Fri, 28 June 2024
OFI 2122: From American School In Nepal To Full Time Farming In Vermont | Ryan Yoder | Yoder Family Farm
Ryan Yoder and his family are full-time, first generation farmers in Vermont. Sitting in a picturesque valley in the west/central part of the state they grow fruit, vegetables, meat chickens and corn. They turn a lot of what they grow and what their neighbors grow into value added products such as popped popcorn and apple cider vinegar, and they have a number of sales outlets as well as revenue streams. In today's episode Ryan will tell us all about his journey, his philosophy on farming and how growing up in Nepal influenced his life today!
Direct download: Ryan_Yoder_Episode_2122_-_62424_8.11PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 27 June 2024
OFI 2121: How To Become A Corporate Pilot To Support Your Farm | Andrew Ambrose | Fly Twins LLC | Re-Cap Episode
How about sub-contracting as a corporate pilot as your form of off-farm income? Seem impossible? I would have thought it was unrealistic until I interviewed today's guest, Andrew Ambrose. Andrew owns his own business, Fly Twins LLC, and he farms 750 acres in Southeast Missouri in addition to that. If that is not enough, he also owns his own excavating company. As Andrew put it, it would not be uncommon to see him flying a corporate customer across the country in the morning and driving a combine that evening. This is an interesting way to producing off-farm income.
Direct download: OFI_2121_Tuesday_Episode_-_62424_7.55PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 25 June 2024
Well, there is at least one more farm update episode to come, and I'll explain that in today's show. I will also touch on our hot weather, irrigation, our creek, wildfires and what in the world the episode title is all about.
Direct download: OFI_2119_Tuesday_Episode_-_62424_7.38PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 20 June 2024
OFI 2114: How To Start A Trapping Business | Peter Dalton | Hunt Country Wildlife Removal | Re-Cap Episode
On today's show I am speaking with Peter Dalton. Peter owns the company, "Hunt Country Wildlife Removal" in Loudoun County, Virginia. This is a side business that kind of started by accident. Peter taught himself how to trap, and along the way started trapping for friends and neighbors when they had nuisance animals. Pretty soon he was doing a lot of trapping, and he finally started charging people for the service. Through word of mouth the business has grown and grown. Peter is very busy with this side business these days, and he and his wife are also developing their farmstead. He has a lot of great advice on equipment to use, how to work in urban areas and what you can do in rural areas. I learned about a method of trapping foxes and coyotes in the episode that I never heard about, and you will benefit from this as well!
Direct download: OFI_2114_Replay_Of_872_-_61824_4.06PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 18 June 2024
This is our second to last farm update episode, and today is just that....a farm update.
Direct download: OFI_2112_Tuesday_Episode_-_61824_3.43PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 3:50pm MST |
Tue, 4 June 2024
What do all these great folks with different passions have in common? Cambridge, Idaho is the answer and I will explain why in today's show.
Direct download: OFI_2098_Tuesday_Episode_-_6424_7.06PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 7:16pm MST |
Thu, 30 May 2024
OFI 2094: The Fascinating Business Of Manure Spreading | Chadd Schmidt | 4 Bar S Inc. | Re-Cap Episode
I have a list of businesses that I like to revisit and get different perspectives from different business owners on. The business of manure spreading is on that list. There is a wide range of complexity in this business. Everywhere that anyone raises livestock there is the need to deal with manure. If you live in the Northeast you might just be dealing with small farmyards. A tractor with a bucket and a PTO driven manure spreader might be all the equipment you need for your business. And then there is the Midwest and all of the cattle on feed plus the massive fields of crop ground that are there. To run a manure spreading business in this region you need big equipment and a lot of it. In today's interview I get to speak with Chadd Schmidt, one of the owners of 4 Bar S Inc. 4 Bar S is a manure spreading and pen cleaning business that Chadd's parents started in the 1980's. Today they are running top of the line, triple axle, manure spreaders that can haul up to 48 ton. And they have four of them!
Direct download: OFI_2093_Replay_Of_868_-_53024_5.26PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 5:38pm MST |
Tue, 28 May 2024
We celebrated Hattie's high school graduation starting last Wednesday with the ceremony on Thursday and party on Saturday. That has been all encompassing and is the topic of today's Farm Update.
Direct download: OFI_2091_Tuesday_Episode_-_52824_4.21PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 4:40pm MST |
Thu, 23 May 2024
OFI 2086: How To Travel Internationally Through Farming | Ben Rykerd | World Traveler And Farmer | Re-Cap Episode
I don't know if you have noticed, but his show is about non-conformists and people who look at the world a different way. All of us fit that definition a little bit by the mere fact that we want to farm and only 2% of our population is in that career field. But what about that person that says "why do I have to do it that way"? Today's guest, Ben Rykerd, is that person. Ben is now 29 years old. He describes himself as having a "travel bug" and he has known this since he was a kid. So, as high school was coming to a close Ben didn't just take the next prescribed step in the journey, he stopped and asked himself what type of life he wanted to have.
Direct download: OFI_2086_Replay_Of_993_-_52324_12.16PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:44pm MST |
Tue, 21 May 2024
Today's Farm Update Episode includes a large announcement about the future of the Off-Farm Income Podcast. I hope you will all tune in and share this moment with me.
Direct download: OFI_2084_Tuesday_Episode_-_52024_6.59PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 17 May 2024
Lynn & Jesse Frey are the owners of Life Root Farm in Stanley, Wisconsin. These are two people who are definitely listening to and following their inner voices. Lynn grew up with a mother who was passionate about gardening, and Lynn thought that she would never want to do that. However, somewhere along the line it clicked and she found herself wanting grow fresh and healthy food for her family. Jesse grew up on a dairy and was encouraged by his father to go get an education and do something different than farming. He followed that path but eventually felt himself called back to agriculture. Today they are in the midst of transitioning from a CSA based business model to one that is centered around growing and marketing heirloom seeds. With four children to raise and mentor, they are showing them how rewarding a life on the land that connects with nature can be.
Direct download: Lynn_Frey_Episode_2080_-_5724_10.11AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 14 May 2024
Today I have a farm update for you, and a discussion about the many benefits of direct marketing our beef that I never thought about. This is not the farm business model that I dreamed of in my youth, but it has turned out to be a lucrative and rewarding model that I really enjoy....
Direct download: OFI_2077_Tuesday_Episode_-_51324_4.55PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 10 May 2024
Bryan Buerkle grew up on his families farm in Eastern Montana learning many valuable lessons about the struggle that farmers face trying create a sustainable business model in this world. Working full-time on his families farm was not a viable option when he finished high school, and he had to look for other alternatives. College and engineering was the path he chose, and it led him all around the world designing and building tractors for John Deere. Today, Bryan is back in Montana and he is devoting himself to helping farmers to create a business model that will see them through. He and his partners have started Farm Pro, which is an online business designed to help small to medium sized farmers find available revenue that would otherwise be hidden from them. Farm Pro is currently focused on farmers who have one to a few trucks capable of hauling commodities, and connecting them with farmers and businesses who need those commodities hauled. This is the beginning of this start up business, and it is moving towards a day that it connects farmers who can offer a wide array of services to people who need those services in their surrounding communities and regions. If you are considering starting your own business as the method of creating your off-farm income, this is an interview that could prove very beneficial to you.
Direct download: Bryan_Buerkle_Episode_2073_-_5724_10.40AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 9 May 2024
OFI 2072: The Other Pivot In Agriculture | Why Businesses That Survive Are The Businesses That Change | Re-Cap Episode
In agriculture when we hear the word pivot we usually think of 120-400 acres of irrigated ground. An automated sprinkler system that is self-driven, applying a precise amount of water to a crop or pasture. If you are a small business owner that services agriculture you need to know about another pivot. This is the catch phrase used by so many in the business “start up” community. To “pivot” means to change direction in your business to adapt to changing market conditions, new technology or new information and ideas that you can only obtain after you have started your business and got in the game. Those of us in agriculture are pretty practical people. Most business information is written for those who work in the city, work online and don’t get their hands dirty. The truth is farmers and those who serve farmers have been “pivoting” for years. We just called it “common sense”. When things changed it was pretty apparent that we needed to change with them.
