Podcasts

On this week’s episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, a Champaign County operation is making a strong presence in dairy genetics. Matt Reese, Joel Penhorwood, and Dusty Sonnenberg welcome Jenny Thomas of Triple T Holsteins to end National Dairy Month. Their discussion highlights the value of small farms, the in-and-outs of livestock photography, and the busy schedule of a small herd. 

Rainfall has been looking different everywhere in the state; Matt visits with Laurence Onweller of Fulton County to get an update on the Northwest Ohio growing season and rainfall in his region. Dale visits with Olivia Pflaumer, environmental science educator, at the Grow Next Gen Ag Biotech Graduate Academy. Students are not leaving problems unsolved in Pflaumer’s science classroom. They discuss biotechnology in the agriculture classroom and its impact on students. 

Soybean-based pretzels, tomato juice, and bread are all workings of Ohio State researcher, Dr. Yael Vodovotz. Dale speaks with her about her interdisciplinary research with the agriculture college and medical school.… Continue reading

In this week’s episode, join hosts Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg on the Ohio Ag Net podcast as they dive into the challenges of golden agriculture. They will discuss growing updates of Ohio’s golden wheat crop and the golden state of California’s proposition 12 regulation. The podcast guest, Pat Hord of Hord Family Farms, joins the conversation to shed light on the next steps for the hog industry and the future impact Prop 12 holds for Ohio producers. The conversation will cover the upcoming ballot initiative, state rights, and the significant work carried out by Ohio’s Livestock Care Standards Board.

Matt takes a look at wheat breeding efforts of Grow Pro Genetics while speaking with Ken Davis. He also hears from Neil Horrom of Mercer Landmark on how wheat farmers are being incentivized for collecting data and utilizing the newest technologies to track sustainability. The talk of early wheat harvest and the current growing season is discussed by Stephanie Karhoff with Ohio State Extension.… Continue reading

The newest Ohio Ag Net Podcast welcomes world travelers, auction updates, and policy experts. Hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg, this episode starts with the Ohio Soybean Council to speak about some international market development missions that support Ohio soybean farmers. Madison Layman and Bill Bayliss discuss their recent trip and the value of beans abroad. 

Dale Minyo speaks with Dale Everman of Homan Inc. about egg packing automation. From packaging technology, sourcing labor, and automating production, he speaks to the many solutions for Ohio — the second leading state in egg production. Equipment is a year round business and Dave Cornish of RES Auctions updates with Matt about current market trends and the most popular purchases of the season. 

Ohio Farm Bureau’s Brandon Kern, Senior Director of State & National Policy, updates listeners on action in the state capitol. The upcoming state budget could be leaving out some important funding to H2Ohio programs.… Continue reading

National Dairy Month kicks off this week’s episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg. Scott Higgins joins the conversation to talk about the visions of the American Dairy Association Mideast, and favorite dairy products of the season. They will discuss challenges with slim dairy margins, along with product processing opportunities in the state. 

Middle school students are practicing utilizing their wallets at Graham Middle School. Joel Penhorwood interviews Principal Nick Guidera, discussing the GrowNextGen program in his school. Real Money Real World for youth financial literacy was giving hands-on experiences with the dollar. 

Matt checks in with WJ Fannin, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Commercial Cattleman of the Year, in Fayette County. From stockyard sales to individual cuts of meat, his business meets the needs of consumers. They will talk about cattle barn technology and operating a data-driven herd. 

0:00 – Intro and opening discussion
6:15 – Nick Guidera on Real Money Real World 
13:53 – Cattleman of the Year: WJ Fannin 
18:28 – Dairy Outlook with Scott Higgins … Continue reading

In this week’s episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg, a diverse group of business owners are meeting the need of sustainable demand. Chris Henney of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association discusses how they meeting the needs of their members through legislative action, creating an atmosphere for business growth, and promoting agribusiness role in the community. Listen in to hear how agriculture technology and sustainability is changing Ohio’s economy. 

Dale visits the classroom talking with Leah LaCrosse, 8th grade science teacher from Huron City Schools. Chickenology is the newest GrowNextGen resource she is using in her classroom to teach biology in agriculture. Leah explains the success in connecting science educators with farmers and industry. 

