In this episode of the Rooted in Seed podcast, Shannon Kubik interviews Zach Martin, a seasoned professional in the agriculture industry. Zach shares his journey from growing up on a family farm in Indiana to leading sales at Sound Agriculture, a company focused on nutrient use efficiency. He discusses the importance of relationships in agriculture, lessons learned from his experiences in the seed industry, and his leadership philosophy. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector and the need for differentiation in the seed market. Zach emphasizes the importance of mentorship and helping others succeed, while also expressing optimism for the future of agriculture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Zach's journey in agriculture began with a family farm.
• Relationships are crucial in agriculture and sales.
• The seed industry needs more differentiation.
• Zach's leadership philosophy is based on 'linked arms' leadership.
• He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in career development.
• Zach believes in the potential of technology to feed the world sustainably.
• Networking is essential for success in agriculture.
• Zach's passion for helping others win is a driving force in his career.
• The future of agriculture lies in nutrient use efficiency and sustainability.

In this episode of the Rooted in Seed podcast, host Shannon Kubik engages in a deep conversation with Corey Chicoine, a sixth-generation farmer from South Dakota. They discuss Corey's farming heritage, his journey through the seed industry, and the importance of civic engagement in local communities. Corey shares insights from his career path, including valuable internships and mentorship experiences that shaped his approach to sales and farming. The conversation also touches on the challenges of farming near the Big Sioux River, the impact of flooding, and the exploration of innovative crop management practices. As they look to the future, Corey emphasizes the importance of sustainability and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations in agriculture.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Corey is a sixth-generation farmer with a rich family history in agriculture.
• Civic engagement is crucial for the future of local communities.
• Internships provide valuable experiences that shape career paths in agriculture.
• Mentorship plays a significant role in professional development.
• The seed industry is built on personal relationships and trust.
• Every farming operation faces unique challenges based on location and conditions.
• Innovative practices like cover cropping can enhance sustainability.
• The future of agriculture requires adaptability and openness to new ideas.
• Financial security is essential for the longevity of family farms.
• Corey aims to ensure the farm can be passed down to future generations.

In this episode, we dive into a discussion about fall planting season and how a dealer approaches planning for another growing season. The guest, Trent Kubik, discusses the various fall products available at Elevate Agronomics, focusing on winter wheat varieties, forage options, seed treatments, and crop protection strategies. Trent also provides updates on crop progress and livestock products for the fall season, emphasizing the importance of planning for the next year's crops.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Fall is a crucial time for planting and preparing for the next growing season.
• Winter wheat varieties like Westbred 4422 and Wolverine are highlighted for their yield and disease resistance.
• Forage wheat and triticale are becoming popular for livestock feed in the fall.
• Seed treatments are essential for protecting crops from diseases and pests.
• Crop progress in South Dakota shows resilience despite dry conditions.
• Livestock products are important for managing stress during weaning and transitioning to winter feed.
• Planning for next year's crops starts now, with a focus on wheat in rotations.
• Fall applied chemicals can reduce spring weed management costs.
• The importance of moisture and weather conditions for crop success is emphasized.
• Communication with suppliers is key for timely planting and treatment decisions.