Explore every episode of the podcast Just Say Hay

In this powerful episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon sits down with family nurse practitioner Leslie Ferrell to talk about the real challenges facing rural healthcare today — from hospital closures and low Medicaid reimbursements to the nursing shortage and tele-health struggles.

Leslie, a long-respected healthcare provider in Southern Illinois, shares her insights from decades on the front lines. Together, they discuss what makes rural healthcare so hard to sustain, how community members can help, and why access to care is becoming a luxury in small towns across America.

🔹 Why are so many rural hospitals shutting down?

🔹 How do insurance reimbursements impact your local clinic?

🔹 What’s the future of telehealth in underserved areas?

🔹 Can we bring back house calls and community-based care?

🔹 Why mental health still carries a stigma in farming communities

👉 Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about the real people keeping rural America healthy — and the uphill battle they face every day.

#ruralhealthcare #smallfarms #nursing #ruralamerica #mentalhealth #justsayhay

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This quick Memorial Day episode of Just Say Hay takes a lighthearted but meaningful look at Clarkson’s Farm, the hit Amazon series that unexpectedly became a voice for small farmers. Jon shares why this British show has made a surprising impact on agriculture — raising public awareness, spotlighting red tape, and showing what real farm life looks like. It’s a fun watch with real lessons, especially for those of us working the land. Also, a moment of gratitude for the sacrifices that made our freedom possible.

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In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, we sit down with market farmer Caleb Boulds of The 280 Farm to talk about the hard-won lessons of building a small farm business from scratch. From eighth-grade pumpkin flops to roadside self-serve veggie stands, Caleb shares his entrepreneurial journey, the struggle for land access, and why community relationships matter more than ever in today’s ag world. If you’ve ever questioned whether small farms can thrive in a big ag system, this one’s for you.

How can we help?

This week on Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon reflects on the best advice he ever received — and how it transformed his farm from a passion project into a thriving business. From equipment upgrades and rebuilding a friend’s old service truck to deep conversations on tariffs, trade, and the future of ag exports, it’s been a busy few weeks. Jon also dives into practical steps small farmers can take to treat their operations like true businesses, including tracking data, improving marketing, and focusing on what you do best. Real talk for real farms — let’s get growing!

How can we help?

The global trade war is heating up—and small farms are caught in the crossfire. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how we can brace for the impact.

The headlines say “tariffs,” but for small farmers, it feels like a gut punch. In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon shares a brutally honest take on how the U.S.–China trade war is already hitting farms across the country. From intellectual property theft to skyrocketing input costs and shrinking export markets, Jon connects the global dots and brings it all back to the field. Plus, a personal update on farm life, and the kind of resilience only farmers understand.

How can we help?

The Farm Bill is often presented as a lifeline for American agriculture, but is it actually working for small farmers? In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, we uncover the hidden reality behind this massive piece of legislation—how it overwhelmingly benefits corporate agribusiness while small farms struggle to survive.

We take a deep dive into the history of the Farm Bill, from its origins in the Dust Bowl era to its modern-day consequences. While subsidies, crop insurance, and conservation programs are meant to stabilize agriculture, they often shut out small and mid-sized farmers. Meanwhile, corporate consolidation is skyrocketing, and access to markets remains a major hurdle for independent producers.

But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s a way forward. What if grocery stores were incentivized to source locally? Could tax breaks for purchasing from small farms within a 100-mile radius help shift the balance, strengthen local food systems, and improve food quality?

If you care about the future of small farms, food security, and agricultural policy, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Follow & Subscribe to Just Say Hay:The Podcast on your favorite podcast app or YouTube to stay informed on the challenges and solutions shaping small farming today.

#FarmBill #SmallFarms #AgriculturePolicy #FoodSecurity #JustSayHay #FarmSubsidies

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What if AI could tell you the best time to cut hay or monitor your livestock 24/7? In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, Jon explores how artificial intelligence is transforming small farms—not just for big ag, but for farmers like you. From AI-powered weather predictions to computer vision tools that identify weeds in your field, we break down what’s real, what’s hype, and where the biggest risks lie. Plus, John sits down with a special “guest” to demonstrate AI in action—can it really hold a conversation? Tune in for an insightful discussion on how farmers can embrace AI without getting lost in the tech.

