Podcasts

Answering all your forage and cover crop questions at the Renovo Rally plot day

All your questions will be answered on July 2nd at the Renovo Rally plot day in Brookings, South Dakota. The event will feature sessions on incentive programs, product info, breakthrough crop strategies, and more. And of course, there will be plot tours, warehouse tours, and a great meal. Get all the details and register to attend at www.renovoseed.com/plot/.

Spring Catch-Up

No guest this week, there are too many spring things to catch up on! Jared and Justin are filling us all in on where their own operations sit this spring, what they're hearing from other farmers and ranchers, and how they prioritize when everything needs to be done at once. Just two farmer friends chatting about everyday farm things - what more could you want?

Christof Just: Believing in the system that built our topsoil

“We're believing in a system that's been here for millennia. We’re just trying to learn some lessons from natural systems that have always been here, and that built the topsoil we're farming now.” Mic drop.  Christof Just shifted his operation in 2019 when a heavy prevent plant year changed his plans. Tune in for his insight on what he’s learned, what he’s trying next, and why he thinks we can all learn from the past.

Graeme Finn: Sustainable Agriculture or Survival Agriculture?

Graeme Finn is an Australian native who brought his extensive agriculture knowledge and livestock background to Canadian agriculture. He is a huge proponent for year-round grazing, but he questions whether practices like this are considered sustainable agriculture, or simply survival agriculture? Tune in!

Herbivory | Ducks Unlimited at Commodity Classic

"At what point do the ducks become limited?" - a real question asked by our hosts on this episode. Spoiler alert: never. Ducks Unlimited joined Roots + Ruminants at Commodity Classic to talk through their mission, incentive programs available in the ag space, and to enlighten Jared with a new word - herbivory. Tune in! You won't want to miss this lighthearted episode.

LIVE From Commodity Classic 2024

We're live at Commodity Classic 2024! Jared and Justin chat with four guests from the show - a Tennessee farmer, a Kansas farmer,  a national sorghum board member, and a soil and water conservation employee. This lively episode gives a quick view of all facets of ag across the country.

Jared Luhman of the Herd Quitter podcast on diversification, carbon movements, and quitting the herd

We're coming at you with a double episode today. Jared Luhman of the Herd Quitter podcast is making waves by interviewing "farmers and ranchers who aren't afraid to think for themselves and do things a little bit differently." Sounds familiar, right? Tune in for this in-depth episode to hear all about why JR (IYKYK) quit the herd, how JD diversifies his operation, and who's really in control of the carbon movement in ag. Head over to Herd Quitter wherever you get your podcasts for more like this!

AJ Munger of Eagle Pass Ranch on staying relevant through six generations, calving in May, and thinking differently

As is true to form on Roots + Ruminants, we feature those who question the quo. And AJ Munger of Eagle Pass Ranch is no different. He hails from a six generation (soon to be seventh generation) cattle ranch in Highmore, SD. The ranch has gone through many changes and phases through the generations, but the constant over time is that the ranch continues to be home to a progressive cattle operation managed by a family with a vision of the future. Tune in to hear about why they calve in May, how they’re the only seedstock producer with intake data on every female in the cowherd, and how they continue to challenge the status quo.

Van Mansheim on using crop diversity to increase water infiltration, decrease equipment needs, and improve livestock quality

Van Mansheim, a farmer since 2011 and board member on the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, shares how he prioritizes crop diversity on his farm. As someone who is relatively new to the industry, Van has the benefit of a fresh perspective – never looking at things with a “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. Hear how he prioritizes soil health, water infiltration, crop diversity, and how he fed 500 head of cattle for 90 days of winter and didn’t start a tractor once. Insane!

2024 Predictions

Run it back! The 2023 predictions episode was one of our most popular of the year, so Justin and Jared are back at it to check the scorecard on their predictions and make some new forecasts for 2024. From land and commodity prices, to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, to the most popular cover crop mix – you won't want to miss what Justin and Jared think is in store for 2024.

