Barn Talk

• Surviving the 80s Farm Crisis and Embracing AI as Farmers

  In today’s episode, your hosts Tork and Sawyer are coming to you from the barn with a special hybrid episode—no guest this week, but they’re diving into a mix of hot topics and answering listener questions straight from the barn floor.The guys kick things off with their signature market updates, breaking down the latest in corn, beans, cattle, and hogs. They discuss the current state of the meat market and why pork is having a moment as the affordable protein option for families. You’ll also hear their thoughts on commodity prices, challenges in the cattle industry, and how upcoming harvests could play out based on this year’s stellar weather.If you thought artificial intelligence and farming don’t mix, think again. Tork and Sawyer share their excitement—and a few cautionary thoughts—about the rapid rise of AI tools like Grok 4, and how technology is already changing the way they run their direct-to-consumer meat business, Farmer Grade.Next, they get real about the future of farming. From surviving the farm crisis of the 1980s to the current challenges facing family farms, Tork reflects on how hard work (and a lot of pork) helped their family make it through tough times. Both hosts discuss the ongoing shake-up in agriculture, warning that the days of the “middle-class” farmer are numbered—and sharing ideas on how today’s farm businesses can adapt, innovate, and work together as families to survive and thrive.You’ll also get insights on tough subjects like farm succession, the value of running your operation like a business, and why open, honest conversations are key to keeping the legacy alive.Shop Farmer Grade 👇🏻https://farmergrade.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR  SUBSCRIBE TO THIS’LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45c LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049Follow Behind The Scenes👇🏻● This’ll Do Farm Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/30KPBNk  ● Barn Talk TikTok ➱ https://bit.ly/3qciekS  ● Sawyer’s Instagram  ➱ https://bit.ly/3BtX0n4  ● Tork’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3LGZJxS   00:00 Pollination Issues in Corn Crops09:22 MP Materials: North America's Rare Earth Monopoly15:45 Avoid Fungicide Experimentation This Year20:01 Optimism and Grok 4 Adoption24:59 "Grok's Rapid AI Advancement"31:29 Adapt Fast or Fall Behind38:10 Life on the Farm: Simple Summers41:41 "Family Rift Over Farm Inheritance"45:46 Modern Farming Challenges and Costs51:31 Rethinking Car Ownership and Farming57:58 "Handling Difficult Family Dynamics"01:01:42 "Wrap-Up and Thanks"-------------------------------⚠NO FINANCIAL ADVICE / DISCLAIMER⚠ The Information discussed and shared on Barn Talk is provided for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or success for any particular purpose.The Information contained in or provided from or through this podcast is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, trading advice, or any other advice.The Information on this podcast and provided from or through our content is general in nature and is not specific to you, the user or anyone else. You should not make any decision, financial, investment, trading or otherwise, based on any of the information presented on this podcast without undertaking independent due diligence and consultation with a professional, professional broker or financial advisory.Understand that you are using any and all Information available on or through this website at your own risk.RISK STATEMENT– The trading of Bitcoins, alternative cryptocurrencies, NFTs, individual stocks, etc. has potential rewards, and it also has potential risks involved. Trading may not be suitable for all people. Anyone wishing to invest should seek his or her own independent financial or professional advice.

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• Farming, Marriage, and Making It Work

  In this episode, Tork and Sawyer kick things off with a look at farm life, crop updates, and a hard-hitting market rundown—complete with plenty of honesty about the challenges currently facing agriculture. The guys don’t shy away from the tough stuff, diving into topics like tanking grain and meat exports, the impact of tariffs, and the shifting global economy.But it’s not all stats and politics. You’ll hear about Sawyer’s adventures hosting a Fourth of July party, Tork’s advice on lasting marriages for newlyweds, and a fiery discussion on whether success means moving to the city—or if small towns really are where it’s at.The episode also covers trending listener questions, from market moves and farm management tips to the infamous Epstein list and thoughts on the state of American democracy. As always, the guys throw in some laughs, hard-won wisdom, and an open invitation for you to join in on future Q&As.So grab your seat in the barn—this episode is packed with cornfield common sense, a healthy dose of sarcasm, and plenty of rural real talk.Shop Farmer Grade 👇🏻https://farmergrade.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR  SUBSCRIBE TO THIS’LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45c LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049Follow Behind The Scenes👇🏻● This’ll Do Farm Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/30KPBNk  ● Barn Talk TikTok ➱ https://bit.ly/3qciekS  ● Sawyer’s Instagram  ➱ https://bit.ly/3BtX0n4  ● Tork’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3LGZJxS   00:00 Corn Market Concerns and Weather Impact08:09 Weaker Dollar, Rising Oil Prices11:37 China's Economic Challenges Loom18:23 Skipping Party Hosting Next Year24:04 Importance of Honest Communication30:18 "Life's Challenges: Navigating Alone"35:14 Small Towns' Remote Work Advantage37:47 Success from Anywhere: Small Town Entrepreneurship44:28 Corn Stalk Breakdown Solutions53:47 Doge's Impact on Cost Savings58:22 "Farm Bill Sparks Mixed Reactions"01:00:40 Funding Controversies and Public Priorities-------------------------------⚠NO FINANCIAL ADVICE / DISCLAIMER⚠ The Information discussed and shared on Barn Talk is provided for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or success for any particular purpose.The Information contained in or provided from or through this podcast is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, trading advice, or any other advice.The Information on this podcast and provided from or through our content is general in nature and is not specific to you, the user or anyone else. You should not make any decision, financial, investment, trading or otherwise, based on any of the information presented on this podcast without undertaking independent due diligence and consultation with a professional, professional broker or financial advisory.Understand that you are using any and all Information available on or through this website at your own risk.RISK STATEMENT– The trading of Bitcoins, alternative cryptocurrencies, NFTs, individual stocks, etc. has potential rewards, and it also has potential risks involved. Trading may not be suitable for all people. Anyone wishing to invest should seek his or her own independent financial or professional advice.

