Volume 7, June 2025

🎙️ Episode 13 – “Rooted in Resilience”

🧭 Episode Focus

This deeply inspiring episode explores resilience in the face of life-altering hardship, specifically focusing on Mike Burkhart’s journey with his son Travis. Following a tragic accident that left Travis with severe traumatic brain injury, Mike shares how he and his family navigated a grueling recovery process while maintaining and managing their farm operations. Beyond recounting the personal and medical challenges—long ICU stays, battling medical misdiagnoses, and financial strain—the episode centers on how faith, community, and unwavering determination helped them persevere.

🌟 Key Takeaways

1. Turning Trials into Triumph: Mike emphasizes the importance of mindset: “find a positive in all negative situations,” leaning on faith, and refusing to “quit the game” even when doctors deliver bleak diagnoses.

2. Advocate Relentlessly for Care: Mike's story underlines the need to question medical decisions and escalate care when necessary. His insistence on pursuing a neuro-specialist and later transferring to Indianapolis saved Travis’s life after nurses initially missed severe infections and complications.

3. Purpose-Driven Giving: Out of their ordeal, Mike and his community founded the Travis Burkhart Foundation. The organization fills the gap when "insurance stops," offering financial and emotional aid to families grappling with medical crises. Their reach now spans cancer and trauma cases nationwide.

📝 Why It Matters

This episode is not just a story of survival—it’s a testament to resilience, decisive leadership in crisis, and how farming communities rise together. Mike’s experience illustrates that when tragedies hit, what keeps families and farms standing isn’t just hard work—it’s shared purpose, collective grit, and unwavering belief. It's a message of hope for any farmer facing an unpredictable world.

🎙️ Episode 14 – “The Holganix Advantage”

🧭 Episode Focus

This episode dives deep into the biological side of farming, focusing on how living organisms in the soil can reduce synthetic input costs, improve yield quality, and restore balance to tired fields. Brian Strider, Holganix Account Manager, shares insights about the science behind their approach—focusing on soil health as the key to long-term farm profitability. Kaleb joins the conversation to discuss real-world applications and results he’s seen using Holganix on farms in the Southeast.

🌟 Key Takeaways

1. Biology Is the New Frontier in Agriculture: Traditional farming has long focused on chemicals and nutrients—but Holganix flips the script by introducing living microbes to rejuvenate the soil. Brian explains that building healthy biology helps crops better absorb nutrients, improving efficiency and yield without overreliance on synthetic fertilizer.

2. Reduced Input Costs, Better Results: One of the biggest advantages of using Holganix is cutting back on nitrogen and phosphorus, two of the most expensive and environmentally scrutinized inputs. Farmers using Holganix often see 20–30% reductions in synthetic fertilizer use while maintaining or improving yield.

3. Real Success on Real Farms: Kaleb shares success stories from growers who’ve used Holganix as part of their cropping system. He discusses measurable gains in soil organic matter, improved root systems, and even better stress tolerance in dry years. Farmers are especially excited about the ROI, as biological products offer both immediate and long-term financial benefits.

4. It’s All About the Soil Food Web: Brian explains the importance of fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and protozoa in the soil food chain. These organisms play critical roles in nutrient cycling and disease suppression. When they’re in balance, crops thrive. When they’re depleted, synthetic inputs become a crutch.

5. Holganix Is More Than Just a Product—It’s a System: The Holganix team doesn’t just sell biology—they partner with farmers to analyze soil health, tailor application timing, and monitor results. This relationship-driven approach sets them apart. The team provides training, side-by-side comparisons, and ongoing consultation to ensure farmers get real results.

   
   

📝 Why It Matters

Episode 14 is a must-listen for farmers looking to cut costs, improve soil, and future-proof their land. With rising fertilizer prices and environmental pressures, the biological route isn’t just innovative—it’s essential. As Brian Strider says, “We’re not trying to sell a product. We’re trying to help you rebuild your soil’s natural ability to feed your crops.”

