Talk Dirt to Me

Talk Dirt To Me is the no-filter podcast where two working farmers pull back the curtain on real American agriculture. Hosts Logan Hanks and Dr. Bobby Lee Hanks share boots-on-the-ground insight from running a full-time corn and soybean operation and a working cattle herd. Each week they dive into the business and lifestyle of modern farming. Row crops, beef cattle, agronomy, equipment, ag policy, markets, and rural grit with unfiltered stories, lessons learned, and interviews with farmers, ranchers, and ag industry leaders shaping the future of food, products, and fiber.

Ep. 241: Farmer Sues the USDA, A Race to the Bottom, and the Screwworm Arrives! 06/05/2026

Ep. 241: Farmer Sues the USDA, A Race to the Bottom, and the Screwworm Arrives! This week's lineup is loaded. The FTC just opened its first real antitrust investigation into fertilizer pricing, a Wisconsin farmer took the USDA to court over discrimination and won, and cattle prices are sitting at record highs while the screwworm threat creeps toward the border. Plus AI moving into the field, a hard look at why everybody copying everybody is killing small ag, and our Made in America pick. In this episode we get into the FTC fertilizer antitrust investigation, including why prices jumped overnight with no supply change and how that seems dirty. We break down the USDA discrimination settlement and how dairy farmer Adam Faust ended race- and sex-based preferences in federal farm programs like EQIP, loan guarantees, and Dairy Margin Coverage. We talk record cattle prices and the New World screwworm, with beef at all-time highs, the herd at a 75-year low, and the parasite Texas declared a disaster over. We dig into AI in agriculture, from cutting herbicide use 70% in the field to the data center land grab eating up rural farmland, water, and power. We get into why an oversaturated market is a race to the bottom for small farm operations and how to actually stand out instead of copying the crowd. We run our Top 3 occupations besides farming, hand out our Made in America pick with Crocodile Cloth, and close it out with a few words on glyphosate, Shawn Ryan, and the conversation the loudest critics keep dodging. Real talk from real farmers, row crops, cattle, and everything in between. New episodes weekly. Follow on Spotify so you never miss one. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/41544605

Ep. 240: Corn, Ethanol & The Future of Farming with Amy McNeil | Tennessee Corn 05/29/2026

Ep. 240: Corn, Ethanol & The Future of Farming with Amy McNeil | Tennessee Corn In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, we're joined by Amy McNeil, Executive Director of Tennessee Corn, for a conversation about the future of agriculture, corn production, and the challenges facing farmers today. Amy shares her background growing up in agriculture, how her family's farming roots shaped her career, and what led her to become one of the leading voices representing Tennessee corn growers. We discuss the role of the Tennessee Corn Association and how it works alongside the National Corn Growers Association to advocate for farmers across the state and the country. We also dive into the surprising number of products made from corn, the growing disconnect between consumers and food producers, and why that gap continues to create challenges for modern agriculture. Amy explains how farm organizations are working to educate the public, and tell agriculture's story. The conversation also covers year-round E15, what it means for corn growers, whether expanded ethanol use could create additional demand for corn, and why the issue remains a major topic throughout rural America. Of course, it wouldn't be Talk Dirt To Me without some fun mixed in, so we also discuss our Top 3 Classic Television Shows and see where our picks stack up against yours. If you're interested in corn farming, ethanol, agricultural policy, food production, rural America, or simply want to hear an honest conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing today's farmers, this is an episode you won't want to miss. You can check them out here at: Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/41462210

Ep. 239: The Biggest Cattle Theft Story We’ve Seen In Years plus China trade deals?? 05/22/2026

