In this episode of the Growing the Future Podcast, Dan sits down with a prairie-based entrepreneur and investor helping unlock a new wave of ag-tech innovation across Western Canada.The conversation spans angel investing, Startup TNT, and the roots of prairie innovation — from early farm accounting software and fertilizer exits to today’s venture-backed ag-tech startups. Along the way, we dig into a powerful idea: agriculture doesn’t just need better technology, it needs farmers back in the innovation value chain as owners, not just test pilots.This episode also reflects on the Yorkton Harvest Showdown Ag Tech Pitch, where Dan and his guest recently connected with emerging founders — several of whom will be featured in upcoming episodes.If you’re a farmer, founder, investor, or someone curious about how ag-tech actually gets built and funded, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at capital, community, and purpose-driven investing.<h2>Key Topics / Bullets (Optional but recommended)</h2>Angel investing in agricultureStartup TNT and prairie startup ecosystemsThe legacy of AgExpert and early ag innovationWhy farmers are losing equity in the value chainPurpose, responsibility, and investing in communityHow ag-tech startups actually get fundedStartup TNT: <a href="https://www.startuptnt.com/">https://www.startuptnt.com</a>Growing the Future Podcast: <a href="https://www.growingthefuturepodcast.ca/">https://www.growingthefuturepodcast.ca</a>
Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of the &lt;i&gt;Growing the Future Podcast&lt;/i&gt;, Dan sits down with a prairie-based entrepreneur and investor helping unlock a new wave of ag-tech innovation across Western Canada.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The conversation spans angel investing, Startup TNT, and the roots of prairie innovation — from early farm accounting software and fertilizer exits to today’s venture-backed ag-tech startups. Along the way, we dig into a powerful idea: agriculture doesn’t just need better technology, it needs farmers back in the innovation value chain as owners, not just test pilots.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This episode also reflects on the Yorkton Harvest Showdown Ag Tech Pitch, where Dan and his guest recently connected with emerging founders — several of whom will be featured in upcoming episodes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you’re a farmer, founder, investor, or someone curious about how ag-tech actually gets built and funded, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at capital, community, and purpose-driven investing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Topics / Bullets (Optional but recommended)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Angel investing in agriculture&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Startup TNT and prairie startup ecosystems&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The legacy of AgExpert and early ag innovation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why farmers are losing equity in the value chain&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purpose, responsibility, and investing in community&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How ag-tech startups actually get funded&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Startup TNT: &lt;a href="https://www.startuptnt.com/"&gt;https://www.startuptnt.com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Growing the Future Podcast: &lt;a href="https://www.growingthefuturepodcast.ca/"&gt;https://www.growingthefuturepodcast.ca&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What happens when farmers, founders, and angel investors start building the future together? In this episode, we explore ag-tech, angel investing, and why agriculture needs more ownership in the innovation economy.

Angels in Agriculture: Funding the Future of Farming

In this conversation, Dan Aberhart introduces the upcoming Convergence Conference, now in its third year and happening February 3–5, 2026 in Regina. The banquet keynote speaker is Matt Havens — a leadership and generational expert with a background in corporate strategy and a knack for comedy.Dan and Matt dive into the challenges of modern farm businesses, from information overload to multi‑generational dynamics. They discuss why simplicity beats burnout and how prioritizing what really matters can help cut through the noise. Matt shares how humor makes tough conversations easier and why we often have more in common across generations than we think. They also touch on the unique challenges of family farms — being hard on family, managing multiple age groups on one yard, and the importance of empathy.The episode offers a taste of what Matt will deliver at Convergence 2026 and underscores why his message is right on point for anyone in agriculture. Tune in to hear practical ideas for leading with intention, building culture, and making space for real progress.
Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this conversation, Dan Aberhart introduces the upcoming Convergence Conference, now in its third year and happening February 3–5, 2026 in Regina. The banquet keynote speaker is Matt Havens — a leadership and generational expert with a background in corporate strategy and a knack for comedy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dan and Matt dive into the challenges of modern farm businesses, from information overload to multi‑generational dynamics. They discuss why simplicity beats burnout and how prioritizing what really matters can help cut through the noise. Matt shares how humor makes tough conversations easier and why we often have more in common across generations than we think. They also touch on the unique challenges of family farms — being hard on family, managing multiple age groups on one yard, and the importance of empathy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The episode offers a taste of what Matt will deliver at Convergence 2026 and underscores why his message is right on point for anyone in agriculture. Tune in to hear practical ideas for leading with intention, building culture, and making space for real progress.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

This episode previews the return of the Convergence Conference, taking place February 3–5, 2026 in Regina. Dan Aberhart sits down with keynote speaker Matt Havens, a former Fortune 50 executive turned leadership expert, to talk about how humor, clarity, and multi‑generational collaboration can help farmers thrive. They explore how simplifying complexity beats burnout and why bridging generations is key to the future of agriculture.

