“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.” 

What exactly are phytotoxins? Glenn Longabaugh joins hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama back in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  As everyone’s favorite (and only) technical agronomist at Premier Companies, Glenn is here to share about more than just otter toilets.

Glenn, Sal, and Jeff discuss phytotoxins and how cereal rye contributes to their presence in the field.  Glenn will also share why a grower might want to avoid planting corn immediately following wheat or cereal rye and the steps to take if it’s unavoidable.  In addition to learning how weather impacts the rotting of the cereal grain and the vigor of the new crop, Glenn will teach us how Ascend2 and Ascend ST3 can help a grower in the transition between cover crop and corn.  From discussions around IRAC (Insecticide Resistance Action Committee) and compounds that crystallize in an insect’s gut to an otter’s poop dance, you’ll hear why “it comes around to poop in almost every conversation!”

What happened to October’s WASDE report? Returning and very special guest Aaron Bledsoe joins hosts Jeff Jarrett and Sal Sama for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies.  He’s the Grain Merchandiser and a resident hunter for Premier Companies, and between his hunting stories and thoughtful insight, you’ll see today why he’s such a fan favorite.

Aaron will share how the government shutdown impacted October information including inspection data, and why the corn market is getting a temporary boost. Sal, Jeff, and Aaron will dig into the stocks-to-use rate for beans and you’ll learn why it’s tighter than it’s been in the last few years in the United States.  They’ll also discuss why there’s been over a dollar rally in soybeans and why it continues to be important for growers to understand and know their targets. “There are some highlights… When we have these good days or this good month of bean rallies or even corn hanging around as strong as it has been, it gives you an opportunity to take some risk off the table.”

When you think of the midwest, you may not think of “black gold,” but maybe you won’t discount it after this episode. Special and returning guest Matt Smorch joins hosts Sal Sama and Jeff Jarrett for today’s episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. Matt is the President and CEO of CountryMark Cooperative.  

Matt joins us to discuss the quality of CountryMark diesel and fuel and what sets them apart from other suppliers in the area. In addition to speaking about blue hydrogen, Matt will put on his chemical engineering hat and share about the ISO Technology that is used to help increase the quality of their diesel fuel and add power and cetane while still keeping exceptional winter performance. You’ll also learn about the refinery in Mount Vernon, Indiana that processes 35,000 barrels of crude oil from Indiana each day. For many reasons including their use of soybeans in their biodiesel and renewable diesel, you’ll learn how CountryMark stands behind growers. “We’re a cooperative, so when we make money, it helps all of Ag in Indiana and the money stays here.”