Advertise on podcast: Humble Ground

Where does the grape juice in your refrigerator actually start? At Farm Progress Show, we sat down with Washington grape producer Carter Kilian to talk about what it takes to grow grapes for Welch’s. Carter takes us inside grape production in Washington—from managing the vineyard and raising a quality crop to harvest and ultimately seeing those grapes become a product recognized in households across the country. It’s another reminder that behind the brands and products we see every day are farmers, families and a whole lot of work most consumers never get to see. Recorded at Farm Progress Show with Fendt. Every meal has a story. This is Carter Kilian’s. Episodes and more https://www.humblegroundag.com Learn more about Fendt at https://www.fendt.com/us/

We caught up with Logan and Bobby Lee from the Talk Dirt Podcast at Farm Progress in Boone, Iowa, for a conversation about farming, storytelling and where agriculture is headed. We talk about farming back home in Tennessee, the growing role of social media in agriculture, how podcasts are helping connect people inside and outside the industry, and some of the dream guests we'd love to sit down with someday. We also look ahead at what's next—for farming, ag media and the stories we hope to keep telling. Recorded live at Farm Progress 2026 in Boone, Iowa. For more episodes visit https://www.humblegroundag.com

Sometimes the best podcast conversations are the ones you never planned.A few weeks after meeting Jory while filming another project in southern Iowa, we found ourselves back at his farm, sitting down to talk about a lifetime in agriculture.Jory grew up riding alongside his dad on an Allis-Chalmers, farming ground shaped by the rivers and rolling hills of southern Iowa. He came home from Iowa State in the early 1980s—just in time to experience one of the hardest periods American agriculture has ever seen.We talk about 20% operating notes, selling land to keep the farm going, raising cattle, the evolution from open-station tractors to GPS and RTK, and eventually making the difficult decision to retire from active farming.But this conversation became about much more than one farm.Jory shares why he believes agriculture has to do a better job telling its story as more generations become removed from the farm—and why remembering where we came from matters just as much as embracing where agriculture is headed.From picking corn by hand to modern precision agriculture, this is a conversation about risk, resilience, family, legacy and a lifetime spent on the land.For this episode and more, check out https://www.humblegroundag.comLearn about Boa Safra at https://boasafraag.com/tim-strathman-xe03

What does it take to raise and market roughly 425,000 pigs every year? On this episode of Humble Ground, we sit down with the team behind the Swine Division at J-Six Enterprises to hear how the operation got its start, how it has grown, and what it takes to produce hundreds of millions of pounds of finished pork. We talk about the people, facilities, logistics and decision-making behind an operation of this scale — along with the challenges of raising livestock, managing growth and getting that much pork to market.It’s a look behind the scenes at a Kansas agricultural operation helping feed people across the country. This is the J-Six Enterprises Swine Division story. Episode and more at https://www.humblegroundag.com

Josh grew up on a family dairy in northeast Kansas, started milking cows in fifth grade, and eventually left home to manage thousands of cows in western Kansas.But when it came time to decide what was next, family pulled him home.We talk about why he came back to keep the family dairy going, what it takes to milk 300+ cows three times a day, raising kids on the farm, the future of dairy and why the next generation has to *want* to come back — not feel like they have to.And somehow along the way, a pheasant hunting hobby turned into raising nearly 14,000 birds a year.This one has a little bit of everything — dairy, family, hard work, plenty of laughs and a reminder of why some people choose to come home.Watch this episode and more at https://www.humblegroundag.com

What started as a small woodshop in a hog barn on a rural Kansas farm has grown into a company producing roughly 2,000 cabinets and 300 house doors every day. In this episode of Humble Ground, we sit down with Jim Koch, founder of Koch & Company, to hear how it all started. Jim shares how growing up and working on the farm shaped his work ethic, the early days of building a business with what he had, and how those same values helped turn a small-town operation into the company it is today. It’s a story about hard work, taking chances, staying grounded and building something that lasts. Watch this episode and more at https://www.humblegroundag.com

Nearly two years after joining us for the very first episode of Humble Ground, Andy Evans of Rocking E Cattle is back in the studio. Just days before we sat down, Andy experienced one of the hardest weeks a cattle producer can face, losing cattle during the extreme late-July heat and humidity that swept across Kansas. It's a reminder that agriculture can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be unforgiving. In this conversation, we talk about life in the feedlot during the summer, the realities of managing cattle through intense weather, where the cattle market stands today, and what Andy sees for the future of the industry. As always, it's an honest conversation from someone living it every day. Watch more at https://www.humblegroundag.com Save $10 on a $100 order with Valley Vet using code HUMBLE at checkout. https://www.valleyvet.com

