Hay Kings
Business & Finance
About
Want to reconnect to agriculture? Just starting a farm? Been farming awhile? Come with us as we explore what a modern farmer is.
Episodes
- Hay Kings: Policy Parity & The 95% Succession with Mike Stefan (Episode 107)
Is the hay industry better off as a "free market microcosm," or does the lack of ARC/PLC support put producers at a disadvantage? Jon Paul Driver sits down with Mike and Ryan Stefan of Stefan Hay Company for a candid look at policy parity…
- Hay Kings: The Domestic Pivot & The Consistency Challenge (Episode 106)
With the export market cooling off, hay is staying home—but are producers ready for the domestic shift? Jon Paul Driver welcomes back Cosmos Fitzpatrick for a boots-on-the-ground look at the 2026 domestic hay landscape. From the "Yellowsto…
- Hay Kings: Intellectual Honesty - Navigating the 2026 Market Reset (Episode 105)
🎧 Episode 105: The $600 Million Inventory Bloodbath Jon Paul Driver sits down with Scott Courtright of Courtright Enterprises for a brutally honest assessment of the hay export crisis. They move past the surface-level talk to provide the…
- Hay Kings: East Coast Dynamics – OCD, Logistics, and Market Maturity with Stefan Hay Company (S9:E4)
A multi-generational farm survival story isn’t just about hard work—it’s about market evolution. On the Hay Kings podcast, Mike Stefan of Stefan Hay Company joins Jon Paul Driver to explain how he transitioned from a school teacher to a pr…
- Hay Kings: Hay Exports - Reckoning and Renewal (S9:E3)
The Anderson Chapter 11 filing isn’t an isolated failure—it’s a signal. On the Hay Kings podcast, Don Schilling explains why years of distorted market signals, excess press capacity, and non-profit-driven capital reshaped the hay export in…
- Hay Kings: HayCon to Hay Exports (S9:E2)
🎧 Episode 102 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite app Jon Paul Driver sits down with Jesse Bounds to talk about what’s next for the hay industry — from HayCon 2025 in Las Vegas to pivoting t…
- Hay Kings: 10 Reasons Not to Make Hay (S9:E1)
🎧 Episode 101 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app Making hay isn’t always the best decision. Dr. Carson Roberts, Assistant Professor and Forage Specialist at the University of Missouri, j…
- Hay Kings: Growing Up Hay Kings (100th Episode) (S8:E12)
🎧 Episode 100 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app The Hay Kings Podcast hits a major milestone — 100 episodes! To celebrate, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by his niece, Avery Rowe, for a…
- Hay Kings: Turning a Wet Start Into a Winning Forage Season (S8:E11)
🎧 Episode 99 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, forage consultant Daniel Olson joins host Jon Paul Driver to dissect the fallout from a disastro…
- Hay Kings: Beating Alfalfa Weevil (S8:E10)
🎧 Episode 98 of the Hay Kings Podcast 📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite podcast app Alfalfa weevils are turning into a high-stakes pest—and pyrethroid resistance is making the problem worse. In this episode, we sit down wi…
- Hay Kings: Logistics, Time, and the Future of Agricultural Exports (Part 2) (S8:E9)
In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by logistics veteran Eric Wright of Portland Container. Together, they unpack the rhythm of global container flow, the hidden costs of just-in-time supply chains, and…
- Hay Kings: Logistics, Time, and the Future of Agricultural Exports (S8:E8)
In this episode of Hay Kings , host Jon Paul Driver is joined by Eric Wright of Portland Container to break down the complex world of logistics and how it affects hay and agricultural exports. From container shortages and tariff risks to t…
- Hay Kings: Baling the Hard Stuff (S8:E7)
What do you do when your hay gets so sugary it turns to concrete inside the baler? Stefan Hollmann joins host Jon Paul Driver to talk about high-sugar hay challenges, frost-damaged canola, and why chamber liners are a must in South Austral…
- Hay Kings: 100,000 Bales Later (S8:E6)
On this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, host Jon Paul Driver sits down with Stefan Hollmann, a seasoned baler operator who took his skills from a family farm in Germany to the demanding fields of South Australia. Stefan shares his master…
- Hay Kings: Hay Markets, Hard Truths, and How to Adapt (S8:E5)
In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, Jon Paul Driver sits down with Mark Mendez of MMT Ag to explore the evolution of California’s hay market and the challenges facing dairies and forage producers. From falling demand to rising labor…
- Hay Kings: The Battle for Better Alfalfa (Part 2) (S8:E5)
Join host Jon Paul Driver with special guests Jeff Jackson and Leta Larsen from Croplan for an enlightening discussion on the cutting edge of forage technology! 🚜💡 🔍 In this episode, we dive deep into why yield mapping is essential for…
- Hay Kings: The Battle for Better Alfalfa (Part 1) (S8:E4)
Dive into "The Battle for Better Alfalfa," where experts Jeff and Leta from Croplan unveil strategies to conquer alfalfa yield challenges. This episode explores the urgent need for yield mapping and innovative farming techniques transformi…
- Hay Kings: Double Time with TJ Steele (S8:E3)
🚜🌾 Exciting News from Hay Kings Podcast! 🎧 Join us on the latest Hay Kings episode featuring TJ Steele, a trailblazer in hay equipment innovation. TJ shares insights from his journey of enhancing hay production tools and introduces the…
- Hay Kings: Steering Toward the Future (S8:E2)
In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, Jon Paul is joined by Joey Koebelen of Deep Sand Technology to discuss the revolutionary impact of GPS technology on agriculture. They delve into how these systems can modernize old farm equipment,…
- Hay Kings: The Art of Custom Harvesting with Rob Boyle (S8:E1)
Join us on the Hay Kings Podcast as we delve into the expertise of Rob Boyle from Rock House Farms, who shares his experience in custom hay baling over 3,500 acres in Coolidge, Arizona. In this episode, Rob discusses the challenges of wate…
- Hay Kings: Preserving Success (S7:E11)
Join the Hay Kings Podcast with Dave Spengler, VP of Research at Agri King, who brings over 36 years of experience in livestock nutrition. This episode dives into the essentials of hay preservatives and silage inoculants, offering key insi…
- Hay Kings: Conditioning Success (S7:E10)
In this Hay Kings podcast, host Jon Paul and guest Dan Ostrander from BD Rollers discuss using BD Rollers on Jon Paul's swather. They cover the installation challenges with older equipment, the improvements in hay conditioning, and the imp…
- Hay Kings: Cover Your Assets (S7:E9)
In this Hay Kings episode, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by Nathan Beus and David Cannon of Sloan Levitt Insurance to unpack property and casualty insurance for hay producers. With deep agricultural expertise, they cover asset lists, stac…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Baling Banter with Jon & Jeff (S7:E8)
Join Jon Paul and Jeff Jackson as they swap stories and tips on haymaking. From equipment essentials to hilarious mishaps, get the lowdown on the tools and tales of the trade in this fun-filled episode. Whether you're a farming pro or just…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Fall Seeding Alfalfa (S7:E7)
In this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast, Jeff Jackson dives into the critical strategies for successful late-season alfalfa planting. With unpredictable weather and time running out, Jeff emphasizes the importance of planning ahead to ens…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Fiber Digestability (S7:E6)
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Hay Kings Podcast! Today, we're joined by Dr. Dan Putman from UC Davis, a leading expert in forage science. In this episode, Dr. Putman delves into the critical topic of fiber digestibility in f…
- Hay Kings Podcast: The Warm Season Grass Guide (S7:E5)
Join us for an engaging episode of the Hay Kings Podcast featuring agronomy expert Jeffery Jackson, as we delve into planting warm season grasses. Jeffery provides essential tips on seed selection, soil preparation, and planting techniques…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Hooked on Quality Feed (S7:E4)
Explore high-quality forage harvesting with expert farmer Dan Funke. Dan shares his process using state-of-the-art Krone equipment to ensure top forage for his livestock. Learn techniques, equipment benefits, and challenges in producing su…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Seeds of Success (S7:E3)
Jeffery Jackson returns the Hay Kings Podcast for another enlightening discussion about alfalfa. This time, he shares his expertise on selecting the right variety of alfalfa seeds and also delves into the crucial aspect of proper managemen…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Alfalfa Planting Strategies (S7:E2)
Whether you're a seasoned farmer looking to optimize your alfalfa planting process or a newcomer eager to learn the ropes, this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast is packed with valuable insights to help you achieve your goals. Jeffery Jacks…
- Hay Kings Podcast: The Crusher (S7:E1)
In this episode of the Hay Kings podcast, the spotlight shines on BD Rollers, a company renowned for its innovative agricultural solutions. The discussion delves into their groundbreaking roller technology, which has transformed hay produc…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Gear Up with Messick's (S6:E15)
Neil Messick joins the Hay Kings Podcast to discuss machinery. Find out how higher interest rates drive demand, sales prices, and equipment promotions. Jon Paul and Neil discuss the fate of older hay equipment, trends in the hay industry,…
- Hay Kings Podcast: 46 Year Old Silage!?! (S6:E14)
Neville Janke shares a tale from his father's 1944 diary about creating a silage pit when feed crops were abundant. Buried 4 feet deep, this silage remained untouched for 46 years until Nev unearthed it in 1990. Remarkably, the silage, sti…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Market Analytics (S6:E13)
High interest rates got you down? On this episode of the Hay Kings podcast, Jesse Bounds and Jon Paul talk about hay market dynamics. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast.
- Hay Kings Podcast: Building Better Farms (S6:E12)
Jesse Bounds is back on the Hay Kings podcast! Jesse discusses his plans for 2024 and how he manages a $30 million dollar hay operation. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast.
- Hay Kings Podcast: Strong but Volatile (S6:E11)
Brian Fiorini joins the Hay Kings podcast to talk about his custom harvest operation in the Central Valley of California. With tens of thousands of acres under his belt, Brian has seen a thing or two. Listen to hear how Brian got his start…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Seed Shortages?!? (S6:E10)
Join the Hay Kings podcast to hear about seed shortages for 2024. Industry expert Jeff Jackson talks about alfalfa and warm season grass seed supply. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer- your expert i…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Back From Australia Part 3 (S6:E9)
Jon Paul and James Williamson finish their conversation about Jon Paul's recent trip to Australia. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer- your expert in hay and forage equipment. To learn more about Ver…
- Hay Kings Podcast: The Greatest Hay Expo (S6:E8)
Join us at the Northwest Hay Expo January 17-18 2024! Andrew Eddie, President of the Washington State Hay Growers Association, discusses everything that will be happening at the Northwest Hay Expo. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Ki…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Vermeer’s Feeding Solution Lineup (S6:E7)
Jordan Schuler, Forage Territory Manager with Vermeer Corporation in Griswold, IA is here with us today. Hear Jordan speak about Vermeer's Feeding Solution lineup. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer-…
- Hay Kings Podcast: 500 Acres a Day!?! (S6:E6)
Bigger is less expensive. Join TJ Steele on the Hay Kings Podcast as he talks about efficiencies gained by thinking big. Check out past episodes with TJ! Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer- your expe…
- Hay Kings: Back From Australia Part 2 (S6:E5)
Jon Paul and James Williamson continue their conversation about Jon Paul's recent trip to Australia. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer- your expert in hay and forage equipment. To learn more about V…
- Hay Kings Podcast: TempSense™ (S6:E4)
Bart Elder, Vermeer Forage Product Manager and Peter Horne, Vermeer Project Engineer join the Hay Kings Podcast to discuss Vermeer's new innovation on their ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler. TempSense™, monitors bearing temperatures while ale…
- Hay Kings: Back From Australia Part 1 (S6:E3)
The roles are reversed on this episode of the Hay Kings Podcast. James Williamson interviews Jon Paul about his trip to Australia. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer- your expert in hay and forage eq…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Cultivating Prosperity (S6:E2)
Welcome to the Hay Kings Podcast. Join us as we explore the art and science of farm financial management, sharing invaluable insights, strategies, and success stories from the Hay Kings themselves. Whether you're a seasoned farmer looking…
- Hay Kings: 2023 Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium (S6:E1)
Looking for a hay vacation? Join Dr. Dan Putman and Dr. Matt Yost as they talk about the upcoming Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium in Reno, Nevada. The 2023 Western Alfalfa & Forage Symposium will be held on December 12-14, 2023, at the…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Self-Propelled Round Baler (S5:E8)
Nick Jorgensen, with Jorgensen Land & Cattle in Ideal, South Dakota is here with us today. Hear Nick speak about the bells and whistles of the ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Learn more…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Pairing the Right Equipment (S5:E7)
Hear Vermeer’s forage product managers, Bart Elder and Shawn Wang at Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa speak about what is the right fit for your operation when it comes to pairing equipment. Learn more —on this episode of the Hay Kings p…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Flipping Bales Part II (S5:E6)
Cosmos Fitzpatrick joins the podcast again to discuss bale size and what matters to customers. Learn more - on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer- your expert in hay and forage equipment. To learn more about Vermee…
- Hay Kings Podcast: Flipping Bales (S5:E5)
Cosmos Fitzpatrick moves hay all over North America. "You have to understand from your customer what their standards are." Learn more - on this episode of the Hay Kings podcast. Sponsored by Vermeer- your expert in hay and forage equipment…