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Swine nutrition has become increasingly precise. We have better models, better ingredient analytics, better data, and more technology than ever before.

But pigs still have to get fed.

Dr. Hyatt Frobose has spent the last eleven years working in the space between what nutritionists can design on a spreadsheet and what actually happens inside a barn. In this conversation, Hyatt and I talk about why he chose an unconventional career path after earning his Ph.D. at Kansas State University, what he has learned about translating science into practical application, and why sometimes there is elegance in simplicity.

Our discussion moves well beyond feeding equipment. We talk about leadership and developing people, learning from lost sales, breaking down silos between nutrition, production, facilities, and engineering, the opportunities and limitations of precision feeding, and why the swine industry should be uncomfortable with current levels of mortality.

We also discuss animal welfare, the importance of maintaining a strong connection between research and the realities of commercial production, and the challenge of turning nuanced science into information people can actually use.

This is a conversation about technology, but more importantly, it is about implementation. Because the best science in the world only creates value when we can make it work on the farm.

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What does the next generation of agriculture really want?

In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue student, sheep producer, dairy cattle judge, and former Indiana FFA State Officer Seth Ariens for an honest conversation about where agriculture is headed and what it will take to keep young people engaged.

Seth shares why he believes production agriculture still offers tremendous opportunities, why the barriers to entry may not be as high as many people think, and how technology, leadership, and relationships are shaping the future of farming. Along the way, we discuss Purdue's role in preparing students for careers in agriculture, the value of leadership experiences through FFA and FarmHouse Fraternity, and why authentic conversations matter more than scripted answers.

Whether you're a farmer, student, educator, or simply care about the future of rural America, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership, opportunity, and finding your place in agriculture.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why young people still want careers in production agriculture
• Breaking down the barriers to entering farming
• Purdue, leadership, and preparing the next generation
• The future of livestock, technology, and family farms
• Lessons from FFA, FarmHouse, and the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)
• Why relationships remain agriculture's greatest asset

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What challenges will define the future of the pork industry? In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith welcomes Dr. Bob Thaler of South Dakota State University for a thoughtful conversation about swine nutrition, sow mortality, pig survivability, and the future of animal agriculture.

Drawing on decades of experience in research, Extension, consulting, and commercial pork production, Dr. Thaler shares his perspective on improving sow productivity, reducing mortality, developing the next generation of animal scientists, and why Land-Grant universities remain critical to the future of agriculture. The discussion also explores workforce challenges, livestock economics, technology, and the practical realities of modern pork production.

Whether you're a swine producer, nutritionist, veterinarian, animal science student, or agribusiness professional, this episode offers practical insights into some of the biggest questions facing today's pork industry.

Topics include:
• Swine nutrition and sow productivity
• Sow mortality and pig survivability
• Land-Grant universities and Extension
• Graduate education and workforce development
• Technology, automation, and the future of pork production

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In this special bonus episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, recorded live during Ag Day at the Allen County Fair, Jim Smith sits down with three respected voices in agricultural markets and communications: Rob Winters, Jon Cavanaugh, and David Kohli.

Collectively, these three gentlemen bring well over 150 years of experience serving agriculture. From broadcasting and market reporting to grain merchandising, commodity brokerage, and risk management, they have helped generations of farmers navigate changing markets and economic conditions.

Their conversation explores today's agricultural economy, compares current conditions to the challenges of the 1980s farm crisis, and discusses what producers should be watching in the months ahead. Drawing on decades of experience, they share candid perspectives on farm profitability, grain markets, interest rates, and the resilience of American agriculture.

Whether you remember listening to farm radio on the tractor or are simply interested in where agriculture may be headed next, this discussion offers valuable insights from three men who have spent their careers helping farmers make sense of uncertainty.

Guests:
• Rob Winters – Agricultural Broadcaster
• Jon Cavanaugh – Grain Merchandiser and Marketing Advisor
• David Kohli – Commodity Broker, Marketing Advisor, and Risk Management Consultant

Recorded live at the Allen County Fair.

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What does farming really cost?

For Mike Burkhart, the answer goes far beyond machinery, land, and interest rates.

In this conversation, Mike reflects on beginning his farming career in the 1970s, surviving the 1980s Farm Crisis, the growing dependence on off-farm income, and the financial pressures that continue to reshape American agriculture. Along the way, we explore family succession, the realities of cash rent, why "it's just business" isn't always enough, and how one family's tragedy changed the course of their lives forever.

