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 55: Delaney Howell — Progress Over Perfection, Ship It, Then Get Better!
Former Market to Market host and Ag News Daily co-founder Delaney Howell shares why her motto is “Progress Over Perfection.” From farming in Tama County to running a boutique marketing agency and launching her new initiative She Creates Rural, Delaney reveals how to start before you’re ready, build momentum, and trust yourself in business.
We cover:
- Progress Over Perfection: why action beats polish every time
- Permission vs. knowledge — finding the confidence to start
- Designing She Creates Rural: marketing, finance, and biz-dev tracks
- Partnerships, mentors, and balancing five businesses + a farm
- Succession planning and picking one authentic platform for your brand
- How Delaney uses AI as a practical accelerator for small teams
👉 Learn more about Delaney’s new conference here: She Creates Rural
Connect with Delaney:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/delaneyhowell
- X (Twitter): @DelaneyHowell07
- Instagram: @delaney_howell
Guest: Delaney Howell — marketer, podcaster, farmer, founder of She Creates Rural.
Host: Jim Smith, Ph.D. — farmer, swine nutritionist, storyteller of agriculture & life.