Patio Ponderings
Exploring the Expected and the Obscure in Agriculture
From a lifetime in agriculture to deep dives into leadership, rural life, and the evolving food system, Patio Pondering is a podcast where thoughtful conversations meet the open air. Hosted by [Your Name], a seasoned Swine Nutritionist, agricultural thinker, and storyteller, this podcast explores the connections between our agricultural roots and the broader world.
What started as daily reflections—scribbled with a morning coffee in hand—has grown into a podcast that uncovers the insights, challenges, and sometimes-forgotten history of the industry that feeds us all. Whether solo pondering or engaging in candid discussions with guests, this show digs into everything from livestock production to food trends, rural business shifts, and the personal stories that shape agricultural life.
Now available in both audio and video formats, Patio Pondering brings these discussions to life on YouTube and podcast platforms alike. Whether you prefer to listen on the go or watch the conversation unfold, you’ll find fresh perspectives, candid storytelling, and the kind of conversations that make you think twice.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because agriculture is more than just dirt and livestock. It’s a story worth telling.
Patio Ponderings
Episode 32: The Lost Agricultural Heritage of Northeast Indiana & Northwest Ohio, a Solo Discussion
"I remember riding with my grandfathers to deliver grain to the St. Joe Elevator in St. Joe, Indiana. Across the railroad tracks sat Crow’s Rainbow Farm Center. At the time, it felt like these places would always be there—until they weren’t."
In this episode of Patio Ponderings, we take a look back at the agricultural businesses that once defined Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio—and explore why so many have disappeared. From Wayne Feeds and Central Soya to Eckrich Meats, and Parrot Packing, to long closed Farm Implement Dealerships I discuss the local feed mills, livestock markets, and equipment dealerships that shaped farming communities.
What led to their decline? How did events like the 1980s farm crisis and corporate consolidation change the agricultural landscape? And what lessons can we take from these lost businesses as we look toward the future of farming?
If you remember these businesses—or have stories of your own about the changing face of rural America—let’s keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts with me or leave a comment wherever you listen to podcasts.