Direct download: OFI_2072_Replay_Of_201_-_5824_3.42PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 7 May 2024
On today's show I "accidentally" talked for thirty minutes about how we used real estate to create our current situation. Basically, as I was starting the farm update show, something caused me to veer onto this tangent, and a half hour later I had given a blue print on how to purchase a farm in your late thirties by investing in real estate starting in your twenties. More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:
Direct download: OFI_2070_Tuesday_Episode_-_42924_11.31AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 3 May 2024
Kasey Neely and her husband, Kyle, live in Eastern Illinois on their 32 acre farm. There they raise and sell grass fed beef, pastured poultry, eggs and they are considering raising and selling pastured pork. Kasey is a strong advocate for buying local and supporting your local farmer. On today's episode we will discuss their journey to becoming farm owners, how not growing up on a farm influences the manner in which you design your farming model and pacing yourself no matter how excited you get about what you could possibly do on your land.
Direct download: Kasey_Neely_Episode_2066_-_42324_3.12PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 2 May 2024
OFI 2065: How To Run A Mobile Chicken Processing Business And More | Mike Badger | Badger's Millside Farm | Re-Cap Episode
There is a lot of content in today's interview. I was first drawn to this guest because of a referral by one of our listeners, Dave Lehman, because our guest was selling products to assist people with raising and processing chickens. However, during the interview I found out a lot more about this guest. Mike Badger has worked in corporate America, and he grew up believing that was the way that life worked. However, he later decided that it did not have to be that way. He and his wife decided to farm right then and there.
Direct download: OFI_2065_Replay_Of_294_-_5224_11.03AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 11:29am MST |
Tue, 30 April 2024
Our dog brought us a piece of literature about canal breaches last night (literally), and I thought I would discuss this issue on today's Farm Update show. We will also be discussing:
More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:
Direct download: OFI_2063_Tuesday_Episode_-_42924_11.28AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 26 April 2024
Rick Savoia is the Product Manager for BuyTwoWayRadios.com and the host of The Two Way Radio Show, and he is back for part II of our exploration into GMRS Radio. A few weeks back I did a Tuesday episode about GMRS Radio, why I was using it and my limited knowledge. Well today, we get to hear from an actual expert, and hopefully correct any mistakes I made in the Tuesday Episode. There is so much information here that I broke this interview into two episodes. So, today Rick joins me for part 1 of this 2 part series, and we will talk about GMRS and how you can use it for your farming operation as well as for dealing with rural and agricultural crime.
Direct download: Rick_Savoia_Episode_2059_-_4524_12.09PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 25 April 2024
OFI 2058: Watching Your Livestock On Your Computer Screen | David Philpot | Mapipedia | Re-Cap Episode
The technology that is emerging in agriculture is really amazing, and it all points to a future with less rural crime and easier management. It also brings people into agriculture that may have never believed they would wind up there. Enter today's guest, David Philpot. You may remember in episode #988 that I interviewed David Smith of Ceres Tag about the rural crime prevention and detection capabilities of this smart ear tag. As David has been growing his company, he has been speaking to groups about investing with him. Both David and, well, David, are from Australia, and this is what brought them together. David Philpot belongs to an investor's group, and during one of their meetings David Smith came to speak with them about investing in Ceres Tag. Not only did David Philpot become an investor, but he realized that a website called Mapipedia, which had been a hobby of his for some time, would be highly useful when paired with Ceres Tag. So, the two David's began working together and have just completed a mock sheep theft in Australia in which Ceres Tag, coupled with Mapipedia, was able to detect the theft and help law enforcement track down and recover the stolen sheep. On today's episode David Philpot will explain all of the possible uses of Mapipedia in the livestock industry, including better management, bio-security and theft prevention. |
Tue, 23 April 2024
Today is another farm update episode, and I will be covering:
Direct download: OFI_2056_Tuesday_Episode_-_42224_6.29PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 19 April 2024
Rick Savoia is the Product Manager for BuyTwoWayRadios.com and the host of The Two Way Radio Show. A few weeks back I did a Tuesday episode about GMRS Radio, why I was using it and my limited knowledge. Well today, we get to hear from an actual expert, and hopefully correct any mistakes I made in the Tuesday Episode. There is so much information here that I broke this interview into two episodes. So, today Rick joins me for part 1 of this 2 part series, and we will talk about GMRS and how you can use it for your farming operation as well as for dealing with rural and agricultural crime.
Direct download: Rick_Savoia_Episode_2052_-_4524_11.32AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 16 April 2024
Today is another farm update episode, and I will be covering:
More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:
Direct download: OFI_2049_Tuesday_Episode_-_41524_2.37PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 12 April 2024
Zack Parisa is a co-founder of NCX (Natural Capital Exchange), as well as the CEO. NCX is also a sponsor of the show and has been for several months. On today's episode I get to sit down with Zack and talk with him about the reasons I partnered with NCX to share their message on the show. We will discuss the different revenue streams that might be present on your land, and how you might take advantage of the to sustain your farming lifestyle. We will also discuss some of the things to look out for, and how the different markets for things like solar, carbon and environmental improvement are emerging and developing all the time. My partnership with NCX has been something that I am proud to promote, and on today's episode you will learn why!
Direct download: Zack_Parisa_Episode_2045_-_4924_1.15AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 11 April 2024
OFI 2044: Becoming A Full-Time Farmer With Microgreens | Chris Benton | C&L Farms Grows | Re-Cap Episode
Our guest today has a passion for farming, a path to farming full-time and a job that he likes that might keep him from doing just that! Chris Benton and his wife Leann are the owners and founders of C&L Farms Grows. They have an 8 acre farm about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta, Georgia and they are focused on growing microgreens. Chris told me that he chose microgreens for a number of reasons. The fact that there is an almost immediate harvest and return, nobody in his area was doing it and they are so nutritious were among his top reasons for this decision. The way that Chris and Leann developed their business is interesting as well. Chris grew up around agriculture and wanted to be involved with that. Leann did not necessarily have the same desire to farm, but she wanted to find a niche business that would allow her to work from home for a number of reasons. Thus the business was developed. It allows Chris to be involved in agriculture, and it allows Leann to stay at home.
Direct download: OFI_2044_Replay_Of_596_-_41024_10.12PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 9 April 2024
It is kidding season for us, and I am up late checking goats. So, why not record a podcast? Lots to talk about tonight:
Direct download: OFI_2042_Tuesday_Episode_-_4824_1.15AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 5 April 2024
Taylor and Dylan Roberts are the owners of Roberts Five Farm in Sparta, Tennessee. They are a young couple, just starting their family, and they have a phenomenal story. They are just at the tail end of their first season of growing and selling tulips, and the response from their community has been unbelievable. On today's episode I speak with Taylor, and she tells me the whole story. Beginning with she and Dylan dating as sophomores in high school to today, farming one acre of tulips on their 12 acre farm and coming up with an excellent business plan. Their trajectory is currently straight up! They have had a first year that any farmer could only dream of, and I do not doubt that they will continue on this path!
Direct download: Taylor_Roberts_Episode_2038_-_4324_6.20PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 4 April 2024
OFI 2037: My First Foray Into Flower Farming | Audrey Levatino | Woman Powered Farm | Re-Cap Episode
Audrey Levatino is the author of Woman-Powered Farm: Manual for a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle from Homestead to Field. This is a book that I was intrigued by when I first heard of it, and I knew that I would want to have Audrey on the show. I initially got the book so that I could read it prior to interviewing Audrey. However, it turned out to be much more than work. I could not put the book down. If you have an interest or passion for farming, this book is for you - man or woman. Audrey's stories, writing style and coverage of a wide breadth of issues that come with running your own farm will inspire you to either get moving or keep moving. Audrey covers a multitude of issues. Everything from what tools to buy to how to protect your small livestock are covered. She even breaks down income potential by the size of the ground you own or have access to, and the most profitable business possible on that size of ground. Audrey was a great pleasure to speak with, and I continued to be inspired in our actual conversation, just as I was reading her writing.
