In today’s episode, your hosts Tork and Sawyer are coming to you from the barn with a special hybrid episode—no guest this week, but they’re diving into a mix of hot topics and answering listener questions straight from the barn floor.
The guys kick things off with their signature market updates, breaking down the latest in corn, beans, cattle, and hogs. They discuss the current state of the meat market and why pork is having a moment as the affordable protein option for families. You’ll also hear their thoughts on commodity prices, challenges in the cattle industry, and how upcoming harvests could play out based on this year’s stellar weather.
If you thought artificial intelligence and farming don’t mix, think again. Tork and Sawyer share their excitement—and a few cautionary thoughts—about the rapid rise of AI tools like Grok 4, and how technology is already changing the way they run their direct-to-consumer meat business, Farmer Grade.
Next, they get real about the future of farming. From surviving the farm crisis of the 1980s to the current challenges facing family farms, Tork reflects on how hard work (and a lot of pork) helped their family make it through tough times. Both hosts discuss the ongoing shake-up in agriculture, warning that the days of the “middle-class” farmer are numbered—and sharing ideas on how today’s farm businesses can adapt, innovate, and work together as families to survive and thrive.
You’ll also get insights on tough subjects like farm succession, the value of running your operation like a business, and why open, honest conversations are key to keeping the legacy alive.
Shop Farmer Grade 👇🏻
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LISTEN ON:
SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY
APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049
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● Sawyer’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3BtX0n4
● Tork’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3LGZJxS
00:00 Pollination Issues in Corn Crops
09:22 MP Materials: North America's Rare Earth Monopoly
15:45 Avoid Fungicide Experimentation This Year
20:01 Optimism and Grok 4 Adoption
24:59 "Grok's Rapid AI Advancement"
31:29 Adapt Fast or Fall Behind
38:10 Life on the Farm: Simple Summers
41:41 "Family Rift Over Farm Inheritance"
45:46 Modern Farming Challenges and Costs
51:31 Rethinking Car Ownership and Farming
57:58 "Handling Difficult Family Dynamics"
01:01:42 "Wrap-Up and Thanks"
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