Help STARS save Dan at rescueontheriver.ca ! 

STARS: Life-Saving Missions and Community Impact | 

Growing the Future Podcast S7 E9 

In this episode of 'Growing the Future Podcast,' host Dan Aberhart chats with Darren Entner, the Clinical Operations Manager at STARS in Regina. 

They dive into the vital role STARS plays in providing critical care in remote areas through air rescue missions. 

Dan also discusses his personal mission to raise $50,000 for STARS by participating in the 'Rescue on the River' campaign. 

With over 11 daily missions and nearly 4,000 in one year alone, the life-saving work of STARS is monumental. 

Discover how community support and innovative healthcare are making extraordinary impacts in rural Canada. 

00:00 Welcome to Growing the Future Podcast 

00:30 Personal Mission: Rescue on the River Campaign 

02:01 Introducing the Guest: Darren Entner from STARS 

04:11 Darren's Journey with STARS 

07:54 The Evolution and Impact of STARS 

14:25 Cutting-Edge Technology and Operations 

16:27 Mission Types and Procedures 

19:39 Scene Calls and Coordination 

21:35 Critical Care Logistics and Communication 

22:13 Challenges and Differences Across Provinces 

22:37 Manitoba's Unique Circumstances 

24:58 Mission Statistics and Busy Seasons 

27:44 Impactful Patient Stories 

31:48 Fundraising and Community Support 

34:02 Rescue on the River Event 

39:19 Concluding Remarks and Gratitude

Epic Solitude: A 122-Day Solo Canoe Expedition Across Canada's Wilderness | Growing the Future Podcast 

Join host Dan Aberhart on the Growing the Future Podcast for an awe-inspiring episode with special guest Calem Watson. 

In this episode, Caleb shares his incredible 122-day solo canoe expedition across the Northwest Territories, from Fort Smith to Tuktoyaktuk in the summer of 2023. 

Discover the compelling reasons behind his adventurous spirit, the profound solitude he experienced, the stunning wildlife encounters, and the motivation to pursue a career as a public speaker. 

Calem's journey offers invaluable lessons in resilience, courage, and the beauty of nature. 

Learn about his preparation, the kindness of strangers along the way, and the broader message of finding freedom and simplicity away from modern life's chaos. 

Tune in to hear Calem's story and be inspired to embrace adventure and follow your dreams. 

00:00 Welcome to Growing the Future Podcast 

01:52 Introducing the Esteemed Guest 

02:23 The 3000 Kilometer Solo Canoe Expedition 

03:57 The Motivation Behind the Adventure 

05:24 Experiencing Canada's Untamed Wilderness 

10:49 The Challenges and Rewards of Solo Travel 

16:17 Planning and Preparing for the Journey 

21:47 Sharing the Adventure and Inspiring Others 

31:28 Breaking into the Wilderness 

32:48 Wildlife Encounters 

33:31 Survival Diets and Pemmican 

37:18 Lessons from the Journey 

42:34 Indigenous Culture and Kindness 

47:32 Future Adventures and Reflections

What happens when you put bold ag tech in front of a panel of no-nonsense farmers and hand them the mic?

In the premiere episode of “What Farmers Want”—brought to you by Cornerstone Credit Union’s Rural Tech Act—host Dan Aberhart invites you to witness a high-stakes, Shark Tank-style pitch where Kyle Folk, Founder & CEO of GroundTruth Ag, makes his case for a new approach to on-farm grain grading automation.

But the decision isn’t up to investors. It’s up to the farmers.

This episode features direct, unfiltered feedback from a panel of respected Saskatchewan producers:

Matt Wallington – Hanover Ridge Farms

Brett Casavant – Cas-Grain Farms

Riley Kushniruk – K4 Ag

Scott Maurer – Maurer Family Grains

They ask the tough questions, challenge assumptions, and weigh in on whether this technology has what it takes to make it out of the shop and onto the farm.

💡 Highlights Include:

Why ag tech adoption so often misses the mark

The real-world challenges of grain grading and quality assessment

What it takes to earn the trust of producers

Live audience polling and Q&A participation

Is this the next game-changer—or just another gadget gathering dust? Listen in and decide for yourself.

Engineering Leadership & Innovation in Agriculture with Ryan Husband

Growing the Future Podcast S7E6 

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Husband, the mayor of Outlook, Saskatchewan, and the executive director of Irrigation Saskatchewan. Raised on a family farm, Ryan's journey to becoming a local leader, water management engineer, and co-owner of Husbandry Farms is full of grit and perseverance. 

From fighting fires to managing an orchard, Ryan's story is one of innovation and dedication to improving the agricultural industry. Join us as we discuss the complexities and rewards of irrigation, leadership in small-town Saskatchewan, and the future of farming. 

For more info on irrigation in Sk check out https://irrigationsask.com

Don't forget to check out our family of companies and stay tuned for exciting updates. 

Sign up for our newsletter and be part of our journey towards a more sustainable and innovative agricultural future. 

