Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749

In my line of work every now and then you come across something amazing. I spent a weekend at the Pioneer Power Show and had a blast. Check it out in Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749.

Living History

If you want to see living history the Pioneer Power Show is the place.

Every development in farming technology is represented here.

Back Breaking Work Brute Strength

Most noteworthy more than a century ago brute strength powered the farm. Men and animals cleared land, planted crops and harvested. Mechanization of the farm was a revolution for farmers and consumers.

Steam Power Revolution

Portable Steam power represented a revolution in agriculture starting in the 1870’s. As a result of steam power farmers could do more.

Today’s Tech Is Invisible

These days we tend to ignore the impact of technology because we can’t see it working. Steam was a huge source of motive power in America a hundred years ago. Gas and diesel eventually replaced steam and those developments are at the show but you can’t miss the huge, belching steam engines.

Hear the steam engines. Meet the people who work on them. Learn how they were built and how they worked in Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749.

Anger Emotion And Loss

Finally a personal note. I find emotions like anger and the feeling of loss at the root of what is going on in this country today. Everyday it gets harder and harder to shout into the noise. Furthermore advancing the story or thinking on almost any issue is just about impossible.

There’s Still An America with Passion and Character

In conclusion I have learned finding and talking to people doing something they love and learning while they do it is a powerful reminder that whatever is wrong won’t be wrong forever. Especially relevant is the character of people doing something they love, teaching others about it, and having fun while they do it.

Thanks to everyone at the Le Sueur, Minnesota Pioneer Power Show for a great weekend.

Sponsored by John D Scott Personal Injury Lawyer at Hoffman Hamer and Associates and Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

(Editor’s Note: In this podcast I suggest the first steam engine was made in 1867, and I am referring specifically to portable steam power for farming and other uses. Obviously the steam engine was invented many decades before 1867.)

Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743

These days people of all ages dream of traveling the country in an RV or having their own little farm. A trip to Western Wisconsin ended up in a great podcast with a good friend. Check it out in Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743.

Everyone Loves Super Fresh Produce

Moreover my gentleman farmer friend showed me how growing better food on a small plot helps build a community. Seems like everyone loves to help because everyone loves super fresh organic produce. Broccoli so soft you only need to heat it. Tomatoes that locals refer to as ‘crack’. Basil so fresh if you take it home and put it in a glass of water it will grow roots.

It Takes Work

It isn’t easy though. Most noteworthy is the amount of physical work that my gentleman farmer friend has to put in. Any help from locals is always welcome and locals seem most interested and eager to be part of it.

Friends and Neighbors Put Together An Organic Farm

After years in the corporate world and as a business owner my gentleman farmer collaborated with some associates and friends, and bought a plot of land with some buildings. The plan for the farm slowly emerged after consulting with friends and neighbors. Hear the whole story in Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743.

Business of Farming Is Changing

When it comes to the business of farming these days, there is a lot of controversy. Tariffs. Trade Wars. Farm subsidies. Farmers working thousands of acres have different challenges in feeding the world than gentleman farmers. Rather than criticize what some like to call ‘real farmers’, the Gentleman Farmer says the challenges are probably different.

Sometimes You Have To Change

While bigger farms feed the world, in contrast locally grown organic produce and other products can be a cash crop. As the old marketing sage says, “Sometimes it’s necessary to change the way you do things to compete.” In addition my friend’s vision includes components of more community and opportunity.

A beautiful day in mid summer in Western Wisconsin, on the farm. People coming to visit. Coffee and conversation. And napping.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743

 

World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742

Sometimes an eclipse is just an eclipse. Friday’s ‘Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse‘ did not destroy the world as predicted. These days someone needs to keep track of the soothsayers! We’ll talk about it in World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742.

Best Economic Growth Ever!

Friday also marked the release of first quarter Gross Domestic Product numbers. To hear the president tell it, 4.1 percent economic growth is historic. Hear my take on the first blush of reporting on the good economic news in World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742.

Does It Matter?

On a desolate lake road in Western Wisconsin at midnight, in the full moonlight, one wonders whether any of that matters anyway! What’s more the silence here in the middle of nowhere is incredible.

No Rules No Prep

I took a short road trip to what we like to call “God’s Country” to talk about organic farming. I’ll take that up in the next podcast. Every now and then I have to do walk and talk podcasts. No rules. No Prep. I call these ‘consolidation podcasts’.

A Midnight Walk Is Good For Making Sense Of It All

Because things seem to happen so frequently, following the news can be a head spinner. I do these walk and talk podcasts, usually at midnight, to try to make sense of it all.

News Flash! World Doesn’t End!

Furthermore last week the boomers were predicting the end of the world after the big eclipse. On top of that we are whipsawed by reactive coverage of the news. Getting subscribers and listeners to the Bob Davis Podcasts on track at the beginning of the week is one of my missions.

Good News Is Good News

Most noteworthy for this podcast is the release of the new economic data. 4.1 percent GDP growth in a single quarter is not unprecedented or even historic. It is good news. The key here is what caused the growth? Moreover is the growth sustainable?

Finding Truth At Midnight

In conclusion this week you may hear a lot of chatter about the economic numbers. Due to partisanship equal amount of chatter passing for ‘analysis’ will be negative and positive. Above all listeners wonder what to look for to find information without partisanship.

Sometimes you find a little bit of truth on a quiet country road in the mist and moonlight!

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742