The Stock Cropper | Zack Smith on rural communities, autonomous grazing, and adapting agriculture

Zack Smith, AKA the Stock Cropper, is the co-creator of autonomous grazing machines, developed from the desire to harness the natural cycles of a plant-animal ecosystem. The autonomous grazing concept grows healthier animals and healthier soils, all with a lower carbon footprint. Hear from Zack on autonomous grazing, rural community sustainability, and more!

Lynn Fahrmeier on Cover Crops, Solar Farms, and Katahdin Sheep

Lynn Fahrmeier is a Missouri farmer involved in everything from traditional row crop production, to drone application of seed and chemicals, to cover crops, to raising Katahdin sheep.  He's not afraid to try new things, and he shares with Justin and Jared some of what he's learned in his decades of farming. Lynn even gives a peek into the possible future of his farm, and it's not what you might expect. We'll give you a hint...  there's solar panels and livestock involved. Tune in for this fascinating episode!

All things forage with Sara Bauder of SDSU Extension

Sara Bauder is an SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, and she sits down with Justin and Jared to talk all things forage, and to share about the Northern Plains Forage Association. Join the association at their annual meeting on December 1! Meeting details are available here: https://fb.me/e/1exveJuRv

Added Income for Farms and Ranches

Yes, you read that right. Hosts Justin and Jared sit down with Vivian Georgalas of AgSpire to discuss five grants that are providing new and added income sources for farms and ranches across the country. Many of these grants operate differently from other government or carbon programs in the fact that they don't necessarily require "added" practices to be eligible for incentive payments. Tune in for details!

Steven Bennett on brassica breeding, New Zealand agriculture, and a brassica-only graze it, harvest it, rent it

Meet Roots + Ruminants third international guest, Steven Bennett. Steven is the International Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson, a New Zealand-based seed company. Hosts Jared and Justin got together with him at the Western Seed Trade Association meeting to talk all things brassicas.

And the award for the most creative graze it, harvest it, or rent it scenario goes to...

David Larson is a Minnesota farmer, and he's putting Jared and Justin to the test with a fall-themed graze it, harvest it, rent it challenge. If you've ever been to a pumpkin patch and your mind was spinning about all the ways you could use the seasonal crops and expansive acres, this episode is for you.

Farm to Fork with Walker Farms

Walker Farms is located outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and they market all their products direct to the customer. Tune in to hear how Andy Walker continues to innovate their products and processes to meet customer needs.

LIVE from World Dairy Expo

Justin is at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. Tune in to hear a special dairy-themed graze it, harvest it, rent it challenge, Jared's bingo card for the show, and an update on show vs production genetics in the dairy industry.

Rye hybrids, rye cover crops, and rye whiskey

Apparently we're giving away 300 gallons of rye whiskey now? Tune in to find out why. You'll also hear about an art gallery unveiling Justin and Jared attended (yes, you read that right), and the latest graze it, harvest it, rent it scenario. Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/34_R16KdFD0

Spray it, spread it, or hit the eject seat with Wilde Air

Wilde Air Service is a Brookings, SD based aerial application company focused on serving their customers well and finding a way to get the job done - even the hard jobs. Tune in to this episode of Roots + Ruminants to hear from Tom and Brodie about a day in the life of flying on cover crop seed, chemicals, and more.

Brian Fruechte on improving yield with compost tea

Compost tea is created by extracting beneficial microorganisms from compost using a brewing process. This tea is essentially a vitamin boost for the crops, helping them fight pests and diseases. Brian Fruechte, a farmer in western Minnesota, started making his own compost tea to boost his cash crops, and he's sharing all about the what, the why, and the how of his process. And bonus: Brian is the brother of co-host Justin Fruechte – our first family feature on the podcast!

