Send us a text

In this special episode of Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim shares his personal story of overcoming career loss, finding new purpose, and building a new life after a job setback — all recorded from the patio where it began.

Reflecting on the end of Holy Week and the passing of Pope Francis, Jim explores how quiet moments of solitude helped him navigate the aftermath of losing his 12-year career in swine nutrition. He shares how starting Patio Ponderings became a path toward personal growth, writing, podcasting, and even publishing an essay in a local newspaper.

Jim also discusses the surprising role artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT played in enhancing his writing process, helping him "riff" like a jazz musician to find his authentic voice.

Whether you're navigating your own career transition, starting over, or searching for inspiration after life's unexpected turns, this episode offers hope, reflection, and a reminder that sometimes all you need is a quiet place to begin again.

Thanks for joining us on the patio. Until next time, keep pondering.

Send us a text

Karen Corrigan joins Patio Ponderings to talk agronomy, opportunity, and saying "yes" to success—plus a few laughs with friends along the way.

In this episode of Patio Ponderings, Jim Smith sits down with Karen Corrigan, Certified Crop Adviser, educator, and co-owner of McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics. Karen shares her journey from Illinois farm country to becoming one of the clearest and most practical voices in independent agronomy today.

We dig into why getting the basics right—like managing soil pH and real weed control—is more important than chasing shiny new solutions. Karen offers straight talk about balancing science and intuition, the communication gaps she sees in modern agriculture, and how working independently has shaped her perspective.

Karen also shares how her willingness to say "yes" to opportunities—both big and small—has played a key role in her success, much like Corey Hillebo described during Episode 24. It's a powerful reminder of how openness can shape a career in unexpected and rewarding ways.

Along the way, we also bring up several mutual friends and colleagues who have impacted our journeys, including Corey Hillebo, Paul Butler, Angie Setzer, Jen Campbell, and the Hippie Farmer. Their names come up naturally as we reflect on the importance of community, authenticity, and shared experience in agriculture.

Stick around to hear Karen tackle our signature five questions, where she shares personal lessons, favorite tools, and what gives her hope for the future of farming.

Connect with Karen:
Follow her on Twitter @weedgirl24 and learn more about her consulting work at McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics.

Subscribe and Share:
If you enjoyed today’s conversation, be sure to subscribe to Patio Ponderings, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who appreciates honest, practical conversations about agriculture and life.

Send us a text

In this solo episode of Patio Pondering, I explore the increasingly urgent topic of farmland preservation and rural land use through the lens of personal experience and regional change.

Sparked by a conversation on The Little Red Barn Podcast, I reflect on the silent erosion of farm ground in northeast Indiana—not by massive developments, but by smaller projects: executive housing estates, solar farms, and hobby farmettes that chip away at our agricultural heritage acre by acre.

As a multi-generational farmer and landowner in DeKalb County, I wrestle with the delicate balance between private property rights and community impact. Can we really claim we’re protecting agriculture if we stay silent while 10-acre developments replace row crops? What are we risking when we pave over prime soil?

From zoning board decisions to nostalgic memories of the family farm, this episode dives into the heart of the farmland debate. It’s a conversation about stewardship, sustainability, and asking the hard questions:

• When should farmland be preserved?
• Who decides what’s worth saving?
• And what legacy do we leave behind?

Send us a text

Episode Description (Final Version):
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Amanda Minton, Manager of Reproductive Solutions at AcuFast Swine Genetics and Purdue University alum, to explore the journey from rural farm kid to leading expert in swine breeding and reproduction.

Amanda shares how her agricultural roots and mentorship from Dr. Alan Schinckel laid the foundation for her career in swine genetics, from graduate research to cutting-edge work with AI-driven fertility tools. We dive deep into how failure and setbacks—both in the lab and in life—have shaped her leadership style, built resilience, and strengthened her ability to guide others.

In a candid discussion about grit, resilience, and leading with empathy, Amanda reflects on how the book The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday has influenced her perspective, reinforcing the idea that the path to success often runs straight through adversity.

Whether you're a swine professional, ag student, or someone navigating your own challenges, this conversation blends science, humanity, and hope—with practical takeaways for building stronger teams and finding purpose in persistence.

Tune in to hear how Amanda Minton turns failure into fuel—and how her journey from sheep to pigs shaped the leader she is today.

Send us a text

In this solo episode of Patio Ponderings, we take a short detour from exploring agriculture roots to reflect on today’s economic climate and personal resilience strategies.

