The Pacesetter Pod

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You're an agribusiness executive navigating an increasingly competitive market while trying to grow your company, deliver profitable results, set your people up for future success, all while preserving the core and culture of what your company stands for. Mergers and acquisitions are pitched as an accelerant to growth - an express lane - but there is a downside. Once you get on the expressway things move fast and there are few off-ramps. In fact, many M&A deals destroy more value than they create, leaving leaders with damaged confidence, eroded credibility, and a company struggling to perform. Welcome to The Pacesetter Pod where we explore and reveal the perspectives, insights, and approaches to successfully integrate your strategy, and mergers and acquisitions.

Joe Mosher


    • May 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 31m AVG DURATION
    • 117 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Pacesetter Pod

    Ep116: Solving Agribusiness Customer Retention Risk with Andrew Levenson of Root+Beta

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 42:00


    Show Highlights: Root + Beta's niche marketing for John Deere dealer groups and scope of services. [03:35] Emerging trend of cross-border M&As in ag equipment. [07:38] Potential risks to customer retention during M&A branding. [15:43] Why failure to engage staff in the M&A process is a critical PR misstep. [19:57] How to plan and execute external and internal M&A communications. [23:39] Storytelling to create concurrent legacy and prospective customer buy-in. [27:32] Importance of employee training to navigate a reprioritized customer base. [31:02] The power of authenticity and highlighting differentiators—not overselling—in post-deal branding. [37:25] Learn more about Root + Beta at https://rootandbeta.com. To connect with Andrew Levenson on LinkedIn, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-levenson/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.  

    Ep115: BRICS is a Symptom, Not a Threat, with Rob Fox and Tanner Ehmke of CoBank

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 54:15


    Show Highlights: Grain's global oversupply and the myth of 10 billion mouths to feed. [05:53] Prospects for biofuels amid surplus grain production. [08:08] Post-China grain export market - can we replace lost demand in the aggregate? [10:07] The free trade “hard reboot” and shift from multilateral to bilateral agreements [17:49] Ag market access and protectionism in Japanese rice and Canadian dairy. [27:26] BRICS and de-dollarization is not the competitive threat we need to worry about. [32:15] The inefficiency burden of diversifying U.S. grain exports. [42:37] Preparing for growth despite market headwinds. [48:34] CoBank Knowledge Exchange: https://www.cobank.com/Knowledge-Exchange/ Rob Fox on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gregory-fox/ Tanner Ehmke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannerehmke/ To sign up for the KED Gleanings weekly newsletter, contact Jacqui Fatka at jfatka@cobank.com  

    Ep114: AI is an Ag Labor Multiplier with Jake Joraanstad of Bushel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 53:09


    Show Highlights: Transforming the way farmers use digital solutions. [03:16] Addition through subtraction: how killing the paper scale ticket creates new value. [06:24] The myth of tech-resistant farmers and barriers to adoption. [12:07] Bushel's strategy of selling to agribusinesses, not growers. [19:05] Why white-label solutions are the efficiency optimizer in ag. [26:41] Additive agtech focuses on enhancement, not disruption. [31:07] Use cases, flaws and forecasts for LLMs ag. [34:49] The importance of digitizing CRM adoption to leverage AI benefits. [41:20] The coming wave of autonomy and robotics in agriculture. [45:37] Self-driving trucks are an opportunity, not a threat. [49:22] Explore Bushel by visiting https://bushelpowered.com/. To connect with Jake Joraanstad, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakejoraanstad/ or find him on X at @jakefromfargo. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep113: Stewarding Value Amid Uncertainty with Dusty Clevenger of Ascendant Partners

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 52:45


    Show Highlights: Dusty's “Formula for Growth Success” framework. [03:59] How to keep strategy alive, not static, to seize real market opportunities. [09:36] Clear strategies and simplifying strategic-fit decision-making in agribusiness. [15:30] The power of decisions deferred in M&A. [18:19] The key to securing shareholder buy-in. [24:34] How the market rewards you for growth and execution. [31:58] The reputational influence of stewardship in agribusiness. [35:49] Ascendant Partners' full-suite of growth services for the ag industry. [40:29] Navigating distress and uncertainty in today's market. [46:03] Learn more about Ascendant Partners by visiting https://ascendantpartners.com/. To contact Dusty Clevenger, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dusty-clevenger-849b6b5/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep112: Sell Solutions, Not Technology with Damien Lepoutre

