Just Say Hay

This week on Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon reflects on the best advice he ever received — and how it transformed his farm from a passion project into a thriving business. From equipment upgrades and rebuilding a friend’s old service truck to deep conversations on tariffs, trade, and the future of ag exports, it’s been a busy few weeks. Jon also dives into practical steps small farmers can take to treat their operations like true businesses, including tracking data, improving marketing, and focusing on what you do best. Real talk for real farms — let’s get growing! How can we help?

The global trade war is heating up—and small farms are caught in the crossfire. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how we can brace for the impact. The headlines say “tariffs,” but for small farmers, it feels like a gut punch. In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon shares a brutally honest take on how the U.S.–China trade war is already hitting farms across the country. From intellectual property theft to skyrocketing input costs and shrinking export markets, Jon connects the global dots and brings it all back to the field. Plus, a personal update on farm life, and the kind of resilience only farmers understand. How can we help?

The Farm Bill is often presented as a lifeline for American agriculture, but is it actually working for small farmers? In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, we uncover the hidden reality behind this massive piece of legislation—how it overwhelmingly benefits corporate agribusiness while small farms struggle to survive. We take a deep dive into the history of the Farm Bill, from its origins in the Dust Bowl era to its modern-day consequences. While subsidies, crop insurance, and conservation programs are meant to stabilize agriculture, they often shut out small and mid-sized farmers. Meanwhile, corporate consolidation is skyrocketing, and access to markets remains a major hurdle for independent producers. But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s a way forward. What if grocery stores were incentivized to source locally? Could tax breaks for purchasing from small farms within a 100-mile radius help shift the balance, strengthen local food systems, and improve food quality? If you care about the future of small farms, food security, and agricultural policy, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Follow & Subscribe to Just Say Hay:The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or YouTube to stay informed on the challenges and solutions shaping small farming today. #FarmBill #SmallFarms #AgriculturePolicy #FoodSecurity #JustSayHay #FarmSubsidies How can we help?

What if AI could tell you the best time to cut hay or monitor your livestock 24/7? In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon explores how artificial intelligence is transforming small farms—not just for big ag, but for farmers like you. From AI-powered weather predictions to computer vision tools that identify weeds in your field, we break down what’s real, what’s hype, and where the biggest risks lie. Plus, John sits down with a special “guest” to demonstrate AI in action—can it really hold a conversation? Tune in for an insightful discussion on how farmers can embrace AI without getting lost in the tech. 🔹 How AI is already helping small farms 🔹 The biggest myths about AI in agriculture 🔹 Risks, biases, and the future of AI-driven decision-making 🔹 Why staying informed about AI policies is crucial for farmers Don’t miss this deep dive into the rise of AI in everyday farming! How can we help?

Send us a text In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, we take a deep dive into the controversial topic of immigration—specifically how it impacts small farms. With mass deportations and labor shortages making headlines, large-scale agriculture often dominates the conversation, but what about the small farmer? We break down the realities of labor costs, the H-2A visa program, and how policies disproportionately favor big farms. Is there a fair solution? Tune in for a raw, insightful discussion on the challenges small farms face and the potential policy changes that could shape the future of agriculture.

Send us a text Beyoncé snagging the Country Music Album of the Year at the Grammys might sound like a joke, but it's a reality that sparked our deep dive into media manipulation and industry dynamics. How did the Grammy voting process transform from an honor system to one where commercial interests hold sway? With two decades of music and broadcasting experience, I pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes. As we unravel this surprising turn of events, we also tackle the broader implications of media manipulation, including its surprising influence on small farm issues. Join us as we question the integrity of award processes and spotlight the critical need for awareness and critical thinking in a landscape swayed by hidden agendas. Provoking, isn't it? Social media often amplifies our emotions and sometimes misleads us. Ever wondered how easily misinformation spreads or how Russian hacker farms might play a role? We'll explore these questions and emphasize personal responsibility when sharing information online. Our discussion doesn't stop there; we also focus on understanding and respecting differing viewpoints. How can you stand firm in your beliefs while remaining open to learning from others? We talk about balancing advocacy with openness to foster meaningful discourse, reinforcing the importance of fairness and compromise in today's divided media environment. Prepare to challenge your perspectives and discover new ways to engage responsibly with the world around you.