Ep. 239: The Biggest Cattle Theft Story We’ve Seen In Years plus China trade deals?? This week on Talk Dirt To Me, we dive into one of the craziest ag crime stories we’ve seen in years after 64 Holstein calves vanished overnight from an Ohio farm in a theft worth well over $120,000. Law enforcement believes it was likely an inside job, and we break down just how difficult it would be to move that many cattle without somebody in the industry knowing exactly what they were doing. From ear tags and sale barns to modern cattle rustling and sky-high beef prices, this one opens up a much bigger conversation about where the cattle market is right now. From there, we jump into how the White House is floating a new $17 billion ag trade commitment with China. The question is whether this is a real turning point or just another vague promise farmers have heard before. We talk through what China actually needs from the U.S., whether any of this could meaningfully move commodity prices, and why so many producers remain skeptical. We also get into slowing soybean acreage growth in Brazil, Australia’s worsening wheat situation, and why Logan decided to lock in $12 soybeans during the recent rally. We break down USDA’s new fertilizer production push, the possibility of more farm aid payments, the stalled Farm Bill fight in the Senate, and why even longtime Republican farm-state senators are openly criticizing current trade policy. Despite all the pressure, American farmers are still getting the crop in fast and keeping the food supply moving. That’s really the story tying this entire episode together, conventional agriculture continuing to produce under brutal margins, rising costs, and nonstop uncertainty. And of course, we ask the question every farmer listening will have an opinion on: what would you do if 64 head walked off your place overnight? Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/41390830

Ep. 238: Arnold Quotes, Equipment Costs & Imported Beef 05/15/2026

Ep. 237: Cheap Groceries Come at a Cost / DOJ Investigates Meat Packers 05/08/2026

Ep. 237: Cheap Groceries Come at a Cost / DOJ Investigates Meat Packers Tonight’s episode of Talk Dirt To Me is packed with everything from Tennessee agriculture to Hollywood crushes and hard-hitting industry talk. We kick things off with a breakdown of the incredible farm tour we attended featuring Skip Baskin’s cattle operation, Kirk Daniels’ pecan orchard and diversified farm, and Turner Angus Farms, where we got to see their cattle program and the pizza restaurant they built inside a barn using beef raised right on their farm. It was an awesome look at the innovation, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit driving Tennessee agriculture today. We also dive into the USDA issuing the remaining SDRP payments and have a real conversation about farm subsidies, food prices, and why the current ag system is structured the way it is. Like it or not, cheap groceries in America come at a cost, and we discuss why most consumers are not prepared for what food prices would look like without support programs in place. The recent egg price situation proved that in a hurry. From there, we lighten things up with our Top 3 actresses list before shifting gears into one of the biggest stories in agriculture right now, the DOJ investigating the Big Four meat packers over possible price manipulation. We break down why this matters for cattle producers and consumers alike and why many farmers are glad this issue is finally getting attention. We wrap things up answering listener questions, including our thoughts on the screwworm situation and what it could mean moving forward. If you enjoy agriculture, rural life, cattle talk, food systems, and unfiltered conversation, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/41213410

Ep. 236: Rain, Record Cattle Prices & Cocaine Bear 05/01/2026

Ep. 235: Why Nobody Feels Sorry for Farmers Anymore 04/24/2026

Ep. 234: Fertilizer Crisis Explodes and Farmers Say the Numbers Are Wrong 04/17/2026

Ep. 233: Early Corn, Dry Fields & Rising Costs | Top 5 Sports Movies + Listener Questions 04/10/2026

Ep. 232: Commissioner Andy Holt Gets Real About Farming, Policy, and the Future of Ag 04/03/2026

Ep. 231: Beef Prices Surge, Early Corn Planting, Wildfires & AI Cattle Herding 03/27/2026

Ep. 230: Always Authentic, Top 5 Action Films, JBS Strike, and Iran's Fertilizer Crisis 03/20/2026

Ep. 230: Always Authentic, Top 5 Action Films, JBS Strike, and Iran's Fertilizer Crisis What you hear on air is exactly who we are off air, and we're good with that. In this episode, Logan and Bobby Lee kick things off by keeping it real about their authentic podcasting style before sitting down to share their top 5 iconic action films every man should watch at least once. These aren't just movies, they're a rite of passage. Then it gets serious. We break down the JBS meatpacking strike at the Greeley, Colorado facility and what it means for workers, cattle producers, and the beef supply chain. Logan also shares a personal milestone: receiving his first official stockyard check and what it feels like to finally call himself a real cattleman. From there, we dig into one of the most pressing issues hitting American agriculture right now. The Iran war is sending fertilizer prices and fuel costs through the roof, and the ripple effects on farm budgets across the country are impossible to ignore. The American Farm Bureau Federation isn't staying quiet. We walk through the letter they sent directly to President Trump urging relief for farmers and break down their specific recommendations to help bring agricultural input costs back under control. Go support Casey Bard and his battle against cancer here: We wrap with our Made in America segment, shining a light on Farmers Fuel Coffee, a brand built for producers and worth every sip. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Subscribe, leave a review, and share with a fellow producer. Agriculture doesn't stop, and neither do we. /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/40541940

