Patio Pondering

Jim Smith, Ph.D.

Clear Thinking for Complex Agriculture. Hosted by Jim Smith, Ph.D., the Patio Pondering Podcast features thoughtful conversations with the people shaping agriculture. Together, we explore the experiences, ideas, and values that influence our industry and the lives behind it. From researchers and farmers to entrepreneurs, educators, and industry leaders, each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the stories, decisions, and perspectives shaping agriculture today.

  1. 4d ago

    When Somebody Ought to Be You

    Send us Fan Mail We've all said it. Somebody ought to do something. Somebody ought to volunteer. Somebody ought to run. Somebody ought to help. It's an easy sentence to say because "somebody" doesn't have a face. But every once in a while, life asks a harder question: What happens when somebody has a name...and that name is yours? In this solo episode, Jim explores the other side of leadership. The previous episode focused on knowing when to step back and let others lead. This conversation asks when experience becomes responsibility and when it's time for us to step forward. Whether you're thinking about your community, your family, your church, your business, or your own life, this episode is an invitation to ask one simple question: Where are you uniquely qualified to serve? Because leadership isn't always about taking charge. Sometimes it's about recognizing that the person you've been waiting for is already looking back at you in the mirror.

    When Somebody Ought to Be You

  2. Jul 21

    Who Needs to Be Doing This?

    Send us Fan Mail We all say we want young people to become leaders. But are we willing to let them lead? In this solo episode, I use what I call the 0.6x lens to look at three seemingly unrelated experiences: livestock showing, an Eagle Scout project, and preparing a crew for Philmont Scout Ranch. The more I stepped back, the more I realized they were all asking the same question: Who needs to be doing this? Along the way, I share stories from agriculture, Scouting, and my own leadership experiences—including a few moments when I had to admit I didn't always get it right. Whether you're a parent, mentor, teacher, employer, coach, or volunteer, I hope this conversation challenges you to think differently about what it really means to help someone grow.

    Who Needs to Be Doing This?

  3. Jul 14

    From the Spreadsheet to the Slats | Dr. Hyatt Frobose

    Send us Fan Mail Swine nutrition has become increasingly precise. We have better models, better ingredient analytics, better data, and more technology than ever before. But pigs still have to get fed. Dr. Hyatt Frobose has spent the last eleven years working in the space between what nutritionists can design on a spreadsheet and what actually happens inside a barn. In this conversation, Hyatt and I talk about why he chose an unconventional career path after earning his Ph.D. at Kansas State University, what he has learned about translating science into practical application, and why sometimes there is elegance in simplicity. Our discussion moves well beyond feeding equipment. We talk about leadership and developing people, learning from lost sales, breaking down silos between nutrition, production, facilities, and engineering, the opportunities and limitations of precision feeding, and why the swine industry should be uncomfortable with current levels of mortality. We also discuss animal welfare, the importance of maintaining a strong connection between research and the realities of commercial production, and the challenge of turning nuanced science into information people can actually use. This is a conversation about technology, but more importantly, it is about implementation. Because the best science in the world only creates value when we can make it work on the farm.

    From the Spreadsheet to the Slats | Dr. Hyatt Frobose

  4. Jul 7

    Can the Next Generation Still Farm? | Seth Ariens

    Send us Fan Mail What does the next generation of agriculture really want? In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue student, sheep producer, dairy cattle judge, and former Indiana FFA State Officer Seth Ariens for an honest conversation about where agriculture is headed and what it will take to keep young people engaged. Seth shares why he believes production agriculture still offers tremendous opportunities, why the barriers to entry may not be as high as many people think, and how technology, leadership, and relationships are shaping the future of farming. Along the way, we discuss Purdue's role in preparing students for careers in agriculture, the value of leadership experiences through FFA and FarmHouse Fraternity, and why authentic conversations matter more than scripted answers. Whether you're a farmer, student, educator, or simply care about the future of rural America, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on leadership, opportunity, and finding your place in agriculture. In this episode we discuss: • Why young people still want careers in production agriculture  • Breaking down the barriers to entering farming  • Purdue, leadership, and preparing the next generation  • The future of livestock, technology, and family farms  • Lessons from FFA, FarmHouse, and the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)  • Why relationships remain agriculture's greatest asset

    Can the Next Generation Still Farm? | Seth Ariens

  5. Jun 30

    What We're Still Getting Wrong in Swine Production | Dr. Bob Thaler

    Send us Fan Mail What challenges will define the future of the pork industry? In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim Smith welcomes Dr. Bob Thaler of South Dakota State University for a thoughtful conversation about swine nutrition, sow mortality, pig survivability, and the future of animal agriculture. Drawing on decades of experience in research, Extension, consulting, and commercial pork production, Dr. Thaler shares his perspective on improving sow productivity, reducing mortality, developing the next generation of animal scientists, and why Land-Grant universities remain critical to the future of agriculture. The discussion also explores workforce challenges, livestock economics, technology, and the practical realities of modern pork production. Whether you're a swine producer, nutritionist, veterinarian, animal science student, or agribusiness professional, this episode offers practical insights into some of the biggest questions facing today's pork industry. Topics include: • Swine nutrition and sow productivity • Sow mortality and pig survivability • Land-Grant universities and Extension • Graduate education and workforce development • Technology, automation, and the future of pork production

