In this episode of Shark Farmer, Rob talks with Chandler Janes of Urbana, Illinois about life, farming, faith, and the path that shaped her career in agriculture. Chandler shares how growing up in central Illinois, losing her dad unexpectedly at a young age, and finding her place on the family farm influenced both her personal life and professional journey.They kick things off with a lively conversation about Beck's Hybrids' big event and the energy of ag shows, including how farmers and ag professionals tend to bring a more positive attitude than the average trade show crowd. Chandler, who works on the digital marketing team at Beck's, talks about the trust farmers place in seed decisions and how the rewards program has helped build long-term confidence on her farm.From there, the conversation turns more personal. Chandler opens up about studying agriculture leadership education at the University of Illinois, then earning a master's degree in agriculture production after her father passed away unexpectedly when she was 20. She talks honestly about grief, faith, and how the loss pushed her to stay close to home, support the family farm, and build a life in Champaign-Urbana.The episode also explores:

• Chandler's role in agriculture marketing and social media
• Her experience working for an ag agency and Precision Planting
• A memorable trip to Germany through an agriculture policy program
• How she and her husband Connor learned to farm together
• The realities of raising a young child while balancing work and farm life
• Why authenticity matters more than polish in interviews and leadership

Chandler's perspective is grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest. She talks about resilience not as a buzzword, but as something shaped by real life — tragedy, responsibility, family, and choosing to keep moving forward.

• Farm shows and ag events can create a uniquely positive, community-driven atmosphere.
• Loss and adversity can reshape career direction and personal purpose.
• Authenticity builds stronger connection than a polished persona.
• Expanding your network and job shadowing are powerful ways to enter agriculture careers.
• Family, faith, and adaptability are central to Chandler's life and work.

• Resilience after loss
• Faith in difficult seasons
• Family farming and shared responsibility
• Agriculture careers for young women
• Marketing, communication, and leadership in ag

Chandler Janes is an agriculture marketing professional from Urbana, Illinois, with experience in social media, paid media, dealership marketing, and ag communications. She works for Beck's Hybrids and remains closely involved in her family farm while balancing work, motherhood, and community life.

Rob Sharkey interviews Sam Goldberg about his journey from acting to creating impactful media about agriculture, focusing on the series Perfect Sundays. They discuss the importance of authentic storytelling in farming, addressing mental health, family dynamics, and supporting rural communities.

key topics

• The transition from acting to farm media
• The making of Perfect Sundays and its themes
• The importance of authentic storytelling in agriculture
• Addressing mental health and family dynamics in farming
• The role of community and industry support in farm media
• The impact of storytelling on farm safety and mental health awareness
• Partnerships with agricultural companies like Sukup
• The significance of farm authenticity and avoiding stereotypes
• Engagement with farmers and rural communities
• Future projects and community events for farm storytelling

Chapters

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews agriculture journalist Chris Bennett about the hidden stories of farming, wildlife encounters, and the complexities of agricultural media. They explore fascinating tales from the field, the challenges of investigative reporting, and the unique culture of rural America.

key topics

• The role of storytelling in agriculture
• Wild pig attacks and their impact
• Historical mysteries like the lady in red
• Crop insurance fraud schemes
• Challenges of investigative journalism in farming
• The culture and biases of agriculture media
• The importance of authentic farm stories
• Wildlife interactions and their dangers
• The influence of history on modern farming
• The complexity of rural law enforcement

Chapters

Have a listen as we talk with Bo Allen about how he started a custome harvest busness in Ohio

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews Loran Steinlage from West Union, Iowa, exploring innovative farming practices, soil health, crop diversification, and the future of agriculture. Discover insights on relay cropping, cover crops, data-driven farming, and industry collaborations that are shaping sustainable agriculture.

key topics

• Relay cropping and its benefits
• Soil health and carbon sequestration
• Use of cover crops like cereal rye and annual ryegrass
• Data collection and farm management technology
• Industry collaboration and biofuel policies
• Farm diversification and crop rotation strategies
• Challenges and solutions in modern farming
• Farmer mentorship and community engagement

Takeaways

Relay cropping can produce three cash crops a year, boosting income. Cover crops like cereal rye improve soil structure and reduce weeds. Data collection with soil sensors shows soil health is improving. Industry engagement helps farmers adopt new technologies. Farmers can balance profitability with sustainability.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest overview 02:02 Farm history and crop diversification 03:58 Industry events and technology showcases 06:50 Relay cropping and soil health benefits 12:06 Data collection and farm management 15:54 Soil improvement and cover crop strategies 21:11 Industry collaboration and policy insights 27:52 Farmers' perspectives on innovation 34:58 Future trends and industry partnerships 42:05 Closing thoughts and farmer advice

In this episode, we explore the journey of Jeremy's Matuszewski sons, TJ and Bobby, as they transition into the family business, Thunderstruck. We discuss their experiences with farm shows, product innovation, and balancing sports, coaching, and work, highlighting the importance of family, innovation, and industry connections.

