The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Despite the popular narrative, American agriculture is not feeding the world—nor, increasingly, itself. With 40% of U.S. corn diverted to ethanol production and a persistent $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, systemic inefficiencies are being exposed. Damian Mason is joined by Joe Maxwell of Farm Action to examine the disconnect between production agriculture and food supply, the impact of policy mandates, and the path toward a more food-focused, self-reliant agricultural model. This episode explores reform, opportunity, and the urgent need to reframe the role of U.S. agriculture in domestic and global food systems.   The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.   

Beef industry dynamics are under scrutiny: Cattle prices are dropping, imports are rising, and major packers like Tyson are scaling back operations. Is market consolidation hurting U.S. producers? Damian Mason speaks with Hyrum Egbert to analyze current trends, including packer power, price pressure, plant closures, and the role of imports. This is a must-listen for livestock producers, ag economists, and anyone invested in the future of American beef. Key topics covered: Tyson's plant closure and capacity cutbacks Trump-era beef policy and price messaging The rise in beef imports and its impact on U.S. ranchers Market consolidation in meat packing Long-term implications for beef producers and consumers The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.   

Livestock manure remains one of the most undervalued tools in American agriculture. Despite its rich nutrient profile, soil health benefits, and potential to reduce fertilizer costs, manure is used on less than 10% of U.S. cropland. Meanwhile, synthetic fertilizer prices continue to climb. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Iowa farmer Kellie Blair and University of Minnesota manure specialist Dr. Nancy Bohl Bormann to discuss why it is time to reevaluate manure's role in crop fertility strategies. The conversation explores manure's contribution to nitrogen and phosphorus needs, its impact on soil biology, and the logistical and regulatory factors limiting broader adoption. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.       

Sorghum is a drought-tolerant, high-protein, non-GMO grain with impressive versatility—from livestock feed to human consumption and even liquor production. Yet, despite these strengths, U.S. sorghum acres are shrinking, and prices remain below production costs. In this episode, Damian Mason speaks with Adam York, CEO of Kansas Sorghum Producers, to explore why sorghum remains undervalued in global markets. They examine challenges in sorghum branding, demand, and perception, and what the industry must do to elevate this under appreciated crop. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.   

Global grain markets are oversupplied, trade routes are shifting, and U.S. Agriculture faces increasing challenges from geopolitical tensions and aggressive global competitors. Joe Vaclavik—market analyst and host of Grain Markets and Other Stuff—joins Damian Mason to examine the pressures facing America's export-driven Ag model. They discuss commodity prices, global trade disruption, and the real economic forces reshaping U.S. agriculture. Expect honest insights, grounded analysis, and zero sugar-coating. A must-listen for agribusiness professionals seeking to understand what lies ahead. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.