Hot Topics in Agriculture

As of mid-July 2025, U.S. farmers are navigating a mix of climate volatility, global trade disruption, and rising costs—while also finding new opportunities in carbon markets and biologicals. Drought conditions have intensified in parts of the Midwest, with USDA issuing emergency designations across Iowa, Nebraska, and parts of Illinois. Meanwhile, sudden flooding in the Southern Plains has delayed soybean planting and hampered cotton emergence.

In international news, China and Brazil reached a new trade agreement affecting global corn flows. U.S. grain exports are facing added pressure as Brazil’s record second corn crop floods the market. However, analysts suggest demand for high-protein U.S. wheat and specialty soybeans remains strong in Europe and Southeast Asia.

Domestically, the 2025 Farm Bill discussions are heating up. Key topics include boosting conservation program funding, expanding crop insurance for specialty growers, and incorporating incentives for climate-smart practices. Several farmer-led organizations are lobbying for simplified access to EQIP and CSP funding to encourage wider adoption of regenerative farming methods.

Ag-tech is also gaining traction this summer. Satellite imaging for plant health diagnostics and field-level AI tools are becoming more mainstream. Farmers are trialing smart irrigation systems that adjust watering based on weather, crop stage, and soil conditions. These tools are reducing inputs while improving yield accuracy.

Finally, biologicals and biostimulants continue to see adoption across corn, cotton, and specialty crop sectors. Industry leaders like Pivot Bio, Holganix, and Corteva report strong mid-season uptake, particularly in areas dealing with soil compaction and reduced synthetic input budgets.

The labor shortage in agriculture remains a hot-button issue. A recent national survey by the Farm Bureau reveals 68% of farmers are experiencing difficulties finding seasonal workers. Some states are piloting ag-focused workforce development initiatives, while robotic harvesting solutions are starting to appear in large specialty crop operations in California and Georgia.

Another major development is the rise in farmland values. According to the latest data from the USDA’s Economic Research Service, average farmland values have risen 8.3% year-over-year, with the steepest increases seen in the Great Plains and Upper Midwest. Investors and hedge funds are continuing to acquire farmland as a long-term inflation hedge.

Environmental regulations are tightening in several states. California and New York have introduced stricter nitrogen application limits and mandatory cover cropping for farms receiving conservation funding. Farmers in these regions are urging policymakers to include flexibility for region-specific needs and crop types.

Renewable diesel demand is expected to surge through the end of 2025. More than a dozen refineries are shifting capacity to biofuels, which is increasing domestic demand for soybean oil and other feedstocks. Farmers planting high-oil-content soybeans or canola are poised to benefit from future premium pricing.

Finally, farm succession and mental health are rising themes in ag media. With more than half of American farmland owned by those aged 65+, generational transfer is a looming issue. Coupled with rising financial pressures, more farmers are seeking financial coaching and peer support networks to stay resilient.

Farming Hacks and Tips

1. Zip Tie Flagging System for Field Scouting: Use different colored zip ties to mark issues while walking fields—yellow for pests, blue for water stress, red for nutrient deficiencies. Later, when you return with the sprayer or drone, you’ll know exactly where to go.

2. Pressure Washing Seeder Plates: Mid-season is a good time to clean seeders and planters—especially vegetable transplanters and grain drills. A pressure washer and diluted vinegar can remove crusted residue and prevent corrosion without damaging sensitive parts.

3. Refillable Grease Guns for Daily Use: Instead of buying disposable cartridges, consider using a refillable grease gun and bulk lubricant. It cuts down on waste, saves money long-term, and ensures you're never out of grease on a busy harvest day.

4. Night Spraying During Heatwaves: If you’re facing high temperatures, try spraying in the evening or early morning. Many herbicides and foliar feeds are more effective when applied during cooler periods and with higher humidity—helping reduce stress on the plant and evaporation loss.

5. Farm Equipment QR Code Maintenance System: Tape a waterproof QR code to each major piece of equipment. When scanned, it opens a Google Sheet or document with its maintenance log, parts used, or video tutorials. This works great for farmhands or family who don’t use paper logs.

6. Baling Net Wrap Reuse Hack: After cutting off net wrap from bales, save the clean strips. Farmers have reused these for tying trellises, patching fence holes, or even organizing hoses in the barn. It’s durable and saves a trip to the hardware store.

