Today's Ag

Hosted by Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management

Business ManagementInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

This monthly podcast takes a look at everything and anything related to the world of Ag. with an variety of guests on topics ranging from farm management to the current market trends in farm real estate.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 4, 2026Episode 836 min

Value the Land, Then Find the Capital to Grow

Farmland values keep climbing, and for many operators the hardest part of expansion isn't finding the ground, it's finding the money to buy it. In this episode, host Howard Halderman sits down with Ben Gordon, CEO of Fractal Ag, a farmland investment platform built to help farmers access capital without giving up control of their land. Ben Gordon is the co-founder and CEO of Fractal Ag, a farmland investment platform that brings investors alongside farmers to help fund farm businesses and drive returns. Rather than competing with farmers to buy land, the company invests alongside farmers by taking a passive stake in their current farmland, with farmers receiving needed capital while maintaining full control of their land. Howard and Ben dig into what's driving today's land values, how equity partnerships differ from traditional debt, and what growers should be doing now to line up capital before the right farm hits the market. If you've ever penciled out what you'd do if the farm across the road came up for sale, this conversation is for you.

August 21, 2026Episode 733 min

The Farm That Time Remembered — with Larry Smith

Welcome to Today's Ag. I'm Howard Halderman. Most people in this business talk about preserving agricultural heritage. Today's guest lives inside it. Larry Smith is a Halderman area representative in northeast Indiana — and when he goes home at night, he pulls up to a brick farmhouse that has been standing since 1860. Three owners in 165 years. Four Belgian draft horses. And harness hooks still on the wall right where they were put. Today Larry and I talk about what that kind of continuity means, and how it shapes the way he serves landowners every day.

July 25, 2026Episode 628 min

From the Field to the Classroom and Back — Emily Recker's Journey With the Halderman Companies

Welcome to the Halderman Podcast. I'm Howard Halderman, President and CEO of the Halderman Companies, and today I have a guest that I'm genuinely excited to sit down with. Emily Recker has spent this summer with us as an intern here at the Halderman Companies, and I can tell you — she has made an impression. Emily is heading into her senior year at Purdue University, one of the top agriculture programs in the country, and she's been getting a firsthand look at what it means to work in farm management and real estate from the inside. This summer Emily has been working alongside some of our best — Michael and Dave Bonnell down in the Columbus and Hope area, and Todd Litten over in Ellettsville. That's a lot of ground covered, literally and figuratively. Those are experienced farm managers who know the markets and spending a summer learning from that group is about as good an education as you can get outside of a classroom. What I find especially compelling about Emily is where her sights are set after graduation in the spring of 2027. She's got her eye on the appraisal side of this business — and that's one of the most demanding and rewarding paths you can take in agricultural real estate. It takes deep knowledge of soils, markets, and methodology, and a genuine feel for the land. We think Emily has what it takes. Today we're going to talk about her summer, what she's carrying back to West Lafayette for that final year at Purdue, and what the road toward an appraiser's license looks like for a young professional just getting started.

June 27, 2026Episode 625 min

Growing Up 4-H

In this episode, host Howard Halderman heads to the Miami County Fair to sit down with two longtime 4-H members, Chloe Jordan and Levi Merritt. Chloe and Levi share the stories behind their projects, the lessons they've carried with them through the years, and what 4-H has meant to their personal growth. From the show ring to the fairgrounds, this conversation is a reminder of why programs like 4-H remain such a cornerstone of rural communities and agricultural life. Whether you're a 4-H alumni, a current member, or simply someone who loves the fair, this one's worth a listen.

May 27, 2026Episode 532 min

The ASFMRA, the AFM, and the Work Behind the Letters

Josh Wagenbach and Joe Halderman join host Howard Halderman to discuss their newly earned Accredited Farm Manager designation from the ASFMRA and what it means for their careers in farm management.

April 27, 2026Episode 426 min

Review of ASFRMA?

Josh Wagenbach joins our host, Robert McNamara, to share insights from the recent ASFMRA conference in Clearwater, FL. They delve into how this organization not only enhances education but also significantly boosts networking opportunities for managers, empowering them to excel in their roles.

March 27, 2026Episode 31 hr 10 min

Is Your Property Achieving Its Highest & Best Use?

Join us for an informative webinar exploring the concept of highest and best use in today’s evolving land market. We’ll break down what highest and best use truly means and how it influences value, strategy, and long-term decision-making. Attendees will gain insight into the key factors professionals evaluate when determining how a property can reach its full potential. From market trends and physical characteristics to legal and financial considerations, we’ll cover the critical components that shape sound recommendations. Whether you’re planning ahead or simply seeking a deeper understanding of valuation principles, this session will provide practical knowledge you can apply with confidence. Come prepared to think strategically and walk away with a clearer perspective on how informed analysis drives stronger outcomes.

February 27, 2026Episode 21 hr 14 min

Revisit The Maximizing Your Farmland Series Webinar - September 25

Our host, Robert McNamara, revisits our latest webinar - Maybe your farm ground is fantastic, or maybe you own just plain average soil. Regardless, proper soil management can maximize your financial return. Unfortunately, too many landowners and farmers treat their soil like dirt. That’s why you need to tune into this informative and interactive webinar to help you maximize your investment. Soil specialist Abby Horlacher will join Howard and Damian to help you dial in your inner agronomist. She’ll explain soil analysis, break down soil samples, and provide you with the information you need to improve the valuable asset under your feet. Now sit back and enjoy!

January 27, 2026Episode 120 min

How's 2026 shaping up?

How are things looking for 2026? Our agricultural expert, Robert McNamara, recently had an insightful discussion with Pat Karst on the latest news from land prices, lenders, and farm show conversations. Listen now to our latest episode of Today’s Ag to hear all the details and stay informed!

December 27, 2025Episode 131 hr 21 min

Maximizing Your Farmland Series - December 25

Join us for a comprehensive webinar exploring how to maximize the value and productivity of your forested property. Joining us is the Director of the IDNR Division of Forestry to discuss what effective, sustainable management looks like and how landowners can confidently navigate timber sales. We’ll cover how often a harvest can be conducted, current timber market values, and how to evaluate both your standing trees and overall wooded acres, including comparisons to cropland and considerations for new timberland investments. Attendees will also learn about government forestry programs, CRP tree-planting opportunities, and strategies for managing disease and insect risks. If you're interested in wooded properties or want to learn more to maximize your existing woodlands - you don't want to miss this!