Direct download: OFI_2037_Replay_of_071_-_4424_11.05AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 11:17am MST |
Tue, 2 April 2024
Where do tales of haunted forests in the days of Mid Evil Knights come from? I may have solved that riddle on my own farm. I'll talk about that and some actual farming on today's Farm Update Episode!
Direct download: OFI_2035_Tuesday_Episode_-_4224_11.12AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 11:18am MST |
Fri, 29 March 2024
Richard Fultz is the Land Survey Supervisor with the Modesto Irrigation District in Modesto, California. I bumped into Richard while I was in Modesto in February and learned of his position. He suggested doing an interview about his profession for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons was how much he gets to work in agriculture through this career. Also, because there are a shortage of land surveyors, he believes this can be a very lucrative career for an agriculture student. In today's episode we talk about what it takes to become a land surveyor, who seems to fit the best in the career and what you get to do. Richard also talks about his pathway to doing this, and some internship opportunities to help students determine whether or not this is the correct fit for them. It is my sincere hope that this helps a student find the pathway in agriculture that they are looking for.
Direct download: Richard_Fultz_Episode_2031_-_31424_11.53AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 28 March 2024
Today's episode is a bit different than any normal, Off-Farm Income episode. Today I am speaking with Kathleen Dowling. Kathleen and I have a lot in common. We both grew up in California, we both started our collegiate education at a community college, we both had a dream of moving to Montana, we both became Montana state residents and we both got ag degrees from Montana State University. Recently I saw a post on the Facebook Group, My Job Depends On Ag, that Kathleen had put up. She expressed a bit of frustration with finding a career in agriculture and was asking for recommendations from other people. I reached out to her and offered to provide some career coaching if we could release the conversation as a podcast. She agreed to that, and today's episode is that conversation.
Direct download: OFI_2030_Replay_Of_1383_-_32824_1.09PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 1:22pm MST |
Tue, 26 March 2024
I have recently taken up the hobby of speaking on a GMRS Radio and using repeaters to connect with people outside the range of my handset. On today's episode I want to expose you to the fun and the practical side of this activity. Links Discussed On The Show: My GMRS: https://mygmrs.com/ FCC Licensing: https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/bureau-divisions/mobility-division/general-mobile-radio-service-gmrs Notarubicon YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNotaRubicon Treasure Valley Linked GMS Repeater Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/889860782756239 GMRS Live: https://www.gmrslive.com/
Direct download: OFI_2028_Tuesday_Episode_-_3424_1.45PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 22 March 2024
OFI 2024: How To Build A Plan To Buy A Farm When You Are 19 And Starting With Nothing | Lukas Hitchcock | Council Bluffs, Iowa
Lukas Hitchcock is 19 years old, has a passion for farming and has little to no farming background.....and he has a vision. When Lukas was about seven years old he had some limited exposure to farming on one of his cousin's operations in Iowa. He can remember that moment, and he cites it as the moment that he fell in love with farming. However, life circumstances for Lukas were not conducive to him growing up learning about farming or working on a farm. In fact, based on some bad choices of his parents, his attention had to be diverted away from higher level things like learning about farming to just day to day success. Ultimately, Lukas was thrust in adulthood and independence earlier than most of us, at age sixteen. As soon as this occurred he started working as a farmhand wherever he could, just to be part of the lifestyle and to learn. He continues these efforts today, three years later. Lukas has a vision of having his own farm at some point in the future, and like so many of us, young and old, he has no idea how to make that happen given the large financial obstacles that stand in his way. Lukas is doing what everyone in his position does. He is seeking, researching and looking for information wherever he can find it. That led him to reach out to me for advice. Instead of having a private telephone conversation about ideas, we decided to record the conversation and publish it as a podcast episode if we both agreed. At the end, neither of us said anything that we wanted kept confidential, and we decided go ahead with publishing it in the hopes it might help somebody else.
Direct download: Lukas_Hitchcock_Episode_2024_-_31324_3.51PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 21 March 2024
OFI 2023: A Real Life Farm Transition Story | FFA SAE Edition | Stetson Dittmar | Sumner Eddyville Miller High School FFA | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's ag business episode we are looking at the concept of farm transition again. It has been several years since I have done this, but it is a topic that we should keep front of mind because it is a valid way to begin farming or ranching. Back in 2017 I interviewed a young man who was a National Proficiency Finalist and a sophomore in college. He was raising his own cattle and working for a neighbor on his ranch, and that neighbor was ready to retire. The neighbor did not have a family member who wanted to farm the ground, and he was transitioning the operation to my guest, Stetson Dittmar. On today's show we will revisit that conversation.
Direct download: OFI_2023_Replay_Of_389_-_31824_4.45_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 19 March 2024
Today's episode was inspired by a Tuesday show I did back in 2019, #662. I will be discussing getting yourself to a conference this year as a matter of pivotal importance to the growth and sustainability of your business and/or farm enterprise.
Direct download: OFI_2021_Tuesday_Episode_-_3424_1.32PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 15 March 2024
John Price is 26 years old and has been running his own farm for 1/2 of his life. Today, he runs Archlynn Farm with his wife, mother and step-father in Charlotte Courthouse, Virginia. There they raise over 50 acres of produce for direct sales to customers and sales in grocery stores. When John was in elementary school he, his sister and his two brothers were all in the 4H, and John never liked it! He exited the 4H as soon as he was able and really was not enthusiastic about agriculture. However, when he was around 13 years old his family planted a 1/2 acre garden, and he worked with the rest of the family on the plot. At some point, friends and family started asking to purchase produce from them, and this led to the development of a CSA. Something clicked for John at this point, and he has been loving farming ever since. That was 13 years ago, and the time since then has spanned half of John's life. Today, his siblings have moved onto to other pursuits, but he is farming with his folks and his wife. They are now growing produce on 50 acres of land and selling to multiple outlets. There was a pivotal moment in the development of the farm that led to a question - "do we scale back so the four of us can run this, or do he hire help so we can grow?". The choice was to grow, and to develop a business that would sustain the four of them as full-time farmers. This decision led to the problem of finding reliable labor on the farm. Ultimately they chose to participate in the H2A Program and hire labor from Mexico during the growing season. John and I spend the final 15 minutes of the interview discussing how this works and the decision process.
Direct download: John_Price_Episode_2017_-_31224_12.43PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 14 March 2024
OFI 2016: Carrying On A Family Farming Tradition Through Value Adding And Diversity | Anne Diemand Bucci And Tessa White-Diemand | The Diemand Farm | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am profiling a farmer from South Virginia with an impressive vegetable farm. This made me think about the interview I did with the owners of Diemand Farm back in 2019 and how many different enterprises and value added products they had to keep going. I thought this was a great tie in for tomorrow's ag business episode, and I am eager to play it for you again.
Direct download: OFI_2016_Replay_Of_592_-_31424_9.55AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 10:42am MST |
Tue, 12 March 2024
Today is a regular farm update for you. On the agenda is:
Direct download: OFI_2014_Tuesday_Episode_-_3424_1.19PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 5 March 2024
A while back I spoke with you about setting your New Year's Resolutions later in the year, rather than on January 1st. There was a good rationale for that, and I am find that to be proven true. On today's show I'll share with you what my two resolutions for 2024 are.
Direct download: OFI_2007_Tuesday_Episode_-_22624_11.46AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 29 February 2024
OFI 2002: Finding A Way To Make It In Farm Country | Dan Frank | Frankie’s Feed Movers | Re-Cap Episode
Today's episode is significant to me for a couple of reasons. First, what Dan Frank is doing epitomizes what this show is all about. He is a small, owner/operator of a business that allowed him to "make it in farm country". Dan values the lifestyle that living rural and farming brings, and this drives him to find a way to make a living "out there". Dan chose entrepreneurship to be the main way of creating his income in an area where jobs normally are scarce. He sees our current economy for what it is - a moment in time that will allow you to get ahead. Right now, Dan can get all of the side jobs he wants working for other people because unemployment is so low that farmers cannot find labor, let alone quality labor. However, Dan realizes that this is not going to last forever. So, instead of sitting back and enjoying the fact that he can work as much as he wants for other people and make good money right now, he is building his own business on the side for when the economy slows and jobs are less plentiful and competition for those jobs is higher. Dan has been bootstrapping his silage hauling business, Frankie's Feed Movers. He started out by purchasing an old truck and using an old box on the truck to get started. He is now creating enough revenue that he is going to be able to upgrade equipment and expand the services he can offer.