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• Inside the Iran Bombing: Military Moves, Global Tensions, and American Reactions

  In this Hot Topics episode, Tork and Sawyer pull back the curtain on a whirlwind of current events that have everyone talking. From the latest on the Iran bombings and what it could mean for global stability, to some market updates and inside scoops on life in the meat business, the guys tackle the big questions with their signature blend of humor, skepticism, and straight talk. They break down complex geopolitical issues, share personal insights on everything from corn-on-corn farming lessons to the true cost of groceries, and even reflect on the broader implications for America’s future. Whether you’re here for the hard-hitting opinions, the farm stories, or just to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the world, you’ll find plenty to chew on in this episode. So grab your coffee—or your steak—and settle in. Let’s get into the thick of it.Shop Farmer Grade 👇🏻https://farmergrade.com/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR  SUBSCRIBE TO THIS’LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45c LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049Follow Behind The Scenes👇🏻● This’ll Do Farm Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/30KPBNk  ● Barn Talk TikTok ➱ https://bit.ly/3qciekS  ● Sawyer’s Instagram  ➱ https://bit.ly/3BtX0n4  ● Tork’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3LGZJxS   00:00 Improving BBQ Temp Control09:49 "Tesla's AI Future: Top Potential"11:26 Alternative Financing with Contera18:28 "Farming Wisdom and Market Choices"24:06 Cornfield Challenges and Climate Resilience28:45 Sponsoring Terrorists and Enriching Uranium32:59 Three Sites Hit with Missiles41:17 Balanced Reporting by Preston Stewart45:44 Israel's Precision Strategy Against Iran49:13 Middle East Commercialization & U.S. Involvement53:54 Israel Military Strategy Context01:03:27 Disillusionment with War and Government01:04:29 Questioning Government Transparency and Intentions01:12:16 Bitcoin vs. Dollar Debate01:18:13 Mystery: Chinese Flight to Tehran01:20:29 Tesla's Strategy Amid Government Spending01:25:30 Economic Crisis and Budget Cuts Warning01:33:46 Create Positive Impact Locally-------------------------------⚠NO FINANCIAL ADVICE / DISCLAIMER⚠ The Information discussed and shared on Barn Talk is provided for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or success for any particular purpose.The Information contained in or provided from or through this podcast is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, trading advice, or any other advice.The Information on this podcast and provided from or through our content is general in nature and is not specific to you, the user or anyone else. You should not make any decision, financial, investment, trading or otherwise, based on any of the information presented on this podcast without undertaking independent due diligence and consultation with a professional, professional broker or financial advisory.Understand that you are using any and all Information available on or through this website at your own risk.RISK STATEMENT– The trading of Bitcoins, alternative cryptocurrencies, NFTs, individual stocks, etc. has potential rewards, and it also has potential risks involved. Trading may not be suitable for all people. Anyone wishing to invest should seek his or her own independent financial or professional advice.

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• How Millennial Farmer Built a Farming Empire on YouTube w/ Zach Johnson