Ep. 229: Grain Marketing, Crop Diversification & A Scarface Negotiation Strategy 03/13/2026

Ep. 228: The World’s Burning, We’re Still Farming 03/06/2026

Ep. 228: The World’s Burning, We’re Still Farming In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, Logan and Bobby Lee dive into some of the biggest and most controversial topics in America right now before bringing it back home to farming, budgeting, and cattle strategy in a down ag economy. We open with the escalating conflict involving Iran and the uncertainty surrounding America’s potential involvement. We’re honest about where we stand. On one side, the libertarian mindset says we should stay out of foreign wars. On the other side, we acknowledge that we do not know what military intelligence knows behind closed doors. It is a real internal debate and we walk through it openly without pretending to have all the answers. From there, we go straight into the insanity surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. The corruption, the powerful names, the darkness, and the outright evil that appears to be embedded in the story. We talk about the demonic cannibal claims and the disturbing details that continue to surface. At the end of the day, we believe justice will be served, whether that happens in this life or in the afterlife. Then we shift to what we live every day: farming in a tough economy. With commodity prices down and margins tight, we discuss disciplined farm budgeting and how even in hard times you can sometimes carve out a profit if you are extremely focused. We break down cost control, mindset, and why discipline may be the difference between surviving and going under in row crop agriculture right now. We wrap up with cattle. Bobby Lee shares how he was trying to run a cow/calf operation on one farm and a stocker operation on another, but ultimately had to choose one path. He chose cow/calf, and right now it is looking like he made the right call. This episode covers geopolitics, corruption, farm economics, and cattle decisions from the perspective of two Tennessee farmers trying to navigate a chaotic world. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/40293155

Ep. 227: Bill Clinton, JBS Undercover, and Why Competition Tightens Costs 02/27/2026

Ep. 227: Bill Clinton, JBS Undercover, and Why Competition Tightens Costs In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, the conversation goes everywhere, from politics and agriculture to undercover investigations and why competition is the only thing keeping farmers alive in today’s economy. Logan and Bobby Lee break down the controversy surrounding Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and the Epstein connections being discussed again in the news. The discussion then shifts to agriculture as James O’Keefe reportedly goes undercover at CattleCon targeting JBS, raising questions about transparency, corporate consolidation, and how media narratives shape the beef industry. The guys dig into a serious farming topic as well: how real competition tightens costs, forces efficiency, and ultimately determines which operations survive during tight margins in agriculture. It’s an honest look at the financial pressure facing modern farmers and why efficiency matters now more than ever. Meanwhile, Logan battles through the episode while steadily losing his voice, making this one a little more raw than usual. They wrap things up with a conversation about legacy, why a real watch, like a Seiko, still means something in a disposable world, and how passing down meaningful items to your kids carries more value than anything new off the shelf. If you care about agriculture, rural culture, current events, and unfiltered conversations from real farmers, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/40249860

Ep. 226: Farm Bill 2.0, TVA Eminent Domain Fight, and Trump’s Glyphosate Order Explained 02/20/2026

Ep. 226: Farm Bill 2.0, TVA Eminent Domain Fight, and Trump’s Glyphosate Order Explained This is a major episode of Talk Dirt To Me, covering some of the biggest stories currently impacting American agriculture, rural landowners, and national farm policy. We begin with the story of Gregory Family Farm in Sumner County, Tennessee, and their ongoing battle with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) over eminent domain. This situation raises serious questions about private property rights, government authority, and what happens when multi-generation farmland stands in the path of federal infrastructure projects. We explain what is happening, why it matters beyond Tennessee, and what this case could mean for farmers and landowners across the country. Next, we break down President Trump’s executive action protecting Glyphosate and Phosphorus and discuss why the decision is tied not only to agriculture but also to food security and national security. We examine how crop protection tools affect American production capacity, global competitiveness, and the stability of the U.S. food supply. The conversation then turns to an in-depth look at Farm Bill 2.0. This episode serves as our first comprehensive breakdown of the new legislation and what it includes for farmers and rural communities. Topics covered include strengthened farm safety nets, conservation funding through EQIP and CRP programs, efforts to improve export competitiveness, pesticide liability protections, increased farm loan limits, and provisions aimed at limiting the nationwide impact of California’s Proposition 12. We also discuss potential concerns and areas that may change as amendments continue to shape the bill. We will continue updating listeners as new developments occur. Along the way, the episode includes classic Talk Dirt To Me conversation, including Memphis rap nostalgia, Logan’s story about an interview with a legacy media outlet that will likely never air, and a recap of our experience at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. Made in USA Product of the Week: the suppressor cover from T and K Hunting Gear, built for durability and performance in the field. If you want real discussions about farming, policy, rural America, and the culture surrounding agriculture, this episode delivers an in-depth and honest conversation you will not hear anywhere else. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/40172630