Direct download: OFI_2002_Re-Cap_Of_780_-_22924_3.44PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 3:54pm MST |
Fri, 23 February 2024
Rachelle Meyer is 30 years old, the mother of 7 and a successful regenerative farmer from Southeastern Minnesota. She and her husband, Jordan, have been together since high school, and they have been farming together since they got married. Jordan grew up on his families farm/dairy, and Rachelle grew up outside of agriculture. However, her mother had farm ground that she had put in to CRP. Jordan and Rachelle struggled to find a viable business model for years until 2018 when they started practicing regenerative farming. Since that time they have had opportunities develop and productivity increase. And, they have had input costs go down. Today, they have multiple streams of revenue from their farms and the farms they lease. They are direct marketing what they produce, and they are inspired about the lifestyle they have chosen. Rachelle also works as a "business and mindset coach" helping people to frame their mindsets about farming in such a manner that leads to success. They are growing their family and growing their farm into the future, together, and today we get to share a bit of this with you.
Direct download: Rachelle_Meyer_Episode_1996_-_22224_2.52PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 22 February 2024
OFI 1995: How To Take Any Skill And Use It In Agriculture | Wil Crombie | Man Alone Media | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's ag business episode I am featuring an inspiring entrepreneur who has built a farming enterprise with her husband through regenerative farming practices. This made me think back to this interview I did with Wil Crombie in 2011, and I realized that it was the perfect tie in to tomorrow's show.
Direct download: OFI_1995_Replay_Of_1011_Will_Crombie_-_22224_3.02PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 3:13pm MST |
Tue, 20 February 2024
For the third year in a row I ran to the Southwest Desert to find the sun and feel some warmth during the middle of winter. This is becoming a tradition that I don't think I will ever give up. I'll talk all about it on today's Farm Update Episode!
Direct download: OFI_1993_Tuesday_Episode_-_22224_10.27AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 15 February 2024
OFI 1988: Make Money Doing What You Love – Film Your Farm | Doug Armknecht | Kansas Farm Imagery | Re-Cap Episode
Spring is coming everyone, and it always makes me think about the spring of 2012. Back then I had never started a business, but I had identified one that I wanted to start. The first business I started was gopher extermination, and it was a seasonal business. All winter and spring I had been getting cold feet and chickening out until one night at about 3am I sat straight up in bed and realized that if I did not get started I would have to wait a whole year more to begin because I would miss the season. If you have been doing the same thing, the time is now! Don't wait until May like I did. Take a step forward and begin. On today's show I want to go back to an interview about one such business. If you are thinking about staring a farm photography or video business, growing season is coming! Get started, and let this interview I did with Doug Armknecht back in 2015 be your inspiration!
Direct download: OFI_1988_Replay_Of_150_-_13124_6.01PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 9 February 2024
On today's episode I am catching up with Zac Fralix from Southern Tennessee. Zac was originally on the show in 2015 when he and his, now wife, were going gangbusters raising around 500 goats, teaching people to fit goats, showing goats and fitting on contract all around the country. Sometime after that, with an urge to stay closer to home, Zach started a landscaping and lawn care business. He ran that business for 5 years and sold it to take a job with his county. Today, Zac is married with three kids, and he has been promoted to the assistant director role of their solid waste department. He is in a stage of life in which his kids and family are taking priority. The farming has ramped down, and the fitting and showing is only for friends and family. However, when the day comes, Zac has already proved that he knows how to run a business and he has overcome the fear of doing so. So, if he decides that is the life he wants at some time in the future, he will be ready to go!
Direct download: Zac_Fralix_Episode_1982_-_2224_5.21PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 8 February 2024
OFI 1981: Custom Fitting & Showing | Zac Fralix | Fralix Livestock & Fitting Service | Re-Cap Episode
Spring is coming everyone, and it always makes me think about the spring of 2012. Back then I had never started a business, but I had identified one that I wanted to start. The first business I started was gopher extermination, and it was a seasonal business. All winter and spring I had been getting cold feet and chickening out until one night at about 3am I sat straight up in bed and realized that if I did not get started I would have to wait a whole year more to begin because I would miss the season. If you have been doing the same thing, the time is now! Don't wait until May like I did. Take a step forward and begin. On today's show I want to go back to an interview about one such business. If you are thinking about staring a custom fitting service, show season is coming! Get started, and let this interview I did with Zach Fralix back in 2015 be your inspiration!
Direct download: OFI_1981_Replay_Of_093_-_13124_5.53PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 6 February 2024
Several years ago I did a series of episodes about the health benefits of entrepreneurship. I was looking at those today and decided that I would record another episode about this very topic. I think being an entrepreneur or small business owner is healthier for you than fighting the rat race to get to a career that is the wrong fit for you. The main reason I believe this is how much stress is piling up on you that you cannot even detect when you are in that rat race situation. Stick with me in this episode as I contrast the two very different parts of my life.
Direct download: OFI_1979_Tuesday_Episode_-_13124_9.52PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 1 February 2024
OFI 1974: How To Create A Meaningful, Purposeful And Profitable Business | Dan Miller | Author Of 48 Days To The Work You Love | Re-Cap Episode
If you listened to my Tuesday episode this week, then you know that one of the most important mentors I have in this entrepreneurial journey, Dan Miller, died in January after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of 2023. Dan is a great man who has inspired countless people to change their lives and life styles, including me. In continuing tribute I wanted to replay this interview I did with Dan back in 2016 to give you another chance to be inspired by his words and outlook on life.
Direct download: OFI_1974_Replay_Of_330_-_13124_5.45PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 30 January 2024
If you have listened to the Off-Farm Income Podcast for some time, then you have likely heard me speak of Dan Miller on more than one occasion. Since 2009, Dan has been a mentor, inspiration and "permission giver" to me. It was around 2009 that I decided that I wanted to change my life, and I started dreaming of entrepreneurship. It was also then that I discovered Dan and started consuming his content. Since that time I met Dan in person and became friends with him in 2015. I talked all about this in episode #67. In 2017 I had Dan on my show for the very first time on epsiode #330. And, in 2022 I was a guest of Dan's as a featured entrepreneur for his private Eagles Community, which I recaptured on episode #1362. Dan was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer on December 7th, 2023. And he passed on January 23rd. In today's episode I want to pay tribute to this man who has meant so much to me, and who helped to unlocked the door to the life I was dreaming about.
Direct download: OFI_1972_Tuesday_Episode_-_12924_11.33AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 26 January 2024
Dr. Alan Harrelson is a history professor at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. In his dissertation he focused on Agrarian Society in the Antebellum South. He also has a successful Youtube channel, website and podcast in which he discusses these ideas as a corollary to one of his passions, tobacco pipes and the accompanying lifestyle. I discovered Dr. Harrelson some months back through his Youtube channel and have enjoyed his ideas on what it means to be an agrarian as well as the history of agriculture looked at from this perspective. I also find myself aligned with him when it comes to personal choices of how to live life, why we bought agricultural land and the rewards that come from such choices. I am thrilled that he is joining me on today's episode.