Silage harvest, state fair, and graze it | harvest it | rent it

Justin and Jared are LIVE on video with their first edition of graze it, harvest it, rent it: a new challenge where they're given three cropping scenarios and have to assign a strategy to each one: graze it, harvest it, or rent it out. They also talk state fair and silage harvest.  Tune in, or catch the video version on YouTube at Roots and Ruminants: https://www.youtube.com/@RootsAndRuminants

Racey Padilla on Triticale Breeding

Ever heard of taking two grain crops and crossing them to make a forage? Meet Triticale: the valuable rye/wheat cross that has the vigor and hardiness of rye, with the agronomics and quality of wheat. Racey Padilla is the Small Grains Research Director for the largest triticale breeding program in North America, TriCal Superior Forage.  His farmer-first perspective fuels his breeding efforts – he's always trying to improve the stress tolerance and feed quality of the crop. Come along with Justin and Jared on this fascinating interview to learn about the behind-the-scenes of triticale breeding!

Exciting Announcement | Renovo Seed

Roy Thompson | A soil + gut health transformation

When an animal is sick, one of the first things you look at is: what are they eating? Is there a toxin in their food? Is the ration off? Are we missing something in their diet? So when Roy Thompson's health was rocked with an autoimmune disease, he decided to do the same and take a long hard look at his nutrition and using food as medicine. Listen in as he shares about his multi-year journey to transforming his health, and how he transformed his farm along the way.

Jared's TEDx Talk | Circular Systems

Podcast host Jared Knock was a recent speaker during the TEDx Sioux Falls event. Listen in as he shares about the TEDx experience, dives into what he spoke about during the event, and more.

Growing potatoes for McDonalds in the Netherlands

Jacob Van den Borne farms in Brussels and The Netherlands, primarily supplying potatoes to McDonalds for their famous french fries. But he's not sticking to the status quo. With over 80 field locations and farms in two countries, he has plenty of opportunities to try new things – like precision agriculture tools and even growing a carbon neutral french fry! Tune in to this fascinating episode to learn more about Jacob's operation, farming regulations in The Netherlands, how he manages 80+ field locations, and more!  Find Jacob online at www.vandenborneaardappelen.com/.

Carolyn King | Big Impacts from Small Changes

Although regenerative ag can sound overwhelming, simplicity is the name of the game at Continuum Ag. Hear from their Chief Agronomist, Carolyn King, about their approach, and what they’re seeing as the next big thing in regenerative ag.

LIVE From Commodity Classic

Justin + Jared chat with five guests at Commodity Classic to hear about the soil health and unique farming practices on their operation. Tune in!

Ilse Kohler-Rollefson | Traditional Herding and Grazing

Ilse Kohler-Rollefson states on her website that she is a researcher, writer, activist, teacher, and trainer.  As a pastoralist, she does everything she can to work towards policies and practices that support socially responsible and ecologically sustainable livestock development. Ilse and Justin talk through the the grazing systems in India, and how grain farmers are paying livestock farmers to graze their animals on their land – a win for livestock producers in India. She also shares her experiences with camel milk production and the benefits it can have for consumers. Ilse's latest book, Hoofprints on the Land, is available now on Amazon and various book shops.

Dale Strickler | Modern Agriculture: How We Got Here

2023 Predictions

Hosts Jared and Justin give their predictions for 2023. No topics are off the table - from the price of ground beef to the biggest celebrity breakup and back to the most popular cover crop, they cover everything in this hilarious episode of predictions.

The In's and Out's of a Diversified Crop & Livestock Operation

Special guest Cameron Goodrich talks through his farming operation with hosts Jared Knock and Justin Fruechte. They get into the nitty gritty details of his crop rotations, cover crop and grazing use, and his cow/calf and sheep herds. Plus a special review of a famous restaurant you won't want to miss!

New Income Sources for Farmers

Hosts Jared Knock and Justin Fruechte chat with guest Viviane Georgalas about upcoming new public and private programs that may be available for farmers to boost their income.

Craig Moss | Make It Last for the Long Term

As a farmer in livestock dense Sioux County (northwest) Iowa, Craig Moss is heavily focused on crop and livestock production. During this episode, he shares about how cover crops fit into his operation and how to implement creative ideas to make sure something is growing on the land for as many days as possible throughout the year.

