Impact Farming

In this week’s first episode of #farmerchat on The Impact Farming Show, Tracy speaks with Jacob Bueckert from Driland Feeders in Warner, Alberta.

For anyone on social media, you will know Jacob as a Canadian farmer who is always ready with a sarcastic joke, laughter, and a kind word of encouragement. He is also always promoting the beef industry.

But what you don’t know about Jacob is his unbelievable life story. It’s a fascinating one.

In today’s chat:

• Jacob shares his life story that started in Mexico and involves an exciting movie-like immigration story from Mexico to the USA and then eventually from the United States to Alberta, Canada, where he now resides.
• Jacob shares how his family started with just a few cows, rented land, and grew his operation into a substantial feedlot operation with 30 employees. He shares about significant challenges, nearly calling it quits a few times, and the wins he has experienced over the years.
• Jacob shares about his family, personal tragedy, and how one tragic event, while devastating, has strengthened him, his relationships, and his faith.
• Tracy asks Jacob about the threats and opportunities he sees in the agriculture industry.
• Jacob shares his thoughts on what the agriculture industry should/could be doing differently.
• Tracy and Jacob wrap the episode up with a lightening round of personal questions, including books that have changed his life, the best and worst advice he has received, and what advice he would give the next generation looking to start farming.

You will not want to miss Jacob’s unbelievable story of faith, perseverance, and a love of agriculture.

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Show Resources

Author: Jocko Willink
Book Title:Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win



Author: Stephen Covery
Book Title:The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

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In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks with Chrissy Wozniak from North American Ag about agriculture policy.

Many farmers cannot help but notice that agriculture and our farming practices are increasingly in the spotlight with each passing day.

We all see and hear the headlines.

Sustainability, ESGs, property rights, water and wildlife preservation efforts, carbon concerns, fertilizer reductions, animal rights, lab-grown "meats", plant-based “meats,” and the list goes on and on.

Being in the public eye, and the constant uncertainty that comes from being in the spotlight, has many farmers concerned about the future of farming.

Tracy and Chrissy tackle many of these subjects in a great conversation about policy and its growing impact on agriculture.

In this episode:

• Chrissy shares more about her platform, her mission, and why agriculture policy has become an ever-increasing passion for her personally and professionally.
• She shares more about American Agri Women, her involvement, and the work this group of amazing women is doing to represent the best interests of the agriculture industry with our elected officials.
• Tracy and Chrissy chat about how there are several agriculture policies with growing momentum right now and how many of these policies are not even on the radar for most farmers. In this episode, Chrissy focuses on four policies that every farmer should know about.
• Have you heard of ESGs? Many farmers have not. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and Chrissy shares how this impacts our industry.
• As farmers, the land is near and dear to our hearts; without it, we cannot farm. Chrissy shares more about property and water rights policies and encroachments that have been and are currently making waves in the USA and around the World.
• For anyone involved in the agriculture industry, it is no surprise when Chrissy shares that there is an attack on animal agriculture. Between PETA, vegans, and other animal rights activists…animal agriculture has been in the public eye for many years. However, Chrissy goes on to share that our current threats may be coming from within the government. You will not want to miss this.
• Last but not least are fertilizer restrictions. This topic made headlines a while back with the government’s declaration that farmers must reduce their fertilizer usage by 30%. While the conversation seems to have died down for now, this battle is far from over.
• Chrissy shares some final parting thoughts on agriculture policy and whether or not farmers should be concerned. She also shares a few tips for farmers if they want to learn more or get involved.

If you are a farmer, you don’t want to miss this episode.

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Show Resources

www.northamericanag.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhLbIXA7q6I



www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCGIpC54FAs



www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCGIpC54FAs

In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks with Art Lange about “Cash Flow Concerns.”

As a business owner, cash flow planning is one of the most critical financial planning activities.

In this episode:

• Art shares his thoughts on how 2024 cash flow planning might be extra challenging.
• They chat about upcoming CEBA loan payments and what this means to farmers and their 2024 cash flow.
• Art reviews the CEBA loan amounts, forgiveness portions, and when payments are due.
• With loans due in January, farmers must come up with the money. He shares a few options for repaying these loans if the money is not in the bank.
• Second, on Art’s radar is the increased cost of borrowing. He speaks about interest rates and how this is impacting farmers.
• We know interest rates make a huge difference. Art reviews an example of $1 million over 25 years at 4% or 7% and the difference in payments. The difference truly is staggering.
• They dive deeper into the discussion on interest rates for farmers who are looking at new loans or who have renewals coming up. He speaks to high interest and cash flow concerns.
• Art has a tool to help producers with financial planning. He shares the details.

If CEBA loans or interest rates are on your mind, you won’t want to miss this episode.

