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In this episode of Patio Pondering, host Jim Smith, Ph.D., sits down with Kaylee Keppy-McDonnell to explore the themes that have defined her journey through agriculture: communication, boundaries, and foundational values.

From her roots on an Eastern Iowa farm to her new role as Director of Retail at United Animal Health, Kaylee shares how livestock judging, strong mentors, and a passion for swine production shaped her path. The conversation ranges from navigating the early-career pressure to prove yourself, to setting healthy boundaries as a working mom, to the lessons learned through networking and community.

Kaylee and Jim also dive into:

• The reality of career pivots and blank canvases
• Organizing the “Elevate Women in Ag” event at World Pork Expo
• The nuanced differences—and overlap—between show pigs and commercial swine
• Raising strong kids through agriculture, whether in the barn or in the boardroom

Whether you're a young professional building your career, a parent balancing life and livestock, or someone reflecting on the deeper purpose of ag life, this conversation offers grounded insight with honesty and heart.

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“AT Amber would not be AT Amber if she had not been Miss Allen County.”

In this episode of Patio Ponderings, host Jim Smith, Ph.D. sits down with Amber Hoopengardner to explore her journey of reinvention after a career setback in agriculture. From her early days in 4-H and FFA to her lifelong passion for horse showing, Amber opens up about the personal and professional chapters that shaped her—including her termination from The Andersons and her transition into a new career at Howard Bailey Financial.

Amber shares what she calls the emergence of “AT Amber,” a version of herself that is more intentional, reflective, and focused on meaningful mentorship. We talk about her work mentoring contestants in the Miss Allen County Scholarship Pageant and how being Miss Allen County helped shape her voice and purpose.

We also explore the importance of mentorship and professional networks in agriculture and finance, and how Amber’s Fair Folk Family continues to support her personal growth. She even adds humor and insight with references to TikTok creators like tr_jones7 and justajacksonthing during our “Five Questions” segment.

Whether you're navigating change, mentoring others, or rediscovering your purpose, this episode is a powerful reminder that connection is often the bridge to resilience.

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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.