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 46:58


    Show Highlights: Discover Damien Lepoutre's story of Geosys and AgTech evolution. [03:50] How early weather-data-sharing evolved from static maps to dynamic updates. [08:32] Challenges of providing unique value to the customers of a proprietary solution. [12:20] What made acquisition by Land O'Lakes a strategic fit as an exit strategy for Geosys? [20:37] Excess capital and overvaluation mistakes to avoid for post-acquisition investor confidence. [26:47] Why did Geosys prioritize people over government funding for R&D? [31:28] Explore Geosys' model of goal alignment in their NASA and USDA–ARS-funded R&D. [37:47] Damien Lepoutre's life after Geosys as a strategic consultant for deploying digital tech in ag. [41:01] To contact Damien Lepoutre, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-lepoutre/, or email him at ASDICLLC@lepoutre.cloud. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep111: Ag's Asset Problem and Rural Blight

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 29:12


    Show Highlights: The crisis of the overconcentration of underperforming grain assets explained. [01:31] How market trends exacerbate the issue of aging grain assets. [04:21] What will happen to country elevators with 45Z regulations? [07:35] The importance of farmer succession to preserve smaller assets. [12:15] Ideas to rethink production demand if you believe grain yields can plateau. [12:41] Who bears the burden of shuttered agricultural assets? [16:19] Explore the ground realities of rural blight. [21:35] Discover possible exit strategies for stranded assets. [23:19] Call for listener ideas and in-person participation in future episodes. [27:19] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    E110: Solving for Utility with Aaron Secrest of Digital Grain Elevator

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 49:57


    Show Highlights: How DGE is reshaping AgTech, notably with the FOB Ag Logistics Platform. [03:09] DGE's unconventional problem-first strategy to create solutions for real industry needs. [06:49] The trust value of utility-centric AgTech vs. theoretical distractions. [16:09] Discover DGE's impact as a pure-tech play partner for ADM and across tech-enabled ag. [21:07] Scale operator example to discuss streamlining logistical operations to reduce friction. [24:52] How does DGE address the issue of interoperability with existing systems? [29:17] Are constraints growth enablers for AgTech startups? [37:24] Strategic insights on ego, capital efficiency and business risk for scalable startups. [42:17] To learn more about Digital Grain Elevator, visit https://dge.ag/. You can also connect with Aaron Secrest at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronsecrest/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep109: Yield is the BMI of Ag

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 26:56


    Show Highlights: A reminder to make sure this podcast enriches your agribusiness. [00:24] Why measuring with nuance utilizing quality metrics matters. [00:45] Is BMI an easy but outdated health benchmark? [03:52] How GDP shapes an imperfect understanding of prosperity. [10:18] Uncover true indicators of farm productivity a yield-only metric overlooks. [13:47] How to strengthen metrics with complementary measures in the BMI and GDP examples. [20:11] Discover ideas to revamp agribusiness metrics. [23:09] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.  

    Ep108: Growth Eats Cash with Shawn Skaggs of Parallel Ag

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 49:00


    Show Highlights: How Parallel Ag benefits from geographic and dealership diversification. [02:33] Explore operational complexities introduced by broad distribution. [06:37] Discover the origin and growth strategy of Parallel Ag. [09:30] What capital and PE partners want from a potential investment in your agribusiness. [16:16] Challenges of greenfield expansion vs. acquisition. [22:25] The importance of cultural fit for successful M&As beyond financial strategy. [28:11] How John Deere and AGCO differ in dealer consolidation. [31:43] Mistakes to avoid with expectations and bottlenecks in M&A. [40:29] What's the worst way to ruin a business after buying it? [44:50] To connect with Shawn Skaggs or to learn more about Parallel Ag, please visit https://parallelag.com/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep107: Allocate Focus, Not Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 14:14


    Show Highlights: Why Joe recently stepped back from public service. [01:01] The issue of admitting limits and the value of doing so. [04:06] How newfound time has flowed naturally to exploration. [05:13] Discover the opportunities Joe has gained by reallocating time. [07:53] Consider the idea of doing less to do more. [10:41] How to approach your own time take-back experiment. [12:24] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep106: Ag Coop Culture and Consolidation with Scott Black of Five Star Cooperative

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 55:08


    Show Highlights: Learn about Five Star Co-op and Scott Black's role. [03:29] Can a non-grain expert lead a major grain co-op? [07:53] Why a well-defined culture is the great organizational differentiator. [13:00] Discover Five Star Co-op's process of defining its caring culture. [18:58] How to overcome resistance to culture building in a company. [26:05] Explore the role of compassionate leadership in successful transformations. [35:10] Early indicators of cultural success in an organization. [38:11] What to expect in ag co-op consolidation ahead. [43:06] The importance of CEO networking and cooperation in ag. [51:58] Learn more about Five Star Co-op at https://www.fivestarcoop.com/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.  

