Podcast
Farm4Profit Podcast
Hosted by David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof · EN
Our mission is to provide farms and operators an independent and unbiased outlet for information related to increasing the profitability of their farming operation. We will be providing farms and operators of all sizes and experience levels access to the latest trends, projections, and the tools necessary to increase farming profitability. We will take each episode to deliver latest news, what's working for active farms, and a topic of focus each episode. Remember, if you aren't farming for profit you won't be farming for long.
61episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Specialty Crops: What Every Row Crop Farmer Can Learn
3d ago00:49:20Tap to summarizeThe discussion covers everything from almonds, vineyards, tomatoes, melons, cucurbits, tobacco, cotton, sweet potatoes, peanuts, peaches, apples, and leafy vegetables while comparing production practices to the corn and soybean systems familiar to much of the Farm4Profit audience. Topics include: Specialty crop production across the United States California almonds, walnuts, pistachios, vineyards and vegetables North Carolina sweet potatoes, tobacco and cotton Why long-term planning matters in permanent crops Water management and irrigation challenges Labor costs versus traditional row crop production Weed management strategies and residual herbicides New Corteva herbicides including Hulk CA Managing nematodes with Celebro Disease and insect pressure in specialty crops How growers balance profitability with quality expectations Multi-generational family farms across specialty agriculture What all farmers can learn from one another The conversation highlights that regardless of geography or crop, every producer faces weather risk, pest pressure, rising input costs, and the need to make timely management decisions. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Entrepreneur Reinventing Ag Equipment : The Story Behind DOSE Manufacturing
1w ago01:07:24Tap to summarizeNearly twenty years later, DOSE Manufacturing has grown into a 45-person manufacturing company producing premium agricultural equipment, including Headhunter head trailers, Freedom all-wheel-steer trailers, sprayer accessories, rock boxes, fertilizer equipment, and large LED display trailers used across the country. In this episode, Brett walks through that incredible journey and shares the lessons learned along the way. The conversation includes: How DOSE Manufacturing got its start Why Brett stopped repairing equipment and began manufacturing products Building the first Headhunter trailer Growing from Perry to Bouton and eventually transforming the Story City outlet mall into a manufacturing facility Product development through customer feedback Engineering equipment for today's larger combines and headers Building products for agriculture and the entertainment industry The importance of dealer relationships Hiring employees and growing a company culture Lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and customer service Why "people buy from people" Brett also discusses how listening to customers has driven continuous innovation, why quality always wins over the cheapest price, and how every challenge has helped create better products. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Better Timing, Better Yields: The Value of a High-Clearance Sprayer
1w ago00:08:48Tap to summarizeAfter touring the Hagie Manufacturing facility in Clarion, Iowa, Corey Hillebo and his father, Scott Hillebo, reflect on their family's long history with Hagie sprayers and how technology has transformed their farming operation. Scott shares the story of purchasing his first Hagie STS10 in 2009, using a detasseling cutter to help justify the investment, and eventually progressing through multiple Hagie models as the farm's needs evolved. The conversation highlights how the farm transitioned from using a sprayer primarily for crop protection to utilizing it as a critical management tool for fertility, nitrogen applications, fungicides, foliar feeding, and late-season crop management. The father-son duo discusses: Scott's history owning three Hagie sprayers How detasseling helped support the original investment The evolution from early STS models to today's technology-packed machines ExactApply and its impact on application accuracy and efficiency First impressions of John Deere's See & Spray technology Why timing matters more than ever in modern crop production Using Y-Drops and spoon-feeding nitrogen Fungicide and foliar application opportunities later in the growing season How a high-clearance sprayer influences agronomic decision-making The benefits of controlling application timing in-house What stood out most during the Hagie factory tour The unique culture of Hagie Manufacturing and its continued focus on craftsmanship The partnership between Hagie and John Deere The future of precision spraying technology This episode offers a real-world farmer perspective on how equipment investments can influence management decisions, improve efficiency, and create opportunities to capture additional yield through better timing and precision. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Are Prediction Markets The Next Big Risk Management Tool for Agriculture?