Direct download: Alan_Harrelson_Episode_1968_-_12424_2.26PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 25 January 2024
OFI 1967: Tobacco, Goats, Berries & Tomatoes = Diversified Farm Income | Lorrie Barron | Wildwood Berry & Produce | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode, I am profiling a gentleman that I connected with through the hobby of pipe smoking. That got me thinking about if I had ever profiled anyone on the show who grew tobacco, and I was so pleased to be reminded of this great interview with Lorrie Barron that I did two years ago. In addition to so much more, they grow speciality tobacco on their farm in Southern Virginia, and I am thrilled to play their episode again. |
Tue, 23 January 2024
Welcome to the Farm Update show for this week. Today, I am going to be speaking about a new testimonial for a product that was sent to me - Hen Gear's 54" laying box. Hint: So far, I am very pleased. I will also be discussing:
Direct download: OFI_1965_Tuesday_Episode_-_12224_2.01PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 16 January 2024
We have been experiencing actual winter on the farm ever since we got back from our tropical vacation. It is funny how things get more complicated with even a little snow and frigid temperatures. Today, I will talk all about it. More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:
Direct download: OFI_1958_Tuesday_Episode_-_11524_12.41PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 12 January 2024
OFI 1954: The Story Doesn't End When The News Cycle Changes | Caroline Clarin | Friends And Allies Project
An interesting dynamic of our world today is the news cycle. We know about more of the most horrific events and suffering in the world than any of our predecessors. However, it turns out that there are a lot of very bad stories out there, each of them compelling. As such, we have the strange phenomena of hearing about something in another part of the world that causes us great consternation in the short term, but is then replaced by another horrific event that causes us to slowly withdraw concern or even forget about the first event. And the cycle repeats itself. Just because we experience this phenomena, does not mean that any of the problems we initially heard about have been fixed or even improved. It just means that they are not being talked about on a large scale any longer. But somewhere, there are people still dealing with the issue that still need help. In 2021, the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan after being omnipresent in that country for two decades. This created a vacuum that the Taliban quickly filled, and it put the people who worked with the U.S. in our efforts in peril. This was a great crisis and huge news story at the time, and it compelled me to interview Caroline Clarin, a woman who I had read about that was helping families from Afghanistan that she had come to know when she was doing agricultural work there between 2009 and 2011. On today's show we are following up with Caroline. She is still very involved in this work, and her efforts have now evolved into a 501(c)(3) called the Friends And Allies Project where she and her team are working to support five families who made it out of Afghanistan but are stuck in Pakistan trying to get Visas that will allow them to come to the U.S.
Direct download: Caroline_Clarin_Episode_1954_-_1924_2.47PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 11 January 2024
OFI 1953: The Best Christmas Episode We Have Ever Made With Special Guest, Caroline Clarin | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's Friday episode I am featuring an episode with previous guest, Caroline Clarin. Caroline first came on the show in 2021 during Christmas, and we discussed the situation with people in Afghanistan who had helped out the United States since the war began there in 2001. The United States had just pulled out of Afghanistan, and many of them were now in danger because of the return of the Taliban. On tomorrow's show, Caroline is coming back on to give us an update on that situation, so today I'll play her first episode again to give you an idea of the before and after picture.
Direct download: OFI_1953_Replay_Of_1264_-_11124_3.31PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 3:42pm MST |
Tue, 9 January 2024
Autumm, Hattie and I have just returned from 10 days on the Island of Roatan in Honduras. That is why you have been hearing "best of" episodes for the past two weeks. Hattie and I are now certified SCUBA divers, and I've got a lot to tell you in today's farm update!
Direct download: OFI_1951_Tuesday_Episode_-_1824_3.53PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 4 January 2024
OFI 1946: There's Room For Everyone In A Growing Direct Farm Marketing Economy | Steve Horton | N&P Farm And Dairy | Best Of Episode
How would you like to start your farming endeavor, come up with a business model and then find out that the demand for what you were producing was way bigger than you ever expected? Well, that is exactly what happened to Steve Horton and his wife, Lyn. Steve's wife Lyn has always wanted to have a farm where they sold raw milk. After about 20 years of waiting, she and Steve decided to put in a modern, milking barn on their small farm north of Dallas, Texas. They went through the entire process of getting certified and inspected, and they reached a point in which they were legally able to sell raw milk. Soon, they had a big customer base wanting to purchase raw milk from both their goats and cattle. Then they started getting requests for other products, so they began selling grass fed meat that they purchased from other farms in their area. They also started making and selling cheese, yogurt and other products. Steve and Lyn live in a rapidly expanding rural interface to the north of Dallas, and in this area people are passionate about purchasing food raised the way they want it raised. Steve states that in this segment of agriculture there is room for a lot of farmers. Instead of competing with each other, farmers can work in collaboration with each other for the betterment of everyone.
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Tue, 2 January 2024
Entrepreneurship is a very fun and rewarding journey. But just like anything else there are highs and lows to this journey. The problem with entrepreneurship is that some of the highs can be so high, that a low that would seem normal for an everyday employee might seem like the Marianas Trench to an entrepreneur. |
Mon, 1 January 2024
Happy New Year's Everyone. This is always a fun episode because we announce the results of our silly, This year's episode was recorded remotely in Texas! We are in the midst of an epic trip exploring Texas history, the Southern Border and a watering point on the Goodnight/Loving Trail. Enjoy the photos! Thank you all for another great year! We could not do this without you, and we will be forever grateful. |
Fri, 29 December 2023
OFI 1940: The Best Christmas Episode We Have Ever Made With Special Guest, Caroline Clarin | Best Of Episode
Merry Christmas everyone! I always love creating and recording our Christmas episode for your each year. However, this year is a little bit different. This year I have a guest on the show for Christmas who is a person who has done something very compassionate for people who are unbelievably less fortunate than anyone born here in the United States Of America. You may remember from our rural crime episode #1240 that the final story I covered was about a woman named Caroline Clarin in Fergus Falls, Minnesota who had been helping families to escape Afghanistan and come to the United States. She has initially been introduced to these families through her work as an agricultural advisor, through the USDA, in Afghanistan. And of course after being there, meeting these families and seeing the poverty, corruption and violence for herself she was compelled to help them leave. After covering that first story, I decided to reach out to Caroline and see if she would do an interview to discuss the amazing humanitarian work she had done and was still doing as part of our Christmas episode. It turned out that the original story I had read mis-represented what had actually happened a little bit. Today, she is on our show to discuss some of what she learned in Afghanistan, how she helped to get families out, what it was like when she learned the U.S. was pulling out of Afghanistan in August of 2021 and what she is still striving to do. I cannot imagine anything more Christmasy, regardless of your belief system, than what Caroline did between 2013 and 2021 in helping five families relocate to the U.S. from Afghanistan or what she is still striving to do. So, Merry Christmas everyone, and her is a heart warming story to help you appreciate just how good we have it in the U.S.
Direct download: OFI_1964_Replay_1264_-_121423_7.08PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 26 December 2023
Starting tomorrow and going through the 6th of January, I am running "best of" episodes. I can do 7 episodes per week, but I need a break! And I am taking one. I hope you enjoy the memories everyone!
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Mon, 25 December 2023
Merry Christmas everyone...just a quick check in to say I appreciate you on this most special of holidays!
Direct download: OFI_1936_Christmas_Day_-_121423_7.04PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 22 December 2023
OFI 1933: How To Create Income As A Freelance Agricultural Writer | Julia McCarthy | Freelance Writer
Julia McCarthy is a farmer, rancher and freelance writer from Grangeville, Idaho. Several months back I read an article of hers in a publication about agriculture in my state called Ag Proud Idaho. The topic caught my eye and I liked the writing, so I invited Julia to be a guest on the show. Finally, we got the interview done. Freelance writing is one of my favorite forms of off-farm income. It can be done anywhere, and it significantly predates podcasting. In today's episode Julia talks about her path to becoming a freelance writer, some of the hard lessons she has learned and some tips and tricks of the trade. If this is something you are considering for your off-farm income, in any topic area, this episode is a must for you!
Direct download: Julia_McCarthy_Episode_1933_-_121223_6.56PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 21 December 2023
OFI 1932: How To Turn Writing Into Off-Farm Income | Rachel Gabel | The Fence Post Magazine | Re-Cap episode
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am profiling a freelance, agricultural writer. This is one of my favorite forms of off-farm income. For today's re-cap episode I went back to episode #1233 and an interview I did with Rachel Gabel of the "The Fence Post Magazine". In this interview we talked a lot about how freelance writers can get started and be successful, but we did it from the editor's perspective. I thought this was the perfect tie in for tomorrow's show where we will hear this from a writer's perspective.
Direct download: OFI_1932_Re-Cap_Episode_-_121323_1.38PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 19 December 2023
A quick farm update for all of you today, and a sure fire method for keeping any livestock or dogs from going under your fences.
