SharkFarmer Podcast

Hosted by Rob Sharkey

BusinessInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

About the show

Conversation and interview with farmers and hunters

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 10, 2026Episode 54549 min

545 Bram Robertson Blueberry Milk

Fifth-generation New Hampshire dairy farmer Bram Robertson explains how a conservation easement helped his family keep their farm through the 2009 downturn, then pivot toward bottling and selling their own milk. He and host Rob Sharkey discuss the creamery's growth, the realities of family succession, and how planned robotic milking could reshape the workday without making farm life effortless. key topics A 2009 conservation easement sold development rights while preserving farm use, bringing the family funds and time to rethink the business. The farm owns about 450 acres, with roughly 200 acres used for crops and the rest largely wooded; public trails and hunting continue on the easement land. The family began bottling milk in 2011 using another farm's plant, then opened its own fluid-milk plant in May 2019. Products include whole and 1% milk, half-and-half, flavored milks, eggnog, heavy cream, and ice cream base. COVID-era packaging changes helped the farm keep its major Hannaford business; later Market Basket expanded sales under the farm's own label. Leaving the co-op enabled direct milk sales, but required difficult business decisions and investment in processing. Bram, his parents, and two brothers are building the business for the next generation, with succession conversations beginning when Bram was 15. A new milk room and Lely robotic milking system are intended to reorganize labor, improve flexibility, and help make farm jobs more sustainable. takeaways "We definitely wouldn't be here still." "It gave us enough time to take a step back and really look at what we needed to change to keep farming where we were." "We just felt better about keeping the land how it has been and just treating it like we always have instead of selling it off to build houses." "The only people that he saw driving nice trucks were the people that were bottling their own milk." "Nine months later we were in Market Basket and selling a hundred percent of our milk under our own label." "My dad did a really good job of setting everything up and making sure that we were able to come back if we wanted to." "It's not gonna be any less work with the animals. It's just gonna be different." "Hopefully maybe working a little less so I can actually spend time with my family." "Understand the market that you're in a little better and be able to look at what your operation has that you're able to do better with what you're already doing." "Deep love and care for the land that we make our living off of. It's what we pass down." Chapters 00:00 Meet fifth-generation farmer Bram Robertson 06:05 How a 2009 easement helped keep the farm operating 12:12 Why bottling milk became the value-added path 18:05 From contract bottling to the farm's own creamery 20:27 COVID packaging pivot and the move beyond co-op sales 24:23 Succession planning and bringing three brothers back 28:21 New products, construction, and sourcing more milk 32:13 Robots may change dairy work, not erase it 36:30 A family farm's history, from railroad days to robotics 40:19 Bram's advice for farms facing difficult economics 45:41 Creamery challenges, milk flavors, and where to find the farm

