, she highlights the importance of smaller, practical improvements that solve real problems for growers. The conversation also challenges the industry’s traditional focus on yield as the primary measure of success. Stephanie suggests that efficiency, simplicity, and time savings can be just as valuable. Helping a grower save time, reduce complexity, or improve ease of use can create meaningful impact, even if it does not directly increase yield. Joe and Stephanie also discuss the broader agricultural system and the need to return to a more holistic way of thinking. Agriculture is not a series of isolated decisions, but a connected system involving soil, water, inputs, equipment, and environmental factors. Viewing it through this systems lens opens the door for more thoughtful and effective innovation. Another major topic is the future of work and how it is shifting toward more flexible, independent models. Stephanie shares her decision to start Wedryk Ag LLC and reflects on the rise of what is often referred to as the gig economy. She explains how businesses are increasingly relying on specialized expertise rather than traditional full time roles, and how this shift can create both challenges and opportunities for individuals and organizations. The discussion also touches on the role of artificial intelligence and technology in agriculture and business. While acknowledging the efficiency these tools can provide, both Joe and Stephanie emphasize the importance of maintaining critical thinking and human judgment. They highlight the risks of over relying on technology without questioning its outputs or understanding its limitations. Throughout the episode, there is a consistent focus on curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to rethink traditional approaches. Stephanie reinforces that innovation is not just about new technology, but about asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and finding practical ways to support growers in an increasingly complex environment. This episode offers a thoughtful and forward looking perspective on where agriculture is today and what it will take to move the industry forward in a meaningful way.