Very special and returning guests Harold Cooper and Ben Hoene join hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. Having served Premier for decades and as its current CEO, Harold is looking forward to retirement. Ben has worked alongside Harold for 20 years and is the current Vice President of Energy and incoming CEO. They join us today to discuss the plan for transitioning leadership in light of Harold’s upcoming retirement.

Jeff, Sal, Ben, and Harold will discuss how Premier will continue to look to advance and protect the interest of the farmer while maintaining the mission and values Premier has had for decades. From skid loader operator to sales and C-store manager, you’ll learn about the variety of careers Ben has had with Premier over the years. “I’ve just always appreciated this employee group that I’ve felt I’ve been able to work alongside… that genuinely cares about the job they do and genuinely cares about each other.”

What’s happening in the fertilizer markets? Returning and special guest, Scott Sharp joins hosts Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. As you may remember, Scott is the Senior Vice President for Premier Companies and is very involved in the purchasing and sourcing of Premier’s fertilizer.

Jeff, Sal, and Scott will give us an update on the dynamics of the fertilizer industry as a whole and how the digital age has dramatically changed the market’s responses to global events like wars and tariffs. You’ll also learn how countervailing duties impact the agriculture industry in a lasting way and what those do to the cost and availability of fertilizers. Scott will also share how forecasting fertilizer usage has become increasingly difficult and why intel from the growers is so important. “We try to have what they need when they need it and we don’t wanna carry over a bunch of inventory because that hurts our member owners as well when we have added costs that we didn’t need. There’s a lot that goes into it.” 

How does the marketing department support agronomy? First-time guest, Lisa King, joins hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. Lisa is in week three of her training as a marketing specialist for Premier Companies and works primarily with the agronomy division.

Lisa will share about her background in marketing and what brought her to Premier Companies. Sal, Jeff, and Lisa will also dig into how the marketing department helps the agronomy department communicate with the growers and learn how the agriculture industry is able to tap into a variety of marketing campaigns to broaden their communication and strengthen relationships. “It doesn’t matter what job you’re in…  we’re all in marketing in some capacity.”

Sal and Jeff better straighten up and not do anything dangerous today! Jerry Boger joins hosts Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett in the podcast room for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. As you may remember from previous episodes, Jerry is the Environmental Safety Director for Premier Companies.

In addition to discussing the projects they’ve procrastinated, Jerry, Sal, and Jeff will discuss Premier’s commitment to safety and give us an idea of some of the safety initiatives Premier has in place. You’ll learn what makes anhydrous ammonia so dangerous, and Jerry will discuss the yearly safety training that is required for employees and available to emergency responders to help keep the public safe. We’ll also hear about the data plates that will be installed on anhydrous ammonia tanks and the information the data plate will share with the State Chemist for recertification. Anhydrous Ammonia can be very dangerous, but “if you handle it correctly, it’s a really safe product.”

“I think this is one that everybody needs to listen to…”  Special guests, Tony Wesner and Stephanie Flinn join hosts Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  As you may remember from previous episodes, Tony is the CEO of Rose Acre Farms and Stephanie Flinn is the Founder of The Maverick Minute and Executive Director of the Schneck Foundation.  Tony and Stephanie join us today to highlight the importance of farming safety.  

Stephanie shares the tragedy that took place that resulted in the death of two of her family members and ultimately led to "The Maverick Minute” which encourages those in the farm world and beyond to pause what they’re doing, inspect their equipment and surroundings, and protect life.  Stephanie and Tony will share how they’re working to get the word out to make The Maverick Minute as recognizable as the pink ribbon for breast cancer.  “You could have all the training in the world, but if you don’t take The Maverick Minute, it can all be for naught.”

How can a Certified Crop Advisor help a grower?  Special guest Bobby Busick joins hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  Bobby is an award-winning Certified Crop Advisor and account manager for Premier Ag and has a wealth of agriculture knowledge to share!

Bobby will share how he went from a kid on a farm to a decades-long career at the co-op working in a variety of roles including liquid application, working in the feed mill, and eventually to his current role as a Certified Crop Advisor and account manager.  From advancements in technology to the increase in no-till farming, Jeff, Sal, and Bobby will discuss changes in farming practices and operations.  You’ll also hear Bobby’s unique perspective as a family farmer and Orange County Soil and Water Conservation board member who is also an account manager at Premier. “What you’re buying is the same thing I’m buying… I’m putting my bottom line into what I’m trying to sell them.”

“They wrecked their car in their yard on top of our tank?” Bailey Beickman and Julie Otte join hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  Bailey is the Propane Manager, and Julie is the Service Manager for Premier Energy, and they’re here to give us a peek behind the scenes of Premier’s energy division.

In addition to hearing a story about a slightly feral potbelly pig, You’ll hear about their career trajectories and the variety of responsibilities Bailey and Julie have in their roles.  You’ll learn how the Keep Full program works, how they estimate propane usage based on previous history and temperatures, and learn about the most rewarding and most challenging parts of their roles.  Just a few minutes in, you’ll understand why Sal called Bailey and Julie your new favorite guests!

“I’m either going to sound like an idiot or I’m gonna sound like a genius.  I want to remind everybody, I am an idiot.”  Aaron Bledsoe is back to join hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama in the podcast room for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  If Aaron has to start off with that disclaimer, you know it’s going to be good.

In addition to discussing the Farmer Bridge Payment, Jeff, Sal, and Aaron will discuss current grain markets and how the New World Screwworm has impacted the grain export pace.  Aaron will also share why there’s a bit of a weird dynamic with China’s grain purchases and why the bean market has been on such a rollercoaster.  On top of all of that, you’ll get a crash course in grain handling hazards and equipment that will help you monitor your in-farm storage.  “You don’t want grain quality getting away from you right now.  You’ll pay for it later on.”

What are the biggest shifts in genetic gain and traits over the last few decades?  Glenn’s Groupies can rejoice!  Glenn Longabaugh is back with Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  As you may know, Glenn is the resident Agronomist for Premier Companies and has been with us a number of times, and he’s the best person around to be sharing the top three things we should be thinking about when we’re selecting hybrids.

Jeff, Sal, and Glenn will dig into the various changes that have taken place in the agriculture realm with regard to traits and genetic gain.  You’ll also learn about how marker-assisted breeding (MAB) has been the primary driver behind many of the advancements that have taken place over the last couple of decades.  If you’re curious how to navigate this next year when there’s likely going to be a shortage in your preferred product, you are not going to want to miss this episode!  “It still amazes me… what these plant breeders have been able to put together, and even when we have not ideal weather, these things still yield.”

Think 4-H is just showing cattle? Think again! Special guests Danielle Walker and Taylor Chastain join hosts Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett in the podcast room for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  Taylor and Danielle are both extension educators for Purdue University, and Danielle also serves as their Ag and Natural Resources educator and Interim CEO.  

Danielle and Taylor will tell us about their roles as extension educators, and you’ll also learn more about the ag and natural resources role.  You’ll also learn about the Purdue extension service and the variety of ways they are able to provide resources to growers.  From Legos to collections, Danielle and Taylor will share about the variety of projects available in the 4-H program. One day, extension educators will answer questions about potholders and the next day, they’ll have questions about bag worms. “It’s like every day is Trivial Pursuit for an extension educator!”

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The High Ground - powered by Premier Companies will discuss everything from agriculture to energy. Hosted by Jeff Jarret (VP of New Business & Fertilizer) and Sal Sama (VP of Agronomy Sales & Marketing).

http://www.premierag.com