“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).

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Where might diesel prices be headed?  Special guests, Chad Stuckwisch and Todd Masten join hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  Todd serves as the Business Development Manager and Chad is an energy sales and account manager for Premier Energy.  

In addition to learning about the Premier Energy division itself, you’ll learn about Chad and Todd’s education and career path.  You’ll hear how CountryMark’s private pipeline and premium products stands out against competition and the support system that exists to track product from the ground to the pump.  You’ll also learn how growers can lock in diesel prices which can help growers budget and potentially save money.  You’ll also learn how Premier Connect can help with budgeting, paying bills, and ordering fuel. “We’re pretty well the one stop shop for anything a farmer or commercial place would need, anywhere from diesel fuel to the DEF, oil, grease, antifreeze, wiper fluid… anything that’s in a typical vehicle.”  

How do we build up agriculture economic development?  Returning guest, Don Lamb 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, Don is the Director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture.  

In addition to sharing about his career background and what his role looks like on a day-to-day basis, he’ll discuss why Indiana’s department of agriculture is so special.  You’ll also hear how Don and “Team Ag Indiana” were able to successfully deliver a pitch to bring a USDA hub to Indiana and potential benefits to Indiana growers to have them local.  Don will also explain his thoughts around successfully tracking and managing agriculture economic development despite urban sprawl and large industrial sites.  “When I think about… economic development and agriculture, the doing should be happening locally… Get active.”

We’re all about propane today!  Special guest Brennan Gilbert and most edited guest, Bill Houze join hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  Bill has been in propane sales and Brennan is a district manager.  They have both been with Premier Energy for years now and have seen how the company has grown and evolved.

Bill and Brennan will share about their current roles with Premier and how they’ve worked to help Premier Energy maintain standards through the company growth.  In addition to learning about their testing and required certifications, you’ll hear how Premier makes sure their employees have proper training to do their jobs safely and effectively.  Bill will share about the Gold Cap program and why Premier’s Keep Full program can help take the stress off of your plate and make sure you don’t run out of propane.  There are tips for the customer, as well!  “Understand what appliances you have that are propane…  what [propane] smells like, how to shut the tank off, and then give us a call…  and do not light candles.”

How do we navigate the leadership gap that exists with recent graduates in agriculture who don’t have the farm background?  Special and returning guest Sarah Beth Aubrey joins hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  Sarah Beth is the CEO and Founder of The Envoy Group and CEO and Founder of Agvocacy Coalitions.

In addition to sharing a glimpse into her career history, Sarah Beth will share about her agriculture and energy consulting firms, The Envoy Group and Agvocacy Coalitions. You’ll also learn about the WISE (Women in Sustainability Experience) network and how it’s designed to help women find a space for networking and peer relationships in that segment of the industry.  Sal, Jeff, and Sarah Beth will also discuss the leadership gap and opportunities that exist with those who don’t have farming backgrounds but do have an interest in agriculture. “We can be real snobbish about ag knowledge…  I think the closest thing we can do for that leadership gap is to take up a mantle of mentorship.”