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 Jim Smith, Ph.D., 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 48: Not About Markets – Chip Flory on Family, Faith, and Finding His Voice
You know him as the voice of AgriTalk, delivering market insights with clarity and conviction. But in this episode, Chip Flory sits on the other side of the microphone to share the personal journey that shaped his life in agriculture media.
This is not a conversation about markets or grain reports. Instead, we dig into Chip’s rural Iowa upbringing, the influence of his mother’s writing, and how the struggles of the 1980s farm crisis helped shape his passion for communication. We explore the family moments, career pivots, and faith-driven lessons that turned Chip into one of agriculture’s most trusted voices.
Whether you're a farmer, broadcaster, or someone who just appreciates the stories behind the people who shape the ag conversation, this one’s for you.
We dig into:
- How his mother’s rural newspaper work sparked his passion for storytelling
- The family farm sale that rerouted his future—and nearly fractured his family
- What it was like reporting from the CBOT in the pre-digital era
- Lessons learned about hedging, basis, and the emotional weight of writing with impact
- Why farmers are more business-savvy than the stereotypes give them credit for
Tune in for a heartfelt and humble conversation with the man behind the mic.