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Show Resources

In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks with Peggy Coffeen from The Uplevel Dairy Podcast.

Tracy and Peggy chat about:

• Peggy shares more about her background, the show, and why she decided to venture into the World of podcasting with her own media company.
• She shares more about the Uplevel Dairy Podcast, a podcast for dairy owners and managers reaching for their next level of success in business, management and leadership.
• Peggy shares some of the greatest risks to dairy producers right now.
• They chat about some of the greatest opportunities for dairy producers to position their businesses for the future.
• Like many farmers, dairy farmers tend to be “doers.” They get stuff done. But as they lead growing teams of people and complex businesses, Peggy shares how farmers must evolve their mindset around leadership.
• In the World of farming, where everything is very tangible and production-oriented, Tracy asks Peggy why she thinks farmers must be aware of their mindset and constantly work on it.
• They wrap the interview up with a fun lightening round of questions including: What is something that Peggy is really fired up about (either good or bad) right now?A book or video that has changed her life. What is the best advice she has ever received?

Whether you are a dairy producer or not, this is a fun, informative, and value-packed episode you don’t want to miss.

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Show Resources

Featured Product

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In this Product Spotlight, Tracy speaks to John Seliga and Chris Robson about Enlist E3 soybeans.

• John and Chris share what is unique about Enlist E3® soybeans and why growers should be growing these beans.
• They discuss standards. Tracy asks how they ensure Enlist E3® soybeans perform to the highest standard in Canadian conditions.

Are you interested to learn more? Tune into today’s segment.

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Thank You to our Product Spotlight: Enlist E3® soybeans

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In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks to Elaine Froese about “Conflict On The Farm.”

Farming is challenging enough to begin with. Then add in family, and perhaps multiple generations of family, and it becomes conflict waiting to happen.

In this episode, Tracy and Elaine chat about:

• How conflict is always perceived as negative and meant to be avoided at all costs. Elaine speaks to the fact that conflict is not bad.
• In her role, Elaine deals with farm families that are experiencing conflict. She shares the areas that most farm families struggle with.
• She shares positive conflict behaviours that we want to embrace, destructive ones we want to let go of, and hot-button triggers. This is good stuff!
• At the AgEx event in November, Elaine will be helping farmers in the audience understand the questions needed to get clarity for better conflict resolution. She shares these questions with our audience.
• Each person handles conflict differently based on so many different variables. Elaine has a Conflict Dynamic Profile, and she tells our audience more about this tool.
• Tracy always ends by asking Elaine a similar question…. “How do farmers know when it is time to bring in outside help like a farm coach?"

If you are experiencing conflict on your farm or want to proactively learn how to improve your communication style… this episode is for you.

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Show Resources

AgEx Event Info & Registration:
www.fmc-gac.com/programs-services/agricultural-excellence-conference/

Elaine’s Website:https://elainefroese.com

Farm Family Transition Membership:https://elainefroese.com/membership/

Conflict Dynamic Profile:https://elainefroese.com/coaching/conflict-dynamics-profile/

In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks to Heather Watson from Farm Management Canada about their upcoming “Embrace The Opportunity: 2023 AgExcellence Event.”

This year’s Conference theme, Embrace the Opportunity, is a chance for producers to discuss the social, economic, and environmental impacts on the farm business by exploring proven management practices and fostering proactive planning.

In this conversation, Tracy and Heather chat more about the event, including a farm tour to start the event, various keynote presentations, concurrent workshops, panel discussions, and networking with Canada’s farm business thought leaders.

Are you interested in attending? Save the date for the 2023 Agricultural Excellence Conference in Guelph, Ontario, on November 21-23, 2023. Prepare to acquire valuable insights and resources to enhance your farm management skills. You’ll have the chance to connect with fellow farmers, exchange your thoughts, and return to your business equipped with a range of fresh abilities. AgEx is dedicated to supporting your success.

To learn more about Canada’s premier farm business management conference, please check out the show notes below:

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Show Resources

AgEx Event Info & Registration:
www.fmc-gac.com/programs-services/agricultural-excellence-conference/

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In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks to Chris and Cory from eMotors Direct about their innovative online platform that allows farmers to “Buy Farm Motors: Anytime. Anywhere.”

Did you know that an online platform was launched to kick-start a revolution in the electric motor industry?There is, and the platform is eMotors Direct. And even more exciting is that eMotors Direct serves the agriculture industry by providing motors for various farming applications.

In today’s episode, Tracy speaks with Chris and Cory about eMotors Direct in an episode that is equal parts inspiring and equal parts informative.