You won't want to miss this one! 

00:00 Welcome to Growing the Future Podcast 01:03 Introducing Today's Esteemed Guest 

02:23 Ryan Husband's Background and Journey 06:06 Engineering and Agricultural Career 

08:22 Challenges and Opportunities in Irrigation 13:01 Community Involvement and Leadership 

17:45 Outlook's Infrastructure and Future Plans 

20:34 The Importance of Irrigation in Saskatchewan 26:03 Comparing Irrigation in Saskatchewan and Alberta 

32:48 Outlook's Growth and Development 

48:27 Exploring the Concept of Irrigation 

48:39 The Vision of John Diefenbaker 

50:06 Current State of Irrigation in Saskatchewan 

51:37 Challenges and Solutions in Irrigation 

52:42 Gravity's Role in Irrigation 

55:03 Efficiency Improvements in Irrigation 

01:01:17 Getting Started with Irrigation 

01:21:52 Economic and Community Impact of Irrigation 

01:24:23 Leadership and Personal Growth 

01:30:36 Future of Irrigation and Final Thoughts

Soil Health Revolution: Unlocking the Potential Beneath Your Feet | Growing the Future Mastermind 

Join host Dan Aberhart in the 'Engine of the Soil Igniting the Evergreen Revolution' webinar as he speaks with Greg Patterson, CEO and founder of A&L Canada Laboratories. 

This webinar, presented by A&L Canada Laboratories and Growing the Future Productions, gathers a powerhouse of agronomic expertise to discuss soil health and its transformative potential in agriculture. 

Greg shares his 40 years of experience and unveils a comprehensive soil health series that will bring agronomic insights to farmers in Western Canada and beyond. 

The session explores the history of green revolutions, the importance of soil microbiomes, balanced fertility, and innovative techniques to boost crop yields while maintaining environmental sustainability. 

Engage with the discussion, learn about the groundbreaking Soil Health Index, and discover how proper soil management can revolutionize agricultural productivity. 

Stay tuned for future sessions and masterclasses aimed at elevating agronomy practices globally. 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction 

01:30 Excitement for Soil Health Series 

03:04 Greg Patterson's Vision and Goals 

06:00 Historical Overview of Fertility 06:18 The First Green Revolution 

08:23 The Second Green Revolution 

09:24 The Evergreen Revolution 

09:50 Plant-Microbe Interactions 

11:36 Soil Health and Microbial Activity 

16:18 Case Study: Potato Production 

19:49 A&L Biologicals and Soil Health 

25:56 Balanced Fertility and Nutrient Management 

33:14 Q&A Session: Soil Health and Fertility 

47:59 Impact of Agriculture on Organic Matter 

49:46 The Role of Sulfur in Soil Health 

52:47 Microbial Activity and Soil Moisture 

01:02:10 No-Till Farming and Soil Stratification 

01:09:29 Soil Health Index and Microbial Populations 

01:23:21 Introducing the Growing the Future Mastermind

Join Dan Aberhart on Growing the Future Productions as he discusses the volatile global fertilizer market in 2025 with Josh Linville, a trusted Fertilizer Market Analyst at Stonex. In this episode, they tackle the unpredictable fluctuations in fertilizer prices, including the impacts of tariffs, geopolitical events, and supply constraints. Josh provides a detailed analysis of the global factors affecting nitrogen, urea, potash, phosphate, and sulfur markets, and offers insights on how farmers and industry professionals can best navigate these challenges. Learn the current state of the market, predict future trends, and understand the complex forces at play in the agricultural sector.

00:00 Introduction to Global Fertilizer Market

00:26 Current Fertilizer Market Challenges

02:07 Audience Interaction and Questions

03:49 Josh Linville's Market Analysis

07:49 Global Supply Issues and Political Impacts

15:45 Middle East and Global Shipping Concerns

20:22 European Production and Market Dynamics

33:54 Technological Advances and Future Outlook

35:15 Phosphate Market and Tariff Implications

37:58 Understanding Market Signals

38:27 Global Phosphate Supply Issues

39:01 Impact of US Government Policies

40:07 China's Export Restrictions

43:52 India's Struggle with Subsidies

48:05 Internal Fertilizer Trade Dynamics

49:51 Tariffs and Market Reactions

54:05 Potash and Sulfur Market Insights

01:01:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this digital interactive event hosted by Dan Aberhart brought to you by Growing the Future Productions and Global Ag Risk Solutions, farming experts dive deep into the challenges Western Canadian farmers face amidst market volatility and climate unpredictability. 

The webinar features key speakers including Dave Sullivan from Global Ag Risk, Dean Klippenstein and Tyson Kenneth from MNP, and Carl DeConnick Smith, who is known for his contrarian yet effective farming strategies. T

he discussion covers crucial topics such as effective risk management, insurance options, agri-stability, forward pricing strategies, and the importance of having a well-thought-out plan. 

With live questions from an engaged audience, there are lots of actionable insights to fellow farmers striving for resilience and success. 

