The Rural Dispatch

Behrens & Co

Welcome to The Rural Dispatch, the podcast that delivers honest conversations from the fields, the highways, and the home front. I'm your host, Aly Behrens - headquartered in rural Iowa, I help run a trucking company that specializes in hauling livestock nationwide.  I was born and raised in small-town-Iowa and I’m passionate about rural communities and the people who help them thrive. Since becoming a mom, I’ve taken a step away from my own career in finance and into a behind the scenes role in our second-generation family business. I’m proud to help continue the legacy of hard work and dedication that built this business. I’m building a life with a multi-faceted business owner who also holds the title of truck driver, cattle feeder and dispatcher, all while we both work together to manage office operations, oversee business development, and bring the next generation along to show them the ropes, just like their grandpa did with their dad.   If you’re anything like us, you wear a lot of hats in your operation. This podcast is for people like you: hardworking men and women in the rural trucking, livestock and business communities who are juggling all the things every day. Whether it’s running loads, managing a herd, staying compliant, or handling the bookkeeping, we know the challenges you face because we’ve lived them.  In our weekly episodes, I’ll bring you a mix of my own experiences as I navigate the ins and outs of these industries, stories with my better half, Smoke about the lessons we’ve learned throughout our time in this business, and interviews with experts who tackle the pain points we all probably face at one time or another. From trucking to livestock production to rural entrepreneurship, this show is here to equip you with the tools, resources and a supportive community to help you thrive. Whether you’re in the cab of a truck, out checking cattle, or sitting at your kitchen table, we hope you’ll tune in and find value in conversations that speak your language. No matter your role in the industry, there’s something for everyone here.  Buckle up, friends, there's lots to come. If you enjoy an episode, it would mean the world to us if you would share it with a friend. Keep up with us between episodes on our socials, at Behrens and Co., or subscribe to our email list on our website to receive new episodes directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Thanks for being here. We'll talk soon.

  1. Hope & Hardship in Agriculture: How Disappearing Family Farms Impact Every American

    May 6

    Hope & Hardship in Agriculture: How Disappearing Family Farms Impact Every American

    Send us a text or leave a voicemail - we’d love to hear from you! Family farms are the backbone of rural America, but the reality isn't always what it seems from the outside. In this episode, Brian Reisinger unpacks what's really happening across American agriculture and why it matters far beyond the farm.  Brian grew up on his family's farm in Wisconsin before stepping into a career in journalism and public policy, giving him a dual perspective on farming firsthand and the systems shaping today's ag economy.  We talk through the deeper history behind the pressures facing family farms, what's changed through generations, and why many producers today are operating in an entirely different environment than those before them.  We dig into what's at stake for every American, from food security to long-term stability of our supply chain if current trends continue. At the same time, we highlight the resilience of farm families that keeps them moving forward even when times are tough.  Perhaps most importantly, we have an honest conversation about mental health in our rural communities - why it matters, why it's often overlooked, and what resources are out there.  Finally, we talk solutions. What can YOU do, whether you're a farmer, consumer, or ag professional, to support the future of family farms.  Whether you're involved in agriculture or simply want to better understand the system that feeds this country, this episode delivers a clear picture of what's really going on.  Links & Resources Land Rich Cash Poor *affiliate link Farmer Angel Network National Farmer Mental Health Alliance Follow Brian: Website | Facebook | X | LinkedIn Keep track of your income, expenses, invoicing and payments all in one place, even when you're on the road. Right now, get 50% off QuickBooks Online for 3 months through our link:  https://quickbooks.intuit.com/partners/affiliates Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up. ➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google Play Support the show BEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & CO Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

    1h 2m
  2. Life Rolls On: Turning Adversity into Purpose for the Trucking Community

