SharkFarmer Podcast

An awesome podcast about farming, agriculture

526 Jake Jacobs Tennessee Walkin Tall 06/30/2026

526 Jake Jacobs Tennessee Walkin Tall Are you ready to be inspired by a man who embodies resilience, passion, and authenticity? Meet Jake Jacobs — a fifth-generation Tennessee farmer and construction mogul whose story is as raw as it is motivating. This episode isn’t just about farming; it's about living with purpose, embracing every challenge, and pushing the boundaries of what hard work can achieve. In this episode: Jake's journey from farming to building a multi-faceted empire in construction and horses How his family heritage shapes his identity and business decisions The fascinating world of Tennessee walking horses and the deep roots of horse culture in Murfreesboro The innovative safety technology transforming explosive and construction work The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and the power of delegation Lessons on mindset: working early, working hard, and appreciating blessings His thoughts on community, development, and balancing progress with tradition Personal stories of love, resilience, and pure passion for horses, family, and farming Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and the significance of Jake Jacobs’ story 02:03 - Growing up on the farm and expansion into construction 04:25 - The construction industry: tackling the jobs no one else wants 06:43 - Breaking bedrock and working with modern technology in blasting 09:06 - Building a successful team and the art of delegation 10:32 - Growing up on a farm and nurturing a lifelong passion for horses 12:23 - The incredible journey of creating a world-class Tennessee walking horse farm 14:15 - The competitive, yet tight-knit horse community in Murfreesboro 16:38 - Trends in farmland development and the impact on agriculture 18:28 - Community growth, local industry, and how new businesses influence the area 20:24 - How successful people surround themselves with success 22:16 - A personal story: navigating a horse accident with resilience and faith 24:33 - The power of a strong mindset and perseverance in the face of adversity 27:26 - The operation of a high-end horse breeding and training farm 30:40 - Maintaining a state-of-the-art breeding facility and the business behind it 33:59 - The economics of breeding champion Tennessee walking horses 35:52 - Managing health, safety, and disease control in a busy farm environment 38:11 - The dedication of a multi-trainer operation and the art of equitation 40:00 - The passion of a young girl chasing her dreams in the horse world 41:16 - Moments of emotion: tears of joy and pride 43:08 - The significance of the Tennessee walking horse industry 44:32 - The camaraderie and the importance of farm organizations 45:29 - The cultural pride of Tennessee horses and the industry’s future 46:55 - The mindset of a champion: early mornings, hard work, and gratitude 47:51 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Jake Jacobs /episode/index/show/sharkfarmer/id/41901185

525 Mitchell Yerxa A Dry Conversation 06/23/2026

524 George McDonald Catesa Farms 06/16/2026

523 Quint Pottinger Looking Foward 06/09/2026

523 Quint Pottinger Looking Foward Ready to get fired up about what’s possible on the farm? In this episode, we sit down with Kentucky farmer Quentin Pottinger, a visionary who's blending historical roots with cutting-edge technology to reshape agriculture—think autonomous tractors, smart farm research, and a renewed focus on community sustainability. Buckle up—this isn’t just talk, it’s a movement. In this episode: Quentin’s journey from eight generations of Kentucky farming to pioneering autonomous planting systems How new tech like Sabanto’s retrofit kits is transforming labor and farming efficiency The evolving whiskey industry and local grain markets – supporting community through food and drink The impact of economic downturns and market shifts on farming strategies Why long-term, sustainable production and community investment matter more than ever The future of autonomous harvesting, drone spraying, and precision farm monitoring Lessons from history: reclaiming the spirit of farm communities before the industrial boom Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The new era of farm innovation and community focus 02:03 - Bex Hybrid’s practical research: smarter spray passes to cut costs 04:56 - Growing whiskey grains: supporting local distilleries & malt houses 10:03 - The shift to autonomous equipment and tech breakthroughs 12:30 - Economic realities steering farm investments & downturn strategies 15:53 - Market forecasts: whiskey, alcohol demand, and demographic shifts 18:21 - Investing in the community: Farm sustainability in environmental, social, and economic terms 21:14 - Long-term visions: Rebuilding the farm’s purpose beyond commodity cycles 27:49 - Smart farm monitoring: remote control, cutting-edge sensors, and field mapping 34:56 - Autonomous planting, handling geofence issues, and future equipment plans 40:32 - Future harvest strategies: multi-directional corn heads & autonomous combines 43:56 - Supporting whiskey with malt houses & the importance of local flavor 48:40 - The joy of seeing your product in a glass – farm-to-bottle stories 50:08 - Connecting with Quentin: social media & farm life insights 51:27 - Reflections: Are we nearing the end of the commodity boom? 52:12 - Wrap-up: Embracing the new, respecting the old, and investing in the community /episode/index/show/sharkfarmer/id/41582125