Direct download: OFI_1930_Tuesday_Episode_-_121423_7.02PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Mon, 18 December 2023
OFI 1929: Panning For Gold And Starting Your Own Chapter | FFA SAE Edition | Teak Barhaug | Seward High School FFA
Teak Barhaug is the past president of the Alaska FFA, a current student at the University Of Alaska - Fairbanks and a former resident of Wyoming. When Teak's father transferred to Alaska to finish his career in the National Forest Service it came at a bit of a price. Teak's mother, Kimberly, was a former FFA member, Teak's brother had been involved in the 4h and was progressing into the FFA and Teak had been involved in the 4H and was planning on progressing to the FFA. However, there was no FFA Chapter in Seward, where they would be attending high school. So, Teak and his family took it upon themselves to form an FFA Chapter. This happened with the minimum number of 10 members, and it took off from there. This escalated all the way to Teak serving as the state president of Alaska. During Teak's time in high school he worked in the agri-tourism industry, taking groups of tourists into the wilderness to pan for gold and teaching the how. Today, Teak is studying biology and botany in college and is loving the life he has found in Alaska.
Direct download: Teak_Barhaug_Episode_1929_-_121223_3.30PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 15 December 2023
Forrest Pritchard is a regenerative and multi-generational farmer from the Shenandoah Valley of Northern Virginia. His families roots on the farm go to the mid-1800's, and today he has transformed the look and production of the farm back to something that might resemble how farmsteads operated in that time. Forrest was not always interested in regenerative, direct to consumer farming. However, after trying to make it as a commodity based farmer, he went looking for larger profit margins, and this is where he landed. It helped that this was a manner of farming that offered him the ability to provide service and food to his surrounding community. He has been at it since the mid 1990's. Forrest is co-author of the outstanding book, "Start Your Farm", that he wrote with Ellen Polishuk. I first found out about this book after seeing a quote from it on a social media post discussing the fact that small farmers still choose the commodity based farming model even though their small acreages could never possibly produce a profit on those low margins due to lack of production capability. This led me to want to know more. The book is full of great advice, and it is the book I would write if I were ever to sit down to actually do it. Thankfully, Ellen and Forrest have done it for me, and I can concentrate on podcasting!
Direct download: Forrest_Pritchard_Episode_1926_-_121223_7.17PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 14 December 2023
OFI 1925: When Is The Best Time To Start Your Agricultural Journey | Mara Fielder | Checkered Acres Farm | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am speaking with a farmer and author who has written a book about how to start your farm. I thought this interview that I did with Mara Fielder could bring some real life to the interview I am playing tomorrow. On tomorrow's show we will talk about timing and things to take into consideration when beginning. But, in this interview with Mara, we hear it from somebody who was going through it at the time, and it adds a sense of a first hand witness to the situation.
Direct download: OFI_1925_Replay_Of_1155_-_121323_3.44PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 8 December 2023
Will Meadows is a multi-generational cattle rancher from Alabama and a very successful personality in agricultural social media, posting videos on TikTok, Youtube, Facebook and Instagram. He is now generating revenue from his social media channels as well as selling bulls for his families farm through his video efforts. On today's episode we are going to talk about how he has accomplished this in under two years, what his process is, what type of equipment he uses and how he chooses what to talk about. This is a young man who loves to talk about the life he loves in agriculture, and he has turned that into a business using today's social media technology!
Direct download: Will_Meadows_Episode_1919_-_112723_12.04PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 7 December 2023
On today's re-cap episode I want to explore the idea of building your own agricultural communications business. This is something that can literally be done from anywhere, and my previous guest did exactly that. Tomorrow's ag business interview involves an young man who is an up and coming cattle rancher and who is making his off-farm income through posting about his farm on social media. Developing your skills in this area as you advocate can lead to the skills that would allow you to start a communications business just like our re-cap guest, Lyndsey Murphy.
Direct download: OFI_1918_Replay_Of_792_-_12723_10.19AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 10:45am MST |
Tue, 5 December 2023
One of the ways that I deal with stress in my life is by writing. I often write things that nobody ever sees, but it helps me when I get my thoughts on out on paper so having an audience for what I have written is not important. Last night I had an experience that really made me give thought to things I have been observing in our society that have been bothering me. It was still on my mind this morning, and I sat down and put it into words. I have attached the text below for you to read if you wish. And, aside from the introduction, today's episode is my reading of this article:
Direct download: OFI_1916_Tuesday_Episode_-_12423_4.19PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 1 December 2023
Lexi Wright is the host of the Farming On Purpose Podcast as well as the owner of the agricultural marketing firm, Wright At The Moment. She, her husband and their four children are cattle and row crop farmers in Kansas who are finding their way down the winding path of the ultimate lifestyle business. In today's interview with Lexi we talk a lot about entrepreneurship in agriculture and how she found her pathway. Lexi also puts out a couple of nuggets of valuable information, such as how to make the social media algorithms work on your behalf to connect you with like minded people and to learn information that will help you in your pursuits. I found a lot of cross over with this talented podcaster, farmer and entrepreneur. And, you will too!
Direct download: Lexi_Wright_Episode_1912_-_111723_2.17PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 30 November 2023
OFI 1911: Compiling Auction Data For Used Farm Equipment | Greg Peterson | Machinery Pete | Re-Cap Episode
Machinery Pete, Greg Peterson, has become a household name on farms throughout the U.S. His passion for tractors and auctions coupled with his vision of a resource for farmers that want to buy and sell used tractors have led him to great heights in agriculture. He was first on the show back in 2015, and I am running his episode again today to tie in with tomorrow's Ag Business Episode in which I will be profiling an up and coming agricultural podcaster who I have no doubt will rise to great heights as well.
Direct download: OFI_1911_Replay_Of_056_-_113023_6.58PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 7:13pm MST |
Tue, 28 November 2023
For the last time, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We certainly did! On today's farm update show I'll talk about our two new kittens and why we got them. Also, a brief synopsis of what Thanksgiving looked like on our farm. The new census of agriculture will be coming out in 2024, and I bet the average age of farmers goes up. Finally, what is it like to feed and do chores on Thanksgiving? I'll give you my perspective today!
Direct download: OFI_1909_Tuesday_Episode_-_112723_5.35PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Mon, 27 November 2023
OFI 1908: Raising & Training "Halter Quarter Horses" | FFA SAE Edition | Madilynn Campbell | Adair High School FFA
Madilynn Campbell is a 2023 National Proficiency Winner in the category of Equine Science - Entrepreneurship. She raises and trains "halter quarter horses" at her families property near Adair, Oklahoma and has developed a passion for horses and in particular, Quarter Horses. Madilynn has a deep, family history in the horse breeding business, as her grandfather has been doing this for over 40 years. Madilynn has her sights set on following in his footsteps in the horse business. Currently Madilynn is purchase 2-3 weanlings per year, holding them for a year and training them for the halter, lead and trailering during that time. Then, she starts showing them and is able to sell them at a nice profit. In addition to the horse business, Madilynn has identified becoming a veterinarian and having her own, mixed practice in her future. She is currently attending college at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and will eventually transfer to Oklahoma State University. She is focusing on horse judging in addition to her studies right now, and is also considering getting certified as an equine judge so that she can judge professionally.
Direct download: Madilynn_Campbell_Episode_1908_-_112123_1.33PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 24 November 2023
OFI 1905: Supporting Small Towns, Farming, 4H & FFA - A Great American Company | Chris Baker | Les Schwab Tire Centers
Les Schwab Tire Centers is a sponsor of the Off-Farm Income Podcast, and I have been one of their customers for many years. When Autumm and I first moved to Kuna after purchasing our farm, Les Schwab Tire Centers did too. This was well before Kuna started to explode with houses and it became obvious that there was money to be made in our community. This move was about providing service into what was still a small, farming community, and I have always appreciated that. I have spoke about Les Schwab Tire Centers on the show many times over the years, even though their sponsorship just began in 2023. The reason has been Hattie's involvement in 4H and later in the FFA. Every exhibitor livestock auction I have attended at our local county fair has always had a contingent of managers from all the different Les Schwab Tire Centers in our valley present in the stands. They are there in great numbers, they are there all day and they are bidding on every species of livestock. Les Schwab Tire Centers is single handedly responsible for making sure that all of these projects get sold and for raising the average price of these projects. I truly believe that without the contribution of this great company that many of our exhibitors would have a difficult time getting their money back, let along making a profit. However, year after year, species after species, Les Schwab Tire Centers are there to make sure that this does not happen. I am fortunate to have this company that I am such a big fan of as a sponsor, and I am thrilled to feature them on today's episode. Joining me is Chris Baker. He is the Area Manager of all the Southern Idaho Les Schwab Tire Centers, stretching from Oregon to Wyoming. He is also really passionate about this company and what he does. In today's episode we will discuss a lot of specifics of the tire business as well as what Les Schwab Tire Centers provides, how they got there and the philosophy behind that.
