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

From Father to Son: Preston Marthey's Water Management Legacy 

In this heartfelt episode of the Growing the Future podcast, host Dan Aberhart reconnects with Preston Marthey, a Territory Manager for CropX. 

Join us as Preston shares his inspiring journey from high school 'wild child' to an innovator in the precision ag industry, stepping into the huge shoes left behind by his father, Big Dave. 

Dive into the rich history of water management, the evolution of precision agriculture, and the transformative power of ag tech. Witness the strong familial bonds and core values that drive Preston's passion for sustainable farming practices, as well as the cutting-edge solutions he's bringing to farmers across North America. 

Tune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, wit, and a touch of nostalgia, celebrating the past while paving the way for the future of agriculture. 

00:00 Welcome to Growing the Future Podcast 

02:25 Introducing Today's Guest: Preston Marthey 

03:12 Preston's Early Journey in Agriculture 

06:23 Technological Shifts in Precision Agriculture 

09:39 Generational Wisdom and Business Evolution 

13:15 Challenges and Innovations in Water Management 

26:39 Balancing Family and Work in Agriculture 

31:38 The Art and Science of Land Forming 

47:04 Balancing Simplicity and Precision in Farming 

47:28 The Impact of OptiSurface on Land Leveling 

48:10 Challenges and Solutions in Soil Management 

50:14 Regional Differences in Agricultural Practices 

53:33 The Importance of Precision Investment 

55:17 Nutrient Management and Technology Integration 

01:10:06 Mentorship and Personal Growth in Agriculture 

01:27:40 Final Thoughts and Reflections

📩 Contact Preston: [email protected] | 📞 +1 (870) 819-7151

https://www.linkedin.com/in/preston-marthey-6a3830128/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

www.cropx.com

Benny shares a deeply personal and transformative story about losing his younger brother in 2021—a tragedy that profoundly shaped his life. His brother was murdered during a drug deal gone wrong, a moment that shook his family to the core. Benny reflected on how he hadn’t spoken openly about his own struggles and the lessons he’d learned in his younger years, and he wondered if being more vulnerable could have made a difference. 

This heartbreaking experience led Benny to two life-changing realizations: 

1. His Business Didn’t Need Him Every Day: At the time of his brother’s death, Benny had implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in his company, which allowed it to function without his constant oversight. For the first time, he saw how freeing it was to detach his identity from his business. It gave him the space to step away and be present for his grieving family without the pressure of everything falling apart. 

2. He Needed a Greater Purpose: The loss forced Benny to ask himself a tough question: Is running a roofing company all I’m meant to do? He realized his true calling was to share his story with others—stories of resilience, vulnerability, and finding purpose beyond work. This moment inspired him to launch a podcast, take the stage at speaking events, and help others navigate their own challenges. Benny’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of separating our identity from our work and creating space to live authentically and fully. 

He’ll be sharing this deeply personal story—and the lessons he’s learned—at the upcoming Convergence Conference 2025 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Benny’s keynote promises to inspire, challenge, and help attendees see the bigger picture in both their business and personal lives. If you’re ready to reflect, grow, and start 2025 with a fresh perspective, don’t miss Benny Fisher at Convergence Conference. It’s a message you need to hear.

In this episode host Dan Aberhart chats with Warren Bills and his little brother Terry Aberhart ... the Visionary/Integrator and Simplifier/Multiplier team who have transformed the Western Canadian agricultural industry thought their various endeavours together. 

They talk about their on their collaborative journey, the formation of their numerous agribusiness ventures, and the importance of aligning with values-driven partners. 

This conversation covers the launch of Convergence Growth, their experience with AgriTrend, insights into the MNP Ag Intellect initiative, and the establishment of Aberhart Group. 

The episode also previews the upcoming Convergence Conference 2025, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in agriculture. 

Join us for an inspiring dialogue on making a meaningful impact in agriculture while maintaining personal well-being and strong community ties. 

00:00 Catalyst for Change: Embracing New Beginnings 

00:43 Welcome to Growing the Future Podcast 

02:06 Introducing Esteemed Guests: Warren Bills and Terry Aberhart 

04:01 The Journey Begins: Warren and Terry's Backstory 

12:14 Agritrend and Its Impact 

16:46 Convergence Growth: A New Vision

27:54 MNP Ag Intellect: A Collaborative Future 

35:39 Aberhart Group: Family and Business Synergy 

40:25 Convergence Conference: Join the Movement 

47:09 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode of the Growing the Future podcast, host Dan Aberhart interviews Sara Shymko, the executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) Saskatchewan. 

They discuss the importance of creating hands-on educational opportunities for students to explore careers in agriculture. Sara shares insights from her global experience and emphasizes the need to connect kids with meaningful food experiences to understand the local and global impacts of agriculture. 

The conversation highlights the Acres for Education campaign aimed at raising $100,000 to provide farm visits and out-of-school experiences for students. This episode underscores the critical need to inspire future generations to consider careers in agriculture and the collective effort required from the industry. 

Connect with Sara: 

Website: https://aitc-canada.ca/en-ca/ 

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AITCCanada/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AITCCanada

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aitccanada/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbDjICByAj9euDpyUMb9aZg 

 Family of Companies:

https://aberhartagsolutions.ca 
https://aberhartfarms.com 

https://suregrowth.ca 

https://www.convergencegrowth.com

 Connect with us on AGvisorPro: https://getagvisorpro.com/?_branch_match_id=1190325681402129952&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZNLCjQS0wvyyzOLyooytdLzs%2FVT0xKLcpILCrRTUnMAwC2pzF0LAAAAA%3D%3D 

If you want to be part of the Growing the Future community, make sure to say hi on social at: https://linktr.ee/Growingthefuturepodcast

In this episode of the Growing the Future podcast, host Terry invites Rick Block from the Canadian Food Grains Bank to discuss the organization's impactful work in global food security. 