    What We're Still Getting Wrong in Swine Production | Dr. Bob Thaler

  6. Jun 25

    Bonus Episode: Three Ag Market Veterans Compare 2026 to the 1980s Farm Crisis

    Send us Fan Mail In this special bonus episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, recorded live during Ag Day at the Allen County Fair, Jim Smith sits down with three respected voices in agricultural markets and communications: Rob Winters, Jon Cavanaugh, and David Kohli. Collectively, these three gentlemen bring well over 150 years of experience serving agriculture. From broadcasting and market reporting to grain merchandising, commodity brokerage, and risk management, they have helped generations of farmers navigate changing markets and economic conditions. Their conversation explores today's agricultural economy, compares current conditions to the challenges of the 1980s farm crisis, and discusses what producers should be watching in the months ahead. Drawing on decades of experience, they share candid perspectives on farm profitability, grain markets, interest rates, and the resilience of American agriculture. Whether you remember listening to farm radio on the tractor or are simply interested in where agriculture may be headed next, this discussion offers valuable insights from three men who have spent their careers helping farmers make sense of uncertainty. Guests: • Rob Winters – Agricultural Broadcaster • Jon Cavanaugh – Grain Merchandiser and Marketing Advisor • David Kohli – Commodity Broker, Marketing Advisor, and Risk Management Consultant Recorded live at the Allen County Fair.

    Bonus Episode: Three Ag Market Veterans Compare 2026 to the 1980s Farm Crisis

  7. Jun 23

    What Farming Really Costs with Mike Burkhart

    Send us Fan Mail What does farming really cost? For Mike Burkhart, the answer goes far beyond machinery, land, and interest rates. In this conversation, Mike reflects on beginning his farming career in the 1970s, surviving the 1980s Farm Crisis, the growing dependence on off-farm income, and the financial pressures that continue to reshape American agriculture. Along the way, we explore family succession, the realities of cash rent, why "it's just business" isn't always enough, and how one family's tragedy changed the course of their lives forever. Today, Mike spends much of his time educating consumers through social media and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation, proving that purpose doesn't end when a farming career does. This is a conversation about resilience, stewardship, and discovering that some of life's greatest harvests happen long after the last crop is planted. A few things we discuss:  Growing up and farming through the 1970s and 1980s  The Farm Crisis and its lasting lessons  Why off-farm income shouldn't carry a stigma  Cash rent, consolidation, and the changing structure of agriculture  The impact of Travis Burkhart's accident on the family and farm  Retirement, purpose, and serving others through the Travis Burkhart Foundation  Lessons every generation of farmers can learn

    What Farming Really Costs with Mike Burkhart

  8. Jun 16

    Why Farming Needs More Strategy and Less Guesswork | Dr. Michael Langemeier

    Send us Fan Mail Agriculture today faces many of the same pressures it did during the 1980s farm crisis—but the solutions may look very different. In this episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, I sit down with Purdue agricultural economist Dr. Michael Langemeier to discuss how modern farm businesses can navigate low margins, rising costs, global competition, and generational transition. Our conversation explores the difference between strong balance sheets and healthy cash flow, why working capital matters more than ever, and how strategic planning is becoming just as important as production efficiency. We also discuss the growing influence of Brazil in global agriculture, the challenges of succession planning, and why many farms need to think more like businesses without losing what makes family agriculture unique. We finish with a fascinating discussion on artificial intelligence, lifelong learning, and how new technologies may help producers make better decisions in an increasingly complex industry. Topics include: • Comparing today's farm economy to the 1980s farm crisis  • Cash flow, debt, and working capital management  • Strategic risk versus production risk  • Value-added agriculture and competitive advantage  • Accrual accounting and financial decision-making  • Family business transitions and succession planning  • AI, decision support, and the future of farm management  • Why lifelong learning remains agriculture's greatest advantage Dr. Michael Langemeier is a professor of agricultural economics at Purdue University and a leader within the Center for Commercial Agriculture. His work focuses on farm management, financial performance, strategic planning, and producer decision-making.

    Why Farming Needs More Strategy and Less Guesswork | Dr. Michael Langemeier
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About

Clear Thinking for Complex Agriculture. Hosted by Jim Smith, Ph.D., the Patio Pondering Podcast features thoughtful conversations with the people shaping agriculture. Together, we explore the experiences, ideas, and values that influence our industry and the lives behind it. From researchers and farmers to entrepreneurs, educators, and industry leaders, each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the stories, decisions, and perspectives shaping agriculture today.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Smith, Ph.D.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Patio Pondering
  • Show Website
    Patio Pondering

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