The Ag View Pitch

agviewsolutions.comIn this week's Ag View Pitch, Chris Barron and Jeff Fichtelman break down mid-October market dynamics during peak harvest. They discuss improving basis levels, stronger-than-expected yields across the Midwest, and how on-farm storage is influencing grain movement and price behavior. The conversation covers tariff tensions, potential aid payments, and how inflation—not just trade policy—continues to pressure farm profitability. Jeff shares strategies for managing cash flow through year-end, considerations for early 2026 sales, and why discipline and planning are critical in today's markets. The episode closes with a discussion on maintaining a balanced mindset and using tight margins as an opportunity to build stronger business habits and long-term success.

Register Here:agviewsolutions.comJoin Chris Barron and Shay Foulk for the 5th Annual Ag View Executive Business Conference, January 21–24, 2026, at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort. This two-day event features 14 keynote speakers delivering actionable insights to help you improve your operation's profitability and leadership. Expect engaging sessions from experts like Dick Whitman, Paul Niefer, Vance Crowe, Scott Klososki, Jason Mock, Matt Bennett, Brian Split, Ryan Moe, Pete Meyer, and more. Attendees will experience unmatched networking opportunities, hands-on discussions, and take-home strategies to elevate their ag business. Bring your family, enjoy the Arizona sunshine, and be part of the best ag business conference in the country.

In this week's AgView Pitch, Chris talks with Iowa State's Chad Hart about the key drivers shaping the ag economy. They dig into tariffs, Chinese demand shifts, and what short-term payments might mean for farmers' cash flow. Chad shares his perspective on disappointing corn yields from rust pressure, the soybean export window, and how the USDA shutdown leaves markets “flying blind.” The conversation also covers basis strategies, storage decisions, and what producers should weigh heading into 2026 crop rotations with high fertilizer costs. Packed with market insights, this episode is a timely guide for farmers navigating harvest, marketing, and risk management decisions

In this episode of the Ag View Pitch, Chris talks with Joe Vaclavik about the early October market outlook and surprising harvest results. From disappointing early corn yields and stellar soybean performance to the impact of rust pressure and fungicide decisions, they unpack what's really happening in the field. Joe shares insights on seasonal price trends, crop insurance price-setting, and the potential ripple effects of government aid and trade headlines. With harvest in full swing, this episode offers timely strategies for farmers navigating cash sales, basis challenges, and 2026 marketing opportunities. Tune in for a candid, data-driven conversation that blends boots-on-the-ground observations with big-picture market analysis.

In this week's Ag View Pitch, Chris talks with Jarod Creed about the latest market signals as harvest ramps up. Early results show weaker corn yields but stronger-than-expected soybeans. They cover:Fungicide's big role in yield swings (30–50 bu. advantage)USDA adjustments and what to expect in OctoberCorn demand vs. river shipping concernsSoybean outlook with or without Chinese demandRisk management strategies during October price discoveryBasis contracts, cash flow, and lender conversationsStay safe this harvest season and get insight into what could move markets in the weeks ahead.

In this episode of the Ag View Pitch, Chris sits down with Jarod Creed and Zane Erickson to dive into the role of grain baggers in today's harvest. They cover the marketing advantages of storage, cost comparisons with commercial bins, equipment efficiency, and practical considerations like labor, moisture, and wildlife management.

https://agviewsolutions.com/Jeremy Doetch and Steve Georgy, President of Allendale Inc discuss WASDE report, crop conditions, market conditions for grains, carry costs, interest rates, and strategic marketing decisions for producers.

Visit www.harvestguardsolutions.com to fill out the onboarding form. This is an opportunity you don't want to miss. Email shay@agviewsolutions.com or text (309)264-3090

The Ag View Team discusses what they're seeing agronomically, storage and cash flow considerations, business decision-making, Profit Manager outreach, conference registration opening this week, and more on the SEP edition.

Ben with NTS Tire Supply talks all things you're NOT thinking about when it comes to tires - inflation, flexion, and variable air pressure systems. This podcast should be rewatched before every major season of field work! Check out www.ntstiresupply.com and give their team a call to talk through improving ROI in your farm operation

In this episode of the AgView Pitch, Chris talks with Matt Todd from Grain Handler about the essential do's and don'ts of running grain dryers. They cover preseason checks, temperature management, fuel efficiency, grain quality, unloading systems, hot vs. cool dumping, dryer sizing, and the used equipment market. Whether you're prepping for harvest or considering an upgrade, this conversation offers practical insights to keep your dryer running smoothly and your grain in top condition.