Matt hears from Devin Dye, the “Land Guy”, from Dye Real Estate and Land Company for a market update. With record high prices on farm acreage in Northwest Ohio, Devin has advise for farmers and land investors as we approach summer auctions.… Continue reading

A great listen for those planting, get ready for an information-packed episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg. This week, they dive into the critical topic of navigating financial challenges in agriculture in 2023, as they engage in a compelling conversation with Larry Davis from Ag Resource Management. Join them as they uncover valuable advice and insights to help farmers navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape and make informed decisions for a prosperous future.

But that’s not all—Dale Minyo visits with Dale Everman from Homan Inc. to discuss the efficient use of nutrients and the vital topic of manure management, equipment advantages, and the latest farm building trends.

Joel Penhorwood then shifts gears and connects with Cindy Layman to explore the exciting world of GrowNextGen Virtual Field Trips. Delve into the immersive experiences offered by these virtual trips, designed to ignite curiosity and promote agricultural understanding among students and educators alike.… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Dusty and Joel sit down to talk about the 95^th Ohio FFA Convention with student reporters, Aubree Topp and Allison Kinney. Aubree is from the Botkins FFA Chapter and Allison is from the Indian Lake OHP FFA Chapter. During this year’s convention, they conducted interviews and captured photos and videos. 

Wyatt Morrow, a student reporter and from the Fairfield FFA Chapter, interviewed Katie Oestreich, Ben Bitner, Kennedy Short, Luke Jennings, and Landon Shelpman about their year of service together as State FFA Officers. Allison also interviewed Luke Jennings, who was named the New State FFA President. Lastly, Dusty talks with Dr. Laura Lindsey, OSU Extension State Specialist for small grains and soybeans, about soybean planting progress and stand evaluation. All this and more on this week’s podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

05:41 Wyatt Morrow – State Officer Recap

18:42 Allision Kinney – Luke Jennings, New State President

22:05 Dr.… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Dusty and Matt sit down with Morgan Anderson, current Ohio Country Journal FFA Reporter. Morgan is a past Ohio FFA State Vice President and a current broadcast journalism student at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She talks about her experiences during FFA, and how this organization set her up to exceed in life after high school. 

Also, Dale talks with Wade Thorson, President of Benchmark Biodiesel in Columbus, Ohio, talking about the current market environment of transportation energy. Virgil Strickler, General Manager at Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, talks with Dale about the upcoming Ohio State Fair and some changes for 2023. All this and more on this week’s podcast! 

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

05:29 Wade Thorson – Benchmark Biodiesel

11:42 Virgil Strickler – Ohio State Fair

15:41 Back with Morgan… Continue reading

Dusty and Matt sit down with Elizabeth Harsh, Executive Director of Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Ohio Beef Council. She talks about celebrating National Beef Month this May and the upcoming grilling season. Elizabeth also mentions how the cattle industry is constantly changing, but Ohio cattlemen are devoted to continuing growing a safe and wholesome food source. 

Also, Matt talks with Don Bailey, a farmer in Union County, about a recent court case regarding eminent domain and the farmland preservation easement on his farm. Rachel Sanders from the Global Impact STEM Academy talks with Dale on the GrowNextGen tour about making biodiesel and then using it to power toy boats. Lastly, Dale speaks with Cory Cockerill, Interim President of Wilmington College. All this and more on this week’s Podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

06:38 Don Bailey – Eminent Domain

12:21 Rachel Sanders – GrowNextGen

21:01 Cory Cockerill – Wilmington College

27:27 Back with Elizabeth… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Matt and Dusty sit down to talk with the folks at Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation. They visit with Janelle Mead and Kris Swartz to discuss the conservation practices farmers are implanting within Ohio. H2Ohio is also a project OFSWC works closely with, and Janelle and Kris talk about the future of this program and possible expansion.  

Also, Dale visits with Farm Credit Mid America in Cambridge discussing the Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer campaign. Tom Verry with Clean Fuels Alliance America talks with Dusty about renewables and the growing demand. Lastly, Joel stops in to do a Cab Cam with Mike Elsner as he plants early soybeans. All this and more on this week’s podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

05:48 Farm Credit Mid-America – Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer campaign

13:13 Tom Verry – Clean Fuels Alliance America

16:54 Mike Elsner – Cab Cam

24:37 Back with OFSWC… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Matt, Dusty, and Joel talk about spring planting. They discuss weather, field conditions, and anything and everything in-between that may affect when farmers can get into the field for this upcoming growing season. 

