
Hosted by David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof · EN

What 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.

Justin Bruch is back in the Farm4Fun studio, and as always, the conversation goes far beyond the original topic. What starts as a discussion about a recent trip to Spain and the Maya Corn head factory quickly turns into a fascinating journey through global agriculture. Justin shares stories from managing large-scale farming operations in Ukraine, developing farms in Brazil, working in Africa, and helping introduce innovative equipment solutions that eventually led to the creation of Maya Corn heads in North America. In this episode, the crew discusses: Touring the Maya Corn head factory in Spain How Maya Corn heads were discovered while farming in Ukraine Managing more than 250,000 acres across multiple countries The realities of farming in Ukraine before and during wartime Stories from Russia, Siberia, Africa, Brazil, and Canada Why Ukraine may have some of the best farmland in the world Global differences in farming practices and technology adoption Corn head design, reliability, and residue management The impact of tariffs and international trade on agriculture equipment Rising fertilizer and diesel costs facing American farmers Soil health, carbon sequestration, and regenerative agriculture Organic farming opportunities and market challenges Why equipment efficiency matters more than ever in tight-margin years Justin also dives into the economics of modern farming, discussing nitrogen availability, residue breakdown, organic matter, and practical ways farmers can improve profitability while building healthier soils. The conversation includes an honest look at current agricultural policy, 45Z opportunities, regenerative agriculture, and what the future may hold for American producers. Along the way, listeners will hear unforgettable stories involving international travel, farming in post-Soviet Ukraine, navigating foreign business environments, and lessons learned from agriculture around the globe. Whether you're interested in equipment, agronomy, world agriculture, or simply great storytelling, this episode delivers all of the above. 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.

In this special What’s Working in Ag segment, the Farm4Profit team previews TechHub Live 2026, one of the leading agricultural technology events in North America. Joining the conversation is Grace from TechHub Live, who shares what attendees can expect when the event returns to the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, July 20–22. The discussion covers: Why TechHub Live continues to attract farmers, retailers, agronomists, technology providers, and ag innovators from across the country The unique combination of education, networking, live demonstrations, and technology showcases Opportunities for farmers to interact directly with ag technology companies and provide valuable feedback The growing role of precision agriculture, automation, data management, and emerging technologies in modern farming Keynote presentations from leaders representing Land O'Lakes, Amazon Web Services, and Purdue University Special programming, including the Executive Forum and Women in AgTech events Why relationship-building remains one of the biggest reasons attendees return year after year The Farm4Profit crew also shares their own experiences from previous TechHub Live events, including panel discussions, interviews with industry leaders, and opportunities to see the latest innovations before they hit the mainstream market. For farmers looking to stay ahead of emerging trends, evaluate new technology investments, and connect with some of the brightest minds in agriculture, TechHub Live provides a unique opportunity to see where the industry is headed and how technology can be turned into measurable results on the farm. Whether you're a producer, retailer, agronomist, ag technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of agriculture, this episode provides an inside look at why TechHub Live has become one of the industry's most valuable events. 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.

In this episode, Farm4Profit sits down with Tommy Grisafi, founder of Ag Bull Trading and Ag Bull Media, a veteran commodity trader with more than three decades of experience navigating agricultural markets. Tommy shares the story of how a high school field trip to the Chicago Board of Trade sparked a lifelong passion for commodity trading and eventually led him to become a member of both the Chicago Board of Trade and CME. The conversation explores the realities of grain marketing and why it often proves more difficult than growing the crop itself. Tommy dives into the emotions that drive decision-making—greed, hope, ego, and fear—and explains how these factors can quietly cost farmers more than any market downturn. Topics include: Tommy's journey from the CBOT trading floor to Ag Bull Trading How commodity markets have evolved over the past 30 years Whether today's flood of information helps or hurts decision-making How producers can identify trustworthy market advisors Why risk management matters more than ever The traits shared by successful grain marketers Common habits that hold producers back Why profitable opportunities are often missed Market outlooks for corn, soybeans, wheat, fertilizer, fuel, and interest rates What younger farmers should focus on as they build their operations The importance of discipline and consistency in marketing plans Tommy also shares stories from some of the most volatile periods in agricultural markets and discusses the lessons he's learned from both winning and losing trades. Whether you're marketing old crop grain, planning for next year, or simply trying to make better decisions in an uncertain environment, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who has spent a lifetime studying market behavior. 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.