November 3, 2026Episode 54452 min

544 Roxanne Reed Farm Schools on Wheels

Rob Sharkey talks with Roxanne Reed, founder of Farm School on Wheels, about turning her military-spouse entrepreneurship and finance experience into practical support for new and transitioning farmers. Reed explains the mobile classroom, the business fundamentals she teaches, and why early, honest conversations about farm succession can protect both family relationships and agricultural land. key topics Reed describes moving from military-spouse entrepreneurship and finance into farming and agricultural education, after developing a curriculum for new and beginning farmers. Farm School on Wheels began during COVID shutdowns as a mobile, outdoor classroom and evolved into a traveling resource for farm and rural-business education. Its lessons cover farm-purchase readiness, lender options, veteran financing considerations, risk mitigation, marketing, strategic financial planning, business plans, and realistic projections. Reed says many of her clients are women ages 45-55, veterans, retiring service members, or people preparing to transition into farming; about 70% of her clients are female. The program helps small and generational farms assess new directions, including agritourism and hospitality, while connecting them to experienced farmers and resource partners. Reed clarifies that she teaches business and financial planning, not production advice, and refers technical farm questions to experienced farmers, Cooperative Extension, USDA, and FSA. Farm succession planning should account for wills, powers of attorney, state-specific rules, and possible ownership structures, with professional legal and tax guidance. Reed urges families to discuss succession before a crisis, stress-test plans for difficult transitions, and set expectations without pressuring the next generation to take over. takeaways I'm a financial specialist who accidentally became a farmer. I still need a classroom. And now I've got to get to all of these different farms and other clients. We really help them to get their foundation in order. I'm not a dream killer. What I do is I'm going to help them reorganize it so that they can get more clarity and make decisions faster. At the end of the day, do you think anybody should be calling me if they got a sick chicken or their corn looks like hell or their tractors are stuck in the mud? No. If you can get farms and farmers to go through what I consider the emergency fire drills, which stress tests the farm in a harsh transition. The first generation builds it. The second generation grows it. The third generation Fs it up, typically. It's better to fight it out a little bit now and put things in place. A lot of the kids who end up taking over the farms are the ones that were really raised in it, but allowed to fly. Make it adaptable for what you might see happening in the future. Chapters 00:00 Meet Roxanne Reed and her 120-acre North Carolina farm 05:14 From a beach upbringing to military family life 10:02 The realities and support networks of military spouses 16:24 Finding the farm and building an entrepreneurial path 21:55 How COVID sparked Farm School on Wheels 26:44 Who the mobile farm classroom serves 33:22 Bridging practical business knowledge and farming expertise 38:08 Reed's typical clients and preparing for a farm transition 41:19 Why farm succession planning cannot wait 47:26 Starting the next-generation conversation without pressure 50:16 Where to find Farm School on Wheels and its free course

October 27, 2026Episode 54351 min

543 Courtney Baird Skinny Bones

Rob Sharkey interviews Courtney Baird, director of operations at her family's Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch in Blair, Nebraska, about how a seasonal pumpkin patch grew into a full-time agritourism business. Baird explains the work behind its 35-plus attractions, 200-person seasonal workforce, family-friendly guest experience, and the lessons she carries from corporate HR into farm operations. key topics Skinny Bones began with a few acres of pumpkins and roadside sales before expanding into a corn maze and other attractions. Director of operations Courtney Baird draws on eight years in corporate human resources to handle staffing, training, and day-to-day farm operations. The farm employs more than 200 people during the season and reports a returning-staff rate above 60 percent. More than 35 attractions are included in the admission price, with animal feed as an optional extra. The public season lasts eight weeks, but preparation involves year-round planning, hiring, repairs, and rebuilding after each fall. The farm can welcome 1,000 to 3,000 guests in a day, depending on the weather. Photo-friendly design, family safety, cleanliness, customer service, and a no-alcohol policy shape the visitor experience. A new Black Barn coffee shop took more than a year to plan and build and offers coffee, pastries, breakfast foods, and apple cider donuts. Baird credits varied past jobs and early exposure to business tasks with preparing her for farm leadership. takeaways "You pay one admission price and that gets you in through the gates." "We're essentially starting over every single year." "We're over sixty percent returning staff right now." "Our business is so weather dependent." "You set the tone, you set the experience for the guests." "Their support means more than anyone realizes because we're a family business." "Take every opportunity you can because you don't know where that experience is gonna bring you back." "We're not above cleaning the bathrooms or picking up trash around the farm." Chapters 00:00 Meet Courtney Baird and Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch 03:58 From roadside pumpkin sales to agritourism 07:10 Designing a farm visitors want to photograph 10:57 Leaving corporate careers to join the family business 15:13 One admission price and 35-plus attractions 19:01 How the family builds the farm's signature attractions 22:05 An eight-week season and a 200-person workforce 24:59 Food favorites and the story behind the Skinny Bones name 27:55 Tornado Alley, pig racers, and family-friendly design 32:46 Training staff to create a memorable guest experience 35:04 A reality-TV week and the value of family-business support 40:47 The Black Barn coffee shop and future plans 44:03 Baird's advice: take every opportunity 47:47 What prepared Courtney to lead farm operations

