Successful Farming Podcast

Natalina Sents grew up in a small town in southeastern Iowa, but not on a farm. Today she is visiting farms in every state in the U.S. and blogging about it as part of Beck's Why I Farm Roadtrip. As she nears the end of her year-long journey, she took a break from her hectic travels and visited the Successful Farming studios to chat with Jason Meeker and Anna McConnell about the experience so far.

Kacey Birchmier started at Successful Farming in June of 2013. Currently she covers agronomy and conservation topics. We discuss her background growing up on a central Iowa farm, how an internship at the Iowa Soybean Association piqued her interest in covering agriculture full time, as well as dig deep into some recent articles she has written for Successful Farming.

Steve is the Farm Management Specialist for Iowa State University Extension, based out of their Polk County office. In today's interview Steve and Jason talk about best practices to keep production costs in check during this fourth straight year of weak commodity prices.

Patrick Gottsch may seem an unlikely media mogul.  But he has built a one-of-a-kind media powerhouse that includes two TV networks, a national satellite radio network, a magazine – and he’s not done yet! Inspired by his agricultural roots, and pulling from his knowledge and experience in commodity trading, satellite television, and livestock auctions, Patrick has found a niche that many so-called experts said didn't exist.Successful Farming host Dave Mowitz sat down with Patrick to talk about RFD-TV, and Patrick's role in advocating for Rural America, as well as reconnecting city and country.

Probably Rose Creek, Minnesota's youngest farmer, Laura Meany discusses growing up on her family's farm, her decision to return to farming after college, and the circumstances that made that happen a lot sooner than planned.We hear of her love of llamas, a trip to Antarctica and a lot more a long the way. Making the tough choices when an unexpected tragedy changed everything.

Guilherme Ravache is the Editorial Director for Successful Farming Brasil. He recently visited the US and discussed several of the issues facing Brazil's ag industry and how the population of Brazil is dealing with some of the problems the country is facing, including the Operation Car Wash scandal, infrastructure issues, political unrest, and Chinese investment in their country.Part 1 of this interview covers the more general issues. Part 2 will go more in-depth in the Operation Car Wash scandal.

In Part 2 of our interview with Successful Farming Brasil's Guilherme Ravache, we look at Operation Car Wash. This complex political and business scandal that has plagued Brazil for more than three years continues to develop. Successful Farming Brasil's Guilherme Ravache takes you through the major events and primary characters in this story. 

Suicide rates for U.S. farmers and ranchers were higher in 2016 than they were during the height of the 1980s farm crisis. Knowing how to identify risk factors and where to find help for those at risk is crucial. In this episode, Jason talks to Ohio State University Extension Educator, Jami Dellifield about the mental health issues facing rural communities. Jami shared a wealth of resources available to help identify and help those in need.

Stay safe this harvest season with advice and tips from Carolyn Sheridan, Clinical Director of the AgriSafe Network.

Since 2013, Marji Guyler-Alaniz has been shining a light on women in agriculture. Through photography, events, a television show and now a new podcast, the FarmHer movement has brought women from all aspects of the agriculture industry together. In this episode of the podcast Marji and Lexi Marek, FarmHer's Communications + Marketing Coordinator, talk about the journey so far, and what it has meant to them to be a part of FarmHer.

Hot heads, he thinks he's always right, the kids don't know what they're doing! Listen to farm mediator Andy Junkin explain how he helps farm families with all kinds of personalities get through tough decisions and situations. It might save your farm - and your relationships.

What insects and diseases challenged corn and soybean growers in 2018? How can producers stay ahead of these pressures in 2019? Listen in as host Jodi Henke and Successful Farming's Crops Technology Editor, Gil Gullickson, talk about the battle against bugs and diseases.

Improving soil health can boost returns on crop production. Host Jodi Henke talks with Jodi DeJong-Hughes, an extension crop educator from the University of Minnesota. Hear about tillage, cover crops, and how to build up your soil's natural immunities against bad things that lie under the surface. 

Downed corn and wet conditions are just a few of the challenges corn farmers have this fall. Successful Farming's Jodi Henke talks with Machinery and Technology Dave Mowitz and Denny Bollig, farmer and president of Dragotec USA, about getting the most out of your combines and corn heads. Learn how to harvest downed corn, prevent ear and grain losses, and make sure your corn head is operating like a champ for the best harvest possible.

When you purchase seed for the next growing season, it often comes coated with protection against insects and pathogens. Host Jodi Henke talks with Syngenta Seed Care Specialist Chad Vest about how and why seeds are treated, how to choose what treatments you need, and does seed color matter?