The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Autonomous tractors and robotic farm machinery were supposed to transform American agriculture. So why has adoption been so slow? In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, Damian Mason speaks with Chad Fiechter, Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, about the economic realities slowing the rollout of autonomous farm equipment. Chad explains findings from his recent research comparing autonomous machinery with conventional human-operated equipment. The discussion explores labor savings, machinery costs, operational efficiency, technology limitations, and the financial hurdles that continue to prevent widespread adoption on American farms. While the promise of labor-reducing innovation remains attractive, the economics and practical challenges are proving more difficult than many anticipated. This episode delivers a realistic look at the future of autonomous agriculture and whether robotic farm equipment can eventually become financially viable for mainstream producers.
The Business of Agriculture with Damian Mason is brought to you by:
Ag View Solutions
Tidal Grow Agriscience
Nano-Yield 
Life Scientific
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.

Is American Agriculture too dependent on corn and soybean production? Probably. But what is the reasonable alternative? Business of Agriculture host Damian Mason asks Illinois farmer / businessman Marc Severson and StoneX's Ryan Moe: Is meaningful US crop diversification actually feasible? The conversation digs into the real-world economics, government policy, and market forces that keep American farmers locked into the corn-soybean rotation — and whether that's necessarily a bad thing. From ethanol mandates and crop insurance to global competition and infrastructure challenges, Marc and Ryan break down why large-scale crop diversification is harder than it sounds, and what smaller, strategic diversification moves might actually work for today's farm operations.
In this episode: 
Why reducing US corn and soybean production could simply shift market share to foreign competitors - How ethanol policy creates artificial demand that shapes the entire US crop mix
The real infrastructure and economic barriers to transitioning to alternative crops like flax or specialty crops
Why small-scale diversification — adding a specialty crop or livestock enterprise — may be the most realistic path forward
The role of government subsidies and farm policy in either enabling or blocking crop diversification
Whether you're a row crop farmer, ag entrepreneur, or ag industry professional, this episode delivers a frank, data-driven look at the future of American crop production.
The Business of Agriculture with Damian Mason is brought to you by:
Ag View Solutions
Tidal Grow Agriscience
Nano-Yield 
Life Scientific
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.

Crop input costs are reaching record levels in 2026, putting added pressure on farm profitability and financial viability. In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, Damian Mason is joined by Brian Adams of Life Scientific to discuss how producers can evaluate seed, fungicides, crop protection products, and off-patent alternatives to reduce spending without compromising agronomic performance.
The Business of Agriculture with Damian Mason is brought to you by:
Ag View Solutions
Tidal Grow Agriscience
Nano-Yield 
Life Scientific
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.

U.S. meat consumption is at a record high despite rising grocery prices, especially for beef. Meanwhile, plant-based meat alternatives continue losing consumer interest and market share. Why are consumers still choosing real meat? Is the demand driven by protein preferences, nutrition trends, the MAHA movement, or changing perceptions about processed foods?
In this episode of The Business of Agriculture, Damian Mason speaks with Brian Earnest, Animal Protein Analyst at CoBank, about the economic, nutritional, and cultural forces driving continued demand for animal protein. They discuss beef prices, consumer purchasing behavior, protein demand trends, the decline of fake meat products, and what the future holds for livestock and meat industries.
 
The Business of Agriculture with Damian Mason is brought to you by:
Ag View Solutions
Tidal Grow Agriscience
Nano-Yield 
Life Scientific
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.

Bayer and Corteva control a major share of the seed industry, but independent seed companies still have opportunities to compete and win. Damian Mason talks with Bob Miller, founder of Miller Hybrids in Kalona, Iowa, about how small seed companies can succeed through strong genetics, farmer-focused service, competitive pricing, and a clear focus on return on investment. Bob, a PhD plant breeder and former corporate seed industry professional, explains why he left the large-scale seed business to build an independent company focused on practical value for farmers. This episode explores seed industry consolidation, corn and soybean genetics, farmer ROI, and what consolidation means for agribusiness, growers, and the future of seed competition.
The Business of Agriculture with Damian Mason is brought to you by:
Ag View Solutions
Tidal Grow Agriscience
Nano-Yield 
Life Scientific
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.