7. Stretch Film to Protect Row Crop Monitors: Use cling wrap or stretch film to protect touchscreens and monitors from dirt, fingerprints, and rain inside tractors. Replace weekly and your equipment will stay cleaner and easier to see.

8. Staggered Fertilizer Timing for Sandy Soils: If you're farming on light soils, try dividing nitrogen or micronutrient applications into three or four smaller doses instead of two. This reduces leaching and ensures more nutrients are available throughout the growing season.

9. Build a Seed Inventory Box with Dividers: Repurpose an old toolbox or file cabinet drawer by adding wooden dividers and labeling each slot with a seed type and date. It makes organizing leftover seed much easier and protects from pests.

10. Use Drone Footage for Insurance Records: Flying a drone over fields before major weather events or at the end of each month gives you documented visuals for crop insurance claims. Timestamped footage with GPS overlays adds a strong layer of proof.

11. Create a Portable Shade Station for Workers: During long hot days, build a mobile shade tent mounted on an old trailer frame. Add a cooler, water jug, and misting fan powered by a solar battery. It boosts morale and productivity while preventing heat exhaustion.

12. Use Nail Polish to Mark Wrench Sizes: Quickly identify the right wrench in a cluttered toolbox by adding a dab of different colored nail polish to the heads. Great for teams who frequently swap tools or for fast repairs.

13. Repurpose Old Pallets for Storage Racks: Use sturdy wooden pallets mounted vertically to build storage racks for PVC pipe, tools, hoses, or drip line coils. They help declutter barns and reduce trip hazards.

14. Keep a Magnet Roller for Hardware Retrieval: After repairing equipment in the field or shop, run a magnet roller or rake to pick up dropped nails, screws, or washers. It saves on tire punctures and helps avoid rework.

15. Use Livestock Feed Bags as Tarps: Rinse and reuse heavy-duty plastic feed bags to cover wood, hay, or protect seedlings from wind. They're durable and easy to tie down, and you're recycling material you already have.

    
    

Market Update for Agriculture

Corn prices have stabilized slightly after a volatile spring, with December 2025 futures trading around $4.89 per bushel. The early season weather damage across parts of Iowa and Nebraska has reduced overall yield projections, providing moderate upward support to pricing. Mexico remains a strong export destination, and with ethanol demand climbing this summer due to travel and industrial activity, domestic corn use is steady. Additionally, some ethanol plants are experimenting with high-protein feed byproducts, which may increase corn processing profitability.

Soybeans are trending upward, with November contracts hovering near $12.45 per bushel. Demand from China and Southeast Asia has firmed, particularly for high-oleic and non-GMO soybeans used in specialty oil and health-conscious food markets. Domestic crush margins are also holding strong due to the continued expansion of renewable diesel facilities across the U.S., many of which rely heavily on soybean oil. Growers producing high-oil-content varieties are positioned to benefit from premium pricing and long-term contract opportunities.

Wheat markets remain mixed. Kansas City hard red wheat futures are holding around $6.12 per bushel, with slight downward pressure from abundant global supply. However, drought concerns in Australia and parts of Canada are creating upward momentum. The soft red winter wheat market (Chicago Board) is at approximately $5.87 per bushel, buoyed slightly by quality issues in Russian and Ukrainian wheat, which are impacting export competitiveness. Domestic millers are increasingly sourcing higher-grade wheat from the Plains to meet demand for premium baking products.

Cotton markets are volatile, trading between $0.80–$0.86 per pound on December futures. Prices dipped slightly following USDA’s mid-season acreage and condition reports but rebounded with news of insect pressure in key Southern regions. Export demand remains firm, especially from India and Pakistan, though logistical delays at Southern ports have slowed movement. The long-term outlook remains positive, especially for producers certified under sustainable cotton initiatives, which are commanding a 5–10% premium in certain markets.

