Agronomists Happy Hour

Whether you're a producer looking to optimize your yield, a foodie craving cleaner ingredients, or just curious about what’s in your flour, this episode will help you understand the journey of wheat from field to table.

Jason and Bridgette decide who's planting, who's not. Cab entertainment recommendations such as podcasts, what we're reading and why didn't anyone drink a beer in this episode?? 

Discover how a versatile career, from agronomy in the Red River Valley to leading the Northern Crops Institute, shapes the next wave of crop utilization, product development, and market expansion.

We're kicking off the 2026 growing season with an update..... who's that new voice? What are Kyle and Jason doing this season? You'll find us with a beer, our favorite book and a plan for the upcoming year!

 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.