Ian & Richard Cunningham | Pick a Spot & Give It a Shot

Listen in as Justin and Jared talk with Ian and Richard Cunningham on their farm near Pipestone, MN.  In this episode, they discuss their experience with trying different practices and finding the right fit for their operation. A few takeaways include: If you're going to try something, it doesn't need to be all of your acres. Pick a spot and give it a shot. At least you're trying something. If you can demonstrate success, others within the community or operation may jump on board with your ideas.

Jim Wulf | Grazing Cattle for Profit in Minnesota

Join us as we invite Jim Wulf on to discuss his cattle ranch in Western Minnesota! This podcast covers a wide variety of topics covering the ethics of cattle genetics, the sustainability efforts on their ranch, and the future of agriculture!

David Bruene | Cows: Mother Nature's Eraser

Join us as we invite Iowa State's Beef Teaching Farm Manager, David Bruene to discuss how/what they do differently on their teaching farm! This podcast focuses on low cost feeding methods and especially how they are able to swath graze pearl millet in Story County, Iowa!

Special Episode | Joe Reints - Prevent Plant Facts for You

Join us as we discuss new Prevent Plant options for producers with Joe Reints, a crop insurance agent from Chancellor, South Dakota. They discussed different ways to utilize the new options, as well as giving you the facts about Prevent Plant. Be sure to consult your crop insurance agent, but if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact either Joe or Millborn. You can contact Joe at: (605) 214-1778 or at www.primeriskmanagement.com You can contact Millborn at: (605) 697-6306 or at www.millbornseeds.com

Ruminations with Justin + Jared | Ep. 3

Join us for episode 3 of Ruminations with Justin + Jared! In this podcast, Justin and Jared get into managing pasture ground and getting cattle and sheep onto grass. They discuss the differences between cool and warm-season grasses and how to properly manage them. The guys also discuss our upcoming summer workshops that are set to take place June 27th-30th  where they'll be discussing Cover Crops, Cattle, and Carbon.  Mitchell, South Dakota: June 27th Sioux Center, Iowa: June 28th Morris, Minnesota: June 29th Aberdeen, South Dakota: June 30th For more information about these workshop events and to order tickets, visit our eventbrite.

Ben Culver | Is Rye Bread the New IPA?

Join us as we invite 6th generation farmer, Ben Culver, as a guest on this month's episode! From the potential rise of rye bread to planting hemp, the guys hit on a wide range of topics. Ben shares his experience growing small grains, what he's planting this year, and how he's doing it.

Ruminations with Justin + Jared | Ep. 2

Join us for episode 2 of Ruminations with Justin + Jared! The guys get into the carbon conversation tackling everything from the basics of what is carbon, to direct air capture plants and carbon programs. We are introduced to AgSpire and we learn what we'll be seeing from them in the future.

Allen Deutz | Roots, Ruminants, and Monogastrics

In this episode of Roots + Ruminants, we're adding monogastrics to the mix as we cover the trials and successes of Redwood River Farms, with Allen Deutz, from Marshall, MN. From SDSU Instructor to father and organic farmer, diversification is Allen's middle name. Listen to this episode to get your fix on soil health building, Tamworth hogs, and the economics behind it all.

Mike Velde | Growing with the Alfalfa Industry One Cut at a Time

In this episode, Justin and Jared talk with alfalfa connoisseur, Mike Velde. From the best pollinator bees to the decline of acid rain, the guys dig deep into the past, present, and future of the alfalfa industry. Mike shares his advice on alfalfa/grass mixes, nitrogen and phosphorus requirements, and manure management for soil health.

Shawn Freeland | Regenerative Ag With a Side of Pasture Pork

For this episode, we sit down with Shawn Freeland in Caputa, SD to talk cows, calves, and community.  Listen to this episode for another take on operational changes for soil health, logistics of having pigs on pasture, and the overall impact of regenerative agriculture. To learn more about Dry Creek Farm & Ranch, visit https://www.atdrycreek.com/.

Special Episode | South Dakota Farm and Ranch Conference

At the end of January, Justin and Jared joined Clay Conry and Steve Kenyon at the Farm and Ranch Conference in Deadwood, SD.  With questions from the crowd, the guys discuss starting your cover crop journey from scratch, fitting cover crops into your crop rotation, and the approach to diversifying your crop land.  Check out more of Clay at Working Cows Podcast and Steve at Greener Pastures Ranching.

