At The Fence Line

Sara Chambers & Gavin Betker

At the Fence Line is where farm management meets real-life conversations. Hosts Sara Chambers and Gavin Betker dive into the big topics shaping agriculture today—from growing and managing farms to tackling human resource challenges on the yard and in the office. With a mix of practical insights, personal experiences, and plenty of laughs along the way, this podcast is designed for anyone looking to strengthen their farm, their team, and their future. Pull up a chair, lean on the fence, and join the conversation.

  1. May 5

    At The Fence Line: Ep 14- Internet Sensation and Farmer Jay Peterson

    The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of modern farming, exploring the pressure to expand, the balance between tradition and modern expectations, and the ethical considerations of farming with integrity. It also touches on the impact of personal comfort on decision-making and the evolving landscape of progressive farming and technology. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing agronomics and success, the evolution of the definition of success, extreme measures taken for success, insights into personal preferences through rapid-fire Q&A, and hopes for the future of agriculture. Takeaways The pressure to constantly expand and look successful in modern farming can lead to challenges in maintaining integrity and tradition.The impact of personal comfort and ethical considerations plays a significant role in decision-making for farmers. Balancing agronomics and financial success is a challenge in farming.Success is defined differently at various stages of life and career.Extreme measures are sometimes taken in pursuit of success. Chapters 00:00 Introductions and Expectations07:11 Pressure to Look Successful17:09 The Pressure to Expand22:59 Ethical Farming and Decision-Making30:28 Balancing Agronomics and Success38:22 Rapid Fire Q&A43:26 Future of Farming

    49 min

  2. Apr 21

    At The Fence Line: Ep 13- Compensation pt 2

    In this episode, Sara and Gavin continue their discussion on compensation, focusing on the practical framework for building a compensation system. They cover the process of building pay bands, assigning dollar values to pay bands, adjusting pay bands, moving amongst the bands, and retention tools. The conversation provides valuable insights into the strategic and practical aspects of compensation philosophy and system design. The conversation delves into the topics of compensation bands and skill gaps, employee motivation and career growth, bonus and reward structure, and the financial impact of a compensation system. It explores the importance of aligning compensation with skill levels, addressing skill gaps, and motivating employees to grow in their careers. Additionally, it discusses the design and implementation of bonus and reward structures, as well as the financial implications of a well-designed compensation system. Takeaways Compensation PhilosophyBuilding Pay Bands Compensation bands and skill gapsEmployee motivation and career growthBonus and reward structureFinancial impact of compensation system Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Compensation Part Two07:06 Recap of Last Episode and Compensation Philosophy12:51 Building Pay Bands and Rating Roles20:06 Adjusting Pay Bands and Inflation Considerations30:42 Compensation Bands and Skill Gaps46:23 Financial Impact of Compensation System

    52 min

  3. Apr 7

    At The Fence Line: Ep 12- Family and Compensation

    The conversation begins with an introduction and setting the stage for the discussion on compensation. It then delves into the philosophy of compensation, emphasizing the strategic HR framework and the importance of aligning compensation with the mission, vision, and values of the farm. Takeaways Compensation PhilosophyStrategic HR Framework Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage06:02 The Philosophy of Compensation

    39 min

  4. Mar 24

    At The Fence Line: Ep 11- Work Life Balance in Agriculture?

    The episode discusses work-life balance from the perspectives of the hosts and their guest, Terry, the CEO of Backswath. The conversation covers personal vacation experiences, the impact of work-life balance on employees, and the disruption of work-life balance due to unexpected events. The hosts emphasize the importance of living company values and creating a supportive culture for employees. The conversation explores the evolving dynamics of work-life balance in the context of farming, with a focus on the changing roles and contributions of the younger generation and women. It also delves into the importance of proper compensation and human resource management in achieving work-life balance. Takeaways Work-life balance is influenced by personal experiences, vacation choices, and the impact of work demands on personal life.Living company values and creating a supportive culture for employees are essential for maintaining work-life balance.Unexpected disruptions can significantly impact work-life balance and require a supportive and understanding approach from employers. Generational Shift in Work-Life BalanceOutsourcing and Role DefinitionEqual Recognition and Compensation for WomenHuman Resource Management and Compensation Chapters 00:00 Challenges of Work-Life Balance55:53 Supporting Work-Life Balance: Terry's Perspective

