Best Top Crop Manager Podcasts (2025)

1
Assessing Aphanomyces root rot 34:48

21d ago34:48

34:48

No one’s a fan of Aphanomyces root rot - and for good reason. In a wet year, this disease can cause significant damage in field pea and lentil crops across the Prairies. In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Michelle Hubbard, research scientist in pulse pathology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Swift Current, Sask., shares insight from some of th…

1
Audio Files: Poinsettia Production—When Negatives Can Be a Positive 6:58

2h ago6:58

6:58

POINSETTIA PRODUCTION: WHEN NEGATIVES CAN BE A POSITIVE FROM THE MAY 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY JAMES DOUKAS NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: A mastery, or at least a proficiency, in many growth strategies allow for a grower to select the correct “tool” from their “toolbox” no matter the situation that arises in the fall to achi…

1
Tough Enough to Talk About It: Mental Health in Agriculture 1:06:07

2d ago1:06:07

1:06:07

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we welcome experts from the Purdue Extension Office to shine a light on mental health and suicide awareness in the agricultural world. Farming comes with a unique set of pressures—volatile markets, unpredictable weather, isolation, long hours—and all too often, these challenges are suffered in silence. Our gu…

1
A Farmer’s Greatest Asset: Capturing The Power of the Farmer's Mind 45:49

6d ago45:49

45:49

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Steffensmeier to discuss how record-keeping and farm management can be a game-changer for farmers. As the owners of Midwest Wagyu Beef, Jesse and Leah have firsthand experience balancing farm operations, financial management, and family life. Their upcoming workbook is designed to help farmers stay organized,…

1
Audio Files: How Much Does a Greenhouse REALLY Cost? 9:54

8d ago9:54

9:54

HOW MUCH DOES A GREENHOUSE PROJECT REALLY COST? FROM THE APRIL 2025 ISSUE OF GROWERTALKS MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY CHRIS BEYTES NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Anyone who’s completed a greenhouse project knows that a lot more goes into it than you might think. But how much, exactly, as a percentage of the total cost? We asked three experts—Paul Golden …

1
The Right to Repair Debate: Autonomy, Safety, and the Future of Farming 1:09:52

10d ago1:09:52

1:09:52

"Beyond the Toolbox: Exploring the Complexities of the Right to Repair Debate in Agriculture" We acknowledge the complexity of the debate—it’s not just about farmers hacking software but a broader discussion about safety, ownership, relationships, and trust. Defining Right to Repair: Farmers’ desire to access tools, diagnostics, and manuals to repa…

1
Forcing Your Perennials to Wake Up ft. Chris Fifo 14:22

13d ago14:22

14:22

Forcing perennials out of winter dormancy and into bloom for spring and summer sales isn’t a new concept for most growers, but growth in the perennial market has inspired a lot of folks to add perennials to their mix and there’s been plenty of research done to update protocols for breaking dormancy. Because of this, Tech On Demand host Bill Calkins…

1
Millennial Farmer & Just a Jackson Thing : Pure Entertainment 28:56

14d ago28:56

28:56

In this quick-hit episode, we sit down with Zach Johnson (aka The Millennial Farmer) and Just a Jackson Thing for a laid-back conversation that’s all about the love of agriculture. We talk shop—literally—with updates on Jackson’s new space, swap stories about their favorite tractors, and reflect on what keeps them passionate about creating farm con…

1
All About Princettia with Suntory Flowers’ Lorentina McKoy 41:02

15d ago41:02

41:02

For this installment, Lorentina McKoy, the North American sales and product rep for Suntory Flowers, joins host Bill Calkins to talk about Princettia—the unique poinsettia assortment from Suntory that looks different than traditional holiday poinsettias because it’s bred to be different. This opens up some unique uses and retail specs and also requ…

1
The Custom Harvesting Hustle: Starting and Growing a Business 58:15

17d ago58:15

58:15

Custom harvesting is a lifestyle, a business, and an essential part of the agricultural ecosystem—and few know it better than Frederick Harvesting & Trucking. What began as a small family operation with one combine and one truck has grown into a dynamic business that travels across multiple states each year, helping farmers bring in their crops eff…

