395 - How Farmers Are Cutting Fertilizer Costs with On-Farm Nitrogen Production
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
Release Date: 04/28/2025
404 - Financing New Ag Ventures: Alternative Capital for Growth | Damian Mason
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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 traditional bank lending. That’s where alternative financing can allow Agricultural business ideas to grow wings. Damian talks to Perennial Pastures founder Kevin Muno, Harvest Returns CEO Chris Rawley, and Ag investor Bryan McGurk. Tune in for an informative conversation about Ag’s future and...
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403 - Measuring Sustainability — From Overused Marketing Phrase to Actual Monetization
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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 we could profit from our sustainability practices by differentiating products by degrees of sustainability in the production process? In the era of Artificial Intelligence and technological advancement, measuring and monetizing sustainability is a reality. Ben Bardsley, founder of BX discusses...
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402 - The High Cost of a Glyphosate Ban for U.S. Agriculture and Consumers | Damian Mason Podcast
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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. Michelle shares the staggering implications for crop yields, labor shortages, and consumer food prices. This episode explores the hidden costs of removing Glyphosate from U.S. farming systems and explains why the herbicide remains vital for sustainable, efficient food production. Essential listening...
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401 - Tracing Meat Nutrition: From Soil Health to Steak Quality | Damian Mason
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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, whether grass-fed is truly better than grain-fed, and how flavor connects to nutrient density. This episode dives deep into food systems, lab testing, and whether producers will be rewarded for nutrient-rich meat. A must-listen for agribusiness professionals and progressive livestock producers. ...
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400 - Future-Proofing Agriculture: Guidance for Ag's Next Generation | Damian Mason Podcast
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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, Damian Mason is joined by Tanner Winterhof and Corey Hillebo from to share critical insights for young people entering the ag sector. Drawing from decades of experience, these seasoned ag professionals discuss how technology, business acumen, and adaptability have reshaped farming—and what tomorrow’s leaders must understand to thrive. This episode offers practical advice, industry foresight, and a candid...
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399 - Bullish on Corn: Ethanol, Exports & Trade Wins with NCGA CEO Neil Caskey | Damian Mason Podcast
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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 energy be enough to absorb the surplus? Caskey discusses recent market wins in Britain and India, why ethanol remains critical, and why he stays optimistic about corn's future. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | Redox Bio-Nutrients | Harvest...
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398 - How Food Producers and Agriculture Can Restore America’s Health | Damian Mason Podcast
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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 industry have never been more important. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Natalie Kovarik and Tara Vanderdussen of Discover Ag to discuss how the Business of Agriculture can support healthier lifestyles through responsible food production and clear consumer education. Explore the challenges...
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397 - Why Tech Billionaires Keep Failing at Farming: Lessons in Ag Innovation | Damian Mason Podcast
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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 experimental farm in Hawaii and the struggles of Beyond Meat. Together, they explore the risks of "billion-arrogance"—where immense wealth and success in unrelated industries lead to misguided investments in farming and food systems. The discussion emphasizes the importance of aligning...
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396 - Investment Trends In Agriculture - What’s Hot & What’s Not? | Damian Mason
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
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 private equity investors what they want — higher margins, growth, pricing power, differentiation, and added value. Dan Zelazik with Ascendant Partners, a boutique investment bank specializing in food and Agriculture explains how and what capital markets are investing in Ag. The Business of...
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395 - How Farmers Are Cutting Fertilizer Costs with On-Farm Nitrogen Production
The Business of Agriculture Podcast
“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 other benefits: elimination of synthetic nitrogen, no salt, and no yield penalty. Damian Mason asks the hard questions with the company founder who is joined by Michigan farmer Matt Vanderhyde who’s using this technology. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored...
info_outline“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 other benefits: elimination of synthetic nitrogen, no salt, and no yield penalty. Damian Mason asks the hard questions with the company founder who is joined by Michigan farmer Matt Vanderhyde who’s using this technology.
The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by:
- NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com
- Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com
- Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com
Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.
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