Ep. 225: Near Murder on Facebook Marketplace, A Rock Climber Con Man & Farm Identity Wars 02/13/2026

Ep. 225: Near Murder on Facebook Marketplace, A Rock Climber Con Man & Farm Identity Wars This one goes everywhere. And we mean everywhere. In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, we break down the most talked-about Super Bowl halftime shows and whether they’ve completely lost the plot or actually delivered. From iconic performances to questionable moments, nothing is off limits. Then things take a dark turn. A listener sends in an absolutely insane Facebook Marketplace story that nearly ended in murder. It is one of the wildest buyer-seller encounters we have ever heard, and it will make you think twice before meeting someone in a random parking lot. We also dive into the story of a rock climber turned con man who was living in a house while secretly hiding a camper so it would not get repossessed. The double life, the deception, and how long he kept it going is almost unbelievable. From there we get into why you might need a couple dangerous friends in your circle, whether modern society has gone soft, and whether so-called equine “farms” really qualify as farms or if we are redefining agriculture into something it was never meant to be. It is culture, crime, farming, common sense, and chaos all rolled into one episode. Made in USA Segment: This week we spotlight Rugg Snow Shovels. American-made, heavy-duty snow shovels built to actually work when winter hits. No flimsy junk. Just real tools built in the USA. If you like unfiltered conversations, real-world stories, agriculture talk, and zero corporate polish, this episode is for you. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/40069360

Ep. 224: Why Farmers Are Fed Up- John Deere, Celebrity Elites, and the Real Cost of Survival 02/06/2026

Ep. 224: Why Farmers Are Fed Up- John Deere, Celebrity Elites, and the Real Cost of Survival In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, we discuss one of the things, for better or worse, that separates us from a lot of the voices in ag influence. We are willing to say things out loud that may not always be popular or sponsor-friendly. We dive into frustrations many farmers have with John Deere, including right to repair and the growing disconnect between corporate ag and life on the farm. We also talk about Bobby Lee’s highly applauded comment on one of Deere’s Instagram posts, a moment that probably did not help our chances of landing a sponsorship but struck a nerve with farmers across the country. From there, we shift to celebrity virtue signaling and why it rings hollow for working Americans. Billie Eilish and other celebrities come up as examples as we discuss how disconnected elite celebrity culture has become from real life, rural America, and economic pressure. We then get into the numbers farmers are actually facing. With the USDA projecting farm income to drop again in 2026, we break down what that means on the ground, why farmers are becoming more reliant on government payments just to survive, and why understanding true equipment cost per acre is no longer optional. We also challenge the long-held idea that running equipment too long is always a bad decision, and why in today’s high-interest, high-depreciation environment, holding onto iron longer may actually be the smarter move. We wrap the episode with our Made in USA highlight featuring Dobbins Lures, a North Carolina-based company producing American-made animal lures for trappers who still value craftsmanship, effectiveness, and products built by people who understand the outdoors. *Go Vote for us on the Tipton County Farm Bureau Women in Ag's poll: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHbLDGeM06rLZG42WW_ps2CrgS0ktjILFeP3bSaQFdQOeQFQ/viewform Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/40017170

Ep. 223: Big Meat, Big Fertilizer, Big Problems in American Ag 01/30/2026

Ep. 222: HB 0809 Explained: Pesticides, Farming Reality, and the Truth Behind the Fear 01/23/2026

Ep. 222: HB 0809 Explained: Pesticides, Farming Reality, and the Truth Behind the Fear In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, we break down Tennessee House Bill 0809 (HB 0809) the controversial legislation surrounding pesticide liability, chemical manufacturers, and modern agriculture that has sparked heated debate online and across farm country. We cut through the noise and explain what HB 0809 actually does, what it doesn’t do, and why, contrary to viral claims, this bill does not open the door to more chemicals in your food or water. We walk through the realities of farming today, including how little crop protection products are actually used, when chemicals are applied, why timing matters, and how strict label laws already govern every single application farmers make. We also directly push back on claims made by Shawn Ryan, addressing the fear-based narrative that this bill would somehow amplify chemical exposure or increase cancer risk. We explain why that argument falls apart when you understand EPA labels, state regulations, applicator licensing, and modern agronomy practices. From there, we dig into the pros and cons of HB 0809, why some farmers support it, why others are skeptical, and what it could mean for lawsuits, ag innovation, and rural economies moving forward. Then we shift gears to one of the biggest frustrations in agriculture right now. The complete punt of E-15 ethanol from the bill. Farmer groups across the country are furious, and for good reason. We discuss: Why E-15 matters for corn farmers How many bushels of corn nationwide E-15 could realistically consume What kind of price impact it could have had on corn markets Why this was such a massive missed opportunity for rural America We close out the episode with a lighter but honest conversation about California, sharing our firsthand experience and why the state isn’t nearly as one-dimensional as social media makes it out to be. Our Made in America segment takes a different turn this week as we highlight Cloudlifter, a U.S.-based company building rock-solid audio gear that podcasters and creators actually rely on because supporting American manufacturing doesn’t stop at agriculture. If you care about farming, food production, ethanol, policy, and the truth behind agriculture, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39847340

Ep. 221: Farm Bureau Convention Live: Can Farmers Survive 2026? feat. Joby Young 01/16/2026

Ep. 220: California Farmers, Government Money & Playing the Game! 01/09/2026

Ep. 220: California Farmers, Government Money & Playing the Game! In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, Logan Hanks and Bobby Lee are packing their bags and heading west to California for the American Farm Bureau National Convention, where they’ll be performing a live podcast on Saturday, January 10th representing everyday farmers on a national stage. You can live stream it at FB.org! It's at 3pm PST. But this episode isn’t about glitz. It’s about reality. Logan breaks down what the farm economy really looks like heading into 2026, and it’s not pretty. After putting pencil to paper, even with drastically cut input costs, reduced equipment expenses, and average yields, the profit margins are razor-thin, barely enough to keep most operations alive. This is the side of farming no one wants to talk about. The guys also tackle California agriculture, sharing why they have deep respect for the farmers who choose to stay and fight for food production in a state that has made it increasingly difficult to operate. Politics may be broken, but California farmers aren’t giving up. Then things get even more interesting… There are strong rumblings of a large government farm payment coming this fall, and Logan and Bobby break down what it could mean. Finally, they wrap with listener questions, including one that’s got people wondering: Can you legally list a friend as the operator of your farm for a year to reset USDA beginner loan eligibility? That question alone could change how some farms survive. The Made in America segment this week features Fill-Rite Nozzles — rugged, American-made equipment farmers depend on when it matters most. If you want the truth about American agriculture, not the press-release version, this episode delivers it. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39667875

Ep. 219: No Excuses: Our 2025 Farm Results & 2026 War Plan 01/02/2026

Ep. 219: No Excuses: Our 2025 Farm Results & 2026 War Plan We wrap up 2025 the only way real farmers can, by telling the truth about what worked, what didn’t, and what it actually took to survive another year in agriculture. In this episode of Talk Dirt To Me, Logan Hanks and Bobby Lee Hanks go back through the goals we set at the beginning of 2025 and give a brutally honest breakdown of whether we hit them or missed them. From hay production to cattle performance, equipment costs, and what it really takes to keep a farm moving forward, nothing is sugar-coated. From there, we roll straight into our 2026 game plan. We talk about increasing hay output, tightening up cattle health and death loss, cutting waste and equipment expenses, and continuing to scale up production of our homemade sauerkraut at the farm store. These aren’t just goals on paper. They’re the moves that decide whether a family farm grows or disappears. Toward the end of the episode, Bobby Lee also weighs in on the recent Tucker Carlson interview about veterinary medicine, pulling back the curtain on what the public doesn’t see and what those conversations get right and wrong about the realities of animal health, regulations, and modern livestock care. We also highlight this week’s Made in USA product, the Scrusher Boot Brush, a simple but essential tool for anyone who lives in mud, manure, and real work. To everyone who’s been riding with us through 2025, thank you! We hope you and your families have a strong, healthy, and prosperous 2026. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39585015