1
Behind the Wheel with @CharlieTrucker: Hauling Waste and Making Waves 32:53

21d ago32:53

32:53

Charlie from Uniondale, Pennsylvania, has built a massive following by doing what he does best—trucking with personality. With over 360k followers on TikTok and 81k on Facebook, Charlie blends the grit of hauling hazardous waste with humor, music, and daily check-ins that his fans love. His signature video intros like “Whiskey Wednesday” and “Thirs…

1
Broad Mites (and Lewis Mites) with Dr. Raymond Cloyd 28:46

22d ago28:46

28:46

One of the greenhouse pests growers have been dealing with more and more recently is broad mite. This specific mite pest is extremely challenging to diagnose and treat and can wreak havoc on a very wide range of crops across multiple seasons. Host Bill Calkins is joined by well-respected professor and extension specialist in horticultural entomolog…

1
5 Phases to Better Crops – Plant Health & Nutrient Strategy for 2025 59:51

24d ago59:51

59:51

Gunny Kreps joins the show to break down the fundamentals of plant nutrition and how it directly impacts crop growth, resilience, and yield. Representing AgXplore, Gunny explains the five stages of crop development—Foundation, Establishment, Architecture, Reproductive, and Maturity—and highlights how understanding and supporting each phase can maxi…

1
2025 California Spring Trials Debrief ft. Chris Beytes & Jen Zurko 53:54

27d ago53:54

53:54

Host Bill Calkins welcomed GrowerTalks’ editor in chief Chris Beytes and editor Jennifer Zurko to the podcast to share thoughts on the event—the plants, the trends, the fish tacos—and the overall impact spring trials has on the professional horticulture industry. When Chris, Jen and Bill return from Spring Trials each year, folks in the industry al…

1
Big Booms & Even Bigger ..........! Chatting with Austin Roylance 41:40

28d ago41:40

41:40

Austin Roylance, a spraying expert and content creator, joins us to share how he built Roylance Spraying, a custom spraying business specializing in onions, mini potatoes, and corn defoliation. He discusses his trip to Argentina to explore the latest in Caiman Sprayers and BK Comp’s 160ft carbon fiber booms, his partnership programs and loyalty rew…

1
Precision Tech Tips For Spring 9:10

29d ago9:10

9:10

Planting season is upon us. You might be itching to get into the field. But is your precision technology ready for you to jump in? At the start of each season, there is a lot of things to set up and calibrate before any seed goes into the ground. Our Data Strategy Manager, Cristin Weber, gives you all the best precision tech tips to getting your da…

1
A Farmer's Perspective: How See & Spray Helps Farmers Save Big 44:22

1M ago44:22

44:22

In today’s episode, Jesse Blasi (Kansas) and Max Hodel (Illinois) share their experiences with John Deere's See & Spray™ technology and the latest sprayer updates designed to maximize yields and minimize costs. See & Spray Premium – Jesse discusses how he saved $120k on chemicals for his 3,000 acres of wheat using See & Spray Premium and how the ne…

1
A Voice of Canadian Ag: Shaun Haney's Story on RealAg Radio & More 43:34

1M ago43:34

43:34

In this episode, we’re joined by Shaun Haney, founder and CEO of RealAgriculture, Canada’s leading online ag publication and home to RealAg Radio on SiriusXM. Shaun shares his journey from growing up on a Southern Alberta seed farm to becoming a trusted voice in agriculture. We discuss how RealAgriculture provides farmers with essential information…

1
PRM on the Big Show 7:04

1M ago7:04

7:04

PRM's Data Strategy Manager, Cristin Weber, was on the NewsRadio 1040 Big Show with Bob Quinn. There she explained on Clean Water Wednesday how the Risk & Return Analysis can help improve farm profitability and improve conservation efforts. Risk & Return Analysis: https://precisionriskmanagement.com/services/precision/risk-return-analysis/ Big Show…

1
Out of this World! Winning the War on Weeds: Soybean Herbicides 41:43

1M ago41:43

41:43

Exploring the importance of a program-based approach to weed control in soybeans. Drake explains how farmers can get ahead of weed pressure by integrating multiple sites of action, using cultural practices like tillage and crop rotation, and applying preemergence herbicides before weeds become established. With planting season approaching, the disc…