They share their personal experiences abroad, the history and mission of the Canadian Food Grains Bank, and the innovative Grow Hope initiative. Terry’s son Holden shares his unique perspective as a young man engaged in these critical issues. 

This is all about giving, the importance of relationships, and how small acts can have profound impacts on communities around the world. 

“The Full Man Does Not Understand the Wants of the Hungry” - Irish Proverb 

Connect with Rick: 

Website: https://foodgrainsbank.ca 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CanadianFoodgrainsBank 

X: https://x.com/Foodgrains 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodgrains 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/foodgrainsbank 

Aberhart Family of Companies: 

https://aberhartagsolutions.ca 

https://aberhartfarms.com 

https://suregrowth.ca 

https://www.convergencegrowth.com 

Connect with us on AGvisorPro: https://link-app.agvisorpro.com/aberhart-dan 

If you want to be part of the Growing the Future community, make sure to say hi on social at: https://linktr.ee/Growingthefuturepodcast

Arthur’s story starts simple: a family farm, a small-town upbringing, and a job managing dealerships where loyalty wasn’t handed out, it was earned. As the dealerships grew, so did Arthur, taking on bigger roles until he eventually became President of Pattison Agriculture, responsible for 17 John Deere dealerships across Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It was more than just tractors—it was about building relationships, managing people, and proving you could hit your numbers no matter the season. Along the way, Arthur learned that customer satisfaction wasn’t just a strategy—it was survival. And survival’s a skill you don’t forget.

But it didn’t stop there. The Jim Pattison Group, a corporate giant with over 48,000 employees across 25 industries, saw something in him. Arthur became one of Pattison’s Vice Presidents, sitting at the same table as one of Canada’s most iconic businessmen. Jim Pattison’s leadership was simple and sharp: “Spend money like it’s your own,” and “Don’t do anything you wouldn’t want on the front page of the newspaper.” It was the kind of no-frills wisdom that fit Arthur like a glove.

In this episode, Arthur reflects on:

The lessons learned from farming and how they carried over into running dealerships and corporate boardrooms.

The challenges of balancing old-school agriculture with new business realities, including scaling operations while holding onto small-town values.

What he took away from working with one of Canada’s sharpest business minds—and why the hardest part wasn’t making it to the top, but staying there.

Now, Arthur’s back on prairie soil, working with Aberhart Group to build something real—businesses that serve their people, their customers, and the land. He’s traded in the skyscrapers for Saskatchewan sunsets, but the fight’s still the same: do right by people, take care of the customer, and build something that lasts.

Tune in for a conversation that’s as much about grit as it is about growth. Arthur’s journey is proof that whether you’re on a tractor or in a boardroom, it all comes down to knowing the value of hard work and the power of doing things the right way.

0:00 Introduction and Core Values

00:33 Welcome to the Growing the Future Podcast

00:48 Introducing Today's Esteemed Guest

01:15 Family of Companies Overview

02:09 Arthur Ward's Early Life and Career Beginnings

04:48 Transition to Agricultural Sales

07:36 Challenges and Successes in the Ag Industry

11:14 Leadership and Coaching Philosophy

18:00 Joining the Jim Pattison Group

18:51 Innovations and Future Plans

41:52 Adapting to Market Changes

43:19 Lessons from Farming

45:25 Unexpected Life Changes

48:33 Joining the Aberhart Group

53:45 The Role of Chief Integration Officer

56:51 Future Goals and Reflections

57:36 Rapid Fire Business Insights

01:02:29 Building Sustainable Businesses

01:14:02 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

Aberhart Family of Companies:

https://aberhartgroup.com

https://aberhartagsolutions.ca

https://aberhartfarms.com

https://www.convergencegrowth.com

Connect with us on AGvisorPro: https://link-app.agvisorpro.com/aberhart-dan

If you want to be part of the Growing the Future community, make sure to say hi on social at: https://linktr.ee/Growingthefuturepodcast

Ready to learn, unlearn, and relearn how you run your farm? 

In this episode of the Growing the Future Podcast, Matt Gosling breaks down many different concepts that every farmer should have the opportunity to hear. 

From balancing nitrogen, to building dynamic soil zones, to challenging the status quo, Matt shares his 21 years of hands-on experience in agronomy, offering practical insights for treating your farm like the multi-million dollar business it is. 

These aren’t just theories—they’re hard-earned lessons on soil health, smart decision-making, and innovation that will push your farm to the next level. Hear how mentorship, continual learning, and entrepreneurial spirit are shaping the future of farming—plus, why family and purpose are just as important as innovation. 

Explore the future of farming with AI, data, and proven agronomy practices.  

Subscribe now to learn the keys to smarter, more profitable farming!

Connect with Matt:

Website: https://www.premiumag.ca/ 

Twitter: https://x.com/PremiumAg
 

Aberhart Family of Companies:

https://aberhartagsolutions.ca

https://aberhartfarms.com

https://suregrowth.ca

https://www.convergencegrowth.com

Connect with us on AGvisorPro: https://link-app.agvisorpro.com/aberhart-dan

If you want to be part of the Growing the Future community, make sure to say hi on social at: https://linktr.ee/Growingthefuturepodcast