Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your agricultural legacy as we sit down with John Benson from Heartland Trust. With potential changes looming over estate tax laws, including the possible sunset of the Trump-era tax cuts in 2026, understanding the implications for estate exclusion amounts is crucial. Through this insightful discussion, we promise to guide you through the essentials of holistic estate planning, ensuring your assets are transferred seamlessly and your financial legacy remains intact.

John Benson shares his expert insights on effective estate planning tools specifically designed for farmland owners. We explore strategies such as the Spousal Lifetime Access Trust and the benefits of forming partnerships or limited liability partnerships. In addition, the significance of aligning with your existing team of professionals is highlighted to tailor personalized plans that reflect your family's unique needs and history. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of farm succession planning with confidence.

Clear communication and fair inheritance are pivotal in family legacy planning, especially within agricultural families. Our conversation touches on the importance of family meetings to discuss expectations, capabilities, and succession plans, minimizing potential disputes. By examining the role of trust documents and adaptable estate plans, we emphasize the importance of preserving your family's hard work for future generations. Join us as we unravel these vital strategies with real-life examples and expert advice, ensuring your family's legacy endures.

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Join us on a journey where agricultural innovation meets fire safety, as we uncover the groundbreaking work of Dave Garley from Cross Plains Solutions. Discover how soy foam, an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to hazardous firefighting foams, is revolutionizing the industry. With insights from seasoned firefighter Chris Prock, we explore the transition of this innovative foam into real-world application, particularly within rural fire departments across the United States.

Uncover the rigorous development process of soy foam, a collaboration with Chippewa Valley Technical College, which ensured the foam met the highest standards and received crucial certification. Dave Garley reveals the partnership’s impact on refining the foam, leveraging feedback from frontline firefighters. This advancement not only promises enhanced fire safety in rural areas but also piques interest for applications in broader markets, such as the Department of Defense, signifying a monumental leap in firefighting technology.

Highlighting the foam's successful demonstration at the Big Iron event, we discuss how community support and strategic distribution, led by Alan Snipes and backed by the Soybean Council, are propelling soy foam into widespread use. Fire departments are eagerly testing this environmentally friendly solution, appreciating its ability to conserve water and reduce the need for hazardous material response teams. Soy foam is not just a product; it’s a movement towards safer firefighting and sustainable agricultural practices.

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Scott Bachmeier, host of Dakota Prairie Outdoors, joins us to unravel the complexities of wildlife management amidst the rugged beauty of North Dakota’s Badlands. Our conversation kicks off with a deep dive into how EHD is shaping the future of deer populations, with whitetail and mule deer navigating the slow road to recovery. Scott doesn't shy away from addressing the rise of coyotes, dissecting how market and environmental shifts are impacting hunters and investors alike. His expertise paints a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities facing wildlife enthusiasts and landowners in this ever-changing landscape.

We then steer our discussion towards the vital crossroads of wildlife management and agriculture. The cattle industry is riding a wave not seen since the early 2010s, and we're unpacking what this boom means for ranchers eager to expand their horizons. It's a balancing act between seizing growth opportunities and exercising caution in a market that demands strategic foresight. With echoes of 1962's low cattle numbers and high prices, the conversation underscores the necessity of planning for both the runaway successes and the inevitable downturns that define this cyclical field.

As our chat rounds out, we spotlight the transformative power of professional land management, particularly for baby boomers on the cusp of retirement. We draw compelling parallels between managing real estate and financial assets, emphasizing the potential to unlock greater returns through savvy management. The episode culminates in an exploration of the buoyant Angus and Red Angus bull sales, celebrating the resilience of ranchers and the ongoing surge in cattle popularity. From proven genetics to the intricacies of purebred ventures, there's plenty for budding producers to consider as they carve their path in the cattle industry.

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Growing up on a potato farm in Southeast Idaho, I never imagined my path would lead me to the bustling world of agricultural machinery auctions. Yet, those early days on the farm sowed the seeds of a passion that would guide my career, moving me from the fields of Idaho to the heart of the Midwest auction scene. This episode, join Jim Sabe and his guest, Chris Bair from our Worthing office near Sioux Falls, as we uncover the fascinating journey through the landscapes of North and South Dakota and explore the vibrant life of auctioneering.

What makes live auctions so compelling in our digital age? Chris and I delve into the resurgence of traditional auction events, especially in areas like Eastern North Dakota and South Dakota, where they thrive as lively social gatherings. We’ll reflect on the impacts of extreme weather shifts, the strategic importance of our Sioux Falls facility, and the unique stories behind each auction that bring communities together. Highlighting our dedicated team members, including the ever-energetic Jeff Polk, we discuss how their expertise continues to drive record-breaking results at Pifers, proving the unmatched energy of live auctions.

Finally, we tackle the evolving dynamics between live and online auctions, offering insights into the balance between tradition and innovation. Chris shares exciting upcoming auctions and the community spirit that makes these events truly unique. Whether it's through the personal connections or the thrill of the bidding process, this episode promises a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving world of auctioneering. Join us in celebrating the rich human stories and immense dedication that fuel our passion for auctions.