Today, Mike spends much of his time educating consumers through social media and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation, proving that purpose doesn't end when a farming career does.

This is a conversation about resilience, stewardship, and discovering that some of life's greatest harvests happen long after the last crop is planted.

A few things we discuss:

• Growing up and farming through the 1970s and 1980s
• The Farm Crisis and its lasting lessons
• Why off-farm income shouldn't carry a stigma
• Cash rent, consolidation, and the changing structure of agriculture
• The impact of Travis Burkhart's accident on the family and farm
• Retirement, purpose, and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation
• Lessons every generation of farmers can learn

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Agriculture today faces many of the same pressures it did during the 1980s farm crisis—but the solutions may look very different.

In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue agricultural economist Dr. Michael Langemeier to discuss how modern farm businesses can navigate low margins, rising costs, global competition, and generational transition.

Our conversation explores the difference between strong balance sheets and healthy cash flow, why working capital matters more than ever, and how strategic planning is becoming just as important as production efficiency. We also discuss the growing influence of Brazil in global agriculture, the challenges of succession planning, and why many farms need to think more like businesses without losing what makes family agriculture unique.

We finish with a fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, and how new technologies may help producers make better decisions in an increasingly complex industry.

Topics include:

• Comparing today's farm economy to the 1980s farm crisis
• Cash flow, debt, and working capital management
• Strategic risk versus production risk
• Value-added agriculture and competitive advantage
• Accrual accounting and financial decision-making
• Family business transitions and succession planning
• AI, decision support, and the future of farm management
• Why lifelong learning remains agriculture's greatest advantage

Dr. Michael Langemeier is a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University and a leader within the Center for Commercial Agriculture. His work focuses on farm management, financial performance, strategic planning, and producer decision-making.

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What Has the Modern Swine Industry Gained… and What Has It Quietly Lost? | Dr. Doug Newcom

The modern swine industry has never been more productive. Weaning rates are higher, pigs grow faster, feed efficiency continues to improve, and genetic tools are more powerful than ever.

But progress comes with tradeoffs.

In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith sits down with Dr. Doug Newcom, Vice President of Genetics and Technology at the National Swine Registry, to explore how the pork industry has evolved over the past four decades—and what may have been left behind along the way.

The conversation moves from genetic selection and reproductive efficiency to pork quality, resilience, stockmanship, youth development, and the future of the industry. Doug shares perspectives from a career that spans seedstock production, genetic evaluation, international swine genetics, and leadership within the National Swine Registry.

Topics include:

• How the industry increased pigs born alive from 10 to 14–16 pigs per litter
• Why pork quality and eating experience still matter
• What great breeders recognized before the data proved it
• Efficiency versus resilience in modern production systems
• The decline of independent seedstock producers and the impact of industry consolidation
• Why youth livestock programs remain critical to agriculture's future
• Lessons from promoting U.S. swine genetics around the world, including China, Vietnam, South Africa, and beyond
• What gives Doug optimism about the future of the pork industry

If you've ever wondered whether agriculture can become more efficient without losing the qualities that made it successful in the first place, this conversation is worth your time.

Guest: Dr. Doug Newcom
Vice President, Genetics & Technology

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What happens when a hog farmer, feed industry veteran, and former National Pork Producers Council president looks across the entire pork supply chain?

In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Lori Stevermer to explore the connections between production, nutrition, policy, trade, and consumer confidence.

Drawing from decades in the feed industry with Wayne Feeds, Hubbard Feeds, and Alltech, along with her leadership at NPPC, Lori shares a perspective that spans from the slat level to Washington, D.C.

We discuss:

• Why consumers need confidence in the food system
• The growing role of choice in pork production and marketing
• What COVID revealed about our food supply chain
• Why trade matters far beyond pork chops and bacon
• The importance of Canada, Mexico, and international markets to U.S. pork producers
• Labor challenges facing agriculture over the next decade
• How ASF, global disease pressure, and biosecurity shape industry decisions
• Why agriculture sometimes struggles to slow down and think

Along the way, Lori reflects on leadership, running, balancing industry service with farm life, and the importance of meeting consumers where they are.

Whether you're involved in pork production, agriculture policy, animal nutrition, or simply interested in how complex systems actually work, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at the people and decisions behind modern agriculture.