In this provocative and forward-looking episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Damian Mason—agricultural economist, author, speaker, and host of The Business of Agriculture podcast—for a big-picture discussion about the future of farming. With humor and candor, Damian challenges long-held agricultural assumptions, especially around the culture of overproduction and the outdated belief that demand will always rise to match supply.

The conversation dives deep into the economic and cultural forces shaping agriculture today, from global surplus and commodity pricing pressures to consumer shifts toward traceability, nutritional value, and sustainability. Damian addresses the uncomfortable realities many in agriculture avoid: falling profitability, declining global population growth, and the risk of repeating past crises like the 1980s farm collapse.

Together, they explore potential paths forward, including value-added production, diversification, local supply chains, and the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in ag. With insights on policy, global competition, and changing consumer behavior, this episode is a must-listen for producers, ag professionals, and anyone looking to adapt to a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

More About Our Guest:

Damian Mason - Podcast - The Business of Agriculture

Website

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Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.

Upcoming Episodes Include: 
• Liz Hershfield, Founder & CEO of Green-ish
• Daren Abney, Executive Director, U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol
• Eric Stone - Clear Rock Realty