Logan Hanks is a Tennessee row crop farmer and co-host of the Talk Dirt to Me podcast. In this conversation, we go well beyond farming. We talk about the risks farmers take every single season, the lessons that come from failure, and why Logan says farmers don't need to go to Las Vegas to gamble—we're already gambling every day with weather, markets, equipment, and the unknown. We also dive into social media, building an audience, the opportunities it creates, and the challenges that come with living part of your life online. It's an honest conversation about agriculture, family, business, and staying grounded while the world is watching. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to make a living from the land—or what happens behind the scenes of one of agriculture's most popular podcasts—this episode is for you. More episodes at https://www.humblegroundag.com Learn more about Talk Dirt to Me at https://www.talkdirtpodcast.com

What does it take to keep a diversified Idaho farming operation moving? In this episode of Humble Ground, powered by Fendt, we sit down with Blake from Matthews Land & Cattle to talk about the crops that help feed America, from potatoes and sugar beets to the day-to-day decisions that keep the farm running. Blake shares what it's like managing a modern operation, the challenges and opportunities that come with specialty crops, and how Fendt equipment has become an important part of improving efficiency across the farm. It's a conversation about innovation, stewardship, and the people behind one of Idaho's iconic agricultural industries. Whether you're involved in agriculture or simply curious where your food comes from, this episode offers an honest look at the work happening long before those potatoes make it to your dinner table. Powered by Fendt. More episodes at https://www.humblegroundag.com

In this episode of Humble Ground, Andy Bloom shares what it's like to be part of a farming family where multiple generations work side by side. While each family member operates their own business, they're always ready to lend a hand when it's needed—whether that's Grandpa, Dad, uncles, cousins, or the next generation coming up behind them. Andy reflects on the lessons learned from working alongside family, the importance of showing up for one another, and why strong relationships are often the greatest asset a farm can have. He also shares his hopes for the future, including the dream that his children might one day return to agriculture and carry on the values and traditions that have shaped their family for generations. A conversation about family, legacy, and the people who make agriculture more than just a way of life. View more at https://www.humblegroundag.com

David Steinlage wears two hats—Kansas farmer and engineer at John Deere. But this conversation isn't about machinery or technology. It's about faith, family, and the moments in life that redefine what truly matters. David shares the heartbreaking loss of his daughter, the lessons that followed, and how that experience changed his perspective on success, work, and the importance of being present for the people we love. We also discuss farming, raising a family, balancing careers, and finding purpose through both life's victories and its hardships. This is an honest conversation about resilience, gratitude, and keeping your priorities aligned when life doesn't go according to plan. Humble Ground Podcast — Real stories from the people who feed, build, and strengthen rural America.

For this episode, the microphone gets turned around.Joining host Joel Naaf of Naaf Farms, Humble Ground founder Tim Strathman shares the story behind the platform, why it was created, and what he's learned after traveling the country telling the stories of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.The conversation dives into the early vision for Humble Ground, the challenges of building a media brand from rural Kansas, lessons learned from dozens of conversations across agriculture, and the growing disconnect between consumers and the people who produce their food. Tim also shares what has surprised him most along the way, the responsibility that comes with telling authentic stories, and where Humble Ground is headed next.If you've ever wondered why Humble Ground exists and what the future holds, this is the episode that tells the story behind the story.Every meal has a story. This is ours.For more episodes visit https://www.humblegroundag.com.Visit Valley Vet Supply at https://www.valleyvet.com save $10 on a $100 order with code HUMBLE at checkout

At France Family Farms near Scott City, Kansas, farming is about more than raising crops—it's about building something that can thrive for the next generation. In this episode, we sit down with the France family to talk about the values that have shaped their operation, the challenges and opportunities facing modern agriculture, and the constant pursuit of efficiency that keeps the farm moving forward. We discuss how embracing new technology, improving workflows, and making thoughtful investments help position the operation for long-term success. The conversation also explores the role Fendt equipment plays on the farm, providing the reliability, precision, and efficiency needed to maximize productivity during the busiest times of the year. From family legacy to innovation in the field, this is a conversation about preserving what matters while never standing still. Watch more at https://www.humblegroundag.com and learn more about Fendt at https://www.fendt.com/us/ Presented by Fendt and brought to you by Humble Ground, where every meal has a story.

Born in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, Firegrass Wagyu is a family-founded ranch built on generations of Heartland heritage, regenerative agriculture, and a commitment to raising exceptional American Wagyu beef. With a focus on humane, sustainable ranching practices and unmatched quality, Firegrass delivers richly marbled beef crafted by the land, the legacy, and the people behind it. Learn more at https://firegrasswagyu.com Watch more episodes at https://www.humblegroundag.com Save $10 off $100 order at https://www.valleyvet.com

Brent Buessing of Buessing Holsteins represents the fourth generation of a Kansas dairy operation—but the way he farms today looks a lot different than it did for the generations before him. In this episode, we sit down with Brent to talk about how technology—specifically robotic milking systems—is reshaping the dairy industry. From improving efficiency and animal care to giving farmers better data and flexibility, Brent shares what’s working, what’s changing, and what the future of dairy could look like. It’s a conversation rooted in tradition, but focused on what’s next—proving that even in one of agriculture’s most established sectors, innovation is moving fast. For more episodes visit https://www.humblegroundag.com