Direct download: Chris_Baker_Episode_Additional_Services_Added_In_-_111623_3.11PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 23 November 2023
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you this year. 2023 has been unbelievable. I wanted to revisit George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation with you on this wonderful holiday. I am so thankful and grateful for all of you in this audience, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday with friends and family. “A Day of Thanksgiving”George Washington first mentioned the possibility of a national Thanksgiving Day in a confidential letter to James Madison in August 1789 (just months after taking office), asking for his advice on approaching the Senate for their opinion on “a day of thanksgiving.” By the end of September 1789, a resolution had been introduced to the House of Representatives requesting that “a joint committee of both Houses be directed to wait upon the President of the United States, to request that he would recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving.” The committee put the resolution before the president and George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving Proclamation within days. George Washington knew the value of a thanksgiving day long before becoming our first president. During the Revolutionary War, he would order special thanksgiving services for his troops after successful battles, as well as publicly endorse efforts by the Continental Congress to proclaim days of thanks, usually in recognition of military victories and alliances.
Direct download: OFI_1904_Thanksgiving_2023_-_112023_10.49AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 21 November 2023
Hi everyone...I am having a light week, enjoying the holiday with my family. We hope you are as well, and please enjoy this brief farm update.
Direct download: OFI_1902_Tuesday_Episode_-_112023_10.39AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 17 November 2023
OFI 1898: Little Known Stories Of Patriotism And Revolutionary War | Jim Griffith & Jim Maples | Revolutionary War Rarities Podcast
Jim Griffith and Jim Maples are the creators and hosts of the Revolutionary War Rarities Podcast - the official podcast of the National Society Of The Sons Of The American Revolution. I recently discovered this show and was immediately drawn to it because of my love for Revolutionary War History as well as my membership in the Sons Of The American Revolution. I kept coming back and listening to the podcast because it is so interesting and entertaining. Jim and Jim do a great job coming up with stories, putting together the episodes and then presenting them. They are a really good broadcasting team, and their voices are already synonymous with the American Revolution for me. On today's episode I get to speak with them both, talks about the origins of this show and where it is going. We will even touch on some interesting facts about the Revolutionary War as talk a little bit about agriculture and farming was used as a tactic to defeat the British!
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Thu, 16 November 2023
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am thrilled to be profiling a very entertaining, informative and patriotic podcast called Revolutionary War Rarities. Yes, this is one of those opportunities in which I get to use my platform to share information that is personally important to me. So, for today's re-cap episode I am going back to an episode that I originally released on the 4th of July in 2018 talking about how the Revolutionary War impacted farmers. It is just another example of how agrarian our country was at the time of the Revolution as well as another example of the sacrifices our patriot ancestors made for the cause of freedom.
Direct download: OFI_1897_Replay_Of_470_-_111523_10.45AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 14 November 2023
The other day I noticed that a steer had got through a fence and caused a little damage that could have been fixed really quickly and easily. I meant to get it done right away, but one thing led to another and I did not. Well, all the steers started using that hole, and now I have a major fix to do. What's worse? This is not the first time I've ever had this happen. I knew exactly what was going to occur, but I let it happen anyway! When will I ever learn?
Direct download: OFI_1895_Tuesday_Episode_-_111323_1.06PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 10 November 2023
Kade Cole and his wife are health conscious individuals, raising and family and working in a health related field. They both also have a family history and legacy of farming and raising cattle. Being health conscious and raising two young children is what initially led them to start trying to make their own balms, tooth powder and soaps. However, it was the combination of these two things that led them to the development of Cattle Driver Apothecary. They strongly believe in the products they are making specifically because of what they can leave out of them. They use their own products and have been receiving rave reviews since they launched their business a few months ago. There is an interesting twist on this story as well. Kade states that in the future they would like to purchase their own land and raise their own cattle. However, he is the sole bread winner and is teaching strength and fitness at a local high school. So, that salary will not get it done. Therefore, they looked at the beginning of Cattle Driver Apothecary and small business as they vessel that will take them to that destination. More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:
Direct download: Kade_Cole_Episode_1891_-_103023_5.36PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 9 November 2023
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am profiling a gentleman making value added products from cattle bi-products. This got me searching for other interviews that were doing the same, and I remembered this interview with Dexter and Kayla Dedora. So, for today's re-cap show I am bringing back this episode about their Longhorn value added business.
Direct download: OFI_1890_Replay_Of_1185_-_11823_11.34AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 31 October 2023
Happy Halloween to all of you, if you celebrate this night of ghosts and goblins. On today's farm update I touch on a Halloween memory as well as selling goats this weekend and the bad year of goat production that we have had. Oh, and why I am sleep deprived! More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:
Direct download: OFI_1881_Tuesday_Episode_-_103023_5.12PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 26 October 2023
OFI 1876: The Ultimate Guide To Starting A Farm Sitting Business | Lauren Dixon | Flathead Farm Sitting | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are featuring a high school senior who has developed a very active farm sitting business and has actually trade marked her business name. I love the idea of a farm sitting business for a person who does not have their own farm or livestock yet, but who wants to work in this field. But, when are you ready to take care of other people's livestock, and how do you make the business successful? Well, I previously interviewed a farm sitter who gave us the run down on this business, and I thought it would be perfect to bring this interview with Lauren Dixon back for you today.
Direct download: OFI_1876_Re-Cap_Episode_-_102523_2.49PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 24 October 2023
Back in March I did an episode about farmers being the scapegoats for water shortages in the Arid West, when municipalities were continuing to allow urban sprawl and new subdivision that required water that they did not have rights to. In that episode I ended by asking the question of whether or not this should be topic of conversation at all, as I believed that this problem would eventually be solved through innovation with the introduction of water from other sources into these areas. In today's episode I want to read an article to you that I came across discussing a city in Arizona that is looking at innovation to solve this water problem so that they can continue to sprawl. I am not in favor of sprawl, but I am in favor of innovation to deal with water shortages, and it appears that some of these ideas may be gaining traction.
Direct download: OFI_1874_Tuesday_Episode_-_102323_11.52AM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 17 October 2023
I had a list of farm update things to talk to you about today, but I didn't talk about almost any of that. As so often happens when I start recording, my mind goes somewhere that is cathartic as it often does when speaking to this fantastic audience. So, today there is a lot of reflection about how fortunate I am, the current events of today and a somber ending about those events. I hope you will join me.
Direct download: OFI_1867_Tuesday_Episode_-_101623_12.47PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 13 October 2023
OFI 1863: Pricing And Profit In Agriculture – Part 2 | Deep Dive Episode Discussing How To Price Our Products And Services
Today will our second installment talking about pricing and “is profit evil?” I did that for a reason. This is a question that has come up several times. It came up for me in my business. It has come up with guests that I have interviewed on the show. And, it is has come up from people who are working in my industry who have since gone out of business. The fact that they went out of business is a hint as to how important this issue is. By being generous or being nice, rather than pricing their products or services correctly, they are now out of business and not sharing their gifts with the rest of the world. This is not a sustainable way of doing business. We need to be concerned with sustainability, business sustainability. If we use entrepreneurship to support our farming or rural lifestyle and the business fails, then we lose the lifestyle. So, it is important that we price our goods or services in a way that will sustain our business. Otherwise, all of the positive impact we could have had with our agricultural enterprise will no longer exist.