In livestock, the beef sector is enjoying strong summer demand, with boxed beef prices rising as grilling season peaks. Tight cow and feeder cattle supplies—resulting from drought-induced herd reductions—are keeping prices elevated. Meanwhile, hog markets have seen some softness due to oversupply in the Midwest, though international demand (especially from South Korea and Japan) is helping offset some of the excess. Broiler chicken prices are holding steady, supported by quick-service restaurant demand and expanding exports to Mexico and Central America.

Fertilizer costs have shown some relief compared to 2024. UAN and anhydrous ammonia prices are down 10–15% year-over-year, thanks to softened global natural gas prices and resumed shipping in key international supply routes. Potash and phosphorus remain relatively flat but stable. Many retailers are encouraging early fall booking to hedge against Q4 volatility, especially with forecasts of a potential La Niña pattern reemerging.

Fuel prices have cooled somewhat in July, with diesel averaging $3.48 per gallon nationally, down from $4.05 a year ago. However, geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and disruptions in the Red Sea shipping lanes are keeping oil traders cautious. Farmers are advised to secure fall and harvest fuel contracts sooner rather than later, as analysts expect potential spikes heading into October.

Specialty crops are experiencing divergent trends. California almond and citrus growers are seeing softer prices due to oversupply, while table grape and cherry markets are thriving with strong consumer demand and lower-than-expected yields. Southeastern blueberry and tomato growers continue to face margin pressures from cheap imports, despite strong local market demand.

The dairy sector remains relatively balanced. Class III milk futures are trading near $18.35 per cwt, supported by international cheese and powdered milk demand. Butter prices are trending slightly upward as holiday baking orders begin to appear in long-term purchasing contracts. Feed costs are manageable for now, though some dairies are preparing for higher silage costs if dry weather continues through August.

Overall, July’s ag markets reflect cautious optimism. Prices in most sectors are resilient but sensitive to weather and trade developments. Risk management tools—including diversified contracts, insurance coverage, and cash flow planning—remain essential for mid-year financial health.

Market Influences

Agricultural markets in July 2025 are being shaped by a complex blend of geopolitical unrest, shifting climate patterns, macroeconomic uncertainty, and structural changes in consumer behavior. These influences are not just short-term disruptions but are increasingly becoming strategic variables that producers must build into their operational and financial plans.

The geopolitical landscape continues to weigh heavily on global trade. Russia’s renewed restrictions on wheat exports and expanded military operations in Eastern Europe are disrupting traditional grain flows through the Black Sea. This has led to a sharp increase in insurance premiums for shipping vessels in the region, which in turn drives up global transportation costs. U.S. wheat producers—particularly in the Plains—are benefiting from this market dislocation, as countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia look for reliable alternative sources. Similarly, trade negotiations between the U.S. and China remain tense, with tariff threats lingering over soybean exports despite recent surges in Chinese purchases.

Meanwhile, energy prices continue to ripple through agriculture in powerful ways. Diesel prices remain volatile, and though they have retreated slightly from last year’s peak, refinery disruptions and international shipping backlogs are keeping futures markets on edge. Fertilizer pricing remains mixed: nitrogen costs are down due to lower natural gas prices in North America, while phosphate and potash have held steady due to strong demand and tighter regulatory controls on global production. Many ag retailers are advising early fall booking to hedge against Q4 price spikes if global supply chains worsen.

Interest rates and inflation also continue to influence farm-level decision-making. While the Federal Reserve has indicated a possible rate cut in late 2025, loan rates for equipment and farmland are still significantly higher than three years ago. This has caused many producers to delay machinery upgrades, explore used equipment markets, and rely more heavily on leasing. Operating lines of credit are being scrutinized more closely by ag lenders, especially in high-risk regions affected by drought or poor yield projections. Farmers are encouraged to prepare robust financial documentation and lean into forward-looking cash flow planning to maintain strong lender relationships.

Environmental regulation is another emerging force reshaping ag markets. California, Oregon, and several Northeastern states have enacted new nitrate runoff regulations, with financial penalties for noncompliance. These are spurring increased investment in cover cropping, edge-of-field buffers, and biological amendments that reduce nitrogen leaching. Simultaneously, federal discussions around mandatory carbon reporting for larger ag operations are picking up momentum. Farmers with existing sustainability metrics or regenerative certifications may be well-positioned to access higher-value markets and buyer contracts in the near future.

