In this eye-opening episode, host Joe Sampson welcomes Grant Kimberley, a leading voice in U.S. agriculture and Senior Director at the Iowa Soybean Association. Together, they break down the perfect storm facing American soybean farmers—from rising input costs and collapsing demand to the devastating impact of U.S.-China trade tensions.
Grant offers rare behind-the-scenes insight into how Brazil’s agricultural growth, retaliatory tariffs, and stalled U.S. biofuel policy have combined to threaten the livelihoods of countless U.S. producers. With potential global consequences and skyrocketing rural distress, the conversation explores what it will take to turn things around—including diplomatic meetings, biofuel policy reforms, and strategic domestic demand growth.
Whether you’re in ag, policy, or just want to understand the broader economic landscape, this episode delivers the clarity and urgency the moment demands.
In this captivating conversation, Joe Sampson and Chris Morbitzer explore the rise of AI from personal fascination to practical implementation. Joe recalls his first brush with ChatGPT in 2022, while Chris traces his journey back to the early days of natural language processing. Together, they discuss how AI has evolved, the dangers of blind reliance, and how it’s reshaping everything from manufacturing to marketing.
They also touch on the emotional and spiritual hunger in modern society, particularly among younger generations gravitating toward traditional religion and liturgy, searching for meaning in an algorithm-driven world. Chris presents AI as both a jetpack for productivity and a crutch when misused.
Toward the end, Chris previews his upcoming talk at the FEMA Convention in Las Vegas, where he'll present on the "18-Month Window" for AI-readiness in distribution. The conversation offers practical advice for businesses and reflects deeply on how AI affects not only operations but our capacity for creativity, connection, and critical thinking.
In this insightful and forward-thinking episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson reconnects with long-time industry leader Leah Olson, a powerhouse in Canadian agriculture, policy, and ag-tech innovation. With a career spanning the rail industry, seed innovation, autonomous equipment (DOT), and executive leadership roles like AMC and Pammi, Leah shares her journey, the reality of being a CEO, and her candid views on trade, tariffs, and what's next for North American agriculture.From her small-town farm roots to leading major organizations through transformation, Leah reflects on lessons learned, the emotional and strategic burden of leadership, and how "listening" might be the most underrated CEO skill. The episode also tackles pressing issues like the U.S. tariff implementation, the fragility of Canada-U.S. trade, and what both countries must do to ensure food security and economic viability.A must-listen for anyone navigating ag policy, equipment innovation, farm economics, or just looking to lead better.
In this episode, host Joe Sampson sits down with Steve Bruere, President of People’s Company, to explore how farmland ownership, management, and investment are transforming in today’s agricultural economy.Steve shares his personal journey from growing up on a small farm in Warren County, Iowa, to building one of the largest farmland real estate, management, and investment firms in the U.S. With operations in 35 states and 27 offices, People’s Company manages billions in agricultural transactions annually.They discuss how technology and AI are revolutionizing farmland management, debunk myths about foreign ownership (no, China isn’t buying all U.S. farmland), and explain how outside capital and family farms can coexist in the modern market.The conversation expands into entrepreneurship, Steve’s unexpected entry into the wine business with his “Capital Call” label, and the pride and passion tied to owning even a few acres of American soil.
In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson welcomes Matthew Rassi, founder of Twenty Helping Hands, a lean manufacturing consultant and operational strategist. With a background spanning 25 years in manufacturing, Matthew shares how his corporate experience evolved into launching his own consulting firm—driven by a passion for servant leadership and empowering teams.
Together, Joe and Matthew dig deep into lean principles, the importance of servant leadership, and why focusing on process—not people—is the key to sustainable growth. Matthew breaks down his step-by-step approach to transforming factories and shops, often finding 30%+ improvement without adding new people or machines.
This episode is packed with actionable advice for business owners, plant managers, and entrepreneurs looking to scale, reduce chaos, and build a thriving, empowered culture.
In this heartfelt episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson sits down with former University of Iowa basketball star and current faith-driven entrepreneur Al Lorenzen. Together, they explore the often-overlooked spiritual cost of worldly success and how true fulfillment only comes through a relationship with Jesus.
From NCAA tournaments to running a ranch-based equine therapy nonprofit, Al reflects on his personal journey from the “top of the mountain” to spiritual emptiness, and ultimately to a meaningful life centered around faith, family, and servant leadership.
