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Where Will Demand Come From? | Damian Mason
“Creating demand” is often cited as the solution to low commodity prices—but where will that demand come from? In this episode, I examine the hard truths behind global agricultural markets. He explores the limits of trade agreements, the decline of biofuel-driven demand, and why Africa and the EU...
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Are American Farms Really Going Bankrupt? | Damian Mason
Despite alarming headlines, fewer than one in a thousand U.S. farms are in bankruptcy. Damian Mason speaks with Curt Covington of Ag America Lending to examine the facts behind agricultural bankruptcies, the economic pressures farmers face, and the outlook for farm finances. Learn why high input ...
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How Bad Policy is Hurting Farmers and Food Consumers | Damian Mason
Government intervention is reshaping agriculture—and not for the better. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with economist and author Dr. Richard Sexton, whose book Food Fight challenges misguided food policies and their consequences for farmers, consumers, and global supply chains. Topics incl...
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10 Habits You Should Adopt to Succeed in Tomorrow’s Agriculture | Damian Mason
The agricultural landscape is evolving rapidly—and so must you. In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, Damian Mason is joined by Mark Jewell of The Momentum Company to explore the ten essential habits that will determine your relevance and success in tomorrow’s agriculture. With emerging...
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How China’s Next 25 Years Will Reshape Global Agriculture & Trade | Damian Mason
China’s rise over the past 25 years reshaped global economics—but what lies ahead for agriculture? Ian Lahiffe, agriculture consultant in China, offers a bold, optimistic forecast. He explains how China may remain economically powerful, less reliant on the West, and more self-sufficient in food a...
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Financing New Ag Ventures: Alternative Capital for Growth | Damian Mason
In an ever-changing Agricultural marketplace, opportunities arise that didn’t exist just a decade or two ago. The internet, along with a more diversified and demanding consumer, provide viable business options. But these ventures need money to flourish and these businesses might not be a fit for ...
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What a Glyphosate Ban Would Really Cost U.S. Farming | Damian Mason
What would a ban on Glyphosate mean for American agriculture and food production? Damian Mason speaks with Michelle Klieger of Stratagerm Consulting, who recently completed a comprehensive study on the economic and labor impacts of eliminating Glyphosate—America’s most widely used herbicide. Mich...
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Measuring Sustainability: Overused Marketing Term to Monetization | Damian Mason
Face it, the word “sustainable” has been so overused as marketing jargon, it’s become meaningless. But what if farmers could accurately measure their sustainability? What if Agriculture could communicate our sustainability to customers with verifiable numbers? Then — the cherry on top — what if w...
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Tracing Meat Nutrition: From Soil Health to Steak Quality | Damian Mason
What determines the nutrient value of meat? Dr. Stephan Van Vliet of Utah State University joins Damian Mason and Iowa farmer Kelly Garrett to explore how soil health, animal diet, and agricultural practices influence the nutritional profile of beef. Discover why not all steaks are created equal,...
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Future-Proofing Agriculture: Guidance for Ag's Next Generation | Damian Mason
What does the next generation of agricultural professionals need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving industry? In this milestone 400th episode of The Business of Agriculture Podcast, Damian Mason is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo from Farm4Profit to share critical insights for yo...
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Corn’s Future: Trade, Ethanol & Optimism with NCGA’s Neil Caskey | Damian Mason
With U.S. corn production projected to hit record highs in 2025, demand questions loom. NCGA CEO Neil Caskey joins Damian Mason to explore the outlook for corn exports, ethanol markets, and the push for sustainable aviation fuel. With domestic livestock numbers down, will global trade and green e...
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How Food Producers and Agriculture Can Restore America’s Health | Damian Mason
America’s health challenges are increasingly linked to diet, nutrition, and widespread confusion about what truly constitutes healthy food. As consumers face a constant barrage of conflicting information about their groceries, the roles of food producers, processors, and the broader agricultural ...
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How Water Scarcity Is Reshaping U.S. Agriculture and Land Values | Damian Mason
Water is the most critical—and increasingly scarce—input in the Business of Agriculture. Yet, it is rarely given true economic value until it becomes limited. In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Val King of the North Coast Water Association to discuss how water access is transforming the f...
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Rethinking U.S. Farm Policy: Ideas for Reviving Rural America | Damian Mason
Is it time to radically reform American agriculture policy? In this compelling episode, Damian Mason speaks with Agritopia author Dave Savage, who outlines his bold vision for a more resilient and equitable rural economy. Savage critiques major pillars of the current farm system—including crop in...
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Why Tech Billionaires Keep Failing at Farming | Damian Mason
What happens when tech billionaires attempt to disrupt agriculture without understanding its fundamentals? In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by agtech experts Rhishi Pethe and Walt Duflock to analyze high-profile failures in agricultural innovation—highlighting ventures like Larry Ellison’s...
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Investment Trends In Agriculture - What’s Hot & What’s Not? | Damian Mason
The good news: Private equity investors are interested in investing in the Business of Agriculture. The bad news: The money is not flowing into fake meat or controlled environment Ag businesses. What is hot? Premium dairy, pet food, and anything fermented. Why? Because those categories offer priv...
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Cutting Fertilizer Costs with On-Farm Nitrogen Production | Damian Mason
“The next day after a lightning storm, it’s always greener. That term is called green lightning and that’s what we set out to do.” So says Travis Potter, founder of Green Lightning, a company with a product allowing farmers to make their own nitrogen at a much -reduced price than retail. The oth...
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Is Farm Equip Sharing the Future of Ag? Inside AgShared’s Model | Damian Mason
Agricultural equipment is among the largest capital investments on American farms—yet much of it sits idle for most of the year. With rising interest rates and pressure on farm income, optimizing machinery utilization is more important than ever.
In this episode, Damian Mason is joined by Martyn...
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When Free Trade Isn't | Why U.S. Ag Must Rethink Trade with China | Damian Mason
What if free trade isn't really free? Tariffs are a distortion to free market economics. The only problem: We don’t have a free market economy as countries prop up and protect their native industries with restrictive rules on — or even entirely against — imports. In this episode of The Business...
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Why Tariffs and Trade Wars Will Become The New Normal | Damian Mason
Global trade is undergoing a fundamental transformation. After decades of increasing globalization, countries are pivoting toward protectionist policies to safeguard domestic industries. In this episode, international agribusiness consultant Todd Thurman joins Damian Mason to explore the resurgen...
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Why Invest in Farmland? Insights from Canada’s Largest Landowner | Damian Mason
Is farmland the ultimate investment? In this insightful episode, Damian sits down with Robert Andjelic, Canada’s largest private farmland owner, to explore the future of agricultural real estate. Despite having no farming background, Robert now owns 250,000 acres of prime Canadian farmland—mostly...
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Farming's Future: Age, Financial Challenges & Ag's Big Reset | Damian Mason
The agriculture industry is at a turning point, with nearly two-thirds of U.S. farmers over 55 and many surpassing 65. As farming faces massive capital demands and generational shifts, what does the future hold? Adam Lasch, a self-made, first-generation Wisconsin farmer, joins Damian to explore t...
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RFK Jr.’s Organic Vision: Is This the Future of American Ag? | Damian Mason
With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, his longstanding commitment to organic food is taking center stage. A vocal advocate for transforming the American food system, RFK Jr. believes organic agriculture could be the key to solving major health issues—...
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Boosting Crop Efficiency from the Planter Box | Damian Mason
In today’s low-margin farming environment, efficiency is everything. From maximizing nutrient availability to reducing inputs while increasing yields, growers are under pressure to do more with less. That’s where startups like NewFields Ag come in. This innovative company is tackling the challeng...