    Ep105: AgTech Risk and Resiliency-as-a-Feature

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 18:30


    Show Highlights: Important AgTech questions from a new Compeer Financial conference. [00:42] Explore evolving AgTech risk profiles. [02:21] Get an overview of AgTech solution types. [04:09] What will you do if your AgTech adoptions fail? [06:22] Impact on Israeli farms due to GPS jamming post-Oct. 7. [07:55] Will John Deere's fully autonomous farming system be disruption-resilient? [11:56] Are you risk-ready for the tech-dependent future of farming? [15:38] Invitation to connect with The Pacesetter Pod. [17:46] Read “Israel's Wartime Farmers Are Relearning How to Plow Without GPS” here: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-08/israel-s-wartime-farmers-are-relearning-how-to-plow-without-gps  If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.  

    Ep104: Harnessing Ag Diversity with Janna Fritz of DF Seeds

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 48:55


    Show Highlights: Learn about Michigan's DF Seeds and its non-GMO focus. [02:42] Janna Fritz's journey from suburban roots to agricultural advocacy. [08:20] Explore DF Seeds' strategic soybean innovations with industry bodies. [12:31] Distinct opportunities offered by Michigan's ag diversity over high-yielding I-states.  How to benefit from ag industry collaboration and volunteerism. [27:49] Does partaking in aggregate demand creation harm an agribusiness' market edge? [33:36] How John Diehl and Chris Varner's DF Seeds' stories tie into a unified sales strategy today. [37:52] Black ice and navigating strategic shifts.  To learn more about DF Seeds, visit https://dfseeds.com/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep103: Ag Down Cycles and FOMO M&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 28:24


    Show Highlights: What exactly is an agribusiness down cycle? [01:35] Examine the drivers of ag down cycles from multiple angles. [02:43] How agribusiness commonly responds to down cycles. [09:22] Offense by improvements vs. defense by M&A as a growth strategy.[15:09] Discover the nine primary types of M&A transactions. [16:40] Understand FOMO-driven reactive M&A risks. [21:32] Is your M&A deal truly aligned with your strategy? [25:45] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep102: Breaking Down Decarbonization Constraints with Matt Smorch of CountryMark

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 56:54


    Show Highlights: Discover how CountryMark has made a unique mark in energy. [03:09] Understand global energy transitions with historical contexts. [14:17] The shocking statistical reality of 100% renewable energy reliance. [19:12] Is the $3T global solar and wind investment producing a useful EROI? [22:59] Additive benefits of biofuels and their positive impact on American farmers. [27:02] The U.S. agriculture vs. renewable energy dilemma. [29:56] Is decarbonization driven by policy or demand? [35:08] Can the renewable energy industry function without subsidies? [41:54] How to approach strategy execution within the decarbonization trajectory. [46:19] Integration and diversification as strategic benefits to co-ops. [53:30] Learn more about CountryMark at https://www.CountryMark.com/. To connect with Matt Smorch, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-smorch-0086391b/.  If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep101: Articulating and Activating Your M&A Integration Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 26:34


    Show Highlights: Learn the two key themes in successful strategy execution. [00:24] Visualize organizational process categories. [03:11] How process taxonomy can benefit an agribusiness. [05:16] What is a heat map? [07:37] Use case of heat maps in guiding post-M&A work. [08:33] Tips to strategically prioritize integration focus with heat maps. [14:37] Discover tools to technically develop process taxonomy and heat map. [19:06] The cost of attempting integration without heat maps. [22:14] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep100: Managing Diversification Risk with Elizabeth South of Keystone Cooperative

