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.”