Send us a text I've watched Elon Musk for years and how he thinks about efficiencies in business. These are some of my thoughts on how DOGE (The Department Of Government Efficiency) might recommend changing the USDA and how these changes might impact those of us who farm. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text What if the very organizations meant to support small farms were causing more harm than good? We then shift gears to scrutinize the mammoth budget of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, questioning whether its allocation, particularly toward the SNAP program, truly benefits farmers. Inspired by Elon Musk's efficiency-focused management style, we consider how government agencies might better align their tasks to tackle larger fiscal challenges, such as national debt. As we navigate through these pressing issues, I share personal insights on staying informed amid the chaos of rapid change, urging listeners to critically evaluate media narratives. By tuning in, you’ll not only hear about these key developments but also join a community geared toward informed and impactful discussions. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text Enjoy this conversation with my friend Greg Zurlieni, affectionately known as Billy Bob, with Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners as we discuss the vibrant world of small farm communities and agricultural innovation. Greg, who serves as the president of the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, shares his unique insights into the world of forage farming, revealing the quirks and challenges that come with it. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text The election is over! No matter who you voted for we need to look to the future. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text In this episode of Just Say Hay, we discuss how to figure how much hay you'll need to get through winter and deciding when to diversify your operation. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text Unlock the secrets to enriching small farm nutrition and maximizing crop yields with our special guest, Dan Peterson, a regional agronomist from AgroLiquid. Dan brings an exciting blend of expertise in agriculture and a love for music, sharing how liquid fertilizers can revolutionize small farm operations. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how products like AgroLiquid can offer an efficient and economically sound approach to nourishing your crops, while maintaining soil health throughout the growing season. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text This episode takes you on a journey through the unique advantages of farm life in shaping resilient and independent young adults, highlighting how structured responsibilities and expanding boundaries prepare them for complex situations. Listen to a heartwarming story about my daughter's mental and emotional fortitude, honed through farm life, as she tackles tough scenarios at work. As we face a growing mental health crisis, the episode underscores the long-term responsibility parents have in raising independent, well-adjusted children ready to embrace the world. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text What if you could revolutionize your small farm's efficiency with just a touch of technology? Join us as we tackle this intriguing question, exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of small-scale farming. We share personal stories, including an engaging story about a tech-phobic farmer who thrives without modern tools, and highlight the balancing act between nostalgia and progress. From John Deere's Operation Center to AI-driven tools like precision spraying, we examine the benefits and potential pitfalls of embracing technology in agriculture. Discover how these advancements could drastically cut chemical use and costs, even as small farmers face significant hurdles. Our episode continues with a deep dive into optimizing farm operations through precise weather predictions and task management tools. Hear firsthand how BAM's weather service saved us from a costly loss, and learn about the power of tools like Todoist in managing farm tasks. By integrating human expertise with technology, we aim to transform farming into a more manageable and profitable endeavor. Plus, find out how data management tools can track crucial farm metrics like rent and fertilizer costs, ultimately enhancing business operations and profitability. Embrace this journey with us to discover a brighter future for small farms through smarter tech integration. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text In this episode of 'Just Say Hay,' the host, a small-scale commercial farmer, reflects on the challenges from the 2024 season, such as weather impacts and equipment issues, are highlighted alongside improvements like better quality hay and expanding land. The host shares experiences with pipeline companies, relationships with other farmers, and equipment transitions, including a significant switch from a Hesston to a John Deere baler for better service reliability. The episode emphasizes the importance of collaborations, learning from mistakes, and planning for future improvements. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text In this episode I talk with Dr. Travis Beasley from the Beasley Equine Clinic. We talk about a lot of horse related issues, including the importance of quality forage, stomach ulcers, the use of propionic acid and much more. Check out their social media channels: Beasley Equine Clinic: https://www.facebook.com/beasleyequineclinic https://www.youtube.com/@BeasleyEquineClinic Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text In this episode, I talk about how we got started farming. How we grew from just a few acres to an 800+ acre commercial forage farm. I talk about how it's not magic, you can do it too. Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text Another farm goes under and it really hit home why we started SI Farmer! Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook

Send us a text Doing good as a way to help market! Be sure to visit our sponsor Little Tractor & Equipment Company and check out their used Kioti tractor parts section. They have thousands of used parts in stock and more arriving every week. Check Us Out On: YouTubeFacebook