The conversation also delves into the pressures of parenting athletes, the cultural shift toward victim mentality, the impact of Charlie Kirk’s passing, and the importance of standing firm in truth during challenging times.
Whether you're a leader, parent, entrepreneur, or just navigating life’s valleys, this episode is a reminder that you’re never truly winning until you're grounded in something greater than yourself.
In this special live episode recorded at Tech Hub Live in Des Moines, Iowa, Joe hosts a riveting panel discussion with leaders from across agriculture, technology, and law.
Panelists include:
Grateful for the thoughtful insights from this powerhouse group:
They dive deep into how AI is impacting agriculture, society, and human relationships. From fears around data privacy and job disruption to excitement about freeing up time for family and legacy, this candid conversation explores the promise—and responsibility—of leveraging AI the right way.
This isn’t your typical panel. Expect honesty, laughter, moments of vulnerability, and a powerful reminder that while AI may change how we work, it can’t replace what makes us human.
In this special edition of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson is joined by Adam Steen, who is running for Governor of Iowa, for a raw and powerful conversation recorded on the morning of September 11th. Still reeling from the shocking attack on Charlie Kirk, the two explore the spiritual, cultural, and emotional toll of evil in America—and how the nation has drifted away from truth.
Steen speaks with vulnerability and fire about his decision to run for governor, his battle-tested faith journey, and his personal experience raising a son with Joubert Syndrome. This episode is not just political—it's spiritual. It's about standing up for truth in a world that punishes truth-tellers, and redefining leadership as a calling, not a career.
Joe and Adam don't hold back—from cultural commentary to deeply personal stories of suffering, healing, and conviction, this episode will leave listeners thinking, praying, and ready to act.
In this captivating episode, host Joe Sampson sits down with Gary Wickham, the visionary CEO of MagrowTec, to uncover the journey of a scientist turned serial entrepreneur who’s revolutionizing agriculture.
From growing up in a family of nine in Ireland and falling in love with science as a kid in his father’s lab, to building a $300M business and founding a disruptive agri-tech company, Gary’s story is rich with resilience, innovation, and global impact.
They discuss the magnetic technology behind MagrowTec and how it optimizes pesticide usage, drastically reduces waste, and increases ROI for farmers—all without wires, software, or complexity.
Gary also opens up about:
The cultural and business-friendly climate of Ireland
Why American agriculture is key to MagrowTec’s future
The power of family and partner support in entrepreneurial success
How innovation can empower smallholder farmers across Africa and Asia
This is a must-listen for anyone in ag, tech, or entrepreneurship.
In this eye-opening episode, Joe Sampson chats with Natalie Kovarik, co-host of the Discover Ag podcast, about the whirlwind of food misinformation, agriculture myths, and what it really means to eat well in a world overloaded with social media soundbites. They explore the viral TikToks, trending health fads, glyphosate debates, and even whether Europe really has better food.
From Natalie's background as a pharmacist-turned-rancher to her current role as a podcast host educating consumers on food systems, she brings deep insight and a refreshingly level-headed perspective. The conversation ranges from fake alien beach holes to the nuances of GMOs, glyphosate safety, and why moderation—and critical thinking—are more important than ever.
In this episode of the Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson welcomes David Thompson, National Marketing and Sales Director at Stine Seed, for a wide-ranging conversation that dives into the evolution of agriculture, innovation in seed genetics, and the philosophy that fuels industry giants like Harry Stine.
The episode opens with a compelling story about Harry Stine's global influence, followed by David sharing his personal connection to the Stine family and his journey through the company. The discussion explores how bold risk-taking, ag research culture, and aggressive innovation are embedded in Stine’s DNA. David elaborates on how Stine has embraced vertical integration, building its own biotech infrastructure and pioneering independent plant transformation methods.
The duo also dives into Roundup Ready technology, addressing the dual challenges of herbicide resistance and public perception. David provides a nuanced view of how agriculture must balance innovation with responsibility and regulation.
In the latter part of the conversation, the two explore interdisciplinary collaboration in agriculture, with a special spotlight on equipment innovation and Stine’s venture into planter and header technology. The conversation finishes with reflections on legacy, learning from failures, and always pushing forward.
In this real-talk episode of the podcast, Joe Sampson welcomes back sales leader Brian Timothy Kreifels for an unfiltered discussion on why relationships—not just quality or product—drive success in sales. They kick things off with a casual yet heartfelt golf story that quickly tees up the episode’s major theme: knowing your customer.