October 20, 2026Episode 54245 min

542 Ryan Cook Growing Giants

In this episode, Ryan Cook from West Virginia shares his passion for growing giant pumpkins, shark tooth hunting, and his efforts to help veterans through farming. Discover the secrets behind record-breaking pumpkins, the parallels between shark tooth hunting and gardening, and Ryan's vision for a TV show about giant growing. Key topics Ryan's background and West Virginia roots Details of the giant pumpkin growing process and record attempts The community and drama surrounding giant pumpkin growing Parallel between shark tooth hunting and gardening Ryan's efforts to help veterans through farming and outdoor activities Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan and his West Virginia roots 01:05 Ryan's background and local community 02:38 The Thunderstruck Ag Razor's Edge concaves 04:01 Ryan's personality and hobbies beyond farming 06:55 The drama in the giant pumpkin community 09:51 The Guinness World Record controversy 11:43 Growing multiple giant vegetables and state records 14:01 The future of giant pumpkin records and genetics 19:08 Ryan's personal journey and veteran healing 22:38 Shark tooth hunting and fossil discoveries 32:36 The importance of outdoor hobbies for mental health 37:19 The potential of a TV show about giant growing 45:00 Closing remarks and where to find Ryan

October 13, 2026Episode 54150 min

541 Alex Russell Saluki Proud

Alex Russell on FFA, communication, and finding a place in agriculture Rob Sharkey talks with Alex Russell, the U. S. soybean seed care product lead for Syngenta, about how rodeo, homeschooling, FFA, and leadership training shaped her career in agriculture. Alex shares how she went from planning for nursing school to building a career in crop protection, training, and public speaking—and why communication, curiosity, and grit matter as much as technical knowledge. Alex also shares her views on women in agriculture, the value of being "kind, not nice," and why the ag industry needs people to tell the story of farming honestly. Along the way, she and Rob discuss career growth, imposter syndrome, and how to keep your personality while staying professional. Growing up in Fayette County, Illinois, and how rodeo and homeschooling influenced her path How FFA helped Alex find her direction in agriculture and leadership Studying ag business economics and weed science at SIU How internships and graduate school shaped her career Why effective communication means meeting people where they are Alex's "kind, not nice" approach to honest, constructive feedback Women's experiences in agriculture and staying confident in the room Building a career without coming from a large farming operation or an ag-industry family Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and advocating for yourself How the definition of agriculture is expanding for the next generation Creating genuine connections as a speaker Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and meeting Alex Russell 03:41 – Sponsor mention and conversation about farm trials 06:26 – Rodeo roots and learning responsibility through horses 09:46 – Moving from homeschooling to public school 11:11 – FFA involvement and leadership 14:01 – SIU, the Saluki identity, and discovering weed science 15:25 – Internships, graduate school, and building an ag career 17:15 – Public speaking and Alex's experience at SIU Women's Weekend 19:01 – Training, development, and "stealing with pride" 20:51 – Communication as a selfless act 22:12 – What "kind, not nice" means 24:01 – Being a woman in agriculture 25:29 – Staying professional without losing your personality 27:45 – Building a career without being born into agriculture 30:34 – Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and The Twin Thieves 31:32 – Why people may not be thinking about you as much as you think 33:56 – Speaking and working with agriculture groups 34:53 – Does agriculture care about feeding people? 36:43 – Changing paths into agriculture 38:30 – How younger generations are broadening the definition of ag 39:55 – Curiosity, generational differences, and changing minds 41:21 – Imposter syndrome and advocating for yourself 43:09 – Leadership training and learning from discomfort 44:33 – Alex's passion for speaking and connecting with audiences 46:20 – Vulnerability and creating a genuine audience connection 48:35 – Where to find Alex online and closing remarks

October 6, 2026Episode 54042 min

540 SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler

In this episode, we explore the journey of Kelly Leffler from rural Illinois to becoming the US Small Business Administration administrator, discussing her insights on agriculture, deregulation, and supporting small businesses and farmers. key topics Kelly Leffler's background and rural upbringing Impact of deregulation on small businesses and farmers The role of the SBA in supporting manufacturing and defense supply chains Policy perspectives on environmental regulation and green initiatives The importance of small businesses in American economic strength Leadership and decision-making in government and politics Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Kelly Leffler's background 02:00 Growing up in rural Illinois and family roots 03:50 Career journey and transition from corporate America to public service 09:01 Discussion on diesel exhaust fluid regulations 11:57 Deregulation efforts and support for small businesses 12:56 Political landscape and policy challenges for farmers 20:06 President Trump's support for agriculture and rural America 22:01 The role of the SBA and small business support programs 26:14 Estate tax and passing down farms 28:13 Involvement in sports and leadership experiences 30:10 Foreign ownership and regulatory standards 33:00 Political divides and the importance of election participation 34:51 Advice for young entrepreneurs and embracing failure 36:46 The entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities in America 39:09 Message to farmers and small business owners 40:01 Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners

September 29, 2026Episode 53953 min

539 Barry and Michelle Aycock Love Hardees

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews Barry and Michelle Acoke from Parma, Missouri, exploring their diverse ventures in agriculture, business, and community service. They share insights on farming, entrepreneurship, faith, and the importance of relationships in success. key topics The Acoke family's farming background and diversification into cotton, rice, and other crops Barry's journey from cotton consultant to international distributor and business owner The role of faith and community service in their business philosophy Challenges and rewards of managing nursing homes and restaurants The importance of relationships and good leadership in rural businesses Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Barry and Michelle Acoke 01:56 The Acoke family's farming roots and diversification 05:11 Barry's career in cotton consulting and international work 10:12 The impact of faith and community service 14:57 Managing multiple business ventures: nursing homes and restaurants 20:00 The importance of relationships and leadership in rural business 25:10 Reflections on success, failure, and failing forward 29:50 Advice for entrepreneurs and young farmers 35:06 The Acoke family's future plans and legacy

September 22, 2026Episode 53851 min

538 Neil Koch Dig Drive DIY

Rob Sharkey talks with Neil Koch of Harlan, Indiana, the creator behind Dig Drive DIY, about how a hobby channel grew into a full-time job. Neil explains the mix of heavy equipment work, family life, and practical projects that shaped his videos, plus the backstory behind his backyard pond, his agronomy career, and the community that supports him. We discuss how Neil builds videos around real projects, why storytelling matters more than just filming work, and what it took to leave a stable job to pursue YouTube full time. The conversation also covers equipment, sponsorships, and the patience required to grow an audience the right way. Key topics Neil shares how Dig Drive DIY started with casual uploads, then grew after a bulldozer-loading video unexpectedly took off. He explains the channel name and its three pillars: digging projects, driving equipment, and DIY work. Neil walks through the backyard pond project that helped his channel break out, including the concrete walkway, pier, and well that keeps it filled. He explains why the pond was designed to be low-maintenance, mowable, and visually interesting on camera. We discuss how Neil's background as a heavy-equipment operator shaped both his skills and his comfort with large projects. Neil shares the leap from agronomist to full-time YouTuber, including the gradual step down from five days a week to three before leaving altogether. He talks about the importance of a supportive spouse, family, and local community when making a risky career change. Neil describes how his video style blends education and entertainment, and why he tries to make each project feel like a story with a beginning, middle, and end. We discuss sponsorships, Patreon, and how income from YouTube typically grows only after an audience is already established. Neil offers advice to younger creators: be patient, accept criticism, build thick skin, and do not expect quick money. Timestamps 00:00 — Rob introduces Neil Koch and Dig Drive DIY 00:35 — Harlan, Indiana, and life near the Ohio border 01:05 — Brandt sponsorship and a funny equipment-sizing conversation 04:53 — How Neil describes the Dig Drive DIY channel 05:21 — The bulldozer-loading video that helped the channel take off 06:21 — Why the channel is called Dig Drive DIY 07:40 — Firewood, driveway work, and the pond video that changed everything 08:39 — Why Neil built a backyard pond 09:09 — Concrete edging, a pier, and designing for easy maintenance 10:08 — How the pond is filled with a well instead of runoff 11:36 — Keeping the pond full and fresh with a switch system 13:24 — The emotional side of finishing a big project 14:51 — Using projects as an excuse to keep building 15:47 — An old pocket knife passed down from childhood 17:39 — Leaving his agronomy job to do YouTube full time 18:37 — The fear of quitting a stable job for creator work 20:29 — Neil's wife and family support 22:16 — Risk, uncertainty, and why YouTube can change fast 23:44 — Keeping the channel family-friendly and community-centered 25:08 — Studying elementary education and never becoming a teacher 26:38 — The teaching style that shows up in Neil's videos 28:03 — Explaining drainage tile and field work on camera 28:33 — Neil's work as an agronomist 29:33 — Learning agriculture through family and on-the-job experience 31:21 — Approaching new challenges without fear of failure 33:17 — The story behind the Dig Drive DIY name 34:14 — Reaching 350,000 subscribers and dealing with imposter syndrome 36:14 — Strong local support from family, friends, and neighbors 37:40 — Community cooperation and volunteerism in small-town life 39:04 — Natural equipment skill and the value of patience 40:46 — Favorite projects, including the Bruno garden tractor and a restored 1979 Ford Bronco 42:40 — Advice for people who want to start a YouTube channel 43:41 — Why AI content may not replace real stories 44:39 — Why creators should not expect to get rich quickly on YouTube 45:40 — How YouTube income works, including AdSense and sponsorships 47:37 — How brand deals come to Neil and why he uses an agent 49:02 — Why newer creators should be realistic about the timeline 49:58 — Closing thoughts and appreciation for positive online content

