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In this episode, we visit with Bart and Shana Beattie, innovative farmers and livestock producers near Sumner, Nebraska, whose family has been farming the same land for more than 100 years. Bart is the fifth generation to work the family farm, with their four children representing the sixth. While deeply rooted in tradition, the Beatties have embraced technology, innovation, and new opportunities to keep their operation thriving for future generations. Shana, a Florida native who has enthusiastically adopted Nebraska as home (while still rooting for her Florida Gators), brings her own unique perspective and passion for agriculture and rural communities. It's a conversation about family, farming, livestock, and what makes Nebraska such a special place to call home.

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In this episode we visit with Andy Chvatal, Executive Director of the Nebraska Soybean Board, to explore the remarkable impact of one of Nebraska's most important—and often underappreciated—crops. From his roots growing up on a family farm near Malmo, Nebraska, to leading efforts to expand markets and drive innovation, Andy shares his journey and insights into the soybean industry. We discuss the economic importance of soybeans to Nebraska, the challenges and opportunities facing producers, and the surprising ways this humble little bean is being transformed into everything from livestock feed and renewable fuels to countless everyday products. It's a conversation about agriculture, innovation, and the big impact of a small bean on Nebraska's economy, communities, and future.

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In this episode, we sit down with Whitney Heuermann, a Central City native whose journey took her from Nebraska Christian and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources all the way to Pepperdine Law School in Malibu, California—and ultimately back home to Nebraska to practice law at Rembolt Ludtke. Whitney shares how growing up in rural Nebraska shaped her values, why she remains committed to supporting the school and community that invested in her, what drew her from agriculture to the law, and what she learned from leaving Nebraska and experiencing life on the West Coast. We also talk about why she chose to come home, what she loves about practicing law, and what Nebraska communities can do to give talented young people a reason to build their careers and futures right here at home. 

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 In this episode, we sit down with Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton and State Veterinarian Dr. Roger Dudley to discuss the work being done to protect Nebraska agriculture from emerging animal health threats. From New World Screwworm and invasive ticks to the ever-present risk of foreign animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, Sherry and Roger explain how Nebraska monitors, prepares for and responds to threats that could have devastating consequences for livestock producers, agricultural markets and the state’s economy. We also explore the critical partnership among farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and government agencies—and why protecting animal health is a national security issue and ultimately about protecting Nebraska’s largest industry and the safe, abundant food supply we all depend on. 

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In this episode, we sit down with Seth Mitchell, Executive Director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, to talk about the state of Nebraska’s pork industry and the tremendous opportunities ahead. From bacon and pork chops to an industry that supports thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, pork plays an important role in Nebraska agriculture. Seth explains why Nebraska—with its abundant corn and soybeans, ethanol industry, livestock expertise and rural communities—is uniquely positioned to grow pork production and add more value to the commodities we already produce. We also discuss the challenges facing producers, including labor, trade, regulation, animal health and public perception, along with what the future could hold for pork production in Nebraska. 

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In this episode we sit down with Tom and Laura Field, a husband-and-wife team whose careers, family, and lives are deeply connected to Nebraska agriculture.

Tom serves as Director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he works with the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders who will shape the future of agriculture and rural Nebraska. Laura serves as Executive Vice President of the Nebraska Cattlemen, representing the farmers, ranchers, and cattle producers at the heart of Nebraska’s largest industry.

Together, Tom and Laura offer a unique perspective on where Nebraska agriculture has been, where it’s headed, and the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation.

We talk about their individual paths into agriculture, how Nebraska became home, the work they’re doing to strengthen the state’s agricultural future, and what they’re seeing from young people across Nebraska. We also get beyond their professional titles to talk about marriage, raising two young children, balancing demanding careers, and what they’ve learned from one another along the way.

It’s a conversation about agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership, family, and building a life with purpose in Nebraska.

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In this episode we sit down with Dr. Deb VanOverbeke, head of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Department of Animal Science, to discuss her journey from growing up on a Nebraska farm to leading one of the nation's premier animal science programs. We explore why Nebraska's unique combination of water, abundant grain production, grasslands, open space, and agricultural expertise makes it a global leader in livestock production, as well as the research, innovation, and student education taking place at UNL to strengthen the future of animal agriculture. Whether you're involved in agriculture or simply curious about how Nebraska helps feed the world, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the people and science driving one of the state's greatest strengths.

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Most Nebraskans have never heard of the Board of Educational Lands and Funds, and even fewer understand its remarkable history or its impact on public education. In this episode, Kelly Sudbeck, CEO and Executive Secretary of the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds, explains how a land trust created before Nebraska became a state continues to generate millions of dollars for public schools across the state. Growing up on a northeast Nebraska farm and later practicing law in Cozad, Sudbeck brings a unique perspective to leading one of Nebraska's most important yet least understood institutions. He discusses the Board's mission, the management of more than a million acres of trust land, the opportunities and challenges facing Nebraska's school land trust, and why stewardship today matters for generations of students to come. 

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In this special episode, Tom Ortiz, Tim Ortiz, Teresa Chaffin, and Torri Lienemann share the remarkable Nebraska story of their parents, Fernando and Elnore Ortiz. From Fernando's humble beginnings in Lincoln and his service in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions, to a 61-year marriage built on faith, family, and service to others, the Ortiz family reflects on a legacy that touched countless lives across Lancaster County. They discuss the recent loss of their father, their mother's inspiring recovery following a serious accident, and the values that continue to guide their family today. This is a conversation that captures the very best of Nebraska. 

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In this episode we sit down with Dr. Sean Carr, President and CEO of MTE Biotech, to explore how Nebraska-based innovation is helping shape the future of renewable energy. Dr. Carr discusses how MTE uses extreme microbes and advanced enzyme technology to convert agricultural waste into more efficient biofuels and sustainable energy solutions. The conversation covers the intersection of biotechnology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and energy independence — and why Nebraska is uniquely positioned to lead the next wave of biotech innovation. From startup challenges to the future of clean energy, this episode highlights how world-changing science is happening right here in Nebraska.