Ep. 218: The Buyer From Hell, and Playing The System 12/26/2025

Ep. 217: Christmas Special: Safety Net Truths, Farm Budgets, and Hard Decisions for 2026 12/19/2025

Ep. 217: Christmas Special: Safety Net Truths, Farm Budgets, and Hard Decisions for 2026 Merry Christmas from Talk Dirt To Me, and this one isn’t sugar-coated. In our Christmas episode, Logan and Bobby Lee dive headfirst into the realities facing American farmers right now, cutting through the feel-good talking points and getting brutally honest about what actually works and what doesn’t. We start with a no-BS breakdown of crop insurance, explaining why it’s not the safety net many farmers believe it is, especially for young, growing, or expanding operations without long-term APH history. We walk through the federal regulations that quietly punish growth and explain why relying on insurance alone can leave farmers exposed when they need help the most. Next, we do something most people won’t: A live, on-air farm budget breakdown. We compare standard high-input farming costs versus a stripped-down, lean input/equipment approach to see if farming can still be profitable in today’s environment. The results may surprise you and they raise serious questions about how operations must adapt moving forward. We also challenge listeners to stop waiting around and start making proactive changes now to survive what’s coming. If you’re not planning for 2026, you’re already behind. Made in America Spotlight: This episode features Hogue Grips, an American-made icon in the firearms world. Logan shares the story of his 1911 with Grim Reaper Hogue grips, while Bobby Lee questions his cartel involvement. If you’re a farmer, rancher, or someone who cares about the future of American agriculture, this episode is mandatory listening. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39464730

Ep. 216: NFR Chaos, Horse Herpes Outbreak, $11B ‘Farmer Assistance,’ & Mule Royalty with Drew Hanks 12/12/2025

Ep. 216: NFR Chaos, Horse Herpes Outbreak, $11B ‘Farmer Assistance,’ & Mule Royalty with Drew Hanks In this week’s Talk Dirt To Me episode, we’re joined by a special guest: Drew Hanks, Bobby Lee’s little brother, fellow veterinarian and cattleman, fresh off his trip to the 2024 National Finals Rodeo (NFR). We dive deep into everything happening in Vegas, from the arena floor drama to the behind-the-scenes issues most fans never hear about. Drew breaks down what it was really like attending the NFR this year! We then discuss some of the latest happenings with it. Of course, we get into the Stetson Wright Night 6 debacle, the decision that shook the rodeo world, and why fans are divided about what really went down. The Horse Herpes Outbreak: What Veterinarians Are Saying Drew explains the EHV-1 outbreak (horse herpes) that has hit while the NFR is happening and the biosecurity measures veterinarians and stock contractors are taking to prevent disaster. This is a rare behind-the-scenes look at rodeo animal health from someone who actually was there. $11 Billion Farmer Assistance Package: Is It Enough? We shift gears into agriculture news and break down the newly announced $11 billion USDA farmer assistance plan. Spoiler: we don’t think it’s anywhere close to a bailout. We explain why the numbers fall short, what farmers are actually facing, and how far off Washington is from understanding the real problem on the ground. Reese Bro. Mules: A Mule Dynasty Drew closes the show with a wild piece of ag/livestock history; his wife’s family, Reese Bro. Mules, one of the most legendary names in the mule world. They’ve sold mules to celebrities like Tommy Lee Jones, and Drew gives us a look into the culture, breeding, and tradition behind this iconic family business. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39377770

*BONUS EPISODE* Tim O’Connell: Inside the Making of a 3X World Champion Bareback Rider 12/10/2025

