In this heartfelt episode of Ag, Ammo & Adventure, Steve and Todd sit down with Southwest Iowa farming legends Varel and Jackie Bailey. With decades of experience in agriculture, the Baileys share stories of resilience, community, and the ever-changing landscape of rural life. Varel’s unmatched skill in fixing anything—from stubborn tractors to ancient gates—pairs with Jackie’s sharp wit, warm hospitality, and steady leadership on the home front. Together, they embody the grit and generosity that define Iowa’s farming heritage. This tribute captures not just their personal journey, but the enduring spirit of the people who keep rural communities thriving.

Hosts:

Steve Larson & Todd Coffelt

Music:
Partner in Crime - Pablo and Pour Decisions

Audio & Post-Production:
Rachel Yancey

Todd Coffelt and Steve Larsen recap attending the inaugural Truman Tough Charitable Fund golf outing, honoring 12-year-old Truman Barnes and raising money for children’s health charities. They swap humorous stories from the course—errant golf shots, deer sightings, and a surprise snapping turtle—before diving into summer field updates: planting late-season food plots, experimenting with corn and bean mixes, and preparing for hunting season. The conversation shifts to Iowa State Fair traditions, favorite foods, and the DNR’s new Maquoketa Cave exhibit. They finish with small-town stories, a lighthearted rant about marinara sauce, and plans for future interviews, craft beer chats, and the evolving “Liars Club” fan community.

Hosts:

Steve Larson & Todd Coffelt

Music:
Partner in Crime - Pablo and Pour Decisions

Audio & Post-Production:
Rachel Yancey

Hosts Steve Larsen and Todd Coffelt dig into a down-home conversation about farming, food plots, and deer hunting, blending practical advice with hilarious anecdotes from rural Iowa life. Here’s a rundown of the episode:

• Weather challenges (too much rain) are impacting hay cutting and planting schedules.
• Corn and soybeans are growing well, but food plot planting for deer has been delayed.
• Emphasis on flexibility: shifting planting dates and maybe even planting rice instead of corn due to soggy conditions.

• Ongoing learning from past mistakes (e.g., planting too late, frost damage).
• Everyone has different opinions on what should go into a food plot — from maximizing antler growth to improving hunting visibility.
• Comedic struggles with old equipment like a 4-row planter, planting beans with corn equipment, and dealing with unsolicited "coffee shop" advice.

• Longstanding hunting traditions with colorful nicknames for locations and people.
• Laugh-out-loud memories, like Steve botching his first hunt or someone shooting two deer with one bullet.
• Annual hunting rituals, like the goal to harvest 50 deer, pizza planning nights, and tracking who missed what.

• For 8 years, the crew has processed 12–14 deer carcasses annually in a friend’s heated garage.
• They’ve made everything from breakfast sausage to spicy summer sausage using meat science, not rocket science.
• Recurring themes: ghost pepper cheese, burnt ovens from pork fat, and neighbors dropping in to help (or drink).

• Names of hunting spots passed down through generations.
• Stories of “rookie mistakes” and cherished memories, especially honoring a veteran hunter, Larry Keller, facing health challenges.
• Group ribbing, confessions, laughter, and heartfelt wishes make this more than just hunting—it’s a brotherhood.

• Debate over Iowa’s group vs. party hunting definitions.
• Frustrations with gate etiquette and tag hoarding.
• Running jokes about unclaimed prize money, forgotten food plots, and shot opportunities missed.
  
  Hosts:

  Steve Larson & Todd Coffelt
  
  Music:
  Partner in Crime - Pablo and Pour Decisions
  
  Audio & Post-Production:
  Rachel Yancey