    1h 1m

  5. Mar 10

    At The Fence Line: Ep 10- Bears and Benchmarking

    The conversation begins with an introduction and discussion of chaotic times, followed by an encounter with a bear and wildlife vehicle encounters. The conversation then transitions to the topic of benchmarking, covering the preparation for benchmarking, benchmarking against own performance, industry standards and sources, and utilizing industry standards. The conversation delves into the significance of peer groups, favorite ratios for benchmarking, setting goals, the three key alignments, external benchmarking, understanding sample groups, comparing farm performance, practical application of benchmarking, introduction to FarmCaster, and utilizing benchmarking results. The discussion emphasizes the importance of aligning benchmarking with broader business strategies and goals, as well as the need for a comprehensive understanding of sample groups and industry standards. Takeaways Benchmarking against own performance is crucialIndustry standards and sources are valuable for benchmarking Peer groups are a powerful platform for financial benchmarking and analysis.Benchmarking should be aligned with broader business strategies and goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Chaotic Times09:12 Transition to Benchmarking14:55 Benchmarking Against Own Performance20:59 The Power of Peer Groups26:15 Understanding Sample Groups33:46 Practical Application of Benchmarking39:13 Introduction to FarmCaster

    45 min

  6. Feb 24

    At The Fence Line: Ep 9-Reflecting and Planning for the New Year

    The episode revolves around the strategic planning and management considerations for the holiday season, focusing on training and development, performance reviews, professional development, and recruitment. The hosts emphasize the importance of aligning strategy, finance, and overall management, and provide practical tips for farm business leaders. The conversation covers the strategic planning and financial management aspects of farm operations, emphasizing the importance of professional development, budgeting, and year-end financial analysis. It also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that farmers face during the winter season. Takeaways Strategic planning for the holiday season involves training and development, performance reviews, professional development, and recruitment.The three key alignments of strategy, finance, and overall management are crucial for farm business success. Professional development as an investmentImportance of timely record-keeping and bookkeepingStructured approach to farm management during the winter season Chapters 00:00 Setting Resolutions and Goals22:27 Professional Development and Budgeting28:12 Recruitment and Retention Strategies49:46 The Winter Season: Challenges and Opportunities for Farmers

    45 min

  7. Feb 10

    At The Fence Line: Ep 8-Breaking the Cycle: Moving Beyond Transition Planning Statistics

    The conversation delves into the challenges of industry norms and progress, reflections on conferences and trade shows, and the impact of transition planning on farming. It explores the need for change and deeper discussions in the industry, the value of professional development opportunities, and the importance of transition planning for farm management and ownership. The conversation covers a range of topics related to farm management, professional development, HR planning, and industry concerns. It emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps, investing in professional development, and addressing skills gaps. The discussion also explores the impact of conferences and trade shows, as well as the potential for innovation in risk management. Overall, the conversation encourages proactive decision-making and prioritizing long-term planning for farm success. Takeaways Industry norms and progressReflections on conferences and trade showsTransition planning and its impact on farming Start nowProfessional development opportunities Chapters 00:00 Industry Norms and Progress08:27 Reflections on Conferences and Trade Shows20:00 Transition Planning and Its Impact on Farming27:57 Taking the Next Steps in Farm Management33:30 Making Time for Development41:41 HR Planning and Development50:43 Conference and Trade Show Impact

    47 min
  8. At The Fence Line: Ep 7- Revolutionizing Fertilizer Markets with ClearCost and Keith Busch

    12/16/2025

    At The Fence Line: Ep 7- Revolutionizing Fertilizer Markets with ClearCost and Keith Busch

    In this episode, Keith Busch, Gavin Betker, and Sara Chambers discuss the innovative ClearCost platform, which aims to revolutionize the fertilizer market by providing transparency and efficiency in pricing and delivery. Keith shares his journey from agriculture to creating ClearCost, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the industry. The conversation covers the benefits of ClearCost for farmers, including price discovery, secure payments, and real-time tracking of deliveries. The episode also touches on the importance of reducing risk in agriculture and the potential for ClearCost to support small communities. TakeawaysClearCost provides transparency in fertilizer pricing and delivery.Keith Busch transitioned from agriculture to tech innovation.Farmers benefit from price discovery and secure payments.Real-time tracking of deliveries enhances efficiency.Reducing risk is crucial for agricultural success.ClearCost supports small communities by improving market access.The platform offers a unique solution in the commodity space.Keith emphasizes the importance of feedback for improvement.ClearCost aims to prevent financial losses for farmers.The episode highlights the potential for tech in agriculture.KeywordsClearCost, fertilizer market, price discovery, secure payments, real-time tracking, agriculture, risk reduction, community support

    47 min
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About

At the Fence Line is where farm management meets real-life conversations. Hosts Sara Chambers and Gavin Betker dive into the big topics shaping agriculture today—from growing and managing farms to tackling human resource challenges on the yard and in the office. With a mix of practical insights, personal experiences, and plenty of laughs along the way, this podcast is designed for anyone looking to strengthen their farm, their team, and their future. Pull up a chair, lean on the fence, and join the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Sara Chambers & Gavin Betker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sara Chambers & Gavin Betker
  • Show Website
    At The Fence Line