The Business of Agriculture Podcast

Can a small farm thrive in today's competitive agricultural economy? Steve Strasheim of Twisted River Farm is proving it can. Starting with just a quarter acre in Montana, Steve has built a diversified, profitable farming operation on 5 acres—focused on direct-to-consumer produce sales. In this episode, he joins Damian Mason to discuss how he built a sustainable farm business without debt, using smart cost controls, continuous expansion, and a strategic crop mix. This episode offers valuable insights for small-scale farmers, agripreneurs, and anyone in agriculture looking for alternative models that actually work. Key topics include: How to scale a micro-farm profitably Controlling costs and avoiding debt in agriculture Selling produce year-round direct to consumers The importance of networking and community support Why small farms can succeed with the right business model Whether you are a farmer, agribusiness professional, or interested in innovative models in agriculture, this episode provides actionable strategies for running a profitable small farm. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com/ Tidal Grow Agriscience | https://www.tidalgrowag.com/ Nano-Yield | https://www.nano-yield.com/ Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.   

What lies ahead for American agriculture? In this forward-looking episode, Damian Mason is joined by nine agribusiness professionals from The Business of Ag Success Group to share 10 bold predictions for the industry through 2026 and beyond. Topics include: The future of government subsidies Automation and robotics in specialty crops The next big opportunity for ethanol Consolidation in ag machinery The rise of data centers and impact on farmland values Tyson's potential exit from beef processing California's shifting role in global food production If you are a stakeholder in production agriculture, agribusiness, or food supply chains, this episode delivers valuable insight into the trends and disruptions shaping the future of U.S. agriculture. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com/ Tidal Grow Agriscience | https://www.tidalgrowag.com/ Nano-Yield | https://www.nano-yield.com/ Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.   

From a backyard hobby to a vertically integrated quail operation, Manchester Farms now produces 80,000 Pharaoh quail per week and distributes processed birds and quail eggs nationwide. Brittney Miller, whose family started the business over 50 years ago, shares the company's evolution, production scale, and insights into specialty poultry markets. Damian Mason explores the operational efficiencies, niche marketing strategies, and challenges of running one of the largest quail farms in the U.S. The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.   

Food allergies and intolerances now affect over 80 million Americans—with millions more choosing food avoidance based on lifestyle or dietary trends. What does this surge in selective eating mean for agriculture, food production, and consumer behavior? Dylan McDonnell, CEO of Foodini, joins Damian Mason to explore how ingredient awareness, medical diagnoses, and even lawsuits are reshaping what people eat—and how it's grown. Tune in to understand the future of food, labeling, and consumer expectations in an age of dietary selectivity.   The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.   

Despite the popular narrative, American agriculture is not feeding the world—nor, increasingly, itself. With 40% of U.S. corn diverted to ethanol production and a persistent $50 billion agricultural trade deficit, systemic inefficiencies are being exposed. Damian Mason is joined by Joe Maxwell of Farm Action to examine the disconnect between production agriculture and food supply, the impact of policy mandates, and the path toward a more food-focused, self-reliant agricultural model. This episode explores reform, opportunity, and the urgent need to reframe the role of U.S. agriculture in domestic and global food systems.   The Business of Agriculture Podcast with Damian Mason is Sponsored by: NewFields Ag | https://newfieldsag.com Redox Bio-Nutrients | https://www.redoxgrows.com Harvest Returns | https://www.harvestreturns.com Also, make sure to check out DamianMason.com, XtremeAg's The Cutting The Curve Podcast and The Granary.    This content is protected. ©Damian Mason, all rights reserved.