  In this episode, we’ve got a true pioneer in the barn—Zach Johnson, better known as the Millennial Farmer. Zach’s been at the forefront of sharing real, unfiltered farm life with the world, picking up a camera and showing millions exactly what goes down on his Minnesota family farm. In this special episode, hosts Tork and Sawyer dig into what inspired Zach to start documenting his journey, how social media has transformed agriculture, and the ups and downs of being both a farmer and a content creator.From sharing farm mishaps (like playing the “John Deere shuffle” before a blizzard) to the realities of family business, passing on the farm to the next generation, and tackling tough topics like sustainability, regulations, and public misconceptions about ag, this episode goes deep but keeps it real—with plenty of laughs along the way.We also sip some whiskey, talk about balancing work, family, and hobbies (dirt track racing, anyone?), and discuss why agriculture’s biggest challenges also open up major opportunities. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Zach or just looking for some real talk about life on the farm, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Let’s get into it!Shop Farmer Grade 👇🏻https://farmergrade.com/ Learn More About Our New Project👇🏻https://livestockwaterandenergy.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR  SUBSCRIBE TO THIS’LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45c LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049Follow Behind The Scenes👇🏻● This’ll Do Farm Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/30KPBNk  ● Barn Talk TikTok ➱ https://bit.ly/3qciekS  ● Sawyer’s Instagram  ➱ https://bit.ly/3BtX0n4  ● Tork’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3LGZJxS   00:00 Social Media Farming Pioneer13:34 Embracing Agriculture Niches28:25 Pursuing Automotive Dreams32:36 Struggling to Find Kids' Chores46:29 Bridging Urban-Rural Farming Awareness01:01:45 Unpredictable Farming Challenges01:09:24 "Farming: Challenges and Opportunities"01:21:36 Diversifying Farm Income Strategies01:27:22 "Unexpected Opportunity in Farming"01:42:29 Agricultural Reset and Diversification01:47:58 "Balancing Family and Racing"02:04:09 Reading Client Needs for Sales Success02:10:57 Community-Led Grain Bin Safety Fundraiser02:24:40 Trump's Tariff Strategy Explained02:32:47 "Desire for Unbought Leadership"02:38:40 A Competitive Upbringing-------------------------------⚠NO FINANCIAL ADVICE / DISCLAIMER⚠ The Information discussed and shared on Barn Talk is provided for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or success for any particular purpose.The Information contained in or provided from or through this podcast is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, trading advice, or any other advice.The Information on this podcast and provided from or through our content is general in nature and is not specific to you, the user or anyone else. You should not make any decision, financial, investment, trading or otherwise, based on any of the information presented on this podcast without undertaking independent due diligence and consultation with a professional, professional broker or financial advisory.Understand that you are using any and all Information available on or through this website at your own risk.RISK STATEMENT– The trading of Bitcoins, alternative cryptocurrencies, NFTs, individual stocks, etc. has potential rewards, and it also has potential risks involved. Trading may not be suitable for all people. Anyone wishing to invest should seek his or her own independent financial or professional advice.

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  2:40:36
• Farming Wisdom, Life Lessons & Ag Markets

  In this episode, today’s episode is a special one—it's Tork’s birthday, and Sawyer isn't letting that milestone slide quietly. They kick off the show with a candid, unscripted vibe (even tossing the usual intro aside) and jump straight into good-natured ribbing, birthday shoutouts, and Tork’s reflections on 54 years of life.Sawyer and Tork talk about everything from starting new gym routines together, attempts at healthier living (with a few hilarious cereal confessions thrown in), and what it’s really like keeping up healthy habits as you get older. The guys also dive into a thorough market update, sharing the latest on corn, soybeans, hogs, cattle, and more—plus some big news about expansions in the meat industry and what it means for rural communities.But it’s not just markets and muscles. Tork gets deep, sharing hard-earned life lessons about struggle, consistency, and the importance of discipline (with a little help from Denzel Washington’s wisdom). The conversation rolls from business tips and time management hacks to why coaching—even for tough, independent farmers—might just be a game changer.And, of course, what would a celebration be without a whiskey minute? The episode wraps up with a toast to memories made and lessons learned, both in the barn and out.Shop Farmer Grade 👇🏻https://farmergrade.com/ Learn More About Our New Project👇🏻https://livestockwaterandenergy.com SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR  SUBSCRIBE TO THIS’LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45c LISTEN ON:SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049Follow Behind The Scenes👇🏻● This’ll Do Farm Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/30KPBNk  ● Barn Talk TikTok ➱ https://bit.ly/3qciekS  ● Sawyer’s Instagram  ➱ https://bit.ly/3BtX0n4  ● Tork’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3LGZJxS   00:00 Starting Health Journey with Walking07:30 "Crispy Cereal Conspiracy"13:35 "Tesla's Future: Autonomy & Growth"16:38 Berkshire Hathaway's Expensive Shares23:03 Costly Meat Processing Machine Challenges26:20 Weather Challenges in April Planting32:53 Reflecting on Life Choices38:46 Mindset Over Details42:23 Contrasting Mindsets: Focus vs. Escape51:39 Energy Optimization Over Excess Drinking55:55 Understanding Health and Self-awareness01:01:00 Farmer Support and Accountability Program01:02:38 Comprehensive Financial Guidance for Farmers01:10:56 "Coaching: Transforming Perspective"01:14:52 Aspiring Podcast Excellence01:20:03 Podcasting Joy and Gratitude-------------------------------⚠NO FINANCIAL ADVICE / DISCLAIMER⚠ The Information discussed and shared on Barn Talk is provided for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or success for any particular purpose.The Information contained in or provided from or through this podcast is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, trading advice, or any other advice.The Information on this podcast and provided from or through our content is general in nature and is not specific to you, the user or anyone else. You should not make any decision, financial, investment, trading or otherwise, based on any of the information presented on this podcast without undertaking independent due diligence and consultation with a professional, professional broker or financial advisory.Understand that you are using any and all Information available on or through this website at your own risk.RISK STATEMENT– The trading of Bitcoins, alternative cryptocurrencies, NFTs, individual stocks, etc. has potential rewards, and it also has potential risks involved. Trading may not be suitable for all people. Anyone wishing to invest should seek his or her own independent financial or professional advice.

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