Shay talks with Dr. Chad Hart of Iowa State and Lewis Stearns with Progressive Crop Solutions on current fertilizer decisions, budgeting, global impacts on fertilizer, and what to actually do about it

Shay and Garret talk about 2025 changes in the marketplace in the last year, and what to think about as harvest starts!

In this week's Market Outlook, Andy Hruby and Jeff Fichtelman discuss harvest timing, yield uncertainty, and the surprising strength of basis in parts of the Corn Belt. They highlight strategies for storage, cash flow planning, and negotiating pushes, as well as government programs and potential demand drivers like E15 and sustainable aviation fuel. The conversation also covers forward-looking decisions for 2026 acreage, cost-of-production awareness, and disciplined marketing in both corn and soybeans.

In this episode of the Ag View Pitch, we break down current market dynamics, demand trends, fund activity, and why planning ahead is crucial. Topics include strategies for managing basis, navigating market cycles, and building stronger relationships with buyers. Whether you're undersold or looking to fine-tune your harvest strategy, this conversation offers timely insights to help you make better marketing decisions before the combine's roll.

In this week's AgView Pitch, Joe Paulson talks with Greg McBride of Allendale about the latest USDA report, surprising acreage shifts, and what they mean for corn and soybean markets. They cover the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, weather impacts across the Corn Belt, disease and pest pressure, and strategies for storage, marketing, and reownership. Greg highlights record corn demand, bean export challenges with China, and why carry in the market is shaping farmer decisions.

Shay Foulk talks with Ryan Benes of Elite Ag insurance about late-season price and yield impacts on your 2025 crop insurance elections. They span marketing, government program payments, and key things to know from the Big Beautiful Bill and the implications it will have in 2025 and beyond. Give this a listen and share with anyone you think needs to hear it!

In this special episode of Flipping The Script, Ben Gordon from Fractal Ag turns the tables on Chris Barron and Shay Foulk to uncover over a decade of lessons learned at Ag View Solutions. From the financial strategies that set operations ahead by decades, to people management, succession planning, and capitalizing on market downturns, they share hard-earned insights that have shaped some of the most successful farms across the U.S. and Canada. Packed with candid stories, practical advice, and a look ahead to what 2035 might hold, this conversation is both a reflection on the past and a blueprint for the future of agriculture.

ISU Extension Economist Chad Hart joins the Ag View Pitch to break down current crop conditions, yield expectations, and the upcoming August WASDE report. We cover why strong yields aren't translating into higher prices, the role of global markets, basis pressure, marketing strategies for overproduction, and how to manage through the down cycle. A must-listen for farmers looking to make smart decisions as harvest approaches.

In this episode of the Ag View Pitch, Shay Foulk is joined by Johnny Klemme to talk about the release of his new book, American Family Farmland, available September 23rd on Amazon and at americanfamilyfarmland.com. The book is a practical guide for landowners navigating inherited farmland—offering tools, perspective, and clarity around legacy, wealth, and values.Key topics covered in the episode:• Defining your values before you inherit the land• Bridging the gap between farming and non-farming heirs• Why land ownership is different from other investments• The power of third-party facilitation during difficult family conversations• Actionable tools, checklists, and companion materials included with the book

Lewis Stearns email: Lewis.Stearns@progressivecrops.comLewis Stearns of Progressive Crop Solutions joins us to break down what's really happening in the 2025 crop—beyond the social media noise. We dig into pollination issues, fungicide ROI, tar spot pressure, and how August weather could impact final yields. Is this a Cadillac crop or just a dependable Toyota?

In this special episode, Joe Paulson sits down with his father, Mike Paulson, and longtime family friend and ag consultant, Randy Fiddelke. Randy helped guide the Paulson family farm through the 1980s farm crisis—and possibly saved it. They share powerful lessons on humility, financial management, building the right team, and the importance of understanding your numbers.

Shay Foulk and Matt Bennett dive into the current grain market as August 2025 kicks off. They discuss shifting corn and soybean acres for 2026, high fertilizer prices, basis concerns heading into harvest, and strategies for managing costs in a tight-margin year. Plus, they look ahead to potential market volatility, input decisions, and how to stay profitable in uncertain times.