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2025 53:57


    Show Highlights: Learn about Keystone Cooperative's history, divisions and evolution. [00:06:50] Strategic vs. opportunistic growth explained with Keystone's formative mergers. [00:09:19] Best practices for creating an ideal partner profile for M&As. [00:14:56] Joint ventures as a growth strategy for potential M&As. [00:16:24] Uncover signals and team roles for moving from JVs to M&As. [00:20:52] Dissect due diligence processes for pre-deal and PMI phases. [00:28:02] How do risks differ in geographic vs. product diversification in ag? [00:35:23] Is your farm diversified for multigenerational succession? [00:39:35] Explore the value of in-house legal counsel for an agribusiness. [00:42:06] Why U.S. farmers matter for national security and world food production. [00:51:30] Learn about Keystone Cooperative at https://www.keystonecoop.com/. To connect with Elizabeth South, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-south-10851049/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep99: Think Deliberate, Not Different: Strategy Lessons from 99 Episodes of The Pacesetter Pod

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 25:02


    Show Highlights: How ag strategy execution mirrors this podcast's core objectives. [00:02:37] Is this an ag podcast on business vs. business podcast on ag? [00:04:44] The value of embracing effort over seeking perfection. [00:09:06] Why deliberate thinking matters to succeed as ag leaders. [00:13:11] The importance of learning out loud with vulnerability. [00:18:26] Identifying essential risk-taking vs. reckless thinking [00:21:26] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep98: Financial Co-Piloting for Better Agribusiness Decisions with Bryan DeRuiter of Caledonia Farmers Elevator

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 33:37


    Show Highlights: Discover 106-year-old Caledonia Farmers Elevator. [00:03:32] Gain insights on transitioning from specialty fruits to row crops. [00:08:53] Why financial metrics are core in any ag sector. [00:10:30] Do specialty crops fit the agricultural co-op model? [00:13:35] What has increased consolidation in the fruit sector? [00:14:07] Does your agribusiness lack a CFO co-pilot? [00:16:58] Explore the key benefits of financial leadership in ag. [00:21:55] Take a look at Caledonia Farmers Elevator's exemplary workplace culture. [00:25:13] How to hire for attitude over skills for effective talent acquisition. [00:28:08] Lessons to transfer in a broadacre-to-specialty reverse transition. [00:31:22] Learn more about Caledonia Farmers Elevator at https://cfeco.com.   To contact Bryan DeRuiter, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanderuiter1121/.   If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep97: What Now? Executing Strategy in the Wake of Layoffs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 21:25


    Show Highlights: What can be learned from the size of announced layoffs? [00:06:10] Why structural challenges spiral into drastic actions. [00:08:23] Clear-eyed, realistic expectations are non-negotiable with workforce reductions. [00:12:22] If decision-friction is the problem, are layoffs the right solution? [00:13:22] How to unlock post-layoff transformation. [00:15:26] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep96: What's Driving Ag Equipment Dealer Consolidation with Chris Rupiper of Prairie State Tractor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 41:25


    Show Highlights: Discover Prairie State Tractor and CEO Chris Rupiper's careers with John Deere. [00:04:29] Norms of well-organized mergers with KSR Equipment and Holland and Sons. [00:10:37] The key to easing friction for seamless M&A integration. [00:17:50] The power of top-down investment in employees. [00:21:46] Explore this pod resource on connecting employees to strategy. [00:27:28] Why consolidation in the ag equipment field mirrors industry trends. [00:29:33] How to manage varied customer profiles and diverse products and services. [00:37:12] To learn more about Prairie State Tractor, visit https://www.prairiestatetractor.com/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep95: Better Agribusiness Performance Begins With Better Goal-Setting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2025 19:34


    Show Highlights: Are you ready to refresh your goals for the New Year? [00:00:22] Discover the two goal-setting traps you must avoid. [00:03:35] Critical challenges in balanced, strategic goal setting. [00:04:49] Gain a clear four-question goal-setting framework. [00:08:22] Example application of Questions 1 and 2 of the recommended framework. [00:09:56] How to execute and measure success within the framework. [00:14:25] The importance of elevating your goal-setting strategy. [00:17:16] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep94: How Seeking Power Produces Underperformance at Scale

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 11:57


    Show Highlights: Are you seeking power or seeking to empower? [00:01:52] How distributed ownership of outcomes transforms organizations. [00:02:43] The power of open systems to unlock team-driven creativity. [00:04:54] Why your time-horizon effectiveness should be for enduring growth. [00:07:02] Key questions to consider to adopt an empowering leadership approach. [00:09:26] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep93: Diversification and the Decision to Grow with Jeramie Weller of Minnesota Soybean Processors

