Episode Details

Future of Ag CrossOver

Introduction

• Thank you again for suggesting topics for us to talk about on the podcast and keep them coming.  Send those to farm4profitllc@gmail.com or find us all over social media.
• We greatly appreciate your help in growing our audience.
  • Listener Review: - @JayJaylc8  “Listened to all of it and had a great time laughing and listening to it.  LOVED it!”

What’s Working in AG – Next Level Ag – Understanding what is going on in your field

• Bodie Kitchel is the National Director of Agronomy at Biodyne-USA and is also the owner and Regional Business Director for Next Level Ag
  • Starting in 2015, Next Level Ag has been testing soil and plant tissue samples, analyzing the results, and converting them into valuable information - all while keeping the farmer’s perspective at the forefront.
• Understanding soil tests
  • Soil test results can be complicated and confusing to read, but they don't have to be. Next Level Ag has developed a unique approach in measuring Physical/Chemical/Biological aspects in the soil and displaying them in a format that keep the grower's perspective, not a chemist's.  
• In Season Management
  • Utilize many different tools and methods to gather your info
    • Drones 
    • Sampling (Soil and Tissue)
    • Boots on the Ground
    • Satellite Imagery
• 365
  • A dashboard to view each field and watch the progress it is making
    • View and track sample records
  • Managing your crop like you would an investment in the stock market
  • Use this to help understand the why behind the what
• End with a tease about wanting to understand biologicals in more detail
  • Future episode will focus
    • understanding our soils and how some functions of biology work with plants
    • unlocking potential and then feeding that potential
    • improving overall efficiencies

Main Topic – Future of Ag (Crossover)

Tim Hammerich  is a former National FFA President and a graduate of the University of California, Davis with a degree in Crop Science and Management. He also completed the Masters of Agribusiness program at Kansas State University. Tim spent the first eight years of his career as an agricultural commodity trader and manager, where he developed a background in trading, management, sales, strategy, business development and risk management. He and his family reside in Eagle, Idaho. 

Tim was one of the founders of AgGrad and is now the Senior Director of Strategic Communications for Congent Consulting.  He is also someone I would consider a mentor and friend, but the main reason he is with us today is…. He’s the host of the Future of Agriculture Podcast.  This show explores the people, companies, and ideas shaping the future of agribusiness and what is what we want to explore today – the future!

• As we focus on the profitability of our farms today. How do you see the advancement of technology affecting profitability?
• What have you noticed are challenges of companies starting out and looking to improve agriculture?
• When a startup succeeds what have they done right?
• What fuels your passion to continue with the future of Ag podcast?
• What do you look for when thinking about or coordinating a guest for a podcast episode?
• Back to the focus on profitability.  Thank you for sharing with us a couple of companies you think might have a big impact on profitability. Let’s start with Rantizo……
  • Can you tell us a little about Rantizo?
  • What’s the advantages of their equipment?
  • What can they apply with their drones?
  • What are some obstacles they need to overcome or have surpassed?
  • Their company strategy is unique. How are they targeting the ex