In this episode of the Ag View Pitch, Shay Foulk and Chris Barron tackle one of the toughest questions junior partners face: How do I get started talking about transition planning? From improving day-to-day communication to having direct, productive conversations, they share strategies for bridging the gap between generations and setting your operation up for long-term success. Whether you're a junior partner frustrated with the lack of a plan or a senior partner unsure where to start, this episode offers practical steps and free resources to help kick off the process and carry on the farm legacy.

Shay talks with Karl Shlagel of Waldorf, Maryland about their vegetable farm that sells retail and wholesale in the D.C. area. They discuss people management, ag policy and why you should be involved, and how to work in a multi-generation business.

Six years after the original “Quality of Life, Strip-Till & Fishing” episode, the crew sits down at the lake to reflect on farming, family, and lessons learned along the way. Ben, Brandt, and Sam discuss the importance of making time for family, how strip-till has evolved on their operation, the challenges of farming with family, and transitioning to the next generation. They also share insights on collaboration, mental health in agriculture, and why getting away from the farm is essential—all with a few good fishing stories mixed in.

Jarod Creed and Andy Hruby have a discussion around things impacting the grain markets. Jarod talks about the big beautiful bill implications as well as provides a great description of ARC/PLC and crop insurance situations that need to be considered as you work on a marketing plan prior to harvest. 

Andy Hruby and Angie Stetzer discuss the turn around in the grain markets and the chain of events that may have led to it, as well as early harvest basis opportunities and what growers need to be keeping in mind as we approach August for old and new crop.

Chris has another insightful and educational conversation with ⁠Mike Finley⁠. Author of the books Financial Happiness, What Color is the Sky, Graduation, and Now What. Mike and Chris discuss some of the most important things to consider as you work towards your retirement regardless of your age. There is a maze of things to consider including Social Security, Medicare, taxes, insurance, investments, pensions, and the psychological piece of transitioning from your career to a new endeavor in your life. Mike goes on to explain what he calls as the four big questions.    1.    Do you have a budget and understand how much money you will need to live comfortably?    2.    What fixed income sources will you have such as Social Security, pension or other revenue streams like land rental.     3.    How diversified is your portfolio?    4.    Do you understand the 4% rule?                                                 Mike goes on to explain the 4% rule along with the emotional components of transitioning over to retirement and how to handle the emotions and the financial transition for a great life in a new phase.Finally, Mike talks about some of the options that your farm operation may want to consider with regard to offering retirement packages for family members and employees. He covers three options that you may want to consider. 401(k), SEPP IRA, and the Simple IRA plan.

Shay and Chris discussed five key aspects of being undersold heading into harvest of 2025 and considerations that you need to make right now

19 Minutes PodcastThis week on the AgView Pitch, Chris and Jeff Fichtelman dig into the frustrating disconnect between strong crop conditions and disappointing market prices. With near-ideal weather across much of the Corn Belt, crop potential is sky-high — but farmer selling, fund pressure, and export uncertainty continue to weigh on futures. They discuss why fundamentals aren't driving prices, how undersold producers could limit rallies, and what to consider when making sales ahead of harvest. Topics include crop insurance strategy, cash flow planning, basis negotiation tips, and long-term survival strategies in a tightening ag economy

The Ag View team discusses how to manage large opportunities, the impact it has on your business, and some key strategies and considerations to make and take the right opportunities. This is one you'll want to listen to twice.

Chris Barron and Shay Foulk have experience with key issues agricultural operations face. They work with producers all across the U.S. and Canada and see many common trends that farm operations face. Four of these happen to start with D- death, divorce, disability, and disaster.

Shay talks about the opportunities that WHIN can provide to farmers in the central corn belt and as they expand across the world in the future

Duane Lowry and Shay discuss history (2019 and 1980's), interest rates forcing cash sales, and weather outlook in the week ahead. 

In this episode of the AgView Pitch, Chris talks with returning guest and ag tax expert Paul Neiffer to break down the newly signed “Big Beautiful Bill.” They dive deep into what it means for farmers—expanded ARC/PLC payments, changes to payment limits, bonus depreciation, crop insurance improvements, LLC benefits, and much more. Plus, they explore implications for young farmers, estate taxes, charitable deductions, and even a few surprises around tips, vehicle interest, and solar/wind credits

Dean Fehl joins Chris for an insightful conversation around transition and the retirement years. There are three parts to the transition 1. The idea, thought, or concept 2. The implementation 3. Living the retirement years. They go on to discuss some best practices to think through in the 3 phases of transition. This is a must listen for every generation. 

