In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Jason Hanson, a former USDA NRCS employee who has transitioned to sustainable farming in North Carolina. The discussion delves into the challenges of modern farming, including the oversupply in the corn market and the impact of electric vehicles on ethanol demand. Jason provides insights into the struggles of small farmers and the complexities of agricultural policies. The episode also covers significant agricultural news, in...
Jun 27, 2025•38 min•Ep. 446
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crow welcomes Jason Mauck, a US farmer and innovative thinker in agriculture, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Jason shares insights into his 'farm weird' philosophy, which emphasizes regenerative practices and polyculture systems to optimize yields and resilience. The conversation delves into the impact of recent policy changes, such as Trump's ICE raid reversals and the EPA's biofuel mandates, on the agricultur...
Jun 20, 2025•42 min•Ep. 445
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Taylor Moyer, a former NASCAR crew chief turned rancher, to discuss the latest headlines affecting the agriculture industry. The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the controversy surrounding the American Angus Association's acceptance of a $4,850,000 grant from Jeff Bezos's Earth Fund for methane research. Taylor shares his concerns about the implications of this funding and the potential misuse of data, sparking a...
Jun 13, 2025•36 min•Ep. 443
This week's episode examines three major agricultural controversies shaking the industry. Host Vance Crowe and guest Kenny Bergmann analyze Corteva's aggressive enforcement letter threatening farmers who use generic herbicides on GMO crops, including their promotion of an anonymous "tip line" that has producers up in arms. Crowe and Bergmann then investigate the federal charges against two Chinese nationals caught smuggling Fusarium graminearum—a crop-destroying fungal pathogen classified as a p...
Jun 06, 2025•38 min•Ep. 442
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes crop consultant Joel Ailts from St. Croix, Wisconsin to discuss the intricacies of soil microbiology and regenerative farming practices. Joel shares insights into innovative approaches like cover cropping and optimizing micronutrient management, while also addressing the challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions on crop productivity. The conversation delves into the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on agron...
May 30, 2025•37 min•Ep. 441
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes Keely Covello, an independent reporter and documentary filmmaker, to discuss pressing issues in agriculture. Keely shares insights into her investigative work on government overreach affecting independent farmers and highlights stories such as the pipeline crisis and the Maud family in South Dakota. The conversation delves into the Make America Healthy Again report, which addresses pesticide safety and the need for a balanced app...
May 23, 2025•41 min•Ep. 440
The Ag Tribes Report features returning guest Zack Smith (@zebulousprime), an innovative Iowa farmer known for his Stock Cropper system and sustainable farming advocacy. The episode covers three major agricultural news stories: US-UK Beef Trade Deal : A new agreement eliminates UK tariffs on American beef that meets their strict standards, opening a significant export market but potentially straining US cattle herds already at 73-year lows. Dr. Casey Means' Surgeon General Nomination : Trump's n...
May 09, 2025•36 min•Ep. 439
In this special episode, Vance Crowe switches roles from host to guest, interviewed by Ara, an AI agent from Grok. Over the past two months, Vance has deeply immersed himself in artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential to transform daily life and business operations. While many remain hesitant or unaware of AI's capabilities, Vance and his peers have integrated it into their routines, discovering its power to solve problems and boost productivity. This episode explores Vance's journey ...
May 06, 2025•42 min•Ep. 438
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Ethan Kohler, a farmer from Edelstein, Illinois, to discuss the latest developments in agriculture. They delve into the Trump administration's decision to drop criminal charges against South Dakota ranchers involved in a fence dispute, highlighting the community's support and the implications of government overreach. The episode also covers the USDA's new web portal for reporting unfair legal actions, the overblown fears of b...
May 02, 2025•29 min•Ep. 437
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Jake Jorenstad, co-founder and CEO of Bushel, to discuss the latest developments in the agriculture sector. Jake shares insights from his recent interactions with key figures like the Agriculture Secretary, highlighting the behind-the-scenes efforts to address issues such as tariffs and the E15 mandate. The conversation delves into the implications of the USDA's language ban under the Trump administration, China's barring of ...
