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In this special episode of Patio Pondering, I sit down with my son, Toby Smith, for a conversation that spans from international trade to life on the farm. Toby kicks things off by sharing insights into his job as a Pet Food Salesman with Fletcher International, where he works to get lamb from Australia into the hands of customers across the United States.

From there, we take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his upbringing on our family farm in Iowa and the transition to our new home in Allen County, right in the heart of Amish country. Toby recounts his experiences at Leo High School, where most of his classmates came from non-farm backgrounds, and how he found ways to connect with them. One of his most memorable moments? Driving a John Deere tractor to school to wrap up his senior year—an experience that gave his classmates a taste of farm life and a good laugh.

Join us for this father-son chat as we explore career paths, rural roots, and the moments that shape us along the way.

🎧 Listen now, and let us know—what’s a defining experience from your own journey that has stuck with you?

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In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I sit down with Dane Emenhiser, owner of Emenhiser Crop Solutions, to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation in modern agriculture. Growing up on a family farm in eastern Allen County, Dane developed a passion for farming and agronomy that led him to a career in seed sales and eventually taking ownership of his seed dealership in 2021.

Dane shares his journey from Purdue University to leading a thriving seed business, the challenges and rewards of taking ownership during uncertain times, and how he balances agricultural sales with the need to innovate. We discuss the evolving landscape of seed sales, the role of technology in servicing a diverse customer base, and how agricultural roots shape careers and community connections.

Listeners will gain insight into the practical realities of agricultural sales, the lesser-known aspects of seed sales, and the deep relationships that drive success in farming. Dane also shares his perspective on the future of agriculture, offering advice for those considering a career in the field and reflecting on the broader impact of farming beyond the fields.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The importance of community support and relationships in agriculture
✅ Balancing legacy with innovation when running a family business
✅ How firsthand farming experience helps serve customers more effectively
✅ The evolving role of technology in agronomy and seed sales

Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights the resilience, dedication, and forward-thinking mindset required to thrive in today’s agricultural industry!

🎧 Listen now and learn more about Emenhiser Crop Solutions at emenhisercropsolutions.com

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In this episode, I sit down with Grant Hood, a dynamic leader in agricultural education and innovation. From his roots as an 4H and FFA member, education at Ivy Tech, Purdue University, and University of Arkansas to his teaching experiences at Carroll High School and his role in Technical Sales at Topcon, Grant shares his incredible journey through the evolving world of agriculture.

We explore:

• The impact of 4H and FFA leadership on shaping teamwork and personal growth.
• How education at Purdue University and the University of Arkansas prepared Grant for teaching and sales challenges.
• Key trends and challenges in agricultural education and their implications for the next generation.
• Surprising insights about agricultural leadership that most people overlook.

Join us as we uncover the lessons agriculture teaches us, not just about farming but about leadership, innovation, and community impact.

Tune in now to discover how Grant Hood is inspiring the future of agriculture!