Direct download: OFI_1862_Pricing_And_Profit_Part_2_-_101123_4.34PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 12 October 2023
OFI 1862: Pricing And Profit In Agriculture Part 1 | Deep Dive Episode Discussing How To Price Our Products And Services
Today we will be talking about pricing and “is profit evil?” I did that for a reason. This is a question that has come up several times. It came up for me in my business. It has come up with guests that I have interviewed on the show. And, it is has come up from people who are working in my industry who have since gone out of business. The fact that they went out of business is a hint as to how important this issue is. By being generous or being nice, rather than pricing their products or services correctly, they are now out of business and not sharing their gifts with the rest of the world. This is not a sustainable way of doing business. We need to be concerned with sustainability, business sustainability. If we use entrepreneurship to support our farming or rural lifestyle and the business fails, then we lose the lifestyle. So, it is important that we price our goods or services in a way that will sustain our business. Otherwise, all of the positive impact we could have had with our agricultural enterprise will no longer exist.
Direct download: OFI_1862_Pricing_And_Profit_Part_1_-_101123_4.27PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 10 October 2023
Hattie and I just returned from Yellowstone National Park. On this previous weekend, every October since 2016, she and I have departed for Yellowstone and spent three days searching for wildlife and taking in incredible vistas. She is a senior in high school this year, so this may be it! I don't know what the future holds for this trip in October, but I do know that she will not be subject to the Kuna High School calendar next year and there will be a new set of scheduling obstacles to deal with when it comes to planning this trip. On today's show I talk all about these past 8 years of Yellowstone with Hattie, and how this year we graduated to the level of guides!
Direct download: OFI_1860_Tuesday_Episode_-_101023_2.39_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 2:45pm MST |
Fri, 6 October 2023
OFI 1856: Devoted To Improving The Ranching Industry | Cassidy Johnston | JRC Ranch Management & Consulting
Cassidy Johnston and her husband are the creators and owners of JRC Ranch Management & Consulting. This is a business that they are developing after years of working on different ranches throughout Colorado and having a myriad of different experiences. They believe that there can be a disconnect between absentee ranch owners and the folks who are doing the day to day work on the ranches, and they would like to be part of the solution to solving that problem. In the interview Cassidy talks about how sometimes employees on ranches are not treated as well as employees in other sectors of industry. This leads to burnout, high turnover and poor performance of the ranch. Basically, nobody wins in these situations. In many cases, Cassidy believes that the problem lies in the disconnect and is not necessarily a character flaw of the ownership. She will talk all about her observations and how she aims to be part of the solution in this episode.
Direct download: Cassidy_Johnston_Episode_1856_-_92623_2.42_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 5 October 2023
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am profiling a cattle rancher striving to make cattle ranching better for everyone. In she and her husband's efforts, they are taking the perspective of ranch employers and trying to convey that ranch owners, particularly absentee ranch owners. So, for today's re-cap episode I am going back to an episode I did that I titled "The Amazing Range Cow And the Amazing Rancher". Hopefully there is enough in this episode to give you some perspective on ranchers out here in the West are doing before we roll into tomorrow's show.
Direct download: OFI_1855_Replay_Of_706_-_10223_5.05_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Tue, 3 October 2023
Today, I've got a lively farm update for you. We will be discussing:
More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:
Direct download: OFI_1853_Tuesday_Episode_-_10223_4.47_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 29 September 2023
Peggy Coffeen is a podcast host, farmer and seller of value added products. She also make a successful transition from a corporate career to self-employment after identifying two niche businesses and moving into them. On today's ag business episode Peggy and I have an in depth conversation about the dynamics of moving to full time, self-employment. We also talk about many of the pitfalls you will face along the way and the fear that will seek to stop you. Peggy has a very unique perspective on identifying your target customer, and an interesting story that goes with that. In addition, she started a very niched podcast after seeing a hole in the dairy world that she believed needed to filled. Come along for an inspiring and very interesting interview today!
Direct download: Peggy_Coffeen_Episode_1849_-_9623_6.20_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 28 September 2023
OFI 1848: Create A Full Time Ag Business On The Rural/Urban Interface | Daryl Mast | Doorstep Dairy | Re-Cap Episode
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are going to be profiling an entrepreneur who transitioned from a full-time corporate career to being a full-time entrepreneur. In the spirit of what I normally do, I wanted to pull an episode from the archives that tied in with tomorrow's theme. I believe that this interview with Daryl Mast of Doorstep Dairy does so nicely. From the transition to the family legacy, this episode has it all.
Direct download: OFI_1848_Replay_Of_252_-_92823_2.38_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 2:44pm MST |
Tue, 26 September 2023
A while back I did a solo show defending farmers from a newspaper article calling them "hogs" for using the water that has been allotted to them for well over a century for farming **See The Original Show Notes Below** An article recently popped up locally for me that supported the idea of the "pyramid scheme" that small cities get involved with that leads to the need to continue to approve development projects so that they can create new tax revenue that will pay for aging infrastructure. On today's Tuesday episode I've got a brief farm update for you, and then I want to read you this article and cite it as evidence that this "pyramid scheme" is really happening.
Direct download: OFI_1846_Tuesday_Episode_-_92523_3.39_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 22 September 2023
Eric Rickenbach is the owner of RescueTechs and devotes himself to teaching others how to respond to emergencies on the farm. He has also been a first responder for decades and has been to many of these scenes himself. When I found Eric's web page and what he did, I knew I wanted to have him on the show during National Farm Safety and Health Week, so we made it happen. Today we will discuss some of the most common instances of injuries and death on farms. We will also talk about taking the extra step to insure that you are working safely. And, we will talk about why the buddy system is so important. Stay safe out there everyone...
Direct download: Eric_Rickenbach_Episode_1842_-_52423_2.59_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Wed, 20 September 2023
OFI 1840: Thinking Farm Safety Every Day Of The Year | FFA SAE Edition | Cole Abercrombie & Zac Chaney | Tunstall High School FFA
The biggest contributors to farm accidents are probably impatience and complacency. Getting in a hurry, or thinking that danger doesn't exist just because nothing has ever happened before can lead one into a dangerous situation. On today's show we are profiling the farm safety education philosophy of the Tunstall FFA Chapter in Dry Fork, Virginia. Dr. Jessica Jones, the FFA Advisor and her colleagues have figured out that impatience and complacency can be overcome by keeping safety in the front of one's mind. If you think safety first, then your chances of not overlooking a dangerous aspect of your job go way up. Two of Jessica's students, Chapter President - Cole Abercrombie as well as sophomore member - Zac Chaney join me on the show today. They will talk about farming in their area, what they see as some of the biggest risks and how farm safety is taught in every agriculture class at Tunstall, regardless of whether or not it is Farm Safety Week.
Direct download: Tunstall_FFA_Farm_Safety_Episode_1840_-_91323_1.38_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Fri, 15 September 2023
OFI 1835: Camp Cook To Communications Director And Other Ag Jobs | Jessie Jarvis | Of The West Agricultural Jobs & Western Industry Careers
Jessie Jarvis is the owner of "Of The West" a job platform for agricultural jobs and Western lifestyle careers. She is also a lifelong rancher from Southern Idaho with a deep legacy of ranching work in the Gem State. On today's episode Jessie will discuss why she created "Of The West", and how the inspiration came to her. She will also discuss some of the challenges of looking for a job in agriculture, and why being part of the 2% of the nation involved in ag can lead to a defeated feeling before you have ever submitted a resume. Jessie has a passion for connecting people with the right opportunity, and that definitely comes through in today's episode.
Direct download: OFI_1835_Jessie_Jarvis_-_83023_2.52_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |
Thu, 14 September 2023
On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are going to be talking about ag careers, starting an ag jobs website and delving into the entrepreneurial and professional employee aspects of a life in agriculture. So, for today's re-cap show I went back to one of the best profiles of an agricultural career that I ever did. Ironically, this took place on episode #002 of the show. That's right, this was the second episode I ever produced and the first interview I ever conducted! This show features my late uncle, Allan Romander. Allan spent his entire working life in agriculture, and the bulk of his professional career as a crop advisor, then a pest control advisor and finally a certified crop advisor. He had the same position all the way through but over time the titles changed and the certifications became more challenging. Allan was the epitome of a professional and he loved agriculture. I don't think there ever was anyone better suited to advocate for this career path than Allan.
Direct download: OFI_1834_Replay_Of_002_-_91323_2.17_PM.mp3
Category:farming -- posted at: 12:30am MST |