Apr 25, 2025•37 min•Ep. 436
In this episode, we delve into the complexities of manufacturing and tariffs with our anonymous guest, NNZP, who provides an insider's perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the United States as it attempts to bring manufacturing back home. We explore the historical context of offshoring since the mid-1980s, the impact of tariffs on imports and exports, and the potential for shortages in critical goods like rare earths and electronics. NNZP shares insights on the environmental an...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 435
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes JR Burdick, a raw milk farmer known for his advocacy of local food sovereignty and traditional values. Together, they delve into pressing issues affecting the agriculture sector, including Bayer's potential halt of RoundUp production due to costly lawsuits, and the implications of Trump's tariffs aimed at isolating China. The discussion also covers the American beverage industry's reaction to SNAP benefit restrictions and the pot...
Apr 18, 2025•43 min•Ep. 434
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Charles Benoit, a trade attorney and trade counsel for the Coalition for Prosperous America. Charles brings a unique perspective on trade policies, particularly tariffs, and their impact on agriculture in the US and Canada. He discusses the historical context of tariffs, comparing current trade dynamics to those of the early 19th century, and argues against the prevailing free trade narrative taught in economics classes. Char...
Apr 11, 2025•34 min•Ep. 433
In this episode, we delve into the pressing issue of the student loan debt crisis, a topic that has sparked significant debate across political lines. Vance Crowe explores the historical context of student lending, tracing its evolution from private bank loans in the 1970s to the current state where the majority of loans are held by the government. This shift has led to skyrocketing education costs and a system where students are burdened with debt that is nearly impossible to discharge through ...
Apr 08, 2025•13 min•Ep. 432
In this week's episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Carl Schlegel, a Maryland farmer and participant in the American Farm Bureau's PALS program. The conversation starts with the impact of new baseline tariffs on the agriculture industry, exploring how different sectors are responding and the potential long-term effects on the economy. Carl provides a firsthand perspective on the complexities of trade policies and their implications for local farmers. The episode also de...
Apr 04, 2025•43 min•Ep. 431
In this episode, we diverge from our usual format to discuss a pressing issue in agriculture and international trade. April 2 marks a significant day known as Liberation Day in the agricultural community, yet it remains largely unnoticed in the broader United States. This episode features a conversation with Sylvain Charlebois, also known as the Food Professor, who provides in-depth insights into the impending changes in trade relationships between the United States, Canada, and other countries....
Apr 01, 2025•31 min•Ep. 430
In this week's episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Chris Bennett, a journalist from Farm Journal, to discuss the latest developments in agriculture. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Canada's bold economic shift away from the US, as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announces retaliatory tariffs in response to US policies. The conversation explores the potential impacts on both countries, with Bennett providing insights into the political dynamics at play. ...
Mar 28, 2025•42 min•Ep. 429
In this episode, Vance Crowe shares a talk delivered at the American Farm Bureau Fusion Conference, focusing on the rapid integration of technology in agriculture and society. Vance delves into the concept of 'up the graph,' explaining how ideas and technologies spread and become commonplace. Drawing from his experience at Monsanto, he discusses the importance of engaging with emerging technologies early to leverage their potential before they become mainstream. He also highlight the role of AI ...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 428
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes Quick Dick McDick, a prominent YouTube personality in the agriculture community, to discuss a range of pressing issues affecting the agricultural sector in the US and Canada. They delve into the political landscape in Canada, including the rise of Mark Carney as a potential prime minister and the implications of recent tariffs imposed by the US on Canadian goods. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Canadian f...
Mar 21, 2025•45 min•Ep. 427
This episode was a speech recorded at the FUSION conference with the American Farm Bureau talking about the art of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on personal and communal growth. Vance shares his journey from working in agriculture to becoming a storyteller who helps individuals record their life stories for future generations. He emphasizes the importance of listening and asking the right questions to help people open up and share their experiences. Vance discusses the concept...