Shay and Joe Vac- I mean Ryan Moe! discuss the tail end of June's implications on the crop ahead. (Ryan filled in for Joe this week). Weather in July, Chinese trade deal, and Iranian implications for worldwide energy make this outlook one worth listening to.

In this episode of The AgView Pitch, host Chris talks with Mike Finley—financial educator, author, and advocate for long-term financial wellness. They dive into Finley's latest book The Path to Prosperity, which explores how families can build generational wealth by making smart financial decisions early in life. From the power of custodial Roth IRAs to breaking the cycle of generational spending, Finley lays out a clear, actionable blueprint for financial success rooted in discipline, education, and purpose. 

Shay and Joe talk about impacts at the end of June, updating your cost of production numbers, and some thoughts around having target orders in for 2025 and 2026. Be sure to get your profit manager's updated for June, and give us a call with any questions.

Jeremy Doetch and Greg McBride - Director or Trading with Allendale, Inc discuss the recent WASDE report and analyzed current market trends, noting that corn was undervalued while soybeans and wheat faced various challenges due to geopolitical tensions and weather conditions.

Jeremy Doetch talked with Jim McCormick, Chief Operating Officer of AgMarket.net about the current state of crop conditions, focusing on corn and soybean planting progress, weather impacts, and the upcoming WASDE report.

In this episode of the AgView Pitch, Chris talks with CPA and ag tax expert Paul Neiffer about the "Big Beautiful Bill" — a sweeping legislative proposal with major implications for farm families. They break down key tax provisions (like bonus depreciation, expanded 179 limits, and estate planning updates), as well as farm program changes affecting ARC/PLC payments, crop insurance subsidies, and base acreage recalculations. Whether you're a beginning farmer or planning succession, this conversation gives you a clear look at what's coming and how it could impact your operation.

Shay talks with Jarod Creed on a rough finish to the markets in May, going nowhere violently, and understanding the risk we have as farmers with crop insurance protections in place, as well as some considerations of options strategies.

In this AgView Pitch episode, Chad Hart joins us for a market outlook during the shortened post-Memorial Day week. We dig into planting progress, export momentum, and the potential for weather premiums heading toward July 4th. With insurance levels, cost of production, and global uncertainties in play, we explore whether now is the time to make strategic sales or sit tight. Plus, thoughts on basis trends, storage considerations, and the chances of a new MFP round.

In this episode of The AgView Pitch, the full AgView Solutions team shares updates from the field—planting progress, weather impacts, and early crop conditions across the Midwest.We dive into key conversations on managing profit risk in 2025, working with bankers, and smart marketing strategies. Plus, each team member shares one practical step they're taking to improve their bottom line this year.Also—save the date for the 2026 Executive Business Conference in Phoenix!

Shay introduces and interviews Jeremy Doetch, a former banker and new Ag View Solutions consultant! Jeremy brings a lot to the team and has a great perspective on helping clients, understanding farm growth, transition, and struggles, and is going to absolutely elevate the quality of the Ag View Solutions team!

In this episode of The Ag View Pitch, Shay Foulk and Andy Hruby discuss how farmers across the Midwest are juggling spring fieldwork, grain movement, and marketing decisions. With planting wrapping up in some areas and just beginning in others, they explore basis pushes, delivery logistics, and why now might be the time to revisit your marketing plan.

Garret Brown and Shay discuss exports, this week's report, and the potential impact of non-record yields in 2025- another interesting year!

19 Minutes PodcastIn this episode, Chris talks with market analyst Joe Vaclavik during a critical planting window across the Corn Belt. They dive into planting progress, potential acreage shifts, and why the markets aren't reacting to early season delays. Joe offers insights on basis trends, interest rates, and how weather and policy could shift market dynamics. Tune in for actionable insights as farmers head into a pivotal 10-week stretch.

19 Minutes PodcastIn this special “Dad's Wisdom” episode of the Ag View Pitch, Chris sits down with Paul Neiffer—CPA, ag tax expert, and lifelong farmer—to explore a lifetime of lessons from the tractor seat to the tax office. Paul reflects on growing up on steep hillsides in Washington, raising four boys, building a successful career in agriculture finance, and what true succession, communication, and legacy planning really looks like. Packed with wisdom for young farmers, seasoned operators, and anyone navigating farm family dynamics, this episode offers humor, insight, and hard-earned advice on business, family, and life.