Episodes

  • The Truth About Ag Shows, Networking and Succession Strategies

    The Truth About Ag Shows, Networking and Succession Strategies
    Jan 22 2025
    In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan and Evan dig into the conversations shaping agriculture's future. They explore the unique value of learning from people outside your immediate industry, as highlighted by programs like TEPAP. The discussion shifts to the importance of preparation and strategy in an industry full of volatility. From investing during good times to planning for what could go wrong, they emphasize the need to focus on opportunities while staying ready for inevitable challenges. As the largest fragmentation and estate succession in history approaches by 2033, are those under 50 ready to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
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    49 mins
  • The Truth About Driving Change in Agriculture with Kip Tom

    The Truth About Driving Change in Agriculture with Kip Tom
    Jan 8 2025
    In this episode of The Truth About Ag, Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout welcome Kip Tom, an Indiana-based agricultural leader whose career spans decades of hands-on experience, consulting, and innovation. From starting his journey straight out of high school on the family farm to being considered for roles within the U.S. government, Kip brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Together, they discuss the pivotal role of digitalization in transforming decision-making in North American agriculture. Drawing on his global consulting experiences, including lessons from Argentina, Kip highlights strategies for diversification and risk management that are critical for long-term success.
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    1 hr
  • The Truth About Hebert Grain Ventures

    The Truth About Hebert Grain Ventures
    Dec 26 2024
    In episode 19 of The Truth About Ag, Jeff Warkentin, COO of HGV, joins us to talk about what it takes to lead and grow a successful team. We cover everything from the realities of stepping into a family business and why asking tough questions matters, to the importance of separating personal life from business to avoid unnecessary tension. We also dig into Jeff’s day-to-day as COO, what the role really looks like, and why storytelling is such a powerful tool for building culture. Sharing the struggles, mistakes, and lessons that brought the business to where it is today helps new team members understand the bigger picture.
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    52 mins
  • The Truth About Building Resilient Farms with Jordan Kambeitz

    The Truth About Building Resilient Farms with Jordan Kambeitz
    Dec 11 2024

    In Episode 18 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout chat with Jordan Kambeitz of Kambeitz Farms, a family operation that’s been growing since 1899. They dive into how building a strong team culture is essential for success and why traceability is becoming non-negotiable in agriculture. From sharing the farm’s story directly with customers to making smart equipment decisions, Jordan offers a grounded perspective on what it takes to keep a legacy farm thriving in the modern world.
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    52 mins
  • The Truth About Risk Management with Dean Klippenstine

    The Truth About Risk Management with Dean Klippenstine
    Nov 27 2024
    In this episode of The Truth About Ag podcast, co-hosts Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout sit down with Dean Klippenstine, Partner and Business Advisor with MNP’s Agriculture team. Dean shares insights from his extensive career in agriculture and business, touching on risk management, succession planning, and how collaboration between advisors and producers can unlock growth opportunities. The discussion gets into critical topics like navigating liability in farming operations, preparing for generational transitions, and using operational adjustments to maximize efficiency and profitability.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The Truth About Being a CEO and Million Dollar Decisions with Craig Lothian

    The Truth About Being a CEO and Million Dollar Decisions with Craig Lothian
    Nov 13 2024
    In episode 16 of The Truth About Ag podcast, co-hosts Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert sit down with Craig Lothian of Lex Capital Corp. A former lawyer, Craig is a serial entrepreneur having founded and sold a number of successful private oil and land companies. In this episode, they dive into the similarities and differences between running businesses in Ag and Energy, lessons learned from raising capital, scaling, and exiting companies, things to consider when making million dollar decisions, and the benefits of structuring your team like company owners.
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • The Truth About Monette Farms

    The Truth About Monette Farms
    Oct 30 2024
    In Episode 15 of The Truth About Ag Podcast, Kristjan Hebert and Evan Shout dive into the complex world of land management and expansion with Darrel Monette of Monette Farms. Known for its impressive—and sometimes controversial—growth over the past 15 years, Monette Farms has become a force across multiple regions. Darrel shares hard-won insights into the essential role of real estate in long-term farm sustainability, managing rapid growth within a family business, and keeping the next generation engaged in an ever-evolving operation. This is a candid look at the high stakes of modern farming.
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    46 mins
  • The Truth About The Harvest Hangover

    The Truth About The Harvest Hangover
    Oct 16 2024
    Evan Shout and Kristjan Hebert discuss this year’s challenging harvest, from managing unpredictable weather to empowering the team through cross-training and delegation. They talk about the role of guilt in farm decision-making, how to step back and let your team shine, and whether the “post-harvest hangover” is real. They also share the top three things that went right on the farm, insights into capital planning, and how used equipment and loans play into succession planning.
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    52 mins