• In this episode, Chris shares that he and his brother, Rob, spent their young years working on classic cars, fixing their dirt bikes and ATVs, and constantly searching for new tools and toys online. The ease at which they could find what they were looking for resulted in a business idea. Why not offer the same convenience to the electric motor industry? They did.
• They share with Tracy more about eMotors Direct, and the types of motors they offer for their agriculture industry.
• Chris and Cory share more about the recent buzz about changes to motor efficiency.
• The cost of electricity in some provinces has tripled since 2020. They share advice to help farmers compensate for this, considering electric motors account for a large percentage of electricity costs on a farm.
• A motor going down can be devastating, impacting production and sometimes leading to spoiled inventory. And if you have ever waited 13 weeks for a replacement, you know that pain. It is not realistic to keep a spare for every motor on the farm. Tracy asks how farmers can maintain a sufficient spare inventory while keeping costs manageable.
• It is fairly common to have a preferred brand of motor. Your tried and trusted brand. Some manufacturers are still bouncing back from the pandemic and catching up to keep these essential motor SKUs on shelves. Cory speaks to what happens if a farmer’s preferred brand is out of stock. What are their options?
• Motor overload is a common issue for farm-duty motors, and this can lead to unplanned downtime. Cory shares advice for farmers to get ahead of a motor overloading.
• Repair or replace it? When a motor goes down, sometimes it is unclear whether it makes more sense to repair or replace it. How do you make that differentiation?
• As farmers know, finding parts in stock and getting parts shipped in a timely manner can be a challenge. They speak to how eMotors works to overcome these concerns.
• They share advice for farmers when it comes to finding the best value for their motor.
• They speak to returns and warranty. If something doesn’t work out with the motor, how is this handled?
• To wrap things up, the gentlemen share how eMotors is different than the motor shop down the road and share the best way for farmers to use their online platformhttps://www.emotorsdirect.ca

If you are a farmer, and you purchase electric motors for your farming operation, you will definitely want to check out this episode.

While you are at it, head on over tohttps://www.emotorsdirect.cato browse around and search for your preferred brand of motor.

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Show Resources

eMotors Direct - Shop Farm Motors: Anytime. Anywhere. www.emotorsdirect.ca

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In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks to David Derwin in our “Grain & Cattle Marketing Update: Fall 2023.”

It’s hard to know what to do when markets are continually changing. But as we all know, markets do just that; they always go up and down.

In today’s episode, David shares a few insights about what producers can do for their grain and cattle marketing in fall 2023.

• David gives our audience a brief overview of current market conditions and prices.
• Many producers are finding themselves with better-than-expected yields and have to sell for bin space or cash flow purposes. But many are not necessarily seeing the price they want. David shares his thoughts on this.
• Prices have come down a lot for wheat, corn, and barley. Durum prices are strong, and oilseed prices are still decent. David speaks to the different marketing strategies for each commodity.
• Tracy asks David about marketing and hedging strategies used so far this crop year.
• They discuss high-interest rates and their impact on selling and storage decisions.
• Given the high cattle prices, David discusses some hedging alternatives for beef producers.

Don’t miss this week’s episode, where we chat about all things grain and cattle marketing.

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In this week’s episode, Tracy speaks to Michael Langemeier from Purdue University about “Measuring Optimism in Agriculture: September 2023 Ag Economy Barometer Report.”

In this episode, Tracy and Michael speak about:

• What is the Ag Economy Barometer?
• In this interview, Michael shares the survey results from over 400 producers that were asked a series of questions. Purdue University and CME then compile the results to create the Ag Economy Barometer.
• The August 2023 results are in. Michael reviews the survey results and covers the following areas:
• Indexes of Current Conditions and Future Expectations
• Farm Financial Performance Index
• Farm Capital Investment Index
• Primary Reason now is a bad time to make large investments.
• Short-term farmland value expectations
• Long-term farmland value expectations
• For USA producers…what is the likelihood of Congress passing a farm bill in 2023? What is the most important title for producers in the bill?
• Michael wraps up the interview and shares his final thoughts on the levels of optimism in agriculture right now.

Are you curious how other producers are feeling about the current state of agriculture? How optimistic are farmers about the future of farming? You will need to tune into today’s episode to learn more.

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Show Resources

About the Ag Economy Barometer:

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer is a nationwide measure of the health of the U.S. agricultural economy. On the first Tuesday of each month, the Ag Economy Barometer provides a sense of the agricultural economy’s health with an index value. The index is based on a survey of 400 agricultural producers on economic sentiment each month. Quarterly, the index is accompanied by an in-depth survey of 100 agriculture and agribusiness thought leaders.

Ag Economy Barometer:
https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/ageconomybarometer/

Purdue Commercial Ag Learning Centre: https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/home/team/michael-langemeier/

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