I dive into the impact of recent tariffs on agriculture and the broader economy, sharing how market volatility has affected our family's retirement accounts—and why we’re still committed to a long-term investment strategy. I also discuss our decision to return to the direct-to-consumer livestock market by selling lambs, and how that choice helps us build both income and resilience on the farm.

This episode also touches on what some are calling “Liberation Day,” examining how we balance protest, political engagement, and practical realities in our day-to-day lives.

If you're navigating uncertainty in agriculture, finances, or personal direction—this reflection is for you. We’re building financial resilience one lamb, one stock, and one grounded decision at a time.

Send us a text

In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I sit down with Hayden Heigl, founder of Frosty Bunk, a fast-growing direct-to-consumer beef sales business based in Kansas. Hayden shares the story behind launching his local beef brand, how he’s connecting farm and consumer in today’s market, and what it takes to build trust—and a loyal customer base—in the farm-to-table movement.

We talk about the challenges and rewards of launching a small business rooted in agriculture, the logistics of processing and delivery, and how staying true to your values can shape your brand’s identity. This conversation offers inspiration for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, local food systems, or supporting independent beef producers.

Whether you’re a fellow farmer, an ag startup enthusiast, or a curious consumer who wants to know where their meat comes from—this episode is packed with insight and authenticity straight from the pasture.

Connect with Hayden:
🐂 Frosty Bunk Beef – Premium Local Beef, Direct from the Ranch
Website: https://www.frostybunk.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564627391732
Phone: (785) 447-2662

🕯 Rough Cut Candles – Rustic Candles Made with Heart
Website: https://roughcutcandles.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayden.heigele

📸 Mary Marsh Photography and Communications
Website: https://marymarshphotography.zenfoliosite.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMarshPhotographyandCommunications
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksualmondfarmer/profilecard/?igsh=MTVuOGxzNDdkamRnMQ%3D%3D

📣 Hashtags:
#FrostyBunk #LocalBeef #DirectToConsumer #BeefBusiness #FarmToTable #SupportLocalFarms #AgricultureEntrepreneur #SmallFarmBigImpact #RanchLife #AgPodcast #PatioPonderings #KansasBeef #BuyLocalMeat #BeefProducers #AgBusiness #MeatFromTheSource #MaryMarshPhotography

Send us a text

"I remember riding with my grandfathers to deliver grain to the St. Joe Elevator in St. Joe, Indiana. Across the railroad tracks sat Crow’s Rainbow Farm Center. At the time, it felt like these places would always be there—until they weren’t."

In this episode of Patio Ponderings, we take a look back at the agricultural businesses that once defined Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio—and explore why so many have disappeared. From Wayne Feeds and Central Soya to Eckrich Meats, and Parrot Packing, to long closed Farm Implement Dealerships I discuss the local feed mills, livestock markets, and equipment dealerships that shaped farming communities.

What led to their decline? How did events like the 1980s farm crisis and corporate consolidation change the agricultural landscape? And what lessons can we take from these lost businesses as we look toward the future of farming?

If you remember these businesses—or have stories of your own about the changing face of rural America—let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts with me or leave a comment wherever you listen to podcasts.

Send us a text

In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Jason Scott of Scott Farms, a multi-generational farming operation in Delphi, Indiana. Jason shares his journey from growing up on the farm to navigating the challenges of modern agriculture.

We discuss the evolution of Scott Farms, how technology has changed the industry, and the mindset needed to adapt in a rapidly shifting agricultural landscape. Jason also opens up about what it takes to run a successful grain farm, the values that drive him, and how his agricultural roots have shaped his future.

Topics Covered:

✔️ Family farming legacy – How Scott Farms has grown and adapted over generations and how succesion planning worked for him
✔️ Modern agriculture challenges – Market shifts, technology, and farm management
✔️ Indiana farming – Corn, soybeans, and the future of Midwestern agriculture
✔️ Sustainability in farming – How innovation is shaping the future
✔️ Lessons from a lifelong farmer – Business, resilience, and community impact

🎙️ Listen in as Jason Scott shares real-world insights, practical farm wisdom, and the story of his journey in agriculture!

💬 Join the Conversation:
Have thoughts on today’s episode? Drop a comment or share this episode with a fellow ag professional!

#PatioPondering #Episode31 #JasonScott #ScottFarms #IndianaFarming #ModernAgriculture #FarmLife #MidwestFarming #SustainableFarming #AgPodcast #AgriculturePodcast #FarmingPodcast #SuccesionPlanning