00:00 Welcome and Introduction 

00:46 Engaging the Audience 

01:15 Panelist Introductions 

03:15 Technical Difficulties and Chat Interaction

05:48 Starting the Discussion: State of the Union 

06:14 Insurance Options and Strategies 

17:39 Q&A Session 

19:06 New Farmer Challenges and Solutions 

28:46 Halfway Mark: Transition to Farmer's Perspective 

33:06 Forward Pricing and Crop Insurance 

34:37 Real-Life Examples and Benefits 

35:29 Multi-Layer Tools and Strategies 

36:31 Insurance in Action: Case Studies 

39:58 Understanding AgriStability and GARS 

42:24 Scenario Analysis and Decision Making 

52:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of the Growing the Future Podcast, Wade Barnes, founder of Farmer’s Edge, shares the raw and unfiltered story of his entrepreneurial journey—from the early days of pioneering precision agriculture to the pressure cooker of fundraising, navigating investor dynamics, and the hard lessons learned through an IPO.

🛠️ Key Topics Discussed:

• The highs and lows of raising capital and the hidden challenges of venture capital.
• The fear of growth and competition, and how it shaped business decisions.
• Insights into working with top investors like Kleiner Perkins, Mitsui, and Prem Watsa from Fairfax.
• Building a billion-dollar ag-tech company and the reality of public markets.
• How Farmer’s Edge became a leader in carbon offsets and the emerging potential of "insetting."
• The emotional and professional toll of losing control over his company.
• Wade’s thoughts on the future of farm data, AI, and why John Deere is leading the pack.
• His new venture, Ronin, and a return to the roots of higher-touch agronomy services.

🎧 Why You Should Listen:
Wade provides an honest look into the pressures of being a tech entrepreneur in agriculture, including what he would have done differently and why he believes a more personal touch with farmers is the key to success. Whether you're in agribusiness, tech, or just love a great entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and insights.

📌 Don't Forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share!

#GrowingTheFuture #FarmersEdge #WadeBarnes #AgTech #Entrepreneurship #CarbonOffsets #PrecisionAg #Ronin #VentureCapital #IPO

What happens when a small agtech company takes on the biggest names in agriculture?

In Part 2 of Wade Barnes' incredible journey, we dive into the high-stakes battle between Farmer’s Edge and industry giants like Monsanto, John Deere, and Nutrien. This isn't just a story about farming—it’s about corporate power, data wars, and the fight for the future of agriculture.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

• How Farmer’s Edge competed with billion-dollar corporations
• The deal with Nutrien that almost destroyed the company
• Why Monsanto was obsessed with farm data and precision ag
• How a single technology breakthrough changed everything
• The real reason venture capitalists and investors bet big on farming tech

📢 Tune in to hear the inside story from Wade Barnes on how he built, battled, and survived in an industry where the biggest players don’t like competition.

🎙️ Subscribe to Growing the Future Podcast for more deep dives into ag innovation, business, and entrepreneurship.

📲 Follow us for more content:
🔗 Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

#AgTech #Farming #StartupWars #MonsantoVsFarmers #PrecisionAg #JohnDeere

On this episode of Growing the Future Podcast, we sit down with Wade Barnes, a farm kid from Birtle, Manitoba, who forged his own path in agriculture, much like a samurai without a master. From humble beginnings working the land to building Farmer’s Edge, one of the most influential AgTech companies in Canada, Wade’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and taking on the establishment.

Wade didn’t follow a traditional roadmap—he challenged old ways of thinking, fought through skepticism, and built a business that changed how farmers manage their land. Without a blueprint, without guarantees, and without waiting for permission, he created something entirely new, proving that sometimes the best way forward is to carve your own path.

In this episode, we explore:

• The roots of precision ag – How GPS, satellite imagery, and hard-nosed agronomy changed the game.
• Pushing against the establishment – Why traditional experts doubted his approach and how he proved them wrong.
• The power of relationships – How key connections with industry leaders like Cam Henry and Mark Keating helped launch Farmer’s Edge.
• Scaling the business – The challenges of rapid growth, securing investment, and consolidating his vision.
• A masterclass in deal-making – How a business coach from Winnipeg gave Wade the tools to negotiate high-stakes partnerships.

This is Wade’s first-ever long-form podcast, offering a rare inside look at the lessons learned from building a company on the cutting edge of agriculture. His journey reflects the samurai mindset—self-reliant, disciplined, and unafraid to challenge convention.

Listen now and subscribe for Part 2 as we dive deeper into the story of innovation, persistence, and the future of digital agriculture.

00:00 Introduction to Precision Agriculture

01:07 Welcome to the Growing the Future Podcast

02:46 Meet Wade Barnes: A Visionary in Ag Tech

03:32 Wade's Early Life and Farming Roots

05:57 The Birth of Farmer's Edge

12:39 Challenges and Innovations in Precision Ag

19:47 Scaling Up and Industry Recognition

29:48 Consolidation and Growth

38:23 Key Partnerships and Business Lessons