At The Fence Line

About At The Fence Line

At the Fence Line is where farm management meets real-life conversations. Hosts Sara Chambers and Gavin Betker dive into the big topics shaping agriculture today—from growing and managing farms to tackling human resource challenges on the yard and in the office. With a mix of practical insights, personal experiences, and plenty of laughs along the way, this podcast is designed for anyone looking to strengthen their farm, their team, and their future. Pull up a chair, lean on the fence, and join the conversation.

Publisher

Sara Chambers & Gavin Betker

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Sept 2025

Latest episode

7 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Jul 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 15- Farm Culture

   The conversation delves into the importance of growth and efficiency in farm management, emphasizing the need for strategic decision-making and alignment with the farm's vision and goals. It explores the challenges of rapid growth and the impact on the farm's culture and workforce. The conversation delves into the impact of HR and culture on productivity, the planning for growth and HR structure, professional development and employee retention, investment in culture development, and financial capacity for growth. It emphasizes the importance of HR and culture in driving productivity and the need for strategic planning and investment in professional development and culture to support growth. Takeaways Growth and efficiency are critical for farm management Strategic decision-making is essential for sustainable growth HR and culture impact productivity Planning for growth involves defining success and charting the course Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Growth 10:04 Aligning Growth with Vision and Goals 14:56 Determining the Fit of Growth with Strategy 22:45 Impact of HR and Culture on Productivity 33:55 Financial Capacity for Growth

2. 

   5 May 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 14- Internet Sensation and Farmer Jay Peterson

   The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of modern farming, exploring the pressure to expand, the balance between tradition and modern expectations, and the ethical considerations of farming with integrity. It also touches on the impact of personal comfort on decision-making and the evolving landscape of progressive farming and technology. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing agronomics and success, the evolution of the definition of success, extreme measures taken for success, insights into personal preferences through rapid-fire Q&A, and hopes for the future of agriculture. Takeaways The pressure to constantly expand and look successful in modern farming can lead to challenges in maintaining integrity and tradition. The impact of personal comfort and ethical considerations plays a significant role in decision-making for farmers. Balancing agronomics and financial success is a challenge in farming. Success is defined differently at various stages of life and career. Extreme measures are sometimes taken in pursuit of success. Chapters 00:00 Introductions and Expectations 07:11 Pressure to Look Successful 17:09 The Pressure to Expand 22:59 Ethical Farming and Decision-Making 30:28 Balancing Agronomics and Success 38:22 Rapid Fire Q&A 43:26 Future of Farming

3. 

   21 Apr 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 13- Compensation pt 2

   In this episode, Sara and Gavin continue their discussion on compensation, focusing on the practical framework for building a compensation system. They cover the process of building pay bands, assigning dollar values to pay bands, adjusting pay bands, moving amongst the bands, and retention tools. The conversation provides valuable insights into the strategic and practical aspects of compensation philosophy and system design. The conversation delves into the topics of compensation bands and skill gaps, employee motivation and career growth, bonus and reward structure, and the financial impact of a compensation system. It explores the importance of aligning compensation with skill levels, addressing skill gaps, and motivating employees to grow in their careers. Additionally, it discusses the design and implementation of bonus and reward structures, as well as the financial implications of a well-designed compensation system. Takeaways Compensation Philosophy Building Pay Bands Compensation bands and skill gaps Employee motivation and career growth Bonus and reward structure Financial impact of compensation system Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Compensation Part Two 07:06 Recap of Last Episode and Compensation Philosophy 12:51 Building Pay Bands and Rating Roles 20:06 Adjusting Pay Bands and Inflation Considerations 30:42 Compensation Bands and Skill Gaps 46:23 Financial Impact of Compensation System

4. 

   7 Apr 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 12- Family and Compensation

   The conversation begins with an introduction and setting the stage for the discussion on compensation. It then delves into the philosophy of compensation, emphasizing the strategic HR framework and the importance of aligning compensation with the mission, vision, and values of the farm. Takeaways Compensation Philosophy Strategic HR Framework Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 06:02 The Philosophy of Compensation

5. 

   24 Mar 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 11- Work Life Balance in Agriculture?

   The episode discusses work-life balance from the perspectives of the hosts and their guest, Terry, the CEO of Backswath. The conversation covers personal vacation experiences, the impact of work-life balance on employees, and the disruption of work-life balance due to unexpected events. The hosts emphasize the importance of living company values and creating a supportive culture for employees. The conversation explores the evolving dynamics of work-life balance in the context of farming, with a focus on the changing roles and contributions of the younger generation and women. It also delves into the importance of proper compensation and human resource management in achieving work-life balance. Takeaways Work-life balance is influenced by personal experiences, vacation choices, and the impact of work demands on personal life. Living company values and creating a supportive culture for employees are essential for maintaining work-life balance. Unexpected disruptions can significantly impact work-life balance and require a supportive and understanding approach from employers. Generational Shift in Work-Life Balance Outsourcing and Role Definition Equal Recognition and Compensation for Women Human Resource Management and Compensation Chapters 00:00 Challenges of Work-Life Balance 55:53 Supporting Work-Life Balance: Terry's Perspective

6. 