1
Farmers Helping Farmers: Inside Strutzenberg Drainage & Excavating 49:11

1M ago49:11

49:11

In this episode, Brandon Strutzenberg shares how Strutzenberg Farm Drainage & Excavating has been helping farmers improve their land since 2015. We dive into the key benefits of farm drainage, including higher yields, better soil structure, and reduced disease pressure. Brandon also explains how excavation services—from site prep and grading to dem…

1
Surviving & Thriving: How to Make Your Farm More Profitable in 2025 w/ Ethan Clarke 1:22:11

1M ago1:22:11

1:22:11

As we look ahead to 2025, farm profitability remains top of mind. This episode explores key strategies that producers are using to control costs and increase revenue. We’ll discuss how farmers are sourcing chemicals and fertilizers, adjusting seed purchases, making smarter land rental decisions, and fine-tuning equipment investments. We’ll also exa…

1
Does Your Farm have a Brand? Perspective & Storytelling w/ Lo Schmid 1:01:26

2M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

With a degree in marketing from Bowling Green State University and over seven years of experience, Lauren specializes in branding, web design, photography, and videography—helping businesses in and out of agriculture establish strong, authentic brands. She’ll share insights into storytelling, digital trends, the role of AI in marketing, and how pri…

1
Is Leasing Right for You? Grain Bins, Buildings, Tractors & Trucks : AgriFinancial 47:54

2M ago47:54

47:54

In this episode, Bre Beals of AgriFinancial explains the ins and outs of leasing in agriculture, from equipment and machinery to farm buildings and vehicles. We discuss the key differences between leasing and buying, why farmers should consider leasing, and how it can improve cash flow and reduce risk. Bre also breaks down the financial and tax ben…

1
Integrated Pest Management & Resistance Management ft. Corteva’s Broch Martindale 1:02:24

2M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Just in time for warmer, spring temps and the insect pests that seem to come along, Tech On Demand host Bill Calkins caught up with Broch Martindale, the national nursery and strategic account manager at Corteva. The discussion centers on pest management in greenhouses and nurseries but because Broch is a phenomenal educator and “coach” there are p…

1
"They Don't Teach This Stuff in School" - Trey Bo Dirt 1:00:45

2M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

In this episode, we sit down with Trey Bohannan (@treybodirt) to talk about his journey from lawn care to leading one of the largest trucking and construction companies in his area. Trey shares insights on how small businesses can leverage social media for growth, how he scaled Design One from a local mowing company to a major player in commercial …

1
Finishing Top-Quality Vegetative Petunia Crops 34:48

2M ago34:48

34:48

Recently retired Ball Technical Services Manager Dr. Will Healy joins host Bill Calkins to talk finished vegetative petunia production as part of the Tech On Demand series covering crop culture for key annuals and perennials AND this one is the final installment of our finished petunia miniseries—joining “common” seed-raised petunias and the Wave f…

1
Finishing WAVE Petunias with Dr. Will Healy 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

Retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy joins host Bill Calkins to share protocols for finishing Wave petunias as part of the Tech On Demand series covering crop culture for key annuals and perennials. From media selection and nutrition to water, light and temperature, finishing crops requires careful attention to avoid losses and send high q…

1
Finishing “Common” Seed Petunias with Dr. Will Healy 33:01

2M ago33:01

33:01

Retired Ball technical manager Dr. Will Healy joins host Bill Calkins to share protocols for finishing more common types of seed-raised (multiflora and grandiflora) petunias as part of the Tech On Demand series covering crop culture for key annuals and perennials. From media selection and nutrition to water, light and temperature, finishing crops r…

1
Unlocking NRCS Resources: Drainage, Conservation & More 44:35

2M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Wagner, an Agricultural Engineer with NRCS, to explore drainage water management (DWM) and how farmers can leverage NRCS resources to improve both farm productivity and environmental conservation. Scott walks us through the steps of initiating a drainage project, best practices for working with NRCS, and comm…