🔹 How AI is already helping small farms

🔹 The biggest myths about AI in agriculture

🔹 Risks, biases, and the future of AI-driven decision-making

🔹 Why staying informed about AI policies is crucial for farmers

Don’t miss this deep dive into the rise of AI in everyday farming!

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In this episode of Just Say Hay: The Podcast, we take a deep dive into the controversial topic of immigration—specifically how it impacts small farms. With mass deportations and labor shortages making headlines, large-scale agriculture often dominates the conversation, but what about the small farmer? We break down the realities of labor costs, the H-2A visa program, and how policies disproportionately favor big farms. Is there a fair solution? Tune in for a raw, insightful discussion on the challenges small farms face and the potential policy changes that could shape the future of agriculture.

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Beyoncé snagging the Country Music Album of the Year at the Grammys might sound like a joke, but it's a reality that sparked our deep dive into media manipulation and industry dynamics. How did the Grammy voting process transform from an honor system to one where commercial interests hold sway? With two decades of music and broadcasting experience, I pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes. As we unravel this surprising turn of events, we also tackle the broader implications of media manipulation, including its surprising influence on small farm issues. Join us as we question the integrity of award processes and spotlight the critical need for awareness and critical thinking in a landscape swayed by hidden agendas.

Provoking, isn't it? Social media often amplifies our emotions and sometimes misleads us. Ever wondered how easily misinformation spreads or how Russian hacker farms might play a role? We'll explore these questions and emphasize personal responsibility when sharing information online. Our discussion doesn't stop there; we also focus on understanding and respecting differing viewpoints. How can you stand firm in your beliefs while remaining open to learning from others? We talk about balancing advocacy with openness to foster meaningful discourse, reinforcing the importance of fairness and compromise in today's divided media environment. Prepare to challenge your perspectives and discover new ways to engage responsibly with the world around you.

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I've watched Elon Musk for years and how he thinks about efficiencies in business.  These are some of my thoughts on how DOGE (The Department Of Government Efficiency) might recommend changing the USDA and how these changes might impact those of us who farm.

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What if the very organizations meant to support small farms were causing more harm than good?  We then shift gears to scrutinize the mammoth budget of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, questioning whether its allocation, particularly toward the SNAP program, truly benefits farmers. Inspired by Elon Musk's efficiency-focused management style, we consider how government agencies might better align their tasks to tackle larger fiscal challenges, such as national debt. As we navigate through these pressing issues, I share personal insights on staying informed amid the chaos of rapid change, urging listeners to critically evaluate media narratives. By tuning in, you’ll not only hear about these key developments but also join a community geared toward informed and impactful discussions.

How can we help?

Enjoy this conversation with my friend  Greg Zurlieni, affectionately known as Billy Bob, with Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners as we discuss the vibrant world of small farm communities and agricultural innovation. Greg, who serves as the president of the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council, shares his unique insights into the world of forage farming, revealing the quirks and challenges that come with it. 

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The election is over!  No matter who you voted for we need to look to the future.

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In this episode of Just Say Hay, we discuss how to figure how much hay you'll need to get through winter and deciding when to diversify your operation.

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Unlock the secrets to enriching small farm nutrition and maximizing crop yields with our special guest, Dan Peterson, a regional agronomist from AgroLiquid. Dan brings an exciting blend of expertise in agriculture and a love for music, sharing how liquid fertilizers can revolutionize small farm operations. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how products like AgroLiquid can offer an efficient and economically sound approach to nourishing your crops, while maintaining soil health throughout the growing season. 

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This episode takes you on a journey through the unique advantages of farm life in shaping resilient and independent young adults, highlighting how structured responsibilities and expanding boundaries prepare them for complex situations. Listen to a heartwarming story about my daughter's mental and emotional fortitude, honed through farm life, as she tackles tough scenarios at work. As we face a growing mental health crisis, the episode underscores the long-term responsibility parents have in raising independent, well-adjusted children ready to embrace the world. 