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 55:23


    Show Highlights: Discover MnSP and learn about CEO Jeramie Weller's industry expertise. [00:03:08] Is teamwork the secret to running lean facilities successfully? [00:14:29] How cultural integration reduces worker turnover and builds cohesion. [00:21:45] Speaking up vs. staying silent as new managers. [00:24:53] Lessons in diversification with MnSP's path to partnering with CGB. [00:28:52] Consider growth-rationale clarity for agribusinesses. [00:33:34] How to strategically approach capital partnerships. [00:37:45] The power of strategic locations in growth opportunities. [00:43:18] Tips to manage headwinds and tailwinds in the biofuels industry. [00:46:59] Insights on California's new §45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. [00:48:02] Visit https://www.mnsoy.com/ to learn more about Minnesota Soybean Processors (MnSP).  If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep92: Constraints and Resource-Scarcity are a Competitive Advantage

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2024 24:08


    Show Highlights: Three episodes to revisit to understand constraints. [00:00:25] Explore the constraints in large companies in a dual value mandate. [00:02:37] How the layers in big companies stifle innovation. [00:06:20] Why small companies outpace big ones in innovation. [00:11:39] Shane Thomas' insights on uncertainty as the power driver of innovation. [00:12:22] Uncover the core constraints small companies face. [00:14:52] Explore the non-replicable nature of uncertainty. [00:17:39] Has human evolution hinged on stress? [00:18:54] What the docking scene in Interstellar teaches us. [00:19:41] Read Upstream Ag's article on innovation theater here: https://www.upstream.ag/p/innovation-theatre-shackles-to-progress  If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep91: The Wide Path Approach to Strategy Execution with Tucker Perkins of Propane Education & Research Council

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 44:58


    Show Highlights: What is the Propane Education & Research Council? [00:02:31] Energy transformation defined with examples, including Three Mile Island. [00:07:47] The importance of affordability in the future of energy. [00:11:28] Why propane is the right answer in energy diversification. [15:03.3] Explore propane's evolving agricultural applications. [00:21:34] Insights on the challenges of electrification in ag. [00:26:31] Is the U.S. presently vulnerable in energy security? [00:29:04] The importance of a holistic climate–energy conversation. [00:31:01] What does a wide path to clean energy mean? [00:36:03] Discover the new book, Path to Zero: 12 Climate Conversations to Change the World. [00:38:40] Read more here: Propane Education & Research Council: https://propane.com/ Path to Zero: 12 Climate Conversations That Changed The World https://pathtozerobook.com/ If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep90: There Are No Unsolvable Problems, Only Unaffordable Solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2024 11:04


    Show Highlights: Is your profit leaking due to hidden inefficiencies? [00:00:24] Unlock three key questions for your problem-solving framework. [00:02:13] How to navigate the cost–benefit dilemma. [00:04:48] The importance of practical, feasible improvements. [00:07:57] Gain a realistic approach to problem-solving. [00:08:19] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://wwaw.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep89: Forecasting Constraints to Enable Agribusiness Growth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 14:01


    Show Highlights: Follow Jim's case study, an instructive client story. [00:00:24] Discover the concept of working to constraints, not until them. [00:03:02] Strategies to optimize existing resources for maximum efficiency. [00:06:17] The importance of staying true to your processes despite the slack. [00:08:20] How to agilely monitor constraints before they emerge. [00:10:34] Advice on applying Jim's concept to your business. [00:12:10] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep88: Innovation Theater with Shane Thomas of Upstream Ag

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 49:16


    Show Highlights: Discover Upstream Ag, the essential ag newsletter. [00:02:44] Innovation and its Red Queen race effect explained. [00:08:29] Explore the tension between innovation and certainty. [00:12:45] What is innovation culture vs. innovation theater? [00:17:14] Tell-tale signs of novelty infatuation in a business. [00:23:46] Why the revolutionary Michelin PAX tire failed. [00:28:31] Analyze John Deere's thoughtful innovation strategy with See & Spray. [00:34:04] How to ensure genuine problem-solving innovation. [00:42:45] Gain learnings from Amazon's Fire Phone failure. [00:45:12] Connect with Shane Thomas at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanethomasag/, and to learn more about Upstream Ag, go to https://www.upstream.ag/. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep87: Rethinking Dissension Risk