   10 Mar 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 10- Bears and Benchmarking

   The conversation begins with an introduction and discussion of chaotic times, followed by an encounter with a bear and wildlife vehicle encounters. The conversation then transitions to the topic of benchmarking, covering the preparation for benchmarking, benchmarking against own performance, industry standards and sources, and utilizing industry standards. The conversation delves into the significance of peer groups, favorite ratios for benchmarking, setting goals, the three key alignments, external benchmarking, understanding sample groups, comparing farm performance, practical application of benchmarking, introduction to FarmCaster, and utilizing benchmarking results. The discussion emphasizes the importance of aligning benchmarking with broader business strategies and goals, as well as the need for a comprehensive understanding of sample groups and industry standards. Takeaways Benchmarking against own performance is crucial Industry standards and sources are valuable for benchmarking Peer groups are a powerful platform for financial benchmarking and analysis. Benchmarking should be aligned with broader business strategies and goals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Chaotic Times 09:12 Transition to Benchmarking 14:55 Benchmarking Against Own Performance 20:59 The Power of Peer Groups 26:15 Understanding Sample Groups 33:46 Practical Application of Benchmarking 39:13 Introduction to FarmCaster

7. 

   24 Feb 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 9-Reflecting and Planning for the New Year

   The episode revolves around the strategic planning and management considerations for the holiday season, focusing on training and development, performance reviews, professional development, and recruitment. The hosts emphasize the importance of aligning strategy, finance, and overall management, and provide practical tips for farm business leaders. The conversation covers the strategic planning and financial management aspects of farm operations, emphasizing the importance of professional development, budgeting, and year-end financial analysis. It also highlights the unique challenges and opportunities that farmers face during the winter season. Takeaways Strategic planning for the holiday season involves training and development, performance reviews, professional development, and recruitment. The three key alignments of strategy, finance, and overall management are crucial for farm business success. Professional development as an investment Importance of timely record-keeping and bookkeeping Structured approach to farm management during the winter season Chapters 00:00 Setting Resolutions and Goals 22:27 Professional Development and Budgeting 28:12 Recruitment and Retention Strategies 49:46 The Winter Season: Challenges and Opportunities for Farmers

8. 

   10 Feb 2026

   At The Fence Line: Ep 8-Breaking the Cycle: Moving Beyond Transition Planning Statistics

   The conversation delves into the challenges of industry norms and progress, reflections on conferences and trade shows, and the impact of transition planning on farming. It explores the need for change and deeper discussions in the industry, the value of professional development opportunities, and the importance of transition planning for farm management and ownership. The conversation covers a range of topics related to farm management, professional development, HR planning, and industry concerns. It emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps, investing in professional development, and addressing skills gaps. The discussion also explores the impact of conferences and trade shows, as well as the potential for innovation in risk management. Overall, the conversation encourages proactive decision-making and prioritizing long-term planning for farm success. Takeaways Industry norms and progress Reflections on conferences and trade shows Transition planning and its impact on farming Start now Professional development opportunities Chapters 00:00 Industry Norms and Progress 08:27 Reflections on Conferences and Trade Shows 20:00 Transition Planning and Its Impact on Farming 27:57 Taking the Next Steps in Farm Management 33:30 Making Time for Development 41:41 HR Planning and Development 50:43 Conference and Trade Show Impact

9. 

   16 Dec 2025

   At The Fence Line: Ep 7- Revolutionizing Fertilizer Markets with ClearCost and Keith Busch

   In this episode, Keith Busch, Gavin Betker, and Sara Chambers discuss the innovative ClearCost platform, which aims to revolutionize the fertilizer market by providing transparency and efficiency in pricing and delivery. Keith shares his journey from agriculture to creating ClearCost, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the industry. The conversation covers the benefits of ClearCost for farmers, including price discovery, secure payments, and real-time tracking of deliveries. The episode also touches on the importance of reducing risk in agriculture and the potential for ClearCost to support small communities. TakeawaysClearCost provides transparency in fertilizer pricing and delivery.Keith Busch transitioned from agriculture to tech innovation.Farmers benefit from price discovery and secure payments.Real-time tracking of deliveries enhances efficiency.Reducing risk is crucial for agricultural success.ClearCost supports small communities by improving market access.The platform offers a unique solution in the commodity space.Keith emphasizes the importance of feedback for improvement.ClearCost aims to prevent financial losses for farmers.The episode highlights the potential for tech in agriculture.KeywordsClearCost, fertilizer market, price discovery, secure payments, real-time tracking, agriculture, risk reduction, community support

10. 