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What if you could revolutionize your small farm's efficiency with just a touch of technology? Join us as we tackle this intriguing question, exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of small-scale farming. We share personal stories, including an engaging story about a tech-phobic farmer who thrives without modern tools, and highlight the balancing act between nostalgia and progress. From John Deere's Operation Center to AI-driven tools like precision spraying, we examine the benefits and potential pitfalls of embracing technology in agriculture. Discover how these advancements could drastically cut chemical use and costs, even as small farmers face significant hurdles.

Our episode continues with a deep dive into optimizing farm operations through precise weather predictions and task management tools. Hear firsthand how BAM's weather service saved us from a costly loss, and learn about the power of tools like Todoist in managing farm tasks. By integrating human expertise with technology, we aim to transform farming into a more manageable and profitable endeavor. Plus, find out how data management tools can track crucial farm metrics like rent and fertilizer costs, ultimately enhancing business operations and profitability. Embrace this journey with us to discover a brighter future for small farms through smarter tech integration.

How can we help?

In this episode of 'Just Say Hay,' the host, a small-scale commercial farmer, reflects on the challenges from the 2024 season, such as weather impacts and equipment issues, are highlighted alongside improvements like better quality hay and expanding land. The host shares experiences with pipeline companies, relationships with other farmers, and equipment transitions, including a significant switch from a Hesston to a John Deere baler for better service reliability. The episode emphasizes the importance of collaborations, learning from mistakes, and planning for future improvements.

How can we help?

In this episode I talk with Dr. Travis Beasley from the Beasley Equine Clinic.  We talk about a lot of horse related issues, including the importance of quality forage, stomach ulcers, the use of propionic acid and much more.  Check out their social media channels:

Beasley Equine Clinic:
https://www.facebook.com/beasleyequineclinic
https://www.youtube.com/@BeasleyEquineClinic

How can we help?

In this episode, I talk about how we got started farming.  How we grew from just a few acres to an 800+ acre commercial forage farm.  I talk about how it's not magic, you can do it too.

How can we help?

Another farm goes under and it really hit home why we started SI Farmer!

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How can we help?

Doing good as a way to help market!

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We have a larger responsibility over and above marketing our own farms.

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Sometimes it's better to do things the hard way!

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I discuss a major battle within ourselves when marketing a business.  The battle between confidence & humility.  We talk about how to be confident and self-assured while still remaining humble and grounded.

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What's your favorite horse... tractor... implement... farm job...

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Be real.

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How can we help?

Give your attitude a check-up.  The difference between how we want to come across to people and the way people perceive us.

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I wish I would take my own advice... it cost me BIG!!

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In this episode, we discuss how outside forces impact our daily marketing decisions and some thoughts on how to deal with them in a positive and pro-active way.

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In this episode, we discuss how to market when you may be shy or when you're nervous about putting yourself out in the public eye when trying to market your farms and businesses.

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In this episode, we talk about partnerships and how to get the most out of them.

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Using a little bit of technology we can become better people & accomplish a lot more than we ever thought possible.

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Changing the way we think about tasks can actually change the way our body's internal reward mechanism works to allow us to stay motivated for longer periods of time.  

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"Success isn't permanent and failure isn't final." - Winston Churchill

Don't get discouraged by failure.  Today we discuss why failure is important if we want to succeed.

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It's the new year!  Are you ready to get started marketing your farm?

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I love New Years' Resolutions!!!

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I look at technology to answer one of 3 questions with a YES.  If it doesn't I don't use it.

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I saw a report from the NFU about how much money the farmer sees from the Thanksgiving feast.  At first, it looks pretty rough, but...

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There is a serious mental health issue in our industry, and there are some simple things we, as friends, neighbors, and co-workers, can do to help!

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Community has the power to make us better farmers, business owners, people, and so much more!

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In this episode, we discuss why we need access to high-speed internet for our farms and businesses in rural America!  

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In this episode, I discuss one of the single most important things we can do to market our farms, and it's virtually FREE.

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In this episode, I'll delve into one of the most poorly used assets on our farms and in our lives.  By learning to manage this one thing better almost everything gets better.

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On today's show, we're going to discuss one of the marketing tactics that makes my blood boil. But, how it might just give us, the small farmer, a little advantage.

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In this podcast, I discuss why I think farm marketing is essential and why I believe we can help.

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