The latest Ohio Ag Net Podcast brings two timely conversations for farmers. Dale Minyo visits with Bob Siegel, Regional Vice President of Ag Lending at Farm Credit Mid-America, to talk about diversification. From trucking and tiling to agritourism and side businesses, Siegel shares how farmers are finding new ways to spread out risk and set up the next generation.

Later, Joel Penhorwood catches up with Robb Ewoldt, an Iowa farmer and United Soybean Board director. Ewoldt highlights the checkoff’s work in driving soybean demand, from livestock diets and renewable fuels to shoes, tires, and even asphalt made with soybean oil. He also shares perspective on tight margins, global competition, and why building domestic markets is more important than ever.

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dale Minyo talks with Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development at Ohio Corn and Wheat. They cover the effects and benefits farmers are going to see from the upcoming trade deals being made. She says there is a lot of optimism around these trade deals as we are projected to set a record for corn and corn ethanol exports, but the details of these deals are still being fine-tuned.

Then, Joel Penhorwood chats alongside Rodrigo Werle, Extension Weed Scientist for the University of Wisconsin Madison from the field at the Southwest Ohio Corn Growers Field Day. With waterhemp being one of the toughest weeds to control with its very extended emergence rate and resistance, Werle offers tips to farmers about controlling waterhemp, especially with a two-pass management system.

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg and Joel Penhorwood wrap up the observations of the Ohio Crop Tour, powered by Field Leader. They are joined by scouts Scott Chalfin and Joe McCandlish who help to describe the things they saw while scouting both corn and soybeans across the state.

In this short but sweet episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dale Minyo catches up with Ohio Director of Agriculture Brian Baldridge (pictured singing with the choir at the Sale of Champions). The two talk this year's Ohio State Fair as it was wrapping up with stories of ODA involvement as well as unique examples of how the fair is helping tell the story of agriculture to the general public.

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg and Brianna Smith chat with Ray Foos, ODOT Survey Operations Manager, and John Fulton, OSU Extension State Specialist on Precision Planting. They discuss the upcoming changes to the Geodetic Datum and how it will affect farmers.

Then, Dale Minyo talks with Luke Crumley, Director of Public Policy and Sustainability for Ohio Corn and Wheat. He highlights the wins of the recent reconciliation bill passing, along with the many funds protected for farmers within the Ohio State Budget.

Next, Joel Penhorwood continues to highlight a major piece of the Ohio State Fair, the open livestock shows. Joel highlights two shows, beef and sheep, talking with the Baney Sisters at Creek Bottom Farm and Tom Wallace and Family from Miami County.

To wrap up, Joel catches up with Jada Shroyer, of Logan County, who exhibited the Grand Champion Market Sheep at the 2025 Ohio State Fair, along with Madison Shatto, of Shelby County, who exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Sheep.

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dale Minyo talks with John Linder about his starts in agriculture and how his experiences shaped his time as a past National Corn Growers Association President.

Then, Dale chats with Regan Coyle, Insurance Officer at Farm Credit Mid-America, about their pasture, rangeland and forage risk management options.

To wrap up, Joel Penhorwood interviewed the Market Goat Champions from the 2025 Ohio State Fair Junior Show. Hayden Bryant, Grand Champion and Braxton Method, Reserve Champion share their excitement of winning and advise for younger members.

Joel also chats with Jay and Kristy Ackley about their long-time show career at the Ohio State Fair and what it means to their family to be a part of such legacy.

Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, joins Ohio Ag Net's Dale Minyo to talk about the ongoing construction at the fairgrounds. Visitors will see big changes ongoing as the fair gets major upgrades in the multi-year update.

Additionally, Joel Penhorwood talks with OABA President and CEO Melinda Witten for a state budget perspective and event update from the Ohio AgriBusiness Association.

In this episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Joel Penhorwood and Brianna Smith chat with the Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge and Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Kristy Shaw. They discuss the county fair season and what the future holds for the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) within the state.

Then, Joel talks with Kelly Morgan, Director of the OH-Pigs Program where she highlights personal growth of the exhibitors, along with the opportunities the program holds for the future of the swine industry.