1w ago01:11:08Tap to summarizeJoining the show are Raymond Chung, founder and CEO of AcreHedge, Chief Technology Officer Todd Larson, and Chief Media Officer (and returning guest) Zoe Kent. Together they explain how prediction markets work, why they're gaining popularity, and how they could eventually become another valuable tool alongside crop insurance and traditional marketing strategies. Ray shares how his background on Wall Street combined with years operating one of the nation's largest edamame processing businesses led him to create AcreHedge. Todd explains how modern AI accelerated development of the platform while maintaining enterprise-level quality, and Zoe discusses using her own farming operation as the first public market on AcreHedge. The discussion covers: What prediction markets actually are—and what they are not How "wisdom of the crowd" often produces remarkably accurate forecasts Why prediction markets differ from sports betting or casino gambling Filling risk management gaps left by traditional crop insurance Weather, disease, commodity price, acreage, and yield-related markets Real-world examples using New World Screwworm, corn prices, and USDA acreage reports How farmers can use markets to express opinions while managing financial risk AI's growing role in agriculture and software development Why agriculture deserves specialized prediction markets built by people who understand farming The group also has plenty of fun discussing edamame, Skittles, weather forecasting, rock picking, farm influencers, and brainstorming future prediction markets that could keep both farmers and agriculture enthusiasts engaged. Whether you're interested in grain marketing, crop insurance, technology, finance, or simply enjoy learning about innovative ideas shaping agriculture, this episode offers an early look at what could become an entirely new category of farm risk management. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Tony Reed & Zach Hefty : The King of FarmTok and the Prince of the Hefty's
2w ago00:52:16Tap to summarizeIn this Farm4Fun episode, Zach Hefty and multi-time Farm4Profit favorite Tony Reed return to the show to preview the upcoming Ag PhD Field Day while sharing honest updates on one of the most challenging growing seasons many farmers have experienced. The conversation begins with spring planting struggles, including Tony's incredible 15-plus inches of rainfall, multiple rounds of replanting, and fields ranging from freshly planted corn to chest-high corn—all within the same operation. Meanwhile, Zach discusses the opposite challenge in South Dakota: dry conditions and hoping for timely rains before Field Day. The discussion then shifts to Ag PhD Field Day and what has made it one of agriculture's biggest educational experiences. Topics include: Why Ag PhD Field Day is completely free to attend Research plots showcasing the latest agronomic practices Hands-on demonstrations with new equipment and technology High-yield farmer presentations from across North America "Crazy Trials" that test unconventional farming ideas Opportunities to interact with leading agricultural content creators Product demonstrations and ride-and-drive experiences Why education—not sales—is the focus of the event The logistics behind feeding more than 10,000 attendees Building an event that combines education, networking, and entertainment The episode also includes plenty of laughs as the crew discusses anniversary gifts, old farm trucks, Cameo videos, Beater with a Heater, weather forecasting, and Tony Reed's legendary podcast appearances. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Spray Drones & Finding the Right Operator
2w ago00:13:06Tap to summarizeIn this What's Working in Ag segment, Tanner and Mikaya Spires from Spray Drone Network join Farm4Profit to explain how their platform is helping connect growers with qualified, licensed drone applicators across the country. What started as a simple question—"How do I find a reliable spray drone operator?"—has quickly grown into a nationwide network serving farmers, applicators, dealers, and industry professionals. The discussion covers: How Spray Drone Network was created The rapid growth of spray drone applications across agriculture Why licensing and professionalism matter What farmers should ask before hiring a drone applicator The difference between being a drone pilot and being a professional applicator Finding qualified operators by location and application type Cover crops, fungicides, herbicides, specialty crops, and more The business side of running a drone application operation New opportunities for young entrepreneurs entering agriculture Education, training, and community-building within the drone industry The role of technology, software, and logistics in successful drone operations Tanner and Mikaya also discuss the challenges facing new operators, including equipment setup, application knowledge, chemical handling, business management, and customer expectations. Their mission is simple: help grow the spray drone industry while ensuring farmers have access to trustworthy and qualified operators. Whether you're a farmer looking for aerial application options, a custom applicator considering drones, or someone curious about the future of precision agriculture, this episode provides an inside look at one of the fastest-growing segments in ag technology. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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From Hackathon to Harvest: Why Farmers Need to Think Differently About Technology
2w ago00:47:57Tap to summarizeThe conversation explores the often-unseen world of product testing, field validation, software development, and farmer feedback that goes into launching new technology. Jared shares his unique role as a product tester, explaining how Ag Leader evaluates new products before they ever reach a customer's farm and how real-world farmer feedback helps shape final product decisions. The group discusses: What ZRow is and how it improves corn head guidance during harvest Why row guidance still matters in a world of RTK and precision GPS How Ag Leader integrates with existing row sensing systems The product testing process from concept to commercial launch Ag Leader's internal "hackathon" innovation program Common challenges encountered during product development How farmer cooperators help validate new technology The evolution of precision agriculture since Ag Leader's yield monitor origins Why user interface and simplicity matter just as much as technology The importance of data collection and data utilization How AgFiniti connectivity is changing support and decision-making The future of autonomy, machine guidance, and precision farming Why today's successful producers must embrace innovation and continuous improvement Beyond the technology discussion, the episode delivers a bigger message about modern agriculture: farms can no longer rely on "the way we've always done it." As margins tighten and operations become more complex, the producers who effectively leverage data, technology, and decision-making tools will be best positioned for long-term success. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, an early adopter, or simply curious about how new precision ag tools are developed, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of agriculture's most influential technology companies. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Beet Farmin’ Mitch: Sixth-Generation Sugar Beet Farmer