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Ever wondered how journalism can bridge the gap between agriculture and the everyday world? In our latest episode, we sit down with Mikkel Pates, a seasoned journalist whose career spans over four fascinating decades. Inspired by his father’s work in agricultural communications and his upbringing on a ranch, Mikkel embarked on a journey that led him to chronicle the stories of rural America. From his first role in Worthington, Minnesota, to the playful yet impactful rivalry between SDSU and NDSU, Mikkel shares how these experiences shaped his unique perspective on agriculture journalism.

Explore the intriguing world where faith intersects with business through the story of a Jerusalem artichoke venture in Minnesota. We dive into the complexities of a business that used religious beliefs as a marketing strategy, only to spiral into controversy with its pyramid scheme-like structure. Mikkel sheds light on the motivations and vulnerabilities of those involved, revealing the untold stories behind this faith-based endeavor. His approach to gaining trust and encouraging openness from interviewees offers insights into the human side of journalism that often goes unnoticed.

The episode takes a sharp turn towards the challenges faced in the evolving landscape of agricultural reporting. Mikkel reflects on the transition from traditional media to the digital age, where sensationalism often eclipses the substantive reporting. We journey through pivotal agricultural events like the farm credit crisis of the 1980s and the rise of co-ops in the 1990s, leading to the modern cautionary tale of Hunter Hansen's grain trading fraud. As Mikkel enjoys his retirement, we celebrate his lasting impact while extracting valuable lessons from his storied career.

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What if you could revolutionize cattle management with just a tag? Join us as we uncover the innovations in livestock monitoring with Max Cassette, VP of Business Development at 701 Autonomous Rancher. From his roots on a row crop farm to spearheading the charge at 701X, Max shares his journey and the cutting-edge tech his team is bringing to ranchers. Discover how their GPS ear tags not only track cattle in real-time but also monitor health, offering ranchers a powerful tool to tackle challenges like cattle straying and early disease detection—transforming the age-old practices in the cattle industry.

Max also walks us through the strategic acquisition of Digital Beef and how this integration turbocharges rancher data management. Imagine having registry software seamlessly combined with cow-calf platforms, paving the way for improved genetics, health tracking, and ultimately a better return on investment. The innovative XT Pro GPS ear tags are more than just trackers; they are a game-changer in genetic monitoring and herd health, providing ranchers with a cost-effective solution to boost calf production and reduce losses. It's a testament to how incorporating technology can lead to substantial long-term gains.

The future of ranching is in the hands of those who dare to embrace technology, and Max sheds light on the pivotal role young ranchers play in this transformative era. We explore the valuable collaboration between generations, where technological savvy meets traditional wisdom to conquer rising land and production costs. By leveraging digital tools and software, ranchers are not just surviving but thriving, as evidenced by the success stories from test ranches. With a nod to the past and an eye on the future, Max illustrates how 701X is not just keeping pace with industry demands but setting the standard for modern livestock management.

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Ever wonder how a farmer transitions from the oil fields to pioneering innovations in the barley industry? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Greg Kessel, a North Dakota farmer and state senator, who shares his inspiring journey from the rugged oil landscapes to revolutionizing barley farming with a craft malting facility. Greg opens up about the evolution of the malting barley industry, navigating through challenges, and the innovative practices reshaping agriculture in North Dakota. With roots deeply planted in farming, he is a testament to how family heritage and personal experience can converge into transformative agricultural success.

As we explore another critical dimension of North Dakota, the episode sheds light on the complex terrain of tax reform and workforce challenges. We untangle the intricacies of nearly 60 legislative bills aimed at reforming property taxes, discuss the implications of the failed Measure 4, and examine Governor Burgum's daring proposal to eliminate income tax. We also confront the pressing workforce shortages and housing concerns, while showcasing the pivotal role of Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers in equipping students with vital skills for the technical trades. Discover how these education hubs, particularly in Dickinson, are nurturing the next generation of skilled workers and fortifying community ties.

In the realm of energy, Greg provides insights from his legislative experiences, emphasizing the importance of sustainable growth in energy production and management. We discuss North Dakota's potential to lead in emerging sectors like data centers and cryptocurrency mining, supported by the state's favorable climate and resources. The episode wraps up with a look at the promising future of data centers in the region, highlighting the need for strategic planning to balance infrastructure development with environmental stewardship. And, as a light-hearted finale, we celebrate the generational connections and community spirit with a nod to the upcoming North Dakota Bison championship game.

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The latest episode reflects on the holiday spirit and the exciting transformations coming to Pifers Auction and Realty as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. Maurice and Carolyn Covington discuss skiing experiences, new hosts joining the show, wine trends for the New Year, and invite listener engagement for upcoming topics.

• Discussion of holiday experiences and family bonding
• Pifers celebrates 25 years with various planned events
• Introduction of new hosts for diverse perspectives
• Focus on sparkling wine and affordable alternatives
• Encouragement for listeners to suggest future topics and guests

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