Matt talks with two 2023 Between the Row Farmers, Lawrence Onweller of Fulton County and Kyle Nietfeld of Mercer County. They talk about their farming operations and when they expect to be in the fields this spring. Next, Joel talks with with Dale Everman of Homan Inc. about what building projects farmers may have. Lastly, Joel stops in for an interview at Apple Farm Service with Alex Ryan, Precision Farming Manager. They discuss the introduction of new drones and what they mean for Ohio agriculture.   

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

07:39 Lawrence Onweller – BTR

11:50 Kyle Nietfeld – BTR

17:02 Dale Everman – Homan Inc

33:52 Alex Ryan – Apple Farm Service

40:28 Back to Matt, Joel & Dusty… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Dusty and Matt sit down to talk to Katie Share. Katie works for the Ohio Ag Net, Ohio Country Journal, and Ohio Farm Bureau as a business administrator. Recently, she graduated from the AgriPOWER Institute through Ohio Farm Bureau. This program is designed for agriculture professionals and farmers to learn about public policy and develop their leadership skills to become devoted leaders in the agriculture industry.    

Joel then visits with Cindy Layman of Hardin County. Cindy is involved in Layman Farms, the Ohio Soybean Council board, and the Clean Fuel Alliance Association Board. She talks about biofuels and the development of them over the years. Lastly, Scott Higgins CEO of the American Dairy Association Mideast stops in to talk with Joel at the Spring Dairy Expo. He talks about the progression of the dairy industry and how it has stayed at the forefront of consumers top choices. All this and more on this week’s Podcast!… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Matt sits down with Kristin Flowers who is a marketing specialist at the Ohio Ag Net and Ohio Country Journal. Kristin talks about her role with the team and how she manages it on top of being a mom and a grain and flower farmer. Also, she discusses how her farm has evolved into a you pick flower and pumpkin farm. 

Joel also talks with Melanie Strait-Bok, Senior Vice President of Agricultural Lending at Farm Credit Mid-America, to discuss patronage week. Also, the CCA of the Year Alex Lindsey, talks with Dusty about this honor and the work he performs. Matt talks with Dave Rowe, general manager of Mid-States’ Wool Growers, about closing its doors after more than 100 years. Lastly, Dale Minyo returns and talks with Dusty about his health over the past couple of months. All this and more on this week’s podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

07:13 Melanie Strait-Bok – Farm Credit Mid-America

18:15 Alex Lindsey – CCA of the Year

21:26 Dave Row – Mid-States Wool Growers

36:21 Dale Minyo – Update

42:28 Back with Kristin… Continue reading

Matt and Dusty sit down with Mike Hannewald to talk about his experience at the American Farm Bureau Discussion Meet where he was named the 2023 winner this past January. They also talked about his recent trip to Washington D.C. with the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Presidents Trip where they talked all things about the upcoming farm bill. Lastly, they talked with Mike about the upcoming planting season as he works at Beck’s Hybrids as an agronomist. 

Dusty also talked with David Hula at the Conservation Technology Conference (CTC) about his top corn yield success and how he achieves it. Next, John Settlemyre chats with Dusty at the Commodity Classic discussing ethanol production and legislation. The Ohio Beef Expo celebrated its 35th year this past week and Matt catches up with John Rentz to talk about the history of it. All this and more on this week’s podcast!    

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

05:58 David Hula – CTC

09:01 John Settlemyre – Commodity Classic

17:30 Jim Rentz – Ohio Beef Expo

21:33 Back with Mike… Continue reading

In the 291st episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg sit down with Putnam County farmer Jeff Duling, president of the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. They preview the upcoming Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, talk the Haney test for soil health, and much more.

From there, the action doesn’t stop with several interviews following a roundtable with farmers and Ohio ag leaders in East Palestine, looking ahead with a positive perspective after the train derailment and subsequent fire in early February that grabbed world headlines. Brianna Gwirtz talks with Brian Baldridge, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, John Patterson of the Ohio Farm Service Agency, State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers, and local farmer Austin Chamberlain.

