In this engaging episode, we sit down with Lester Jones, the Vice President of Analytics and Chief Economist for the National Beer Wholesalers Association. We dive into the fascinating world of beer and alcohol, exploring the evolution of consumer preferences and the impact on the industry. Lester shares insights on the history of beer consumption, the rise of craft breweries, and the changing landscape of alcohol choices. From the economics of distribution to the cultural significance of beer, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of the beverage industry. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just curious about the trends shaping the market, this conversation is sure to enlighten and entertain. 

 Please join us on this week’s Agronomists Happy Hour as we sit down with Dan Sem, General Manager of Dakota Agronomy Partners. With decades of hands‑on experience in grain marketing and fertilizer management, Dan brings a rare blend of big‑picture strategy and field‑level know‑how. He’s seen the industry evolve from slow‑turn elevators to today’s high‑speed, data‑driven operations, and he’s here to share what’s working—and what isn’t—as farmers contend with shifting global supply chains, unpredictable weather, and the ever‑present need to manage risk. 

In our conversation, Dan opens up about balancing price‑hedging tactics with on‑the‑ground realities, the logistical puzzles that keep him up at night, and why building a strong workplace culture is just as crucial as choosing the right product. Whether you’re wrestling with spring seeding timelines or scouting for talent in a tight labor market, Dan’s insights will help you sharpen your decision‑making toolkit and stay ahead of the curve. Tune in for an honest, entertaining look at modern agriculture straight from the front lines. 

In this Agronomists Happy Hour, Joseph Atha (which Jason and Kyle butcher the pronunciation of Atha many times this episode) shares his journey from Indiana to Minnesota, where he now runs North Point Agronomy. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in managing diverse crops like perennial ryegrass, the importance of community and networking in the agronomy field, and the balance between work and family life in rural Minnesota. Joseph also reflects on his experiences in the Boundary Waters, highlighting the joys and challenges of outdoor adventures with his family. They delve into precision agriculture techniques, emphasizing the efficiency of soil sampling and innovative approaches to agronomy. The discussion highlights the value of collaboration and community among soil samplers, as well as the potential for future events that bring together professionals in the field. 

Kyle and Jason welcome back Gary Lezak, the owner of Weather 2020 to happy hour.  Gary shares his journey from a TV meteorologist to the founder of Weather 2020, discussing the evolution of weather prediction technology and the development of the Global Predictor app. The conversation highlights the importance of accurate weather forecasting for agriculture, the impact of weather patterns on farming, and the role of technology in enhancing prediction accuracy. Listeners gain insights into the challenges and successes of long-range forecasting, as well as the significance of understanding local weather patterns. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of weather forecasting, particularly focusing on the LRC model and its implications for agriculture. They discuss the accuracy of long-range predictions, the integration of AI in weather models, and the importance of understanding weather patterns for effective crop management. The conversation also touches on the significance of events like Commodity Classic in fostering connections within the agricultural community. 

For happy hour we meet up with Bryn & Allison from Farm TRX, an ag tech business based out of Ottawa with roots in the prairies of Saskatchewan. Farm TRX offers a simple and yet very effective DIY style yield and moisture monitoring system that really makes collecting yield data on any combine very easy. Come listen along for their story and the places that making a yield monitor system has taken them.   

 In this conversation, Leo Bortolon shares his journey from Brazil to North Dakota, discussing his extensive background in agriculture, particularly in soil fertility and sustainable farming practices. He highlights his research on cover crops, biostimulants, and the importance of adapting agricultural practices to local conditions. Leo emphasizes the need for better data and legislation to support farmers in adopting innovative practices and improving soil health. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of agricultural trials, the role of biological products, and the importance of research in understanding soil health and crop performance. They discuss the challenges faced in product development, the need for collaboration between farmers and researchers, and the significance of transparency in agricultural practices. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity for critical evaluation of biological products and the importance of building a solid database to support farmers in making informed decisions. 

In this conversation, Nathan Faleide shares his unique insights into the world of Ag Tech, discussing his upbringing in agriculture, the evolution of technology in farming, and the challenges of adoption among farmers. He emphasizes the disconnect between tech developers and the practical needs of farmers, highlighting the importance of understanding the end-user experience. The discussion also touches on the corporate landscape of Ag Tech, the complexities of software development, and the reality of integrating technology into farming practices. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges of technology adoption in agriculture, emphasizing the disconnect between the technology provided and the farmers' needs. They explore market dynamics affecting farming practices, the importance of global perspectives on agricultural innovation, and the necessity for farmers to adapt to changing market conditions. The conversation highlights the significance of diverse experiences in agriculture and the shift in focus from quantity to quality in production. Nathan discusses further the evolving landscape of agriculture, emphasizing the importance of technology, community engagement, and transparency in farming practices. He highlights the need for farmers to adapt to changing market demands and consumer preferences, advocating for innovative approaches that prioritize quality and local markets. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by small farms and the necessity of collaboration within rural communities to ensure sustainability and growth in the agricultural sector.

Jason and Kyle go on a little riff for happy hour and have a conversation on a hot button issue (no over the top dicamba in 2025 for soybeans). 

This weeks happy hour is with Reggie Strickland, who farms in eastern North Carolina near the town of Mt. Olive (yes the same Mt. Olive you see on the pickle jar in your fridge). Reggie shares about the lasting impacts of hurricanes to farming and surrounding communities. As we go further into conversation we get to learn more about their farm of corn, soybeans, pickling cucumbers, sweet potatoes, tobacco, swine, and turkeys. 

In this episode, guests Kelsey and Paisley VanOverbeke discuss their experiences in agriculture, particularly focusing on forages and alfalfa management. They explore the dynamics of family farming, the challenges faced in the industry, and the importance of teamwork in managing large-scale operations. The conversation delves into the growth of dairy farming in their area, the intricacies of crop management, pest identification, and the significance of irrigation and cutting schedules for alfalfa crops. The episode highlights the evolving landscape of agriculture, and the commitment required to succeed in this field. In this engaging conversation, Kelsey and Paisley share their experiences and preferences in fishing and hunting, discuss the importance of food plot management, and delve into innovative crop trials that enhance agricultural practices. They emphasize the significance of nutrient management in alfalfa production and the balance between tonnage and quality in crop production. The discussion also highlights the role of family in agriculture, showcasing how children can be involved and learn from their parents' work in the field. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of agriculture and the importance of relationships within the industry.