From the marketing brilliance of Sidney Frank (the man behind Grey Goose and Jägermeister) to hiring the right salespeople, Brian and Joe break down why quality doesn't sell on its own—marketing does. They touch on emotional intelligence in selling, the power of personal connection, and why trust is your most valuable sales currency.
The duo also takes a reflective turn into what AI can and cannot replace, concluding that authentic human connection, empathy, and soul simply can't be automated. Whether you're a new sales hire or a seasoned executive, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and practical takeaways you can act on immediately.
In this episode, Joe Sampson reconnects with longtime friend Jason Swanson, Vice President at Business Publications Corporation (BPC) in Des Moines. The conversation journeys from their early days selling ads at CityView to BPC’s evolution into a powerhouse for Iowa’s business community. Jason shares how BPC has adapted over 42 years, maintaining its focus on high-value, niche content while embracing new distribution methods, events, and digital products.
They explore Iowa’s identity beyond agriculture, the surprising entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the state’s growing appeal for companies due to cost of living, education, and connectivity. Jason explains how BPC connects leaders through over 40 annual events, fosters networking, and builds credibility by remaining apolitical and business-focused.
The episode also pays tribute to BPC founder Connie Wimer — a 92-year-old visionary whose risk-taking, innovation, and leadership have shaped Des Moines’ media landscape. The discussion closes with insights into the future of local journalism, the power of good content, and why every business should understand its audience and voice.
In this episode, host Joe Sampson welcomes Tracey Wiedmeyer, co-founder of Gripp, a software platform revolutionizing agricultural maintenance through dead-simple QR code tagging. Introduced through mutual connections at FEMA, Tracey discusses how Gripp came out of Purdue University’s venture studio, Dial Labs, to address the chronic issue of equipment record-keeping in agriculture.
Tracey shares his gripping (pun intended) experience pitching at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag Innovation Challenge and how Gripp stood out as one of the few software companies in a sea of hardware competitors. He highlights the core functionality of Gripp—QR-tagging everything from cherry trees to center pivots for maintenance tracking—and emphasizes the app’s design philosophy: low friction, no training, and universal accessibility.
The episode dives into real-world use cases, including how farmers can log equipment data, store videos for training, and manage inspections, all with a quick scan. With humble beginnings on a Wisconsin farm and years of experience in venture-backed tech, Tracey brings a unique blend of software and soil to the table. Whether you're managing a dairy or a dump truck fleet, this conversation reveals how simplicity and empathy can drive agtech innovation.
Simplicity wins: Gripp’s QR-based tagging system replaces chaos with clarity—no training required.
Underserved ag problems: Maintenance tracking is often ignored or paper-based. Gripp aims to modernize it.
From pitch to platform: Tracey’s journey through the Ag Innovation Challenge shows how tech in ag can win with authenticity.
Scalable design: While built for farms, Gripp’s model is expanding into construction, manufacturing, and more.
Ownership matters: Farmers can store videos, manuals, and logs right on the asset, preserving tribal knowledge.
In this candid and thought-provoking episode of The German Eight Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with Mark Waschek, President of Ag One Source, a top-tier recruiting firm specializing in agriculture and agribusiness. They unpack the deep shifts in career paths, hiring practices, and organizational culture across the ag industry — and why so many placements fail.
Mark draws from 20+ years of experience to share what companies and job seekers often get wrong about recruitment, retention, and performance. From the critical importance of cultural fit to the four pillars of a successful hire (Culture, Style, Expectations, Skills), this conversation offers unmatched insight for anyone navigating ag careers or managing talent.
Whether you’re an executive, hiring manager, or ag professional considering your next move, you’ll find invaluable perspective and advice you won’t hear anywhere else.