    Apr 8

    Life Rolls On: Turning Adversity into Purpose for the Trucking Community

    Send us a text or leave a voicemail - we’d love to hear from you! In this episode, JR Joy shares about the setbacks, lessons, and resilience it takes to keep going when you get knocked down. We talk about overcoming adversity, finding purpose after a life-changing accident, polishing your craft, and why giving back to those navigating difficult times has become such an important part of his life.  Learn how the Life Rolls On truck show got started and mark your calendars to join us there in June 🚛 LIFE ROLLS ON TRUCK SHOW at the Tyson Events Center June 19-20, 2026 in Sioux City, Iowa. It's just $50 to enter a truck, spectators are FREE, and all proceeds support the children and families at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals of Nebraska.  Want to record an episode at the show? Shoot us an email at behrensandco@gmail.com to get on our schedule!  Follow Para Polishing on Facebook and TikTok Follow Life Rolls On, a Show for the Kids on Facebook Keep track of your income, expenses, invoicing and payments all in one place, even when you're on the road. Right now, get 50% off QuickBooks Online for 3 months through our link:  https://quickbooks.intuit.com/partners/affiliates Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up. ➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google Play Support the show BEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & CO Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

    53 min
  3. Inside Iowa Agriculture: What the Secretary of Ag Wants You to Know

    Mar 25

    Inside Iowa Agriculture: What the Secretary of Ag Wants You to Know

    Send us a text or leave a voicemail - we’d love to hear from you! This week Aly sits down with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig for a conversation that breaks down what's really happening in Iowa agriculture. We talk about his personal ties to agriculture and the programs his office oversees - from Choose Iowa, to conservation efforts, and Farm Bill priorities, and what he sees as the biggest wins and challenges in Iowa ag today.  With Iowa Ag Week in full swing, we talk all about what it is, why we celebrate, and how everyone can get involved. Mike also explains what he wishes more people understood about agriculture, how he views the future of the industry including his advice for keeping the next generation engaged in farming and rural life, and how the America250 celebration ties into agriculture's story. Our conversation closes with thoughts on community and the importance of addressing mental health in the ag industry. This episode offers a clear, relatable look at the issues shaping modern agriculture in Iowa.  Follow on X | @IADeptAg @MikeNaigIA @ChooseIowa Follow on Facebook | @IADeptAg @MikeNaigIA @ChooseIowa Keep track of your income, expenses, invoicing and payments all in one place, even when you're on the road. Right now, get 50% off QuickBooks Online for 3 months through our link:  https://quickbooks.intuit.com/partners/affiliates Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up. ➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google Play Support the show BEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & CO Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Subscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

    51 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Rural Dispatch, the podcast that delivers honest conversations from the fields, the highways, and the home front. I'm your host, Aly Behrens - headquartered in rural Iowa, I help run a trucking company that specializes in hauling livestock nationwide.  I was born and raised in small-town-Iowa and I’m passionate about rural communities and the people who help them thrive. Since becoming a mom, I’ve taken a step away from my own career in finance and into a behind the scenes role in our second-generation family business. I’m proud to help continue the legacy of hard work and dedication that built this business. I’m building a life with a multi-faceted business owner who also holds the title of truck driver, cattle feeder and dispatcher, all while we both work together to manage office operations, oversee business development, and bring the next generation along to show them the ropes, just like their grandpa did with their dad.   If you’re anything like us, you wear a lot of hats in your operation. This podcast is for people like you: hardworking men and women in the rural trucking, livestock and business communities who are juggling all the things every day. Whether it’s running loads, managing a herd, staying compliant, or handling the bookkeeping, we know the challenges you face because we’ve lived them.  In our weekly episodes, I’ll bring you a mix of my own experiences as I navigate the ins and outs of these industries, stories with my better half, Smoke about the lessons we’ve learned throughout our time in this business, and interviews with experts who tackle the pain points we all probably face at one time or another. From trucking to livestock production to rural entrepreneurship, this show is here to equip you with the tools, resources and a supportive community to help you thrive. Whether you’re in the cab of a truck, out checking cattle, or sitting at your kitchen table, we hope you’ll tune in and find value in conversations that speak your language. No matter your role in the industry, there’s something for everyone here.  Buckle up, friends, there's lots to come. If you enjoy an episode, it would mean the world to us if you would share it with a friend. Keep up with us between episodes on our socials, at Behrens and Co., or subscribe to our email list on our website to receive new episodes directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Thanks for being here. We'll talk soon.

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