Following those chats, Matt talks with Jerry Seiler about the Seiler family winning the American Soybean Association National Conservation Legacy Award.

To wrap it up, Joel hears from a roundtable of Ohio Farm Bureau county presidents recapping their trip to Washington D.C.… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Matt, Dusty, and Joe sit down to talk with Greg Peterson “Machinery Pete.” They discuss how Machinery Pete got started and share stories from his years in the business. Next, Joel talks with Dr. Chad McKay, Associate Professor of Agriculture at Wilmington College, to talk about the college and the 65^th Annual Aggies Livestock Judging Competition. Ms. Erin Wollett, Cardington FFA Advisor, talks with Joel about the Aggies Livestock Judging Competition and the importance behind it. Lastly, Matt talks with Dave Brandt about the meme that went famous with his face on it saying “It ain’t much, but it’s honest work.” All this and more on this week’s podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

07:36 Dr. Chad McKay – Aggies Livestock Competition

13:25 Ms. Erin Wollett – Aggies Livestock Competition

19:01 Dave Brandt – Meme

23:26 Back with Machinery Pete… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Matt and Dusty sit down to chat with Elizabeth Long of Ag Resource Management. She discusses the important deadlines related to crop insurance especially the March 15^th deadline. Joel talks with Doug Mollenkopf about the East Palestine train derailment disaster. Lastly, Dusty interviews with Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association, and John Linder, past president of the National Corn Growers Association. They discuss the potential Mexican ban on U.S. non-GMO corn imports. All this and more on this week’s Podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

06:54 Doug Mollenkopf – East Palestine Train Disaster

22:29 Tadd Nicholson & John Linder – potential ban

32:05 Back with Elizabeth… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Matt and Dusty sit down to chat all things Ohio FFA with Jessica Parrish, Executive Director at The Ohio FFA Foundation, and Hannah Saum, FFA State Vice President. They talk about what to expect this week in Ohio FFA as they celebrate National FFA Week. Matt attended Ag Day at the Capital with Ohio Farm Bureau where Farm Bureau members talked with legislators about important farm topics. At Ag Day at the Capital Matt talked with Brandon Kern, Senior Director of State and National Policy, Amanda Barndt from Wood County, and Jonathan Francis from Madison County. Leah Curtis and Ty Higgins of Ohio Bureau also talk about Current Ag Use Valuation deadline approaching. All this and more on this week’s podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

05:20 Brandon Kern – OFBF

11:40 Amanda Barndt – Wood County Farm Bureau

14:53 Jonathan Francis – Madison County Farm Bureau

19:07 CAUV – OFBF

20:56 Back with Ohio FFA… Continue reading

This week on the podcast Matt and Dusty sit down to talk with Joe Everett, Ohio Ag Net Marketing Specialist, to talk about his role in the company and his farming operation. Next, Matt chats with Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, at the recent Ohio Pork Congress to discuss the pork industry from a national standpoint. Dr. Dennis Summers, Ohio State Veterinarian, visits with Joel to talk about foreign animal diseases related to HPAI and the swine industry. Lastly, Matt talks with John Hummel, farmer in Fairfield and Franklin Counties, about development pressures with farming near Columbus, Ohio. All this and more on this week’s podcast!   

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update  

04:55 Bryan Humphreys – NPPC CEO

08:31 Dr. Dennis Summers – Ohio State Veterinarian

20:09 John Hummel – Fairfield/Franklin Co. farmer

22:37 Back with Joe… Continue reading

On this week’s podcast Matt and Joel visit with Evan Callicoat, Director of State Policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. He talks about the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program, and what his goals are for the new assembly. Matt talks with Brian Baldridge, ODA Director, about his agriculture background and his objectives as director. Raegan Felder, leadership chair for OSU’s Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, to talk about their upcoming night for young professionals. Lastly, Dale talks with Chris Brown of Glandorf Schools and Leah LaCrosse of Huron City Schools who recently attended a GrowNextGen event. All this and more on this week’s podcast!

00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update

06:25 Brian Baldridge – ODA Director

12:50 Raegan Feldner – ACT

17:05 GrowNextGen

42:07 Back with Evan  … Continue reading