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 13:57


    Show Highlights: Introducing the MABA 2024 Outlook Conference. [00:00:25] Discover Mike Fossum, an unlikely contributor to ag. [00:01:12] What does an astronaut have to teach about dissension? [00:02:36] What if dissension isn't a threat, but an opportunity? [00:04:28] Five ways an additive vs. agitative use of dissension de-risks strategy. [00:07:01] To learn more about the Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA), go to https://miagbiz.org/. To access the MABA 2024 Outlook Conference, please visit https://maba.swoogo.com/2024outlookconference/5536252. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep86: Red Barns and Failure to Innovate with Joel Wipperfurth of Truterra

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 34:17


    Show Highlights: How a 100-year-old ag leader successfully applies sustainability. [00:05:07] Truterra's matchmaker role for Fortune 500 companies and farmers. [00:06:01] Can farming realities meet consumer-driven sustainability goals? [00:10:00] Why a value-first path is best trodden in agronomic advice. [00:13:22] Discover Truterra's customer-centric strategies. [00:20:00] What a really lean hog reveals about new asset classes. [00:23:37] Insights on Red Barn Farms' failure to innovate. [00:28:06] Gain valuable advice on ag market opportunities. [00:30:30] Learn more about Truterra by visiting https://www.truterraag.com. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep85: Today's Grooves Are Tomorrow's Ruts

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 16:34


    Show Highlights: Find out why business success breeds its own enemy. [00:02:01] Learn to spot the end of a groove and its risks. [00:04:53] The only strategy to stop success from killing your business. [00:07:51] How reading habits obstruct your crisis readiness. [00:09:57] Do you have a trusted circle of business advisors? [00:10:43] Discover leading metrics to monitor for agribusiness continuity. [00:13:10] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.  

    Ep84: Great Millers Need Great Marketers with Tim Webster of Farmer Direct Foods

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 56:49


    Show Highlights: How Farmer Direct Foods provides the perfect wheat. [00:02:28] Discover the benefits of regenerative agriculture. [00:07:38] Learn top product-adoption and branding strategies. [00:11:40] The importance of an operational focus in direct grower deals. [00:21:14] Explore the unique asymmetrical agreements in ag. [00:26:31] Insights on transitioning governance to an investor-led model. [00:30:34] Investing in friends and fiduciary accountability. [00:36:24] Cautionary advice on growers staying in ownership. [00:39:36] Find out how equity dilution affects farmers. [00:44:14] The power of healthy tension in an organization. [00:47:51] Visit https://www.farmerdirectfoods.com/ to learn more about Farmer Direct Foods. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep83: Infatuation over Validation: Falling in Love with Bad Ideas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2024 17:49


    Show Highlights: How validation bias can mislead innovation. [00:00:21] Learn about the perils of singular data points. [00:02:10] Are your data sources credible and courageous? [00:04:38] The “ifs” method of confronting idea conditionality. [00:10:12] How to approach data if an idea needs a miracle to succeed. [00:15:11] Consider the ultimate benefit of challenging ideas. [00:16:37] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep82: Breaking Down Ag's Labor Problem with Jacqui Fatka of CoBank Knowledge Exchange

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2024 48:10


    Show Highlights: Get CoBank's latest labor-market data for ag. [00:06:25] Labor-participation rates in layman's terms. [00:09:35] Is rural ag predicted to survive an aging workforce? [00:13:15] Explore automation as a solution for labor shortages. [00:18:29] Gain a fascinating generational analysis of farmers. [00:26:10] Uncover the $68T reason behind non-working men. [00:32:29] Strategies to bridge generational gaps in labor. [00:36:37] Find out potential ways to utilize Gen-Z labor. [00:40:08] How to benefit from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange. [00:46:07] To learn more about CoBank's Knowledge Exchange, go to https://www.CoBank.com/knowledge-exchange, or email Jacqui Fatka at JFatka@CoBank.com. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep81: The Growth as a Constraint Paradox

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2024 16:21


    Show Highlights: The issue today's ag-industry headlines expose. [00:00:20] Explore the realities of limits to growth in ag. [00:01:35] Berkshire Hathaway's historical growth performance. [00:03:30] How growth has constrained Berkshire Hathaway. [00:05:46] What is the law of large numbers? [00:08:25] Gain concise growth vs. sustainability considerations. [00:11:06] Tips for a forward-thinking approach to constraints. [00:14:09] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep80: Winning With Speed Not Perfection with Harold Cooper of Premier Ag Cooperative

