The Rural Dispatch

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Welcome to The Rural Dispatch, the podcast that delivers honest conversations from the fields, the highways, and the home front.I'm your host, Aly Behrens - headquartered in rural Iowa, I help run a trucking company that specializes in hauling livestock nationwide. I was born and raised in small-town-Iowa and I’m passionate about rural communities and the people who help them thrive. Since becoming a mom, I’ve taken a step away from my own career in finance and into a behind the scenes role in our second-generation family business. I’m proud to help continue the legacy of hard work and dedication that built this business. I’m building a life with a multi-faceted business owner who also holds the title of truck driver, cattle feeder and dispatcher, all while we both work together to manage office operations, oversee business development, and bring the next generation along to show them the ropes, just like their grandpa did with their dad. If you’re anything like us, you wear a lot of hats in your operation. This podcast is for people like you: hardworking men and women in the rural trucking, livestock and business communities who are juggling all the things every day. Whether it’s running loads, managing a herd, staying compliant, or handling the bookkeeping, we know the challenges you face because we’ve lived them. In our weekly episodes, I’ll bring you a mix of my own experiences as I navigate the ins and outs of these industries, stories with my better half, Smoke about the lessons we’ve learned throughout our time in this business, and interviews with experts who tackle the pain points we all probably face at one time or another. From trucking to livestock production to rural entrepreneurship, this show is here to equip you with the tools, resources and a supportive community to help you thrive.Whether you’re in the cab of a truck, out checking cattle, or sitting at your kitchen table, we hope you’ll tune in and find value in conversations that speak your language. No matter your role in the industry, there’s something for everyone here. Buckle up, friends, there's lots to come. If you enjoy an episode, it would mean the world to us if you would share it with a friend. Keep up with us between episodes on our socials, at Behrens and Co., or subscribe to our email list on our website to receive new episodes directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Thanks for being here. We'll talk soon.

Episode List

Inside Iowa Agriculture: What the Secretary of Ag Wants You to Know

Mar 25th, 2026 9:00 AM

Send us Fan MailThis week Aly sits down with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig for a conversation that breaks down what's really happening in Iowa agriculture. We talk about his personal ties to agriculture and the programs his office oversees - from Choose Iowa, to conservation efforts, and Farm Bill priorities, and what he sees as the biggest wins and challenges in Iowa ag today. With Iowa Ag Week in full swing, we talk all about what it is, why we celebrate, and how everyone can get involved. Mike also explains what he wishes more people understood about agriculture, how he views the future of the industry including his advice for keeping the next generation engaged in farming and rural life, and how the America250 celebration ties into agriculture's story.Our conversation closes with thoughts on community and the importance of addressing mental health in the ag industry. This episode offers a clear, relatable look at the issues shaping modern agriculture in Iowa. Follow on X | @IADeptAg @MikeNaigIA @ChooseIowaFollow on Facebook | @IADeptAg @MikeNaigIA @ChooseIowaBeef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up.➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google PlayThe Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It. Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the showBEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & COFacebook | Instagram | TikTokSubscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

How Livestock Haulers Get Started: First Load Stories & Lessons from the Road

Mar 11th, 2026 9:00 AM

Send us Fan MailIf you've ever wondered what bull haulers talk about when the truck is parked... this one's for you. In this episode of The Rural Dispatch, Rob Budzik, Jacob Magner, and Cauy Brotherson swap stories, share lessons from the road, and tell all about how they got their start hauling livestock. Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up.➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google PlayThe Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It. Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the showBEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & COFacebook | Instagram | TikTokSubscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

Leadership, Failure & Faith with Adam Steen

Feb 25th, 2026 10:00 AM

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The Rural Dispatch, Aly sits down with Adam Steen, a candidate for Governor of Iowa, for a real conversation about leadership, work–life balance, failure, faith, and the lessons that come from both winning and losing. Adam shares how his background in business and his role overseeing state operations shaped the way he thinks about problem solving, responsibility, and integrity, along with why he believes now is the right time to step into public service. This episode is about getting to know the person behind the campaign and what kind of character and leadership it actually takes to serve a state like Iowa.Learn more about Adam | Home - Adam Steen for GovernorBeef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up.➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google PlayThe Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It. Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the showBEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & COFacebook | Instagram | TikTokSubscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

Trucking Stories & Racy Escapades

Feb 11th, 2026 10:00 AM

Send us Fan Mail⚠️ Explicit content warning: This episode is not suitable for most children.This week Mark Toms joins Smoke & Aly for a no holds barred trip down memory lane. From their trucking escapades, the worst of the worst truck drivers, and strip club shenanigans, to their present-day status as Disney dads, nothing is off limits. Buckle up for the kinds of stories you can only tell years down the road. Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up.➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google PlayThe Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It. Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the showBEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & COFacebook | Instagram | TikTokSubscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

From Farm Kid to Full-Time Entrepreneur Building a Custom Business

Jan 21st, 2026 9:00 AM

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Aly sits down with Luke Quandt, owner of Quandts Coatings to talk about what it really looks like to bet on yourself. Luke grew up on a farm and started engraving in his spare time out of his house. After years of working on hog barns, he made the leap to go all in on his side hustle, and six years later hasn't looked back. Luke shares how his passion for quality craftsmanship has turned into a way to help other small businesses stand out, whether it's creating custom pieces for their teams, client gifts, or branded signage. He has a knack for bringing visions to life. Make sure you check out Quandts Coatings and follow along on Facebook to see what he creates next.Beef Hub App – Built by cattle haulers, for cattle haulers. Tools to make your job easier out on the road. Use referral code RURAL to sign up.➤ Download the Beef Hub App | Google PlayThe Fresh Patch Podcast - Where Good Pets Get It. Welcome to the Fresh Patch Podcast where we talk about everything, from dog...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Support the showBEHRENS & CO | Join Our Email List — BEHRENS & COFacebook | Instagram | TikTokSubscribe, leave a review and share this episode to support rural voices!

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