    21 Nov 2025

    At The Fence Line: Ep 6- The Future of Farming: Wealth Management With Blake

    Summary This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities faced by next generation farmers in managing wealth and transitioning family farms. The discussion highlights the importance of proactive communication between generations, the role of the Emerging Farm Manager program, and the complexities of modern agricultural finance. Key themes include the distinction between family wealth and farm wealth, the significance of sweat equity, and the increasing risks associated with larger, more complex farming operations. Takeaways Next gen farmers are facing a paradox regarding wealth management. Proactive communication between generations is crucial for successful transitions. The Emerging Farm Manager program equips young farmers with essential skills. Sweat equity is valuable but needs to be understood in context. Family wealth management is as important as farm wealth management. The complexity of farming has increased, requiring more strategic planning. Risk management is critical in modern farming operations. Understanding the motivations behind farming is essential for future success. Next gen farmers are eager to learn and share experiences. The conversation around wealth in farming is evolving. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues 02:57 Transitioning Wealth in Farming 05:43 Emerging Farm Manager Program 08:20 Next Gen Farmers and Wealth Management 11:05 Sweat Equity and Its Implications 14:02 Family Wealth vs. Farm Wealth 17:18 Complexity and Risk in Modern Farming 20:05 The Importance of Communication in Transition 22:43 Future Considerations for Farm Families 25:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Keywords farming, wealth management, next generation farmers, family wealth, farm transition, sweat equity, agricultural finance, Emerging Farm Manager program, risk management, agricultural business

11. 

    7 Nov 2025

    At the Fence Line: Ep 5- The Key to Liquidity Management

    Summary In this episode, Sara and Gavin discuss the importance of financial management in farming, focusing on liquidity management, financial ratios, and strategies for resilience. They address feedback from listeners, explore the cycles of liquidity, and provide insights on diversification and investment decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to financial management to ensure long-term success in agricultural operations. Takeaways Financial management is crucial for both personal and professional contexts. Liquidity management can create cycles of good and bad financial health. Understanding financial ratios is essential for assessing liquidity. Selling unproductive assets can help improve cash flow. A good liquidity position allows for better decision-making in farming. Diversification should be approached with careful financial planning. Profitability is the only sustainable long-term source of cash. Financial strategies should align with overall business goals. Monitoring financial performance regularly is key to success. Investing in financial knowledge can enhance farm management. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Feedback Implementation 04:17 Understanding Financial Management 09:00 Liquidity Management Explained 19:04 The Importance of Financial Ratios 23:40 Cycles of Liquidity Management 26:46 Strategies for Improving Liquidity 27:11 Exploring Liquidity and Cash Management 28:41 Strategies for Improving Cash Flow 30:38 Long-Term Planning for Liquidity 32:42 Strategic Cash Management in Good Years 37:42 Creating a Reinvestment Plan 42:25 Adapting to Rising Land Costs 47:42 Diversification and Investment Decisions

12. 

    24 Oct 2025

    At the Fence Line: Ep 4 Navigating the Future of Farming with Terry Betker

    Summary In this episode of At the Fence Line, hosts Sara Chambers and Gavin Betker interview Terry Betker, a prominent figure in agriculture and founder of Backswath. The conversation covers Terry's journey in farming, the importance of management in agriculture, and the evolving dynamics of farm advisory relationships. Terry shares insights on the future of farm management, emphasizing the need for better risk management and the significance of human resources in farming. He reflects on defining moments in his career, highlighting the trust built with clients and the impact of effective management practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Terry Beck and Backswath 11:39 The Importance of Management in Farming 23:24 Advisory Relationships and Personal Experiences 35:15 Future of Farm Management 49:27 Defining Moments in Terry's Career 56:23 NEWCHAPTER

13. 

    10 Oct 2025

    At the Fence Line: Ep 3- Starting the Conversation

    In this episode, we get a call in looking for a little more clarity on starting the hard conversations on the farm. We go over how to start, how to prepare, and even some helpful tips for making those hard conversations just a little bit easier. Remember, if you have any comments on our podcast, or just want to say hi, reach out to us on our socials, or through any of our other channels.

14. 

    26 Sept 2025

    At the Fence Line: Ep 2- Communicating about Communication

    In this Episode, Sara and Gavin chat about how to have the hard conversation- about communicating. From how To's to helpful tips to remember during conversations, there is sure to be something useful you can use on your farm in the episode.

15. 

    12 Sept 2025

    At the Fence Line: Ep 1- Get to Know Us!

    Episode 1- Meet Gavin and Sara Welcome to at the Fence Line! In this kickoff conversation, Gavin and Sara open up about who they are, sharing both personal stories and professional experiences that shaped their journeys in agriculture and beyond. You'll get a glimpse of their personalities, hear about their go-to karaoke songs, and maybe a few guilty pleasures... Whether you're here for the farm talk, or just good company, we are glad you could join us!

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Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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