September 15, 2026Episode 53752 min

537 Karen Schieler Likes Giving

In this episode, we explore the impactful work of Karen Schiller at Compeer, her journey from journalism to agriculture, and the importance of community leadership and giving back in rural America. key topics Karen Schiller's background and transition from journalism to agriculture The role of Compeer in supporting rural communities and agriculture The importance of leadership and volunteerism in rural areas Strategies for effective philanthropy and community investment The impact of small donations and community involvement Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Karen Schiller and her background 01:59 Karen's journey from Chicago suburbs to rural Illinois 03:52 Introduction to Thunderstruck Ag and their products 05:48 Karen's experience with her name and community interactions 09:13 Overview of Compeer and its mission in agriculture 11:03 Rebranding and focus areas of Compeer Giving 12:53 The importance of community involvement and leadership 17:04 Selection process for board members and governance 20:07 Karen's career shift from journalism to agriculture support 22:55 The significance of small donations and community gratitude 27:12 Developing rural leadership and volunteerism 31:54 Recognition and awards in agriculture and community service 35:06 The role of diversity and inclusion in agriculture leadership 40:05 The importance of community events and local engagement 44:12 The impact of touchpoints and personal interactions in agriculture 47:56 Bridging urban and rural understanding in agriculture 52:09 Closing thoughts and future outlooks

September 8, 2026Episode 53656 min

536 Jimmy O'Connor Second Chances

Jimmy O'Connor, founder of the Second Story Foundation, shares his inspiring journey of recovery from severe substance use disorder and how his farm-based program helps others rebuild their lives through work, community, and purpose. key topics The mission of the Second Story Foundation The role of farm work in recovery and resilience Systemic barriers faced by those in early recovery The importance of community and support networks The impact of natural settings on mental health The process of building a sustainable recovery program The significance of self-sufficiency and independence in recovery The role of professional help and peer support in overcoming addiction takeaways Farm-based programs can provide real work experience and build confidence for those in recovery. Long-term sobriety is a daily journey that requires community, purpose, and support. Systemic barriers like unstable housing and unemployment are major hurdles for recovery. Natural settings and farm work have inherent healing properties. Building a sustainable, generational recovery program requires careful planning and stewardship. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jimmy O'Connor and the Second Story Foundation 01:57 The origins of the farm-based recovery program 04:46 How farm work supports resilience and confidence 08:07 Understanding severe substance use disorder 11:02 Barriers to long-term recovery: housing, employment, community 14:53 The structure of the farm's workforce development program 17:46 Building life skills and soft skills through farm work 21:11 The importance of self-sufficiency and independence 24:06 Jimmy's personal journey of sobriety and hope 28:02 The healing power of natural settings and farm life 31:51 Engaging with policymakers and community support 36:02 Passing down values and building a legacy 40:12 Signs of genuine desire to change in someone struggling with addiction 44:04 The importance of professional help and community resources 47:54 Encouragement for those seeking help and hope 52:00 Jimmy's message of love, sacrifice, and service