1
Grit, Green, and GAS: Don Slama’s Formula for Success 53:05

2M ago53:05

53:05

We sit down with Don Slama to discuss the history and growth of Slama Equipment, a John Deere dealership celebrating 75 years of service. We’ll cover how the business has evolved since 1948, including Don’s journey from working in the shop to owning the company. He shares insights into why customer service, team loyalty, and supporting old equipmen…

1
Get That Flower Feeling! (A Roundtable Discussion) 17:38

2M ago17:38

17:38

Members of the Marketing Committee of That Flower Feeling join GUEST HOST Joan Mazat (Business Manager—Cut Flowers at Ball Seed Company) to share why this movement is so important to the cut flower industry. Join a dynamic group for an equally dynamic discussion about how and why industry leaders are actively working to motivate more consumers to v…

1
Soybean Cyst Nematode: The Silent Threat Stealing Your Yield 59:37

2M ago59:37

59:37

https://www.thescncoalition.com/ Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most significant yield threat to soybean farmers, often causing losses without visible symptoms. In this episode, SCN experts Dylan Mangel from the University of Nebraska and Horacio Lopez-Nicora from Ohio State University break down why SCN is a growing problem, how resistance to …

1
A Biological Approach to Spring IPM ft. Koppert’s Heidi Doering 41:02

2M ago41:02

41:02

This Tech On Demand podcast episode is all about spring pest control, integrated pest management and implementing biocontrol strategies that work. Host Bill Calkins is joined by Heidi Doering, the National Ornamental Team Lead and Technical IPM Consultant for the Midwest Region with Koppert. Koppert is a global market leader specializing in biologi…

1
Hunting, Bourbon, and Ag Tech: Hanging out with a Doctor! - Eric Scherder 1:11:40

2M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

We dive into the career and passions of Dr. Eric Scherder, a key figure at Corteva Agriscience. From his roots in Iowa to his role in shaping the future of agricultural innovations, Eric shares his experiences and wisdom. We discuss the most exciting advancements he’s been a part of, his advice for aspiring ag professionals, and his hopes for the n…

1
Audio Files: Reducing the Risk—Optimize Your Insurance Policy 8:54

2M ago8:54

8:54

REDUCING THE RISK FROM A 2025 INSIDE GROWER MAGAZINE WEB-EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE WRITTEN BY TRACI DOOLEY NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: An increase in the frequency of severe weather events, reduced market capacity, higher labor, material, and equipment costs, and unusually high jury awards are all causing insurance premiums to rise across industries.…

1
Making Smart Crop Insurance Decisions for 2025 49:43

2M ago49:43

49:43

Trevor will walk us through Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) plans, private product options, unit structure decisions, and key considerations for beginning and veteran farmers. We’ll also touch on how precision ag technology is shaping crop insurance and what farmers need to know about the latest Farm Bill developments. If you’re looking to protec…

1
8th-Generation Farmer Zoe Kent on Running a Farm & Owning Her Story 1:04:15

3M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

In this episode, we chat with Zoe Kent (@farmwithzoe), an Ohio-based corn and soybean farmer who has built an impressive social media following by sharing the ups and downs of farming life. Zoe talks about her journey from partnering with her dad to running the farm on her own, her passion for empowering women in ag, and how she turns negativity in…

1
Finished Zinnia Production: Managing Stretch, Disease and More! 35:34

3M ago35:34

35:34

Whether you’re finishing Zinnia Elegans, Marylandica or Angustifolia crops, Dr. Will Healy has the “rules of the road” to avoid or manage stretch (… if you turn your back on the crop, it’s going to stretch!) and mitigate disease risk. Zinnias are a true classic when it comes to home gardens and breeding has brought this crop a long way, with new va…

1
Cool-Season Nuances! Optimize Finished Dianthus Production 33:57

3M ago33:57

33:57

There’s a lot of “Sweet William” going on in this video … Tech On Demand host Bill “Sweet William” Calkins is joined once again by Dr. Will “Sweet William” Healy to discuss tips and tricks for finishing amazing dianthus crops at a time of year that can be challenging. From receiving plugs in cold weather and starting dianthus under long days to soi…

