Peak Ag Radio

In the increasingly competitive ag industry its important to learn what works best for your farm. This week on Peak Ag Radio Travis & Nathan interviewed Steve Stix. Steve has had quite a career in the swine industry. From managing a small sow farm to managing an international genetics company, to working in the value-added market (the enhancement a company gives its product before offering to customers) in the swine industry, he is a wealth of information.

We are off and running with our Peak Ag interviews. Make sure you haven't missed an episode and stay tuned for even more great chats with leaders in the ag industry. 

Ever wonder what makes the best farms the best? Me too! I am constantly searching. Are those farmers smarter? Are those farmers richer? Are those farmers _________? You fill in the blank.

If you have ever played sports…any sport…the goal is to be the BEST! This is the case across the universe. But what's the goal in agriculture? Joerg Zimmerman from Global Ag Advisors is our latest Peak Ag guest. Along with other great information, Joerg shares how having a 'unique angle' or 'niche' is the way to stay ahead of the pack in farming.

Alligator farming sounds exciting but it's not who I am. I raise pigs. Period. Travis has helped me for 4 years to be a dry land wheat/milo farmer, but I'm a slow learner (as well as having lots of bad luck). I am averaging about 15 bushels per acre for wheat. This doesn't feed the kids – does it?

On today's podcast Travis and I had the privilege of interviewing Bill Stevens regarding change on the family farm. Not sure how your team handles change, but we find it is always difficult. Do you agree? 

What does it take for slow & steady growth for 40 years in pig farming?      On today's podcast Travis and I visit with my father, Alfred Smith. For over 40 years Alfred has continued to grow his pig farm despite the many challenges he faced.

What does it take to be a Top 10 Pig Farmer? Do you know? Well, Ron Ketchem knows. Ron has data on over 1.5 million sows. WOW!! This guy knows his stuff as well as what it takes to be the best.  

Does the future of farms look scary to you, too? Crazy markets, people problems, production problems, government unknowns and other various things farmers must deal with all can lead us to worry about the future. Let's call it the "Unknown Farm Future".  

Have you ever had some tough weeks on the farm? Ever have 'people' problems that make you sick? (I sure have!) I've attempted to handle problems on the farm through email. Let me tell you….it never, ever works

Winning feels so good on the farm! It could be a great yield, great market prices, or a terrific decision about the farm. Its like you know exactly what you're doing. The word that comes to my mind is "confidence".  

Bammmmm! I had a leadership explosion on the farm (not a physical explosion mind you) and it is only January 1. What a start?! I made a decision to outsource a key piece of our farm - bad call man!! It bit my team and me in the butt as well as wasted a bunch of time and energy.    

Got farm goals for 2017? Maybe, Yes or No? Yup, I am working on mine, right now. It is hard to set aside the time to do, but after 10 minutes of thinking I begin to get excited about 2017! I believe every farm, farmer and ag leader needs goals in 2017.

Got 2017 farm goals? Maybe? Yes? No? Yup, I am working on mine, right now! It's a struggle to set aside time to do this, but after 10 minutes of reflecting I begin to get excited about 2017! I believe every farm, farmer and ag leader needs goals for 2017.

What do we undervalue most on the farm? Family? Employees? Land or livestock? No… I believe it's the power of gratitude. And YES...I am being 100% serious.  

Are you 100% in the commodity farming business? Not sure? This question will reveal the answer: "Do I grow the same things as my neighbor?" Whether your answer is Yes, No, or Maybe, 2017 will be the year for you to venture out and try something different...like goat farming : ).

Fighting on the Farm 2.0 - How to LOSE in 2017 Always get the very best deal on anything farm related. Worry that you paid too much. Complain about terrible service, terrible feed, terrible weather, terrible employees, terrible _______  (you fill in the blank.) and more......

Winter is coming fast and for most farmers it's a time to slow down and take it easy. Sure - we all need rest and time to get away, but not the whole winter. Winter is the time to get ahead. The only way to truly waste the winter is to do nothing the whole season.