The Truth About Producers, Policy, and Trade with Warren Kaeding
Evan and Kristjan welcome Warren Kaeding, third-generation farmer and MLA for Melville-Saltcoats, for a conversation that ties farm life to global trade. Warren shares how his roots in pedigreed seed and recognition through Outstanding Young Farmers shaped his path into politics, and why “engagement, engagement, engagement” is the thread running through both farming and government.The discussion ranges from recent trade missions in Asia to the role of Saskatchewan’s trade offices and STEP in opening doors, building trust, and keeping Canada competitive. Warren explains how volatility today is driven less by supply and demand and more by geopolitics and policy, pushing farms toward longer-term strategies like storage and procurement planning. From rebuilding producer trust to asking buyers what they really want, the episode highlights why communication and collaboration remain the foundation for agriculture’s future.
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1:00:20
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1:00:20
The Truth About Why Fear Sells and Exactly Who's Buying
This week on The Truth About Ag, we’re tackling the theme “Fear Sells—Who’s Buying?” Evan is joined by Todd Andries, repeat guest Dean Klippenstein, and U.S. farmer Rich Bronec for a wide-ranging roundtable on what’s really happening in agriculture as 2025 winds down.From land transitions and rental opportunities to rising fertilizer costs, shifting rotations, and the reality of cash flow crunches, the group dives into where the opportunities are even in a margin-tight environment. They cover long-term leases, machinery costs, lender expectations, and the growing importance of financial acumen on today’s farms.Whether you’re wrestling with operating loans, debating rent vs. buy decisions, or considering how to build a war chest for the next big expansion, this conversation is packed with practical insight. Tune in for honest talk, a few laughs, and a forward-looking perspective on how producers can find stability and growth in uncertain times.
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1:08:44
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1:08:44
The Truth About Ag Careers and Opportunities with Leta LaRush
In this episode, Evan and Kristjan welcome Leta LaRush, Vice President of Business Management for BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions. What follows is a conversation that weaves together agriculture, leadership, innovation, and the realities of life outside of work.Leta explains why it takes as long as twelve years to bring a new agricultural product to market, how regulation and red tape impact innovation, and what Canada needs to do to stay competitive. She talks about the importance of spending time in the combine each year, the debate between brands and generics, and the role trade barriers play in shaping the industry.The conversation also touches on the realities of building a career in agriculture. Leta discusses the choices she has made as a working parent, the value of equal parental leave, and why she has focused on roles that offer opportunities to learn and grow rather than just the ones with the most prestige. She shares the influence of mentors and executive coaches on her career and offers practical advice on leadership, scheduling, and professional development.
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1:00:34
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1:00:34
The Truth About Building a Legacy with Jace Young
Kristjan and Evan sit down with Jace Young, Founder and CEO of Legacy Farmer, to take a hard look at the financial side of agriculture and why it’s so often misunderstood.They talk about why so few people are giving farmers solid financial advice, and how easy it is to misread just how long the rope is when working with the bank. They share their perspective on a big industry problem: banks chasing new customers while letting existing ones drift without real, up-to-date support.The conversation goes well beyond banking. They get into succession planning, how and when to bring your kids into the profits, teaching respect versus fueling entitlement, and using tools like the equity calculator to put real numbers behind big decisions.From moving conversations off-farm to reshaping roles and building accountability charts, this episode is packed with ideas on how to improve communication, shift mindsets, and keep your business and your family moving in the right direction.
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1:08:19
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1:08:19
The Truth About Fulfillment Beyond the Farm with Dallas Simmonds
In this episode, Evan sits down with Dallas Simmonds of Raptor Enterprises for his second appearance on the podcast. This time, the conversation goes deeper.Dallas opens up about what it really means to find fulfilment after farming. He reflects on the coaching programs he's taken, the leadership skills he's built, and how his personal definition of success has shifted over time. Together, Evan and Dallas talk about the emotional toll of generational succession, the pressure to conform to old-school work expectations, and why guilt often follows those who step away from the family operation—even if it's for the right reasons.They explore the idea that less can be more, the mindset shift from a tired farmer to an energized leader, and how younger farmers are starting to prioritize their health and longevity. It’s a conversation about accountability - physical, mental, and business - and why doing the inner work matters more than ever in an industry that often hides it.
Canada - english