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
Skip-Generation Farming: Clint Gorden’s Path Back to the Land
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Clint Gorden, a central Illinois farmer, joins the Patio Pondering Podcast to discuss what it means to be a skip-generation farmer—connected to farming through grandparents, but without a parent actively farming to provide day-to-day guidance. Clint shares how he built his path through farm work, the seed business, and the relationships and mentorship that helped him earn opportunities in agriculture.
Jim and Clint explore the realities of modern Midwest farming, including aging farmers, larger operations with “more zeros,” the increasing importance of strategy in farming decisions, and how technology and broader networks influence learning, efficiency, and risk management.
Topics covered:
- What “skip-generation farmer” means in today’s agriculture
- Getting started in farming without a prior generation in the cab
- Seed sales, cold-calling, and building credibility
- Aging farmers and generational transition
- Why farming has become more strategic as operations grow
- Community involvement: Farm Bureau, Corn Growers, Lions Club
Recording note: This conversation ends earlier than planned due to a technical interruption. Jim and Clint plan to reconnect and continue the discussion in a future episode.