Looking forward to the 2025 growing season.

In this episode of the How We Grow podcast, Jon Griffel discusses the laws of the harvest, emphasizing the importance of action, consistency, and patience in both agriculture and personal growth. He outlines seven key laws that guide the process of sowing and reaping, drawing parallels between farming and life. The conversation highlights the necessity of taking ownership of one's actions, the impact of positive and negative habits, and the significance of perseverance in achieving success.

Matt Bouchher, a fourth-generation farmer from north central Illinois, discusses his experience coming back to the family farm and implementing new technologies and practices. He talks about the adoption of AutoSteer and the resistance he initially faced from his father, but eventually, they saw the value and embraced new ideas. Matt also shares the advancements in technology he has witnessed over the years, such as the transition from plowing to no-till and strip till, as well as the use of cover crops and variable rate seeding and fertilization. He emphasizes the importance of having an open mind and being willing to try new things, even if setbacks occur. Matt also discusses the balance between farming and family, allowing his children to choose their own paths while involving them in farm activities. Matt Boucher discusses the challenges of balancing farming and fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing family. He also highlights the unique stress and pressure that comes with being part of a multi-generational farm and the need for effective succession planning. Matt recommends the book Fahrenheit 451 for its foreshadowing of future societal issues. He shares his love for music, particularly Nickelback, and his favorite movie, Pure Country. Matt can be found on the Boucher Family Farms Facebook page and the Potential Ag Facebook group.

Trevor Maiers, a sixth-generation farmer, discusses his experience coming back to the family farm and the perspectives he gained from working with people from different countries. He highlights the challenges faced by Gen Z farmers, including high asset prices and interest rates, and the need for collaboration and organization to succeed in the industry. He also talks about the resilience of the direct-to-consumer beef business and the importance of knowing where food comes from. Trevor discusses the challenges and opportunities of running a direct-to-consumer beef business and the importance of targeting the younger demographic. He emphasizes the need for financial stability in the younger generation to sustain consistent sales and customer retention. Trevor also shares his experience of learning and adapting to the cattle feeding business, highlighting the importance of trial and error and finding solutions to problems. He discusses the emotional challenges of leading a major change in direction on the family farm and the support he received from multiple generations. Trevor recommends the books 'Americana' by Bhu Srinivasan, 'Pop Economics' by Eric Tyson, and 'The End of the World is Just the Beginning' by Peter Zeihan. He chooses George Strait as the musician he would listen to for the rest of his life and names 'Hell or High Water' as his favorite movie.

Garrett Williams, a fifth-generation family farmer and agronomist for Advanced Agrilytics, discusses his role in providing agronomic services and inputs to growers in southwest Indiana and southeast Illinois. He emphasizes the importance of being proactive in farm management and using technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Williams also talks about the value of his social media account, where he shares agronomic principles and practices with farmers and non-agriculturists. He highlights the need to go back to the basics of agronomy and adapt new fertility recommendations based on technological advancements. Williams discusses the challenges farmers face in staying up to date with rapidly changing university recommendations and the financial risks associated with adopting new practices. He explains how Advanced Agrilytics' Enterprise Report helps farmers analyze their data and make informed decisions. Williams also explores the role of farmers in contributing to their local communities, particularly through programs like 4-H and FFA.

Natalina Sents Bausch, the digital director of Successful Farming, shares her journey in agriculture and her passion for storytelling. She started her career by embarking on a year-long road trip to visit farmers in all 50 states, documenting their stories through blogs and photography. Natalina emphasizes the diversity within agriculture, from different crops to different farming practices. She also discusses the importance of leadership transition and the impact of mentors in her career. Natalina highlights the value of building relationships and connections in the industry. In this conversation, Natalina discusses the importance of self-awareness and reflection in personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the need to take responsibility for one's actions and to focus on what is within our control. Natalina also highlights the evolving landscape of agricultural communication, with farmers taking advantage of various platforms to share their stories and connect with consumers. She encourages individuals interested in the ag communication industry to start at the local level and gradually work their way up. Natalina emphasizes the power of listening and the importance of building relationships within the community. She also shares her love for farmers markets and the personal connection they provide between farmers and consumers. Finally, Natalina discusses the role of farmers in strengthening local communities and the need for generational thinking in agriculture.