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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!

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In this personal and introspective episode, I share my journey of 60 days without alcohol—a decision that has brought unexpected clarity, challenges, and growth. I dive into what inspired this change, the lessons I’ve learned, and how it’s reshaped my perspective on life and resilience. Drawing inspiration from Nikki Glaser’s candid reflections on sobriety with Joe Rogan, I explore how even small habits can have a profound impact on our mental clarity and well-being. Tune in as I reflect on the power of small changes and the surprising insights that come from stepping away from the familiar.

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In this episode of Patio Ponderings, we dive into the realities behind the “Buy Local” movement in meat production. Inspired by my own experiences selling lamb and a video from a candid Iowa farmer, I explore the hidden challenges that small livestock producers face—bottlenecks at local processors, consumer preferences for premium cuts, and the hard truth about scaling niche markets.

While the dream of buying local is admirable, the practical hurdles can’t be ignored. So, what’s the way forward? How do we support local farmers while fixing the gaps in infrastructure and demand?

Grab a coffee, settle in on the patio, and join me as we unpack the real story of local meat.

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In this bonus episode of Patio Ponderings, I take you behind the scenes to share how AI has become an invaluable partner in my creative process. From refining my daily reflections to streamlining podcast production and conducting insightful interviews, AI has transformed the way I work. I also tackle the big ethical question: Is using AI cheating? Discover how I use AI not as a replacement for creativity but as a tool to amplify it. Join me as I explore the possibilities and share actionable insights for integrating AI into your workflow.

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In this episode of the Patio Pondering , we take a reflective journey through five of the most engaging posts I’ve shared on LinkedIn over the past several months. These posts resonated deeply with my network, sparking thought-provoking discussions around themes that matter to all of us.

From the generosity of an Amish family during harvest, to the ways we define ourselves beyond job titles, to the lessons learned about networking, adapting to change, and finding resilience in the face of challenges, this episode dives deep into these reflections and the insights they’ve inspired.

Join me as I revisit these topics:

• Generosity: How small acts of kindness strengthen connections and communities.
• Judging by Job Title: Why we must look beyond labels to appreciate the full value of others.
• Networking: The journey from self-sufficiency to meaningful connections in a tight-knit industry.
• Pork: The Other White Meat: A controversial exploration of consumer trends, tradition, and innovation.
• 100 Day Reflection: A personal milestone reflecting on resilience, growth, and finding new directions.

Along the way, I’ll share new takeaways and invite you to reflect on your own experiences. Let’s discuss the themes that shape our lives and careers—and how we can grow together.

Listen now and join the conversation.

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast! I'm Jim Smith—a husband, father, farmer, and seasoned swine nutritionist—and I’m thrilled to introduce myself and the story behind the 'Patio Pondering' series. In this first episode, I’ll share the inspiration that sparked the podcast, offer a glimpse into my life and education, and lay out the vision for future episodes. Together, we’ll explore the expected and obscure stories in agriculture that shape our lives. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, a curious friend, or just intrigued by the world of agriculture, there’s something here for you. So pull up a chair, get comfortable, and let’s start pondering!