Mar 18, 2025•57 min•Ep. 426
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Adam Lash, a first-generation farmer from Southeastern Wisconsin. They delve into the complexities of the agricultural workforce, discussing the reliance on H-2A workers and the challenges American farmers face in hiring domestic labor. The conversation touches on the economic and cultural factors influencing this dynamic, including the impact of inflation and currency exchange rates. The episode also covers significant polic...
Mar 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 424
Welcome to the Ag Tribes Report with your host, Vance Crowe. This week, we dive into the complexities of the agricultural world with our guest, Doug Whitehead, a Canadian farmer and trucker. Doug, a former ice trucker, running a trucking company, and farming in Canada. Our discussion takes a deep dive into the deescalating trade war between the US and Canada. We examine the impact of tariffs on both sides of the border and the perspectives of Canadian farmers like Doug, who are navigating the un...
Mar 07, 2025•43 min•Ep. 423
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe welcomes Ryan Cooper, a startup farmer and founder of Milkmen Coop, to discuss the evolving landscape of agriculture and food distribution. Ryan shares insights into his business, which sources high-quality food from local farms and distributes it within his community. The conversation kicks off with a discussion on Thomas Massey's controversial stance on ethanol mandates and their impact on food prices. Ryan and Vance delve into the comp...
Feb 28, 2025•36 min•Ep. 422
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe dives into the pressing issues facing the agricultural sector today. Joined by John Boelts, President of the Arizona Farm Bureau, they explore the complexities of water management in Arizona, a state where agriculture consumes a significant portion of the water supply. The discussion highlights the challenges of maintaining agricultural water rights amidst new policies and the ongoing water crisis. Vance and John also tackle the contentio...
Feb 21, 2025•31 min•Ep. 421
In this episode, Vance Crowe and guest Jacob Shapiro into the evolving geopolitical landscape, focusing on the shifting dynamics between the United States and Europe. The discussion begins with the recent statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegsek, indicating a deprioritization of European security in favor of addressing issues like migration and the perceived threat from China. This shift is further highlighted by President Trump's unexpected communication with Vladimir Putin, bypassing E...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 420
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Amanda Radke, a prominent figure in the agricultural community known for her work as a cattle rancher, motivational speaker, and children's book author. Amanda shares her insights on the controversial use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines, highlighting her relentless fight against these projects in South Dakota. She discusses the origins of the carbon pipeline projects, the political and financial implications, and the g...
Feb 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 419
In this episode of the AgTribes Report, host Vance Crowe dives into the intricate world of agriculture, economics, and policy with guest Steve Conaway, a farmer and real estate appraiser from Kansas. The conversation explores the economic side of agriculture, touching on topics such as conservation practices and government subsidies. Vance and Steve delve into the controversy surrounding a $97 million USDA grant to the Iowa Soybean Association, examining the implications of taxpayer-funded subsi...
Feb 07, 2025•43 min•Ep. 418
In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crow welcomes Steve Strasheim, a vegetable farmer from Northern Iowa, to discuss a variety of pressing issues in agriculture. Steve shares insights into his unique farming practices, including the use of greenhouses and geothermal technology to grow vegetables in the harsh Iowa winters. He also explains his innovative sales model, which includes farmers markets, a CSA, wholesaling, and an on-farm retail store. The conversation shifts to the pot...
Jan 31, 2025•36 min•Ep. 417
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of dairy farming with JR Burdick, a former conventional dairy farmer turned raw milk producer. JR shares his journey from following the traditional dairy farming system to becoming an independent raw milk seller, breaking away from industry norms and regulations. He recounts the challenges he faced, including dealing with stray voltage that decimated his herd, a lengthy legal battle with an electric company, and the emotional and financial toll it too...
Jan 28, 2025•2 hr 31 min•Ep. 416
This week, host Vance Crowe and guest Gavin Spoor discuss the stories impacting the culture of agriculture. The MAHA movement can't be happy with the appointment of the USDA Chief of Staff is the former president of the oilseed lobbying group- we will talk about how farmers and the wider culture are viewing this. We also will discuss a story being totally ignored by the mainstream media- where ranchers have finally given in and agreed to stop grazing on on Point Reyes, a once iconic seascape in ...
Jan 24, 2025•29 min•Ep. 415