In this episode of the Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson joins forces with Marc Adams from GBGI to spotlight an inspiring agricultural entrepreneur: Vaughn Koehn of New Day Precision. Based in Aberdeen, Mississippi, Vaughn shares the remarkable story of growing his precision ag dealership from a solo operation to one of the South's most trusted ag partners.The conversation delves into New Day Precision's expertise in planter maintenance, their long-standing partnership with GBGI, and the power of listening to customer feedback to drive innovation. Vaughn also gives a surprising twist his side hustle selling floating catfish feed, one of the few in the U.S. doing so.As the trio explores the evolving role of technology in farming, from retrofitting planters to the potential of autonomy and AI, they emphasize timeless values like trust, service, and integrity. This episode is a goldmine for dealers, growers, and ag-tech professionals looking to learn what it really takes to thrive in today’s challenging ag economy.Key Takeaways
In this heartfelt and deeply engaging episode of the Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson is joined by Katie Hall, Senior Director of Advocacy at the Iowa Soybean Association. A farm kid turned ag policy powerhouse, Katie shares her winding journey from soybean fields and organic popcorn to the halls of government in Des Moines and D.C.
Listeners get a front-row seat to her rural Iowa upbringing, her start walking beans, and how that instilled a work ethic and curiosity that continues to define her career. Katie opens up about advocating for farmers through policy, logistics, and trade, revealing how the agriculture industry intersects with regulation, global economics, and family legacy.
Joe and Katie dive into everything from soybean tariffs and succession planning to the realities of modern farming, organic myths, and the cultural gaps in understanding where our food comes from. This is an episode about grit, purpose, and the power of asking good questions.
Key Takeaways:
Advocacy Starts on the Ground: Katie serves as a translator and connector for Iowa farmers, tackling real-world issues with proactive solutions.
Legacy and Succession Are Central: Generational farm transitions are deeply personal and require thoughtful planning and fairness.
Trade Tariffs Impact Growers: Soybean farmers are uniquely affected by tariffs due to direct international substitutes like Brazil.
Organic ≠ Always Better: Katie busts myths around food labels, GMOs, and what "healthy" really means in the context of modern agriculture.
Farm Kids Learn Grit Early: Katie's upbringing instilled a strong sense of independence and perseverance that's still with her today.
In this dynamic episode of the Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson welcomes seasoned sales leader Brian Kreifels. Brian shares how he maintains confidence in sales, drawing parallels with overcoming the “after-crash” mentality in racing. They emphasize the power of building momentum—compounding small wins instead of swinging for home runs. Brian dives into his engineering-to-sales story, noting how problem-solving and competitiveness led him into a long-term career in technical/ag sales, particularly in agriculture.
They discuss essential aspects of a successful sales approach:- The competitive spirit and internal drive that’s hard to teach.- Strategic meeting preparation with scenario mapping.- Maximizing CRM as a “brag board,” stressing data discipline, usage and executive buy-in.- The evolving sales tech stack—AI’s role in analytics, meeting recordings, and future intelligent workflows.- And at the heart of it all: the power of real human relationships and connections.📌 Key Takeaways- Momentum wins sales: Build confidence through consistent small wins.- Competitiveness matters: Look for it in hiring—it fuels reps through long hours and tough cycles.- Structure your meetings: Clear agendas, goals, and scenario planning lead to productive engagements.- CRM is your ally: With robust data and consistent use, it becomes your reputation and operational hub.- AI is a tool, not a threat: It boosts analytics, prep time, and CRM insights—people still matter.- Relationships over Tech: Authentic connections and referrals (thanks, Jason Nugent!) remain irreplaceable.
Glendon Kuhns joins Joe to share the incredible journey of Norden Manufacturing—from humble beginnings on a family farm to becoming a trusted OEM in hay equipment and beyond. We discuss:- The patented bale accumulator that started it all- Transitioning from outsourcing to full in-house fabrication- Rebranding from Coons Mfg. to Norden- How faith, family, and service guide their leadership- Diversifying with custom manufacturing and new hay tools- How FEMA helped them grow during cash flow challengesLearn MoreVisit nordenmfg.com or email Glendon at glendon@nordenmfg.com to connect or schedule a tour in northeast Ohio.
In this episode, host Joe Sampson chats with Kat Coombes, GM at Tillage Management based in Tulare, California. A marine biology major turned agricultural innovator, Kat shares how a two-month job in 2012 with her family’s company turned into a fulfilling 13-year career. Her journey covers growing up on the family dairy and pistachio farm, working in Japan, and building a diversified product line for orchards, vineyards, and row crops. Kat explores the company’s mission to combine sustainability with efficiency—cutting fuel use and dust pollution—while maintaining deep family and community values. She also discusses her roles in industry through FEMA, efforts to streamline processes, and her cautious yet optimistic view of AI. And on the lighter side, Kat unwinds by playing piano, gaming with her husband, and gardening.
💡 Key Takeaways
