Farm4Profit Podcast

Future of Agriculture Crossover

Episode Summary

We had a great opportunity to host Tim Hammerich from the Future of Agriculture Podcast on this episode. We talk with him about a few companies blazing the trails that lead to boosted profitability in the future. All this is discussed after talking to Bodie Kitchel of Next Level Ag and learning about how your soils can be viewed differently.

Episode Notes

Future of Ag CrossOver

Introduction

• Thank you again for suggesting topics for us to talk about on the podcast and keep them coming.  Send those to farm4profitllc@gmail.com or find us all over social media.
• We greatly appreciate your help in growing our audience.
  • Listener Review: - @JayJaylc8  “Listened to all of it and had a great time laughing and listening to it.  LOVED it!”

What’s Working in AG – Next Level Ag – Understanding what is going on in your field

• Bodie Kitchel is the National Director of Agronomy at Biodyne-USA and is also the owner and Regional Business Director for Next Level Ag
  • Starting in 2015, Next Level Ag has been testing soil and plant tissue samples, analyzing the results, and converting them into valuable information - all while keeping the farmer’s perspective at the forefront.
• Understanding soil tests
  • Soil test results can be complicated and confusing to read, but they don't have to be. Next Level Ag has developed a unique approach in measuring Physical/Chemical/Biological aspects in the soil and displaying them in a format that keep the grower's perspective, not a chemist's.  
• In Season Management
  • Utilize many different tools and methods to gather your info
    • Drones 
    • Sampling (Soil and Tissue)
    • Boots on the Ground
    • Satellite Imagery
• 365
  • A dashboard to view each field and watch the progress it is making
    • View and track sample records
  • Managing your crop like you would an investment in the stock market
  • Use this to help understand the why behind the what
• End with a tease about wanting to understand biologicals in more detail
  • Future episode will focus
    • understanding our soils and how some functions of biology work with plants
    • unlocking potential and then feeding that potential
    • improving overall efficiencies

Main Topic – Future of Ag (Crossover)

Tim Hammerich  is a former National FFA President and a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a degree in Crop Science and Management. He also completed the Masters of Agribusiness program at Kansas State University. Tim spent the first eight years of his career as an agricultural commodity trader and manager, where he developed a background in trading, management, sales, strategy, business development and risk management. He and his family reside in Eagle, Idaho. 

Tim was one of the founders of AgGrad and is now the Senior Director of Strategic Communications for Congent Consulting.  He is also someone I would consider a mentor and friend, but the main reason he is with us today is…. He’s the host of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.  This show explores the people, companies, and ideas shaping the future of agribusiness and what is what we want to explore today – the future!

• As we focus on the profitability of our farms today. How do you see the advancement of technology affecting profitability?
• What have you noticed are challenges of companies starting out and looking to improve agriculture?
• When a startup succeeds what have they done right?
• What fuels your passion to continue with the future of Ag podcast?
• What do you look for when thinking about or coordinating a guest for a podcast episode?
• Back to the focus on profitability.  Thank you for sharing with us a couple of companies you think might have a big impact on profitability. Let’s start with Rantizo……
  • Can you tell us a little about Rantizo?
  • What’s the advantages of their equipment?
  • What can they apply with their drones?
  • What are some obstacles they need to overcome or have surpassed?
  • Their company strategy is unique. How are they targeting the expansion of their market?
  • Do you remember the costs to get operational for one and what the life span is?
• Alright, so we explored a business venture that a listener could look into. How about exploring the company you introduced us to called CoverCress.  
  • What is this plant? Combination or crossbred?
  • Is this a gmo plant?
  • Now this is a leap forward in technology that could have a major impact on profitability.  What are the uses?
    • New crop, livestock feed, feed stock for bio fuels, cover crop, genetic engineering technology
      •  But how could those impact a farmer’s bottom line? 
  • Where can this be grown?
  • How do they plan to harvest it?
  • What’s the timeline for implementation and wide spread adoption?
• Let’s get a bit geeky with the next one.  Introduce us to FarmWave-Harvest Loss
  • Can you explain What Google glass is and how its involved in AG?
    • What’s Farmwave-HarvestLoss using this technology for? Plant diseases?
  • Do they have future applications or plans in the works?
  • What about Harvest Loss - using some of the same technology?
    • How does this set up?  Work on all combines?
    • Could be used for sprayers too right?
  • As you’ve explored the future of Ag....how do you think a majority of farmers feel about AI?
• We’ve talked on shows before about creating your niche. The “something about yourself and your farm that sets you apart.  Can you explain how Pristine Gourmet did this?
  • That episode reminded us about being diversified. Can you remember how they worked to become diversified?
  • What kind of sacrifices have you seem commonly made with your guests to be successful?
• What do you think the future for the Future of Ag looks like?
• What do the most successful farmers or business leaders have in common?
• Summary
• Challenge
• Closing
  • Remind the listener to leave a comment if this episode brought them value.  Ask them to like, leave a review where they listen, and share with their friends.  They can always send topic ideas to farm4profitllc@gmail.com