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 47:50


    Show Highlights: Discover Indiana's oldest cooperative. [00:01:53] Learn about the three divisions of a CEO's role. [00:03:47] Why military history can profit business strategy. [00:09:08] Gain strategy imperative-to-execution clarity. [00:16:29] Risk aversion vs. informed aggressiveness in ag. [00:23:01] Tips to reorient tentativeness in high-risk decisions. [00:29:06] How federated co-ops leverage local patronage. [00:36:46] Explore the technological disruptions ahead in ag. [00:39:03] To learn more about Premier Ag, go to https://premierag.com/. Visit https://premierag.com/the-high-ground-podcast-episode-recaps/ to access The High Ground Podcast by Premier Ag. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep79: Managing Negative Externality Risk in Agribusiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2024 21:44


    Show Highlights: Discover blind spots in assessing external risks. [00:00:22] Negative externalities defined with examples. [00:03:56] The three whys of missing external-risk trends. [00:09:42] Learn the 'Don't Be a Bird' tactic to fight blindness. [00:14:47] How to perform external risk analysis as a team. [00:18:12] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep78: Scarcity Inflates Price but Execution Creates Value with Nick Sawyer of Five Star Cooperative

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 49:10


    Show Highlights: Discover full-service Five Star Cooperative, Est. 1889. [00:03:41] Market differentiation tactics from Five Star Co-op. [00:07:32] The power of listening in service improvement. [00:14:57] How to operationalize customer feedback processing. [00:18:17] Tips to solve SKU and inventory management issues. [00:26:21] Explore the rapid tech adoption landscape in ag. [00:30:15] The Five Star approach to strategic goal alignment. [00:39:10] What should be the shelf life of strategic imperatives? [00:43:39] Learn about Five Star Cooperative at https://www.fivestarcoop.com/. Go to https://nexstarag.com/ for information onFive Star Co-op's proprietary products. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep77: Agrbusiness Optimization Isn't Everything

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2024 18:20


    Show Highlights: A powerful question to challenge business thinking. [00:00:24] Three vital benefits of optimization-basis discovery. [00:02:45] How to balance offense and defense in optimization. [00:05:13] Discover pro tips to validate a market need. [00:09:14] Why favor new ventures over myopic optimization? [00:12:21] Strategic evaluations you should regularly revisit. [00:15:21] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep76: Operationalizing Producer-First Values with Jason Weirich of MFA

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 33:18


    Show Highlights: Discover MFA Incorporated that nears $2B in sales. [00:02:38] Dive into the core of MFA's authentic producer-focus. [00:05:13] Can profitability always be aligned with core values? [00:09:42] The art of capital allocation to meet farmer interests. [00:13:51] Explore the power of multidirectional feedback loops.  [00:19:55] Tips to facilitate growth with past-investment study. [00:27:51] Connect with Jason Weirich:  https://mfa-inc.com/ https://www.facebook.com/MFAIncorporated https://x.com/mfa_inc  If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep75: Executing Agribusiness Strategy with Mosher Consulting Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 26:02


    Show Highlights: Strategy execution explained with key components. [00:02:16] Why strategy execution is the power behind success. [00:06:04] Explore common barriers to executing strategy. [00:07:49] Uncover the core issue of unrealized value at risk. [00:10:43] How to avert the cost of a post-deal execution failure. [00:13:53] The five ways Mosher Consulting Group de-risks PMI. [00:18:42] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep74: Connecting People and Strategy with Erin Mies and Kristen Ireland of People Spark Consulting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 39:08


    Show Highlights: How to leverage a people-and-strategy roadmap. [00:04:21] Uncover the HR–business strategy connecting point. [00:08:40] The art of org design with Jay Galbraith's Star Model. [00:13:02] Dive into role–strategy alignment in tasks and goals. [00:15:54] Ideas to navigate uncertainty in a strategy roadmap. [00:24:29] Tips to iron out decision-making process complexity. [00:28:10] The “one butt to one seat” rule for accountability. [00:33:11] Join the People Spark mailing list.  People Spark Blog: The Secret to True Business Alignment? Think Hay Bales and Stars erin@peoplesparkconsulting.com kristen@peoplesparkconsulting.com If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep73: 5 Ways to Ensure a Miserable M&A Integration

