Are you interested in getting into the cattle market? Ryan Batt joins hosts Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. As you may remember, Ryan is the Facility Manager for United Producers, Inc. and with meat markets the way they are, he’s become even more of a fan favorite! 

Ryan, Jeff, and Sal will discuss the current cattle market and the reasons the dairy industry has seen major changes in their breeding methods over the last few years. In addition, you’ll also hear about why the meat markets, including sheep and goat, are booming as well. Ryan will also dig into the various reasons why the current cattle market is likely to stick around and why consumers are still getting a better value compared to other food groups when they purchase beef. Curious about what it means to have beef-on-dairy or Certified Angus Beef (CAB)? You’ll learn about that and more on today’s episode!

With nitrogen prices skyrocketing, how can growers manage nitrogen more effectively? Glenn Longabaugh is back in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. Glenn is a farmer and the Technical Agronomist at Premier, and he’s no stranger to the podcast!

Glenn, Sal, and Jeff will discuss how temperature changes impact spring planning and why growers should consider planting by temperature and soil conditions instead of a date on the calendar. You’ll also learn about common issues while de-winterizing equipment and best practices for no-till farming. Glenn will share why new data on yield potential has many farmers  choosing to plant soybeans before corn and what the conflict with Iran and resulting issues with the Strait of Hormuz has done to nitrogen prices. If you’re like most growers who are concerned about properly managing nitrogen, Glenn’s tips regarding the right rate, timing, form, and place make this an episode you are not going to want to miss!

How does the team at Premier Energy make sure their customers have propane during record cold temperatures? Special and returning guests Bailey Beckmann and Julie Otte join hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama in the podcast room for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. As you may remember from a previous episode, Bailey is the Propane Manager and Julie is the Service Manager for Premier Energy, and they are two of the individuals responsible for keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.

Bailey and Julie will share how they navigated the cold temperatures and large snow event of 2026. You’ll also learn how their forecasting models help the team predict how much propane a customer will go through to make sure the propane doesn’t run out. Sal, Jeff, Bailey, and Julie will discuss Premier Energy’s Keep Full program and how it was able to provide peace of mind for customers during the storm. In addition, we’ll hear how Premier Energy is able to assist customers who may have financial concerns. “It doesn’t matter what the price is if you can’t get it… For a few cents more, you get reliable supply, you get good service, and you don’t have to have the anxiety of ‘is my supplier going to take care of me in [these] record cold stretches.’”

How do you decide how to adopt new technology and bigger machines? Eric Hoene joins hosts Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett in the podcast room for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. Eric has been working for Premier for over 30 years and has most recently been managing one of the largest fertilizer plants Premier has. He is now the newly-promoted Director of Operations for Agronomy.

Eric will share how his career has evolved over the years and what his transition has looked like as he’s moved into the Director of Operations role. You’ll also learn the opportunities he’s had to work with managers across the agronomy division. Eric will describe the variety of tasks managers end up tackling to make sure operations are running smoothly. Sal, Eric, and Jeff will also discuss the challenges of training new employees who haven’t had a background on the farm. “Come up with a plan. Get with the account manager or branch manager on what the plan is for the season… You can’t communicate too much in season.”

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.”