Countdown to Convergence Conference: Matt Havens Keynote

In this episode of Growing the Future Productions, we explore what it means to go from Chaos Commander to CEO with Tim Schaefer, founder of Encore Consulting. Tim has over 20 years of experience helping farm families professionalize their operations, strengthen leadership, and prepare the next generation to succeed.In this episode:The difference between managing chaos and leading a businessHow to let go of control without losing your edgeWhat it takes to professionalize your farm operationHow to build systems and people that work without youWhy clarity and communication create freedomWhether you’re stuck in the middle of harvest madness or planning your next growth phase, this episode will give you perspective, calm, and a plan for leading your farm like a business.Brought to you by: Aberhart Ag Solutions and <a href="https://www.gripp.ag/partner/aberhart">GRIPP</a> — the accountability app built for farms. Try GRIPP risk-free for 90 days at gripp.ag/partner/aberhart🎙 Host: Dan Aberhart 🎙 Co-Host: Nicole Dube 👤 Guest: Tim Schaefer, Encore Consulting 🌾 Growing the Future Productions – Innovate. Collaborate. Transform.
Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this episode of &lt;i&gt;Growing the Future Productions&lt;/i&gt;, we explore what it means to go from &lt;i&gt;Chaos Commander to CEO&lt;/i&gt; with &lt;strong&gt;Tim Schaefer&lt;/strong&gt;, founder of &lt;strong&gt;Encore Consulting&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;Tim has over 20 years of experience helping farm families professionalize their operations, strengthen leadership, and prepare the next generation to succeed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In this episode:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The difference between managing chaos and leading a business&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How to let go of control without losing your edge&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What it takes to professionalize your farm operation&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How to build systems and people that work without you&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why clarity and communication create freedom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether you’re stuck in the middle of harvest madness or planning your next growth phase, this episode will give you perspective, calm, and a plan for leading your farm like a business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Brought to you by:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Aberhart Ag Solutions and &lt;a href="https://www.gripp.ag/partner/aberhart"&gt;GRIPP&lt;/a&gt; — the accountability app built for farms.&lt;br /&gt;Try GRIPP &lt;strong&gt;risk-free for 90 days&lt;/strong&gt; at &lt;strong&gt;gripp.ag/partner/aberhart&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🎙 &lt;strong&gt;Host:&lt;/strong&gt; Dan Aberhart&lt;br /&gt;🎙 &lt;strong&gt;Co-Host:&lt;/strong&gt; Nicole Dube&lt;br /&gt;👤 &lt;strong&gt;Guest:&lt;/strong&gt; Tim Schaefer, Encore Consulting&lt;br /&gt;🌾 &lt;i&gt;Growing the Future Productions – Innovate. Collaborate. Transform.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

If you’ve ever felt like your farm is running you instead of the other way around, this episode will hit home.
Dan Aberhart and Nicole Dube sit down with Tim Schaefer from Encore Consulting to talk about what it takes to move from firefighting to future building — and how to finally step into the CEO role on your farm.
Tim shares hard-earned lessons from working with hundreds of producers on leadership, structure, and legacy. From managing chaos to building clarity, this conversation digs into the mindset and systems that turn good farms into great businesses.

