Episode Details

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In this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Steve Polski, CEO of PermanentFarming, for a conversation that challenges the way we think about waste, energy, and the future of food production.

Steve defines intentional leadership as having the courage to challenge the status quo—and backing that conviction with action. In a world of rapid environmental, economic, and political change, doing what’s always been done is no longer enough.

At PermanentFarming, that mindset is driving a bold idea: turning manure into multiple high-value outputs.

By combining proven technologies—covered barns, anaerobic digestion, and soil amendment processing—the team is building a system that converts cattle waste into renewable natural gas and biological soil inputs. Not by reinventing agriculture, but by stacking existing innovations in a way that finally makes economic sense.

The result is a true “and-and” model:

1. Lower cost of gain for cattle feeders
2. Renewable energy production
3. Soil health improvements through biological inputs
4. Reduced environmental impact and community concerns

This isn’t theory—it’s a systems approach to solving multiple problems at once.

A key theme throughout the episode is that agriculture doesn’t need either/or solutions. It needs integrated systems that create value across the entire supply chain. Synthetic inputs and biological solutions can—and should—work together.

The conversation also highlights the importance of timing. With rising input costs, increased demand for protein, and growing interest in renewable energy, the industry is at a point of transformation. The opportunity isn’t just innovation—it’s alignment across farmers, investors, and end markets.

Beyond the business model, Steve shares what it takes to build a team capable of executing something this complex. High-performing teams are built intentionally—with complementary skill sets, shared values, and trust that is earned over time. Alignment doesn’t happen automatically. It requires consistent effort.

The episode closes with a broader perspective on leadership and impact.

Agriculture has the opportunity to produce more—more energy, more food, more value—without waste. But it requires leaders willing to think differently, act intentionally, and build systems that serve everyone involved.

Because the future of agriculture won’t be built on doing more of the same.

It will be built by rethinking what’s possible.

Listen if you are:

1. Interested in renewable energy and sustainability in agriculture
2. Exploring biological alternatives to traditional inputs
3. Thinking about how to reduce waste and increase efficiency
4. Leading innovation inside a traditional ag system
5. Building teams to execute complex, long-term ideas