3w ago01:19:12Tap to summarizeIn this Farm4Fun episode, the crew is joined by North Dakota farmer and social media creator Beet Farmin’ Mitch, along with Arts Way's Jim Cronk, for a deep dive into the world of sugar beet production. Mitch shares the story of his family's six-generation farming operation in the Red River Valley, where they grow sugar beets, wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and edible beans. He explains how sugar beets are planted, managed, harvested, stored, and ultimately processed into the table sugar Americans use every day. The conversation covers: The history of Mitch's family farm dating back to an 1800s wagon train from Iowa to North Dakota What makes sugar beets different from traditional row crops How sugar beet seed is produced and planted Disease, insect, and fertility management in sugar beet production The unique harvest process involving defoliators, lifters, and pilers Why sugar beet harvest becomes a 24-hour operation How sugar beets are stored through North Dakota winters The role of American Crystal Sugar Cooperative Sugar beet pricing, quotas, and marketing Why sugar policy matters to American farmers The difference between beet sugar and cane sugar The challenges facing today's sugar industry Social media, agriculture advocacy, and telling agriculture's story Listeners will also hear about the specialized equipment used during harvest, including Arts Way sugar beet harvesters and defoliators, along with some entertaining stories about sugar beet crews, harvest culture, and life in the Red River Valley. Whether you're a farmer, consumer, or simply curious about where sugar comes from, this episode delivers a fun and educational look at one of agriculture's most misunderstood crops. Most importantly, Mitch shares how faith, family, and farming continue to guide both his operation and his mission to educate consumers about modern agriculture. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Financial Habits of Successful Farm Operations
3w ago00:11:33Tap to summarizeRelationships still matter. In this episode of What’s Working in Ag, Tanner sits down with TJ Roemmich, Chief Credit Officer at Conterra Ag Capital and employee number one at the company, to discuss how successful farmers position themselves for growth, how lenders evaluate risk, and what producers can do when finances become challenging. TJ shares insights from more than a decade helping producers navigate farm real estate lending and explains why strong financial records, clear communication, and trusted relationships remain critical in today’s agricultural economy. While technology continues to change the way business gets done, agriculture is still a people business where face-to-face conversations and long-term partnerships create opportunities. Topics include: Why relationships continue to be one of the most valuable assets in agriculture How Conterra approaches lending and farm financing Common reasons farmers receive loan denials Practical ways to improve a financing application The importance of accurate financial statements and strong recordkeeping How producers can turn a “no” into a future “yes” Managing working capital and controlling fixed costs Current farmland market trends across different regions Why quality farmland continues to outperform weaker properties Beginning farmer financing opportunities through USDA and FSA programs Advice for young and beginning producers looking to build their operations The role of trusted advisors, CPAs, and financial planning in farm success Whether you’re preparing for your first operating note, considering a land purchase, or simply looking to strengthen your farm’s financial position, this conversation offers practical advice that can help producers make better business decisions and position themselves for long-term success. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Saving Bushels and Real Money : Harvest Monitoring and Story Telling with Marcel Kringe
3w ago01:07:32Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a kid from a 10-acre farm in Germany dreams bigger than anyone around him? In this episode of, Marcel Kringe shares a remarkable story that spans continents, cultures, and some of the largest farming operations on Earth. From learning agriculture through Germany’s apprenticeship system to working on massive farms in Russia, managing harvest crews, and eventually building a global agricultural technology company, Marcel’s path has been anything but ordinary. The conversation covers: Growing up on a small mixed farm in Germany Germany’s unique agricultural apprenticeship system Farming experiences in Canada, Russia, and beyond Building farms from zero to 80,000 acres Managing combines and harvest crews across multiple countries Lessons learned from global agriculture The creation of Bushel Plus and the SmartPan System Helping farmers identify and reduce harvest loss Combine optimization and harvest efficiency Why measuring harvest loss matters more than ever The evolution from Bushel Plus to BranVault Strategic partnerships with John Deere Entrepreneurship, innovation, and growing a worldwide business Marcel also opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of his life—a devastating vehicle accident in Australia that left him with multiple fractures, severe injuries, and a long road to recovery. His story of resilience, the support of family, friends, customers, and complete strangers, and the determination to keep building his company serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found within the agricultural community. Whether you're interested in harvest technology, global farming practices, entrepreneurship, or simply an incredible life story, this episode delivers valuable insights, plenty of laughs, and a deep appreciation for the people who make agriculture possible around the world. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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