Successful Farming Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How One Iowa Farmer Is Revitalizing Her Rural Community May 19, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Lisa Foust Prater talks with Melissa Nelson, a northwest Iowa farmer, mom, and internship coordinator at Morningside University. Melissa shares her journey from growing up on a Nebraska cattle operation to her current role supporting ag students and running a greeting card business. She also discusses her ‘Wait for Me’ farm safety initiative for kids and the Rural Route Ramble—an event she helped create that draws thousands to shop local and connect with small businesses. Lisa and Melissa dive into the importance of rural arts, community collaboration, and how small events can spark big change in revitalizing rural life.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saturday Short: Tips to Prevent Baler Fires May 17, 2025

Show notes

Baling hay is hot, dusty work. Equipment can get overheated too, and a spark from the baler could quickly ignite the machine and the entire hay field. Use these tips to prevent baler fires.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Balers, Forage Harvesters and Trucking: Trends and Insights May 12, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the Successful Farming Podcast. In today’s episode, machinery expert Dave Mowitz sits down with Andy Campbell, Director of Insights at Tractor Zoom, to talk about trends in the agricultural equipment market, with a close look at balers, forage harvesters, and the trucking industry. They dive into the impact of drought on livestock and forage production, how herd size and regional preferences influence equipment demand, and what to watch for when evaluating used balers—including bale counters, wear indicators, and auction pricing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saturday Short: Tips for Scouting Cutworms May 10, 2025

Show notes

The black cutworm is a nemesis of corn and even soybean growers. Tune in as an Extension entomologist details the damage they can do, how to detect them, and when and how to combat them.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scouting Smart: How to Stay Ahead of Wheat Scab May 05, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Laurie Boyer talks with Dr. Carl Bradley, Plant Pathologist at the University of Kentucky, about managing Fusarium head blight—or scab—in wheat. They discuss scouting tips, ideal fungicide timing, variety resistance, and how forecasting tools can help reduce DON levels and protect grain quality during harvest.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saturday Short: Prepare for Japanese Beetles May 03, 2025

Show notes

Japanese beetles will be arriving soon in many areas of the country. Tune in to learn about how you can craft a plan of attack to protect your plants, trees, and crops.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crop Shifts and Market Discipline: What Farmers Need to Know for 2025 Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In todays episode, commodity market expert Al Kluis discuss the agricultural landscape for 2025 with fellow market expert Mark Mason, focusing on corn and soybean yields, acreage shifts, and market strategies. They analyze USDA reports, planting conditions, and the impact of weather on crop profitability. The discussion also covers long-term market projections and the importance of staying disciplined in volatile markets.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saturday Short: Terminating Cover Crops Apr 26, 2025

Show notes

As planting season gets closer, have a plan for terminating over-wintered cover crops. You can even "plant green" into cover crops and terminate the cover crops shortly thereafter. Try these expert tips.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Passing Down the Land: A Story of Mentorship and Stewardship Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, Lisa Foust Prater talks with Shaun and Linda Gillilland about their experience farming in New York’s Adirondack Park and how they balance conservation with raising livestock. The couple shares how mentorship shaped their approach, the challenges of selling meat directly to consumers, and how they’re building community through innovative practices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Saturday Short: Try These Tips to Reduce Stress Apr 19, 2025

Show notes

Are you a farmer working long hours and can't find time for yourself? You need a break. Here's how to reduce the stress of time.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices