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Farm transitions can be one of the toughest challenges in agriculture. Too often, they lead to family conflict, financial strain, or an uncertain future. But what if there was a better way?

In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I sit down with Ted Hamer, a lifelong farmer from Traer, Iowa, who successfully transitioned his farm to the next generation—without the usual pitfalls. Ted’s story is different. His approach was practical, forward-thinking, and collaborative—a stark contrast to the way many family farms handle succession.

We explore:
✔️ The unique steps Ted took to transition his farm to his son and a business partner.
✔️ Why his transition defied the traditional model of farm succession.
✔️ How his upbringing shaped his ability to navigate change.
✔️ Lessons learned from a lifetime in agriculture.

If you’re a farmer, a business owner, or just someone navigating change and legacy, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

Here are the contacts Ted mentioned for help with farm transition plans:

📌 Steve Bohr – Farm Estate Planning Services
📞 800-375-4180
🌐 www.FarmEstate.com

📌 Clint Fischer – Braintrust Ag
🌐 BraintrustAg.com

🎧 Tune in now to Patio Ponderings for a deep dive into Ted Hamer’s unconventional path to a smooth farm transition.

#PatioPonderings #FarmTransitions #SuccessionPlanning #Agriculture #Leadership #Legacy

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In the second part of our conversation with Micah Malcolm, we dive deeper into his insights as a show pig breeder, coach, and team leader. Micah shares valuable advice for beginning showmen, offering tips and lessons he’s learned to help others succeed in the competitive world of show pigs.

We also tackle a controversial topic in the industry—sow and gilt breeding soundness and the use of C-sections in show pig production. Micah provides his perspective on these practices and their impact on breeders and exhibitors alike.

The episode concludes with Micah answering our signature five questions, delivering a couple of unexpected nuggets of wisdom and humor that you won’t want to miss.

Key Topics We Discuss:
✅ Advice for beginning showmen and their families
✅ Lessons learned to become a better breeder, coach, and leader
✅ Tackling controversial topics: breeding soundness and C-sections in the show pig industry
✅ Fun and insightful answers to our five signature questions

Whether you’re a seasoned breeder, an aspiring showman, or simply curious about the show pig industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and plenty of inspiration.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and let us know what you think!

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This is the first of a two-part conversation with Micah Malcolm, a standout athlete and rising star in the show pig industry.

In this episode, Micah shares his roots growing up on his grandparents’ farm, where he learned invaluable lessons from his grandfather Kenny and father in the farrowing house and livestock pens. We also dive into his roles at Sam Malcolm and Family Show Pigs, Platt Show Pigs, and Upper Hand Genetics. Micah reflects on the experiences that shaped his passion for agriculture and the values instilled by his family.

Key Topics We Discuss:
✅ Micah’s upbringing on his grandparents’ farm and lessons from his grandfather Kenny working in the farrowing house and livestock pens
✅ His involvement with Sam Malcolm and Family Show Pigs, Platt Show Pigs, and Upper Hand Genetics
✅ How family and farm life laid the foundation for his success in agriculture

We conclude the episode by touching on Micah’s athletic journey in basketball, track, and cross-country, and how sports prepared him for the challenges of the show pig industry. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into the world of show pigs and Micah’s insights into the industry.

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts!