SharkFarmer Podcast

Rob Sharkey interviews Courtney Baird, director of operations at her family's Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch in Blair, Nebraska, about how a seasonal pumpkin patch grew into a full-time agritourism business. Baird explains the work behind its 35-plus attractions, 200-person seasonal workforce, family-friendly guest experience, and the lessons she carries from corporate HR into farm operations. key topics Skinny Bones began with a few acres of pumpkins and roadside sales before expanding into a corn maze and other attractions. Director of operations Courtney Baird draws on eight years in corporate human resources to handle staffing, training, and day-to-day farm operations. The farm employs more than 200 people during the season and reports a returning-staff rate above 60 percent. More than 35 attractions are included in the admission price, with animal feed as an optional extra. The public season lasts eight weeks, but preparation involves year-round planning, hiring, repairs, and rebuilding after each fall. The farm can welcome 1,000 to 3,000 guests in a day, depending on the weather. Photo-friendly design, family safety, cleanliness, customer service, and a no-alcohol policy shape the visitor experience. A new Black Barn coffee shop took more than a year to plan and build and offers coffee, pastries, breakfast foods, and apple cider donuts. Baird credits varied past jobs and early exposure to business tasks with preparing her for farm leadership. takeaways "You pay one admission price and that gets you in through the gates." "We're essentially starting over every single year." "We're over sixty percent returning staff right now." "Our business is so weather dependent." "You set the tone, you set the experience for the guests." "Their support means more than anyone realizes because we're a family business." "Take every opportunity you can because you don't know where that experience is gonna bring you back." "We're not above cleaning the bathrooms or picking up trash around the farm." Chapters 00:00Meet Courtney Baird and Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch 03:58From roadside pumpkin sales to agritourism 07:10Designing a farm visitors want to photograph 10:57Leaving corporate careers to join the family business 15:13One admission price and 35-plus attractions 19:01How the family builds the farm's signature attractions 22:05An eight-week season and a 200-person workforce 24:59Food favorites and the story behind the Skinny Bones name 27:55Tornado Alley, pig racers, and family-friendly design 32:46Training staff to create a memorable guest experience 35:04A reality-TV week and the value of family-business support 40:47The Black Barn coffee shop and future plans 44:03Baird's advice: take every opportunity 47:47What prepared Courtney to lead farm operations

In this episode, Ryan Cook from West Virginia shares his passion for growing giant pumpkins, shark tooth hunting, and his efforts to help veterans through farming. Discover the secrets behind record-breaking pumpkins, the parallels between shark tooth hunting and gardening, and Ryan's vision for a TV show about giant growing. Key topics Ryan's background and West Virginia roots Details of the giant pumpkin growing process and record attempts The community and drama surrounding giant pumpkin growing Parallel between shark tooth hunting and gardening Ryan's efforts to help veterans through farming and outdoor activities Chapters 00:00Introduction to Ryan and his West Virginia roots 01:05Ryan's background and local community 02:38The Thunderstruck Ag Razor's Edge concaves 04:01Ryan's personality and hobbies beyond farming 06:55The drama in the giant pumpkin community 09:51The Guinness World Record controversy 11:43Growing multiple giant vegetables and state records 14:01The future of giant pumpkin records and genetics 19:08Ryan's personal journey and veteran healing 22:38Shark tooth hunting and fossil discoveries 32:36The importance of outdoor hobbies for mental health 37:19The potential of a TV show about giant growing 45:00Closing remarks and where to find Ryan

Alex Russell on FFA, communication, and finding a place in agriculture Rob Sharkey talks with Alex Russell, the U.S. soybean seed care product lead for Syngenta, about how rodeo, homeschooling, FFA, and leadership training shaped her career in agriculture. Alex shares how she went from planning for nursing school to building a career in crop protection, training, and public speaking—and why communication, curiosity, and grit matter as much as technical knowledge.Alex also shares her views on women in agriculture, the value of being "kind, not nice," and why the ag industry needs people to tell the story of farming honestly. Along the way, she and Rob discuss career growth, imposter syndrome, and how to keep your personality while staying professional. Growing up in Fayette County, Illinois, and how rodeo and homeschooling influenced her path How FFA helped Alex find her direction in agriculture and leadership Studying ag business economics and weed science at SIU How internships and graduate school shaped her career Why effective communication means meeting people where they are Alex's "kind, not nice" approach to honest, constructive feedback Women's experiences in agriculture and staying confident in the room Building a career without coming from a large farming operation or an ag-industry family Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and advocating for yourself How the definition of agriculture is expanding for the next generation Creating genuine connections as a speaker Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and meeting Alex Russell 03:41 – Sponsor mention and conversation about farm trials 06:26 – Rodeo roots and learning responsibility through horses 09:46 – Moving from homeschooling to public school 11:11 – FFA involvement and leadership 14:01 – SIU, the Saluki identity, and discovering weed science 15:25 – Internships, graduate school, and building an ag career 17:15 – Public speaking and Alex's experience at SIU Women's Weekend 19:01 – Training, development, and "stealing with pride" 20:51 – Communication as a selfless act 22:12 – What "kind, not nice" means 24:01 – Being a woman in agriculture 25:29 – Staying professional without losing your personality 27:45 – Building a career without being born into agriculture 30:34 – Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and The Twin Thieves 31:32 – Why people may not be thinking about you as much as you think 33:56 – Speaking and working with agriculture groups 34:53 – Does agriculture care about feeding people? 36:43 – Changing paths into agriculture 38:30 – How younger generations are broadening the definition of ag 39:55 – Curiosity, generational differences, and changing minds 41:21 – Imposter syndrome and advocating for yourself 43:09 – Leadership training and learning from discomfort 44:33 – Alex's passion for speaking and connecting with audiences 46:20 – Vulnerability and creating a genuine audience connection 48:35 – Where to find Alex online and closing remarks

In this episode, we explore the journey of Kelly Leffler from rural Illinois to becoming the US Small Business Administration administrator, discussing her insights on agriculture, deregulation, and supporting small businesses and farmers. key topics Kelly Leffler's background and rural upbringing Impact of deregulation on small businesses and farmers The role of the SBA in supporting manufacturing and defense supply chains Policy perspectives on environmental regulation and green initiatives The importance of small businesses in American economic strength Leadership and decision-making in government and politics Chapters 00:00Introduction and Kelly Leffler's background 02:00Growing up in rural Illinois and family roots 03:50Career journey and transition from corporate America to public service 09:01Discussion on diesel exhaust fluid regulations 11:57Deregulation efforts and support for small businesses 12:56Political landscape and policy challenges for farmers 20:06President Trump's support for agriculture and rural America 22:01The role of the SBA and small business support programs 26:14Estate tax and passing down farms 28:13Involvement in sports and leadership experiences 30:10Foreign ownership and regulatory standards 33:00Political divides and the importance of election participation 34:51Advice for young entrepreneurs and embracing failure 36:46The entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities in America 39:09Message to farmers and small business owners 40:01Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews Barry and Michelle Acoke from Parma, Missouri, exploring their diverse ventures in agriculture, business, and community service. They share insights on farming, entrepreneurship, faith, and the importance of relationships in success. key topics The Acoke family's farming background and diversification into cotton, rice, and other crops Barry's journey from cotton consultant to international distributor and business owner The role of faith and community service in their business philosophy Challenges and rewards of managing nursing homes and restaurants The importance of relationships and good leadership in rural businesses Chapters 00:00Introduction to Barry and Michelle Acoke 01:56The Acoke family's farming roots and diversification 05:11Barry's career in cotton consulting and international work 10:12The impact of faith and community service 14:57Managing multiple business ventures: nursing homes and restaurants 20:00The importance of relationships and leadership in rural business 25:10Reflections on success, failure, and failing forward 29:50Advice for entrepreneurs and young farmers 35:06The Acoke family's future plans and legacy