Clay Conry | Working Cows Podcast

Clay Conry of the Working Cows Podcast joined us for a 2021 recap. We talked about different factors that affected agriculture in 2021, and things to watch for in 2022. Jared and Justin will also be joining Clay and Steve Kenyon at the 2022 Farm and Ranch Conference in Deadwood, SD on January 21 - 22, 2022. Check out the link for more information on that conference!

Jim Faulstich | Cows, Crops, + Changing Times

Welcome to Roots & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. This week, Justin and Jared travel to Highmore, SD to sit down with Jim Faulstich to find out how his operation has changed over time. Jim discusses his experience in planting grasses, storing hay, and his grazing operation.

Brian + Jamie Johnson | Sowing Seeds + Reaping Values

Welcome to Roots & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. We're on the road again! The guys visit Brian and Jamie Johnson in Carpenter, SD. We get the low down on how they plan to utilize trees in no-till acres and learn how their shared family values play into raising children on the farm.

Ruminations with Justin + Jared | Ep. 1

Welcome to Root & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. In this new segment called Ruminations with Justin + Jared, we get to know our hosts, Justin Fruechte and Jared Knock as they compare the Minnesota and South Dakota State Fairs and answer some of your frequently asked questions!

Sterling Eschenbaum | Leasing Bulls and Keeping Tradition

Welcome to Root & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland.  In this episode, we invite Sterling Eschenbaum from Lake Preston, SD to sit down with us and share stories of his family seedstock operation. Importance of calving ease, Charolais bull leasing, and cattle juice cleanses are just a few of the conversations tackled in episode seven!

Ben Dwire | The Johnny Appleseed of Red Clover

Welcome to Root & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. In Episode 6, Ben Dwire joins us during calving season to discuss his integration of red clover, low-maintenance calving systems, and involvement in the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition. From polly wire usage to finding month-old chicken eggs and pizza sponsorships, the guys have quite the episode.

Special Episode | Laura Wood Peterson + Vivian Georgalas

Welcome to Root & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. In this episode we were fortunate to have not one but two great guests! Laura Wood Peterson of Laura Wood Peterson Consulting and Vivian Georgalas of AgSpire join Jared to discuss the state of ESGs, carbon net neutrality aspirations, and land whales. Yes, land whales. Check it out!

Britton Blair | Virtual Fencing and Leasing Cattle: Which is the Future of the Industry?

Welcome to Roots & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture rangeland. From Vale, SD, we have Britton Blair for our first call-in episode to discuss the inner workings of the Blair Brothers Angus Ranch. The guys cover virtual fencing, sage-grouse leks, and subscription-based business ventures for the cattle world.

Joel Reagan | Growing Grasses for Gains

Welcome to Roots & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. Joel Reagan, Forage Product Manager for Barenbrug USA sat down with us to talk about choosing the right product for different scenarios, and how to manage your systems for productivity.

Jason Schley | Taking Community, Livestock and Soil Health to the Next Level

Welcome to Roots & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. In Episode 3, we take the show on the road and head to Alpena, SD to visit with Jason Schley. As the owner of Next Level Ag, Jason brings his perspective of the farming and ranching ecosystems that reap soil health rewards. The guys also dig into why and how carbon matters to your land and bottom line.

Luke Perman | Ranch Management, the Craft Beer of the Beef Industry

Welcome to Roots & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. Episode 2 brings us Luke Perman, a fifth-generation grass and cattle rancher, by way of Lowry, South Dakota. From working within the system created to applying the five soil health principles to native rangeland, we cover everything in between.

James Holz | Comfort, Support and Nutrition for Cattle

Welcome to Roots & Ruminants, your podcast for creative and innovative use of farm pasture and rangeland. Today we're joined by James Holz from Grand Junction, Iowa. As a 3rd generation cattle feeder, we explore how James has grown his operation and the challenges he's facing. From feeding cattle Doritos, to the edible underwear that are corn stalks, we cover it all.