1
Tech That Works for Farmers : Solutions for Precision & Efficiency 59:24

3M ago59:24

59:24

First we learn about nitrogen stabilizers with Corteva for Spring use for the first 10 minutes then we sit down with Logan Handsaker, Product Sales Specialist at Ag Leader, to discuss how their latest precision ag innovations are simplifying farm operations and increasing efficiency. Logan shares his firsthand experience using Ag Leader products on…

1
Finishing Impatiens Walleriana—Watch Your Moisture & Temps! 32:54

3M ago32:54

32:54

Impatiens walleriana might be the most-recognized garden plant—certainly the favorite for shade gardens and landscapes. Ball’s recently retired technical guru Dr. Will Healy joins us once again to share tips and tricks for finishing key seed annuals. When you’re producing impatiens, there are plenty of best practices to follow to avoid issues like …

1
Breaking Yield Records: How Eric Reed the "Crop Critic" Farms for Profit 1:22:07

3M ago1:22:07

1:22:07

Eric Reed, also known as @TheCropCritic, a first-generation farmer from Tennessee. Eric shares his journey from farming with his wife’s family on their cotton farm to expanding his operation to 1,500 acres of cotton, corn, and soybeans across Tennessee and Alabama. We dive into his high-yield successes, including winning multiple National Corn Grow…

1
Audio Files: Embracing Technology & Sustainability for Growth 9:06

3M ago9:06

9:06

EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY FOR GROWTH FROM THE FEBRUARY 2025 ISSUE OF GREEN PROFIT MAGAZINE WRITTEN BY AVIVA LeSHAW NARRATED BY BILL CALKINS EXCERPT: Shoppers today want more than a good deal on plants. They’re looking for an experience—something seamless and personal. Research from the Square Future of Retail Report: 2024 Edition show…

1
Be the Local King or Queen of Tomato Production! 35:35

3M ago35:35

35:35

Every garden center—big and small—offers tomato plants for home gardens. Your key differentiators are varieties, container sizes and quality. Be the top wholesale supplier in your market by following Dr. Will Healy’s tomato production advice! In this Ball Tech On Demand crop-specific episode, he takes you through all the key factors necessary to fi…

1
Breaking the Fragipan Barrier: New Solutions for Higher Yields 45:45

3M ago45:45

45:45

In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we dive into fragipan soils—a major challenge impacting farmers across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee—with expert guests Dr. Murdock and Billy from AgX. Fragipan soils create a dense, compacted layer beneath the topsoil, restricting root growth and limiting access to nutrients and water, leading t…

1
Big Drought Cycle Year in 2025? 9:19

3M ago9:19

9:19

Perhaps you’ve heard that 2025 is the year of a “Big Drought” for the Midwest, but is that weather truth or folklore? Before you start to make farm planning choices for 2025 based on folklore, it is a good idea to understand what is fact-based and what is not. We sit down with Meteorologist Lucy Sledge to see if there is any truth to claims of extr…

1
Ryan Kelly aka WITitan2 - Why Farming History Matters 1:10:39

3M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

In this special episode recorded live at the North American Conservation & Drainage Expo, the Farm4Profit team sits down with Ryan Kelly, better known as WITitan2 on YouTube & TikTok. Ryan has built a dedicated following by sharing his passion for farming history, classic equipment, and the stories of the past generations who built agriculture into…

1
Making the most of nitrogen 30:11

3M ago30:11

30:11

Nitrogen use efficiency is an index of how well a plant is putting its nitrogen to use for higher yields. Knowing how to improve management practices surrounding nitrogen is a win for your crop and the environment. In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Kate Congreves, associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Jarislowsky research chair, …

1
Building Resilience in Farming and Life - A Journey Through Tough Challenges 1:08:47

3M ago1:08:47

1:08:47

We welcome Nina Sossamon Pogue, a former USA gymnast, Emmy award-winning news anchor, and bestselling author. The conversation centers around the theme of resilience, exploring how individuals can adapt to life's challenges and setbacks. Nina shares her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding resilience as the ability to adapt…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Top Crop Manager Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen