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In today’s episode of Patio Pondering, I’m joined by Tracey Snider, an agricultural leader whose career path has taken her from life on the Ranch to helping farmers and food companies connect more meaningfully with innovation and opportunity.

Tracey shares how her early experiences raising livestock and working the land sparked a passion for communication, sustainability, and farmer-first solutions. We dive into her critical leadership role during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she helped farmers and partners stay informed and connected during one of the most turbulent periods in modern agriculture.

Our conversation also winds through some surprising places: boutique ice cream flavors, the economics of “bougie” backyard chickens, Tracey’s adventures in Ag and Consumer marketing, and how life experiences outside the traditional ag path shaped her leadership approach.

We explore the growing role of AI in agriculture and communication, featuring insights from thought leaders like Vance Crowe, and reflect on how technology can either bridge or widen the gap between farmers and the public if we're not careful. In one of our most thought-provoking moments, we discuss how history—and agriculture—might have been different if pioneers like George Washington Carver had lived and worked in a post–civil rights world.

We close the episode by diving into something deeply important: the need to reinvigorate mentorship in agriculture, passing along not just knowledge, but wisdom, encouragement, and resilience to the next generation.

Of course, we round out the episode with our Five Signature Questions, where Tracey shares her favorite ag innovations, her dream coffee date from ag history, and the small changes she believes could spark big ripples across the future of food and farming.

Whether you're deep in agriculture, raising a backyard flock, exploring new food trends, or just enjoy a thoughtful conversation with a few quirky twists, this episode will leave you with plenty to ponder—and maybe even a second helping of ice cream.

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In this special episode of Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim shares his personal story of overcoming career loss, finding new purpose, and building a new life after a job setback — all recorded from the patio where it began.

Reflecting on the end of Holy Week and the passing of Pope Francis, Jim explores how quiet moments of solitude helped him navigate the aftermath of losing his 12-year career in swine nutrition. He shares how starting Patio Ponderings became a path toward personal growth, writing, podcasting, and even publishing an essay in a local newspaper.

Jim also discusses the surprising role artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT played in enhancing his writing process, helping him "riff" like a jazz musician to find his authentic voice.

Whether you're navigating your own career transition, starting over, or searching for inspiration after life's unexpected turns, this episode offers hope, reflection, and a reminder that sometimes all you need is a quiet place to begin again.

Thanks for joining us on the patio. Until next time, keep pondering.

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Karen Corrigan joins Patio Ponderings to talk agronomy, opportunity, and saying "yes" to success—plus a few laughs with friends along the way.

In this episode of Patio Ponderings, Jim Smith sits down with Karen Corrigan, Certified Crop Adviser, educator, and co-owner of McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics. Karen shares her journey from Illinois farm country to becoming one of the clearest and most practical voices in independent agronomy today.

We dig into why getting the basics right—like managing soil pH and real weed control—is more important than chasing shiny new solutions. Karen offers straight talk about balancing science and intuition, the communication gaps she sees in modern agriculture, and how working independently has shaped her perspective.

Karen also shares how her willingness to say "yes" to opportunities—both big and small—has played a key role in her success, much like Corey Hillebo described during Episode 24. It's a powerful reminder of how openness can shape a career in unexpected and rewarding ways.

Along the way, we also bring up several mutual friends and colleagues who have impacted our journeys, including Corey Hillebo, Paul Butler, Angie Setzer, Jen Campbell, and the Hippie Farmer. Their names come up naturally as we reflect on the importance of community, authenticity, and shared experience in agriculture.

Stick around to hear Karen tackle our signature five questions, where she shares personal lessons, favorite tools, and what gives her hope for the future of farming.

Connect with Karen:
Follow her on Twitter @weedgirl24 and learn more about her consulting work at McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics.

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