S7E16 Chaos Commander to CEO with Tim Schaeffer

Welcome back to Season 7, Episode 15 of the Growing the Future Podcast with Dan Aberhart and Nicole Dubé—coming to you from our brand-new studio!In this episode, we take you inside the Growing the Future Mastermind, featuring soil scientist Greg Patterson, founder of A&L Laboratories Canada. Together, we dig into advanced soil science concepts that can transform how you farm:Why cation exchange capacity (CEC) is the key to understanding nutrient availability.How base saturation makes soil chemistry actionable for real-world farming.Why the balance of calcium, magnesium, and potassium drives energy production and yield stability.This is just a taste of what happens inside the Mastermind—a place where producers, agronomists, and ag entrepreneurs come together to learn what’s really working in the field.👉 Want access to the full sessions, transcripts, and community? Join the Growing the Future Mastermind today.🔗 Join the Mastermind here https://www.skool.com/gtfmastermind/about?ref=ea63befe7e934417a3e7ebb42bb2080c
Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

<description>&lt;p&gt;Welcome back to Season 7, Episode 15 of the Growing the Future Podcast with Dan Aberhart and Nicole Dubé—coming to you from our brand-new studio!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this episode, we take you inside the Growing the Future Mastermind, featuring soil scientist Greg Patterson, founder of A&amp;L Laboratories Canada. Together, we dig into advanced soil science concepts that can transform how you farm:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why cation exchange capacity (CEC) is the key to understanding nutrient availability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How base saturation makes soil chemistry actionable for real-world farming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why the balance of calcium, magnesium, and potassium drives energy production and yield stability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This is just a taste of what happens inside the Mastermind—a place where producers, agronomists, and ag entrepreneurs come together to learn what’s really working in the field.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;👉 Want access to the full sessions, transcripts, and community? Join the Growing the Future Mastermind today.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;🔗 Join the Mastermind here https://www.skool.com/gtfmastermind/about?ref=ea63befe7e934417a3e7ebb42bb2080c&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Dan and Nicole share highlights from the Growing the Future Mastermind with soil scientist Greg Patterson. Learn why CEC, base saturation, and cation balance are the keys to smarter fertility and healthier soils.

Cracking the Code on Coefficient of Diffusion

<h3>In This Episode:</h3>Why digital scouting tools are becoming a game-changer for producersHow Agscouter streamlines reporting between agronomists, farmers, and retailersThe top frustrations farmers have with ag-tech (and how to fix them)Where tech fits — and where it fails — in real-world decision-makingExclusive insights from farmers on what they actually want from innovators<h3>Featured Guests & Panelists:</h3>Jill & Kara (Agscouter Co-Founders) — sharing the vision and roadmapCherilyn Jolly-Nagel (Producer, Mossbank, SK)Scott Maurer (Maurer Family Grains)Brett Casavant (Casavant Family Farms)
Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.

<description>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In This Episode:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why &lt;strong&gt;digital scouting tools&lt;/strong&gt; are becoming a game-changer for producers&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How Agscouter &lt;strong&gt;streamlines reporting&lt;/strong&gt; between agronomists, farmers, and retailers&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The &lt;strong&gt;top frustrations farmers have with ag-tech&lt;/strong&gt; (and how to fix them)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where tech fits — and where it fails — in &lt;strong&gt;real-world decision-making&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Exclusive insights&lt;/strong&gt; from farmers on what they actually want from innovators&lt;/p&gt;&lt;h3&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Featured Guests &amp; Panelists:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Jill &amp; Kara&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;i&gt;(Agscouter Co-Founders)&lt;/i&gt; — sharing the vision and roadmap&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;i&gt;(Producer, Mossbank, SK)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Scott Maurer&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;i&gt;(Maurer Family Grains)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Brett Casavant&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;i&gt;(Casavant Family Farms)&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Register for the Convergence Conference at convergence.ag and stay updated by subscribing to the Growing the Future Podcast at growingthefuturepodcast.ca.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Farmers and agronomists want tools that actually make life easier — not more complicated. In Episode 3 of What Farmers Want, presented by Growing the Future Productions, we go deep on Agscouter, the digital platform designed to simplify crop scouting, speed up reporting, and improve decision-making on the farm.
Hosted by Dan “The Danimal” Aberhart, this high-energy, interactive conversation brings together a panel of progressive producers who cut through the noise to share real-world insights, honest feedback, and hard questions about ag tech adoption.
Whether you’re an agronomist looking for better tools, a farmer wanting more control over your data, or an innovator trying to understand what producers really want, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can use this season.

What Farmers Want Agscouter Edition

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The Growing the Future Podcast features conversations on innovation, entrepreneurship, and personal and professional growth in the agriculture community.

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