*BONUS EPISODE* Tim O’Connell: Inside the Making of a 3X World Champion Bareback Rider In honor of the NFR, we’re bringing back one of the most badass rodeo conversations ever recorded. This is a special throwback episode from Logan's old show, because when the National Finals Rodeo is happening, there’s no better time to revisit a story like this. In this episode, Logan is joined by Tim O’Connell, the 3x World Champion Bareback Rider and one of the most dominant cowboy athletes in modern rodeo. Rodeo runs deep in Tim’s blood, and you’ll hear that from the very beginning of his journey. Tim walks us through his early days as a bull rider, the pivotal wreck that made him realize bull riding wasn’t his future, and the moment he shifted into the bareback world—where he ultimately became a champion. We talk about the mindset, the injuries, the physical toll, the adrenaline, and what it actually takes to compete at the highest level in rodeo. You’ll hear about: • Tim’s start in rodeo • The brutal bull riding wreck that changed his direction • Why bareback riding “clicked” and how he found his groove • What the bareback rigging actually does to your body • How elite cowboy athletes train and stay in the fight • Insights into the rodeo lifestyle during NFR season Tim completely opened our eyes to the reality of professional rodeo, the cowboy culture, and the grit it takes to be the best in the world. With the NFR in full swing, We figured there’s no better time to bring this story back to life. A brand new episode will still drop Friday morning, but enjoy this special NFR-week release with one of the greatest bareback riders to ever do it. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39354340

Ep. 215: Stranger Things and Real Farm Talk: Rations, Hay, and Seed Scams 12/05/2025

Ep. 215: Stranger Things and Real Farm Talk: Rations, Hay, and Seed Scams In this week’s episode of Talk Dirt To Me, Logan and Bobby Lee start the show talking Stranger Things plus how insanely wild 1980s movie age ratings were. You know the ones, movies rated PG that somehow slipped in nudity, language, and scenes that would 100% be R today. It’s a hilarious look at how different things were back then. Next, we jump into listener questions, beginning with a deep dive into Bobby Lee’s cattle feeding ration. He breaks down exactly what he’s feeding, the results he’s seeing, and why he may be changing up his ration formula moving forward. Great insights for anyone running cattle or trying to improve efficiency. From there, Logan discusses a certain man online promoting a “cheap corn hybrid” he claims is performing great… while conveniently skipping over his lengthy history of fraud, scams, and shady business practices. Farmers thinking about bargain seed will want to hear this one. Then we dig into a hot topic: Is it actually profitable to grow your own hay, or is it smarter to buy it? That leads into a bigger debate: Which would be easier to step into from scratch; managing a herd of 100 head of cattle or farming 500 acres of row crop from start to finish? Logan and Bobby Lee compare workload, risk, equipment, cash flow, and learning curve to give a no-BS answer. Finally, Logan shares the full story of the big buck he recently killed, including the score, and the hunt. If you're into farming, cattle, row crop economics, hunting, rural life, or just good conversations, this episode has something for you. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39288135

Ep. 214: The REAL First Thanksgiving Meal, Gratitude in Hard Times & Practical Farm Advice 11/28/2025

Ep. 213: Documentaries, algorithms, and barb wire fences! 11/21/2025

Ep. 213: Documentaries, algorithms, and barb wire fences! In this weeks Talk Dirt To Me, Logan breaks down what it was like being filmed for a national documentary with Real News No Bullshit, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how the story came together and what it means for American agriculture. The guys dive into some major differences between Tennessee and California on the wild taxes and more! We also talk about internet haters, but not in the way you think. Logan and Bobby explain how trolls actually boost the algorithm, helping farmer content reach thousands more people. And when someone calls them “dumb,” Bobby Lee being a licensed veterinarian and cattleman gives them a pretty unfair advantage in the intelligence department. Listener emails this week include: A grass-finished cattleman saying Logan and Bobby “beat up the grass-finished guys” Practical guidance on running new barb wire fence Insights on raising bottle calves to 250–300 lbs This week’s Made in America Spotlight features Polywood Furniture, an American-made brand creating durable, long-lasting outdoor furniture that stands up to farm life. Packed with humor, hard truth, and real farm talk, this is an episode every rural American will appreciate. Go check out Agzaga! It is the ultimate online farm store. American owned and operated. Go check out their site and get what you need. Be sure to use the code TalkDirt20 to get $20 off your order of $50 or more! Visit them at: 👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and leave Logan and Bobby Lee a 5-star review to keep the dirt talk rolling every week! Follow us on social media: Talk Dirt to Me Instagram: Bobby Lee: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- Logan: Facebook- Instagram- YouTube- /episode/index/show/talkdirttome/id/39105775

Talk Dirt to Me

TOPICS