The Germinate Podcast

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Samson welcomes Elad Segal, co-founder and CEO of DriftSense, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends agtech innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-life perspective from Israel during an ongoing conflict .Elad joins the show from Israel and opens up about what it’s like to build a company, raise a family, and lead a team while living under rocket alarms and constant uncertainty. He shares personal stories about evacuations, parenting young children during wartime, and how his team continues to operate as both colleagues and extended family.From there, the conversation shifts into DriftSense and the real problem the company is solving in agriculture. Elad explains that most spray decisions today rely heavily on meteorology alone—but spraying success is far more complex. DriftSense brings together chemistry, equipment setup, application method, regulations, and weather into a single algorithmic engine that helps growers and agronomists determine when and where to spray for optimal results.Joe and Elad discuss why spraying is one of the most expensive and risk-filled operations on a farm, especially as labor costs rise, chemical resistance increases, and margins tighten. Elad explains why fungicides and insecticides can cost hundreds of dollars per acre, why “pray-and-spray” is no longer sustainable, and how inefficiencies in application timing and method can waste money, time, and chemistry.The episode also dives into startup realities—how DriftSense pivoted from a regulatory-first approach to a grower-first solution after speaking with hundreds of stakeholders across the ag value chain. Elad shares candid lessons on customer discovery, saying “no” as a founder, avoiding over-customization, and focusing relentlessly on real problems rather than flashy features.Joe and Elad explore the broader theme of efficiency over yield, noting that many growers are no longer interested in promises of maximum yield, but instead want tools that help them do their existing work better, faster, and with less risk. They discuss how agtech solutions work best in combination—spray optimization alongside water optimization, maintenance software, and operational tools—rather than as one-size-fits-all answers.The conversation closes with a thoughtful reflection on technology, AI, and human connection. While automation and data continue to reshape agriculture, Joe and Elad agree that trust, relationships, and real conversations remain irreplaceable. Elad shares DriftSense’s vision of becoming the gold standard for crop protection decision-making and outlines the company’s focus on specialty crops, particularly in California.Connect with the GuestElad SegalCo-Founder & CEO, DriftSenseLinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/elad-segal-ph-d-aaa91077Email: [email protected]: https://www.drift-sense.com

In this episode, Joe Samson sits down with Christopher Pudenz, Economist and Economics & Research Manager at the Iowa Farm Bureau, to unpack what’s really happening in today’s cattle and grain markets.Chris explains why his dad’s feedlot will be empty this Christmas for the first time in 50 years, how recent policy changes and plant closures have hammered cattle futures, and why “high prices cure high prices” in a cyclical industry. They also dive into corn and soybean oversupply, Brazil’s competitive edge, emerging markets like India, and how diversification in livestock and dairy can help Iowa farmers weather the storm.The conversation closes on faith, purpose, and a surprising source of optimism: a coming return to what’s real and authentic in rural America.Thank you to our sponsors:GBGI – Planter attachment parts, manufacturing & distributionWebsite: GBGIUSA.comHaven Steel – Steel products out of Haven, Kansas & McKenzie, TennesseeWebsite: HavenSteel.comFarm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) – Supporting the equipment makers who support American farmersMore informaiton on our guestGuest: Christopher PudenzRole: Economics & Research Manager (Economist), Iowa Farm BureauLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpudenzIowa Farm Bureau: https://www.iowafarmbureau.com

In this episode, Joe Sampson sits down with Colin Hurd, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of multiple agtech companies, including Mach, to explore the intersection of innovation, labor challenges, and automation in agriculture.Colin shares his entrepreneurial journey, from building his first tillage product in college to scaling and selling Smart Ag to Raven Industries, and now building Mach—a company focused on providing factory-integrated autonomy solutions for off-highway OEMs. The conversation unpacks the true bottlenecks facing modern agriculture, particularly labor shortages and the slow pace of tech adoption in the shortline manufacturing space.They also dig deep into why most autonomy solutions in agriculture haven’t yet scaled, how Mach is tackling this through modular tech stacks, and why shortliners should move fast before the majors dominate this space. Colin offers candid insights about quality, user experience, product-market fit, and how to actually build technology that solves real-world problems for farmers.A must-listen for anyone in the ag equipment industry, startups, OEMs, and anyone curious about how real automation is evolving behind the scenes.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson sits down with Ben Hellbusch, President of Duo Lift Manufacturing, to explore the rich history, values, and bold moves shaping the family-run company. Coming off the 75th Anniversary of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA), Ben shares how his grandfather began building equipment in the back of a milk barn in 1943, how his father grew the business through the “Dirty 80s,” and how Ben and his brother David are now modernizing and expanding the brand while staying true to their roots.Listeners get an inside look at the evolution of a multi-generational business — from manufacturing to vertical integration with distribution and, most recently, retail. Ben opens up about the challenges of labor shifts, the culture clash with younger generations, and the role of technology and AI in staying competitive.Alongside personal reflections on family, hard work, and the enduring impact of sports, this episode is a powerful reminder of what makes ag manufacturing special — resilience, relationships, and relentless drive.

In this special 40th episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson welcomes his longtime friend and industry veteran Cor Lodder, recently retired from Walinga, a Canadian manufacturer with global impact in agricultural transport equipment.Cor shares the incredible 70+ year story of Walinga—from his grandfather's immigration with a leather satchel full of tools to becoming a global company employing over 500 people. He reflects on 48 years of personal involvement, the importance of transitioning leadership to the next generation (G3), and how family, faith, and innovation have built Walinga's enduring foundation.The conversation dives into the evolution of manufacturing—from arc welding to CNC to laser—and the role automation, AI, and trade shows like FABTECH have played in Walinga’s growth. They also discuss the real-world implications of tariffs, the challenges of labor, and how Canadian and US manufacturing are evolving.Ending on a deeply personal and spiritual note, Cor and Joe connect over their shared Christian faith, reflecting on how biblical servant leadership and purpose-driven business can light the way for future generations.