Finally, consumer preferences are shifting in ways that influence cropping decisions. Demand for traceable, sustainable food is rising, particularly among millennial and Gen Z buyers. Grocery stores are prioritizing locally grown produce, low-carbon grains, and regenerative meat. Many large food brands now require ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) tracking from suppliers. This is prompting growers to adopt data-integrated platforms that track carbon, soil health, and water use. These platforms not only offer premium contract opportunities but may become critical compliance tools as climate-related disclosures become more widespread.

Farmer Success Stories

1. Kentucky Grower Revives Marginal Soil with Regenerative Practices: Tyler Benson, a third-generation corn and soybean farmer in Bowling Green, KY, has turned around a declining 200-acre parcel using regenerative techniques. For years, the soil suffered from compaction, low organic matter, and poor water retention. In 2023, Tyler began applying compost teas, multi-species cover crops, and scaled back on synthetic nitrogen. By 2025, organic matter increased by 1.2%, infiltration rates improved, and corn yields jumped from 158 to 197 bushels per acre. “It was slow at first, but the biology is coming back,” Tyler says. He’s now hosting field days to share results with neighbors curious about making similar transitions.

2. Arkansas Cotton Farmer Earns Premium for Traceable Fiber: Mia Caldwell in Osceola, AR, recently became the first cotton grower in her region to achieve certification under a textile traceability initiative backed by a global apparel brand. By using RFID tagging at harvest and uploading data on soil health, water use, and crop inputs, she earned a 12% price premium on her 2024 cotton crop. “They wanted proof that my fields weren’t overusing water or chemicals,” Mia explains. “Now I get paid more for doing what’s right.” The extra margin helped her invest in new drip irrigation and expand her soil testing program across all 1,000 acres.

3. Tennessee Farmer Breaks 90-Bushel Soybean Barrier with Biologicals: Nathan Rogers from Dyersburg, TN, recently won state recognition for breaking the 90-bushel mark on soybeans. His secret? A carefully layered approach combining early planting, high-calcium gypsum, tissue testing every 10 days, and a new microbial blend introduced during flowering. “The biology made the difference in how the plant handled late-season stress,” Nathan notes. His success has sparked curiosity among neighboring growers who are seeing his side-by-side plots outperform traditional management. He’s now partnering with agronomists to run replicated strip trials for the 2025 season.

4. Ohio Vegetable Grower Finds Success with Low-Tech AI Integration: Jennifer and Mark Swanson in Bowling Green, OH, grow 15 acres of mixed vegetables for local markets. After struggling with labor management and irrigation scheduling, they adopted a basic AI system that analyzes satellite imagery and soil sensor data to guide watering. “We don’t need expensive tech,” Jennifer says. “Just a simple system that tells us when and where to irrigate.” As a result, water use dropped by 22%, and they reduced disease outbreaks in their tomatoes by irrigating more precisely. Their farm is now featured in a state grant program as a model for digital transformation on small-acreage vegetable farms.

5. Veteran Farmer Launches Farmer-Led Co-op in North Carolina: Greg Ellis, a 62-year-old Army veteran turned sweet potato farmer in North Carolina, saw market instability as a threat to local growers. In early 2025, he helped launch a farmer-led cooperative focused on negotiating better prices with institutional buyers. The group now supplies several large school systems and hospitals across the state. By pooling resources and data, they’ve cut marketing costs by 18% and grown average profit margins by 11%. “We’ve got each other’s backs,” Greg says. “And that’s what this industry needs—more collaboration and less competition among neighbors.”

Seasonal Planning Tips

1. Prepare for a Dry Fall: Adjust Planting and Harvest Calendars Early: With current NOAA forecasts indicating a La Niña pattern developing into fall 2025, parts of the Midwest and South are likely to face drier-than-average conditions. This may affect grain fill in corn and pod set in soybeans. Farmers should plan to scout more frequently and adjust irrigation schedules accordingly, especially in sandy or low organic matter soils. For those planting cover crops post-harvest, consider fast-establishing mixes like oats, crimson clover, or daikon radish that can root quickly before moisture becomes limiting.

