Episode 10: Part 2 with Todd Thurman – The Ripple Effects of Consolidation

01/13/25 • 42 min

This is the second installment of my three-part conversation with Todd Thurman, founder of Swine Insights, industry consultant, and co-host of the Business of Ag Success Group with Damian Mason. In this episode, we continue our deep dive into consolidation in the swine industry, examining the long-term impacts on profitability, producers, and global markets.

What started as a push for efficiency and scale has reshaped the industry in ways few anticipated. From shifts in ownership structures to the influence of technology and AI, we explore the forces shaping the future of raising pigs—both in the U.S. and internationally.

Key Topics We Discuss:

✅ The evolving role of investment and consolidation in the swine industry
✅ How technology and AI are transforming pig production
✅ The challenges and opportunities for independent producers
✅ What the next 10–15 years may hold for global swine production

If you’re involved in agriculture—or simply curious about how the business of pork is changing—this episode offers valuable insights into the past, present, and future of the industry.

🔗 Connect with Todd Thurman: LinkedIn

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Key Topics We Discuss:

If you’re involved in agriculture—or simply curious about how the business of pork is changing—this episode offers valuable insights into the past, present, and future of the industry.

🔗 Connect with Todd Thurman: LinkedIn

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts!

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Episode 8: From Farm Fields to Pet Food Sales – A Conversation with Toby Smith

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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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Episode 12 – Bridging the Farm and Finance: A Conversation with Dave Voors

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In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Dave Voors, a seasoned agribusiness professional and active crop farmer from Monroeville, Indiana. With experience spanning equipment sales, agricultural banking, and managing his own crop farm, Dave brings a unique, firsthand perspective on the intersection of farming, finance, and innovation.

We explore:
✅ How his farming background shaped his career in agribusiness and banking
✅ Key takeaways from the Ag Bankers Conference at Purdue
✅ Challenges farmers face today, from a banker's perspective
✅ Discussion on relationship selling as a banker and transition challenges about to hit agriculture
✅ The unexpected lessons farming teaches about sustainability, resilience, and business strategy

Join us for a candid discussion that blends real-world farming wisdom with industry expertise. Whether you're a farmer, banker, or just passionate about agriculture, this episode offers valuable insights into the forces shaping modern farming and finance.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!

#Agriculture #Farming #Agribusiness #Finance #Podcast