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2024 12:15


    Show Highlights: Reflect on ways to harvest Charlie Munger's wisdom. [00:00:23] Delve into the aftermath of ignoring deal rationale. [00:03:07] How a post-M&A inward focus forms customer churn. [00:04:00] What blind trust in existing capabilities does in PMI. [00:05:02] Tread a road to ruin called untracked performance. [00:07:32] Imagine rash celebrations and failure intolerance. [00:09:01] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep72: Agribusiness Growth Cannot Outrun Risk with Scott Cornell and Fritz Waldorf of Lockton Companies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2024 33:30


    Show Highlights: Learn about the current challenges in ag insurance. [00:04:22] Find out why there is limited underwriting for ag. [00:06:36] How severe convective storms drive insured loss. [00:09:59] The latent potential for ag client–insurer cooperation. [00:14:23] Discover key emerging exposures in agribusiness. [00:18:51] Why agrochemical-based risks may be uninsurable. [00:22:44] Unlock optimistic industry dynamics now crystallizing. [00:28:34] https://global.lockton.com/us/en/food-agriculture-beverage; FWaldorf@lockton.com; scornell@lockton.com If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep71: Tailwinds Are Not Your Friend

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 16:23


    Show Highlights: Market-driven tailwinds vs. company successes. [00:03:37] How tailwinds create a business-fitness fallacy. [00:04:48] Uncover the danger of untested execution capacity. [00:06:12] Find out how tailwinds blunt business resiliency. [00:08:16] Explore the productivity born of demanding periods. [00:09:41] Understand the movement vs. velocity difference. [00:12:26] Food for thought on sustained-tailwind side effects. [00:14:15] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep70: Strategic & Financially Additive Agribusiness Governance with Tom Olive

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2024 55:56


    Show Highlights: How boards contribute and can evolve strategically. [00:09:38] Explore the four rules well-functioning boards fulfil. [00:14:28] Advisory vs. fiduciary board governance explained. [00:18:06] Dive into the key elements of a board charter. [00:24:17] Why board constituents must be strategy-derived. [00:30:23] How to recruit expertise-based board members. [00:33:06] Discover PDA for time-saving board-building. [00:36:42] Tips to apply an insider-outsider ratio to a board. [00:42:37] Find out if you're financially ready to have a board. [00:48:49] The two factors that maximize board contributions. [00:50:33] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep69: The Risk of Metric Myopia and Misfires

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 19:50


    Show Highlights: Learn about why metrics need regular revisiting. [01:38.7] How the fuel tax works, and why it doesn't. [00:03:55] Explore the problems of legacy metrics. [00:09:28] Can mileage/use-based taxation plug funding gaps? [00:10:47] Discover the effect of EVs on road tax. [00:12:34] Why the allure of simplicity induces metric pitfalls. [00:13:37] Uncover the best metric for transportation funding. [00:15:06] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep68: Embracing Failure to Deliver Ag Cooperative Growth with KC Graner of Central Farm Service

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 48:38


    Show Highlights: Explore Central Farm Service's precision ag program. [00:04:38] The role of skilled legacy talent in precision ag. [00:09:49] KC Graner's ag voyage from early interest to CFS. [00:13:25] Two strategic keys to adapt to a manager role. [00:20:15] Why numbers are a manager's post-merger friend. [00:24:37] Success lessons from initial merger unprofitability. [00:29:05] Actionable tips to improve processes through failures. [00:35:34] Pivotal ways co-ops create market links for members. [00:43:27] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep67: Anticipating Competitive Response is Not Enough

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2024 18:25


    Show Highlights: Uncover key competitive response how-tos. [00:02:13] Find out how to design and position counteractions. [00:06:01] Why quantifying competitor-action impact matters. [00:09:13] The true benefit of planning a competitive response. [00:11:08] Dive into stealth-mode and preemptive strategies. [00:13:20] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

    Ep66: Focus and Agility is a Competitive Advantage with Ethan Rosen of Pure Line Seeds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 47:12


    Show Highlights: Dive into this Pure Line Seeds 101. [00:02:59] The value of existing clients in diversification. [00:11:05] The pros and cons for independent seed companies. [00:13:58] Find out how the riches are in the niches in ag. [00:19:38] Discover the competitive edge at Pure Line Seeds. [00:23:24] Agility wisdom from Pure Line Seeds' HQ relocation. [00:28:31] The two factors most important in integration. [00:32:46] Explore how organizational change impacts people. [00:39:46] If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.

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