2. Book Inputs for 2026 Now—Especially Fertility and Seed: Retailers are encouraging growers to begin locking in fall and spring 2026 input prices before volatility returns in Q4. With fertilizer prices currently down 10–15% compared to 2024, this is a good time to prepay or secure contracts for nitrogen and phosphorus. Likewise, early seed bookings for corn and soybean hybrids—particularly drought-tolerant or high-oil lines—will ensure better availability and pricing, especially as retailers anticipate higher demand for climate-resilient varieties.

3. Get Ahead on Equipment Maintenance: Before the full swing of harvest, farmers should schedule time to inspect headers, clean filters, replace worn bearings, and test hydraulic lines. With parts delays still impacting some equipment dealers, ordering ahead can prevent mid-harvest downtime. Consider logging equipment condition in a Google Sheet or using farm management apps that track maintenance by machine. Also, ensure grain handling systems and augers are tested well before first use.

4. Review Financial Position and Tax Strategy for the Year-End: Now is a smart time to revisit your 2025 cash flow, assess equipment purchases, and review prepay opportunities. Meeting with your farm advisor or accountant in July or August gives you ample time to adjust course before year-end. Consider how potential rate cuts later in the year could impact your financing strategy or refinance timing. Also explore whether reinvesting in conservation practices or tech upgrades can offset taxable income.

5. Soil Sampling and Prescription Prep for Fall Applications: Late summer is ideal for pulling soil samples on fields going into wheat, cover crops, or corn-on-corn rotations. Prioritize areas that struggled with emergence or nutrient deficiency this year. Precision ag software can overlay yield data with historical fertility maps to build more accurate fall prescriptions. If you’re testing new biologicals or micronutrients, pair the soil test with tissue testing to track baseline performance and ROI into the next season.

Sustainable Farming Practices

1. Enhancing Soil Biology with Reduced Tillage and Living Roots: More farmers are embracing regenerative principles like minimal tillage and extended living root systems to improve soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling. Research shows that even reducing one pass of tillage annually can improve water infiltration by over 30% and increase earthworm populations by as much as 50%. Integrating multispecies cover crops—especially mixes containing legumes and brassicas—keeps biology active longer into the season and improves residue breakdown post-harvest.

2. Incorporating Biostimulants for Nutrient Efficiency: Biostimulants, such as seaweed extracts, amino acids, and microbial inoculants, are being used to boost plant health and root development while lowering reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Mid-season foliar applications in corn and soybeans have shown improved uptake of nitrogen and potassium in tissue samples. Farmers experimenting with products like Holganix, Pivot Bio, and AgriGro are reporting stronger stalk strength and improved drought resilience—even on marginal soils.

3. Edge-of-Field Conservation and Water Buffering: Farmers in flood-prone or erosion-sensitive zones are using grass waterways, sediment traps, and filter strips to mitigate runoff. NRCS cost-share programs are now prioritizing edge-of-field projects that reduce nutrient loss. Installing prairie buffers or native grass strips can also create pollinator habitat and sequester more carbon per acre than row crops alone. Many of these solutions qualify for state or federal cost-share programs.

4. Regenerative Grazing Integration in Row Crop Systems: A growing number of row crop producers are rotationally grazing cattle or sheep on cover crops during the fall and early spring. This practice not only provides added revenue and manure cycling but also promotes root stimulation and compaction reduction. Farmers in Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas are particularly active in trialing adaptive grazing programs with NRCS and university partners, reporting improved organic matter and reduced fertilizer needs over time.

5. Whole-Farm Sustainability Planning and Carbon Tracking: With carbon markets maturing, farmers are beginning to document and verify sustainable practices for future monetization. Platforms like Truterra, Regrow, and Nori offer digital tracking of tillage, inputs, and yield outcomes to generate carbon credits or sustainability scores. Whether selling credits or simply attracting regenerative-minded buyers, documenting practices like split N application, cover cropping, and no-till can unlock new revenue streams while meeting retailer or processor benchmarks.