“It’s about these big flat fields, and big skies, and that’s truly where the passion is, and I may not get to do that a lot, but I get to work for the guys who do.” Chris Weldon joins hosts Ryan Priest and Sal Sama in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. Chris is the Market Development Project Manager for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council.

In addition to telling some wild plumbing and closet stories, Chris will share the story of his career path and what brought him to his current role. You’ll learn about how the Indiana Soybean Alliance is working with national partners to create demand for Indiana products on a global scale. You’ll learn about the Soybean Oil Masters Program which is designed to provide education to international stakeholders about U.S.-grown soybeans and the advantages of importing the product and how the checkoff program works on behalf of the farmer. “Every single farmer in our state, in some way, is somebody that I’m working for.”

Why is the beef market so exceptional right now? Returning guest, Ryan Batt, joins Andy Pinnick and hosts Sal Sama and Ryan Priest in the podcast room for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies to dig into that question! As you may remember, Ryan is the Facility Manager, and Andy is the Senior Director of Livestock Marketing for United Producers Inc.

Ryan will share where the markets currently stand along with the perfect storm that has created it. You’ll learn about what happens when the cattle are loaded up to go to market, how the cattle are bid upon, and what happens in the vaccination programs along the way. You’ll learn more about livestock risk protection in addition to care tips through the summer. Have you considered getting into the beef on dairy bandwagon? Andy will share his thoughts on what the future could bring in the beef market and why the beef on dairy trend looks like it will continue. “This beef on dairy, it is the hottest thing going as far as production and getting people involved in it right now.”

Tell us why the market continues to do what it does! Aaron Bledsoe is back in the podcast room with your hosts, Ryan Priest and Sal Sama, for this episode of The High Ground powered by Premier Companies. Aaron is no stranger to the podcast and is quite the fan favorite! An aspiring gator hunter and well-known Grain Merchandiser for Premier Companies, he’s here to share his thoughts on all things connected to the most recent USDA report.

Aaron will share how the weather in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana could disrupt the market especially in light of all of the bushels still on the farm. You’ll learn about the complications that exist because of the existing on-farm storage and potential for exports. Aaron also sheds light into how the record flooding in Brazil may impact the overall supply. Will we hit the 181 bushels per acre yield that’s being predicted? “Now is the time for discipline… Get back to basics and just come up with a solid plan and work from there.”