Key topics

• Transition from non-ag backgrounds to family business
• Farm show strategies and customer engagement
• Product innovation and design in agriculture
• Balancing sports, coaching, and work commitments
• Family dynamics and succession in agriculture

Chapters

Join us as we explore the journey of third-generation farmers Brittany and Calvin Beasley of Beasley Orchard in Indiana. Discover their diverse crop operations, agritourism strategies, and how they navigate modern farming challenges while sharing insights into sustainable practices and community engagement.

key topics

• Diversification of crops and agritourism activities
• Challenges of farming near suburban development
• Family farm legacy and succession planning
• Use of technology and innovative practices in farming
• Labor management and H2A visa program
• Marketing and community engagement strategies

Chapters

In this episode Laney and Joseph Harvick talk about their journey from Texas to Missouri, their innovative farming practices, community engagement, and overcoming storm-related setbacks. Discover practical advice for aspiring farmers and insights into building a successful local food business.

key topics

• Journey from Texas to Missouri
• Community engagement and building trust
• Transition from plant nursery to food production
• Diversification of farm income streams
• Farm resilience and storm recovery
• Farm education and community classes
• Building relationships with local restaurants and institutions
• Farm mentorship and advice for new farmers

takeaways

• Building trust in a new community takes time and effort.
• Diversifying income streams is key to farm success.
• Community involvement and education foster local support.
• Resilience and adaptability are crucial after setbacks.
• Personal relationships are vital for business growth.

Chapters

Join us as we explore the California grape industry with Kyle Collins, manager of North Valley Operations at Allied Grape Growers. We discuss vineyard management, industry challenges, market dynamics, and the future of American wine.

• California grape industry overview
• Role of cooperatives in wine production
• Market and legislative challenges for American wine
• Grape varieties and vineyard management
• Industry impact of global wine glut

Chapters

Are you ready to be inspired by a man who embodies resilience, passion, and authenticity? Meet Jake Jacobs — a fifth-generation Tennessee farmer and construction mogul whose story is as raw as it is motivating. This episode isn't just about farming; it's about living with purpose, embracing every challenge, and pushing the boundaries of what hard work can achieve.

• Jake's journey from farming to building a multi-faceted empire in construction and horses
• How his family heritage shapes his identity and business decisions
• The fascinating world of Tennessee walking horses and the deep roots of horse culture in Murfreesboro
• The innovative safety technology transforming explosive and construction work
• The importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and the power of delegation
• Lessons on mindset: working early, working hard, and appreciating blessings
• His thoughts on community, development, and balancing progress with tradition
• Personal stories of love, resilience, and pure passion for horses, family, and farming

00:00 - Introduction and the significance of Jake Jacobs' story 02:03 - Growing up on the farm and expansion into construction 04:25 - The construction industry: tackling the jobs no one else wants 06:43 - Breaking bedrock and working with modern technology in blasting 09:06 - Building a successful team and the art of delegation 10:32 - Growing up on a farm and nurturing a lifelong passion for horses 12:23 - The incredible journey of creating a world-class Tennessee walking horse farm 14:15 - The competitive, yet tight-knit horse community in Murfreesboro 16:38 - Trends in farmland development and the impact on agriculture 18:28 - Community growth, local industry, and how new businesses influence the area 20:24 - How successful people surround themselves with success 22:16 - A personal story: navigating a horse accident with resilience and faith 24:33 - The power of a strong mindset and perseverance in the face of adversity 27:26 - The operation of a high-end horse breeding and training farm 30:40 - Maintaining a state-of-the-art breeding facility and the business behind it 33:59 - The economics of breeding champion Tennessee walking horses 35:52 - Managing health, safety, and disease control in a busy farm environment 38:11 - The dedication of a multi-trainer operation and the art of equitation 40:00 - The passion of a young girl chasing her dreams in the horse world 41:16 - Moments of emotion: tears of joy and pride 43:08 - The significance of the Tennessee walking horse industry 44:32 - The camaraderie and the importance of farm organizations 45:29 - The cultural pride of Tennessee horses and the industry's future 46:55 - The mindset of a champion: early mornings, hard work, and gratitude 47:51 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with Jake Jacobs