In this episode, we welcome Alex Boekelheide from Northville, South Dakota, a fifth-generation farmer passionate about stewardship, continuous improvement, and preparing his operation for future generations. Alex shares the story of his family farm, the responsibility that comes with carrying on a legacy, and the lessons he's learned working alongside his father while transitioning leadership responsibilities to the next generation. The conversation dives into: Growing up on a fifth-generation farm Leadership lessons learned from family and mentors Why succession planning should start earlier than most farms think The value of advisory teams and outside expertise Building a resilient operation through crop diversity Incorporating oats and cover crops into a corn-soybean rotation Soil stewardship and conservation-focused farming Drainage tile, salinity management, and improving productivity Farm marketing strategies and working with trusted advisors Technology adoption and equipment decisions The importance of transparency when preparing the next generation to farm Alex also shares how Farm4Profit episodes featuring Onshore Advisors and BOA Safra inspired him to explore opportunities that ultimately generated substantial value for his operation through R&D tax credits and fertilizer tax programs. He walks through his experience, the process, and why surrounding yourself with knowledgeable experts can help uncover opportunities many farmers overlook. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that successful farms aren't built by knowing everything—they're built by continuously learning, asking questions, and surrounding yourself with great people. Whether you're focused on succession planning, conservation, profitability, or simply becoming a better operator, this conversation is packed with practical insights and real-world experiences from a farmer who is intentionally building for the next generation. 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.

What’s Working in Ag, the Farm4Profit team welcomes back Luke Stamp from DPA Auctions to discuss the realities of today’s farm equipment market and what farmers can do to position themselves for success. With tighter margins, uncertain commodity prices, and increased pressure on farm profitability, equipment decisions matter more than ever. Luke shares how the auction industry has evolved, why online auctions now dominate the marketplace, and what sellers can do to attract the right buyers and maximize returns. The conversation explores: The growth of online auctions in agriculture Why buyer reach matters when selling equipment How DPA Auctions helps simplify the selling process Current trends in farm equipment values What successful sellers are doing differently The importance of realistic expectations and market-based pricing How equipment appraisals and data-driven insights are changing the industry New asset management and valuation tools being developed by DPA Auctions Luke also discusses how access to quality market data helps both buyers and sellers make better decisions, especially during periods of economic uncertainty. Whether you're considering upgrading equipment, reducing machinery costs, or simply trying to understand where values are headed, this episode provides practical takeaways for today’s farm operators. If you're evaluating your machinery lineup or looking for strategies to improve your operation's financial position, this quick-hitting conversation offers valuable insights into what’s currently working in 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.

https://agxplore.com/assessment/ How do top growers consistently push yield boundaries while still focusing on return on investment? In this special Farm4Profit episode recorded from the AgX booth at Commodity Classic, Tanner and Corey sit down with AgX Sales Agronomist Billy Carter and three progressive farmers who are proving what's possible in modern agriculture. Minnesota farmer Ron Pagel shares how he surpassed the 300-bushel corn mark by combining advanced fertility programs, drone applications, fungicide timing, and a commitment to trying new ideas. Wisconsin farmer Dave Justman discusses balancing farming, retail agronomy, and the pursuit of higher-yielding soybeans while helping customers implement proven agronomic practices. Kentucky farmer and Kentucky Soybean Association President Jonathan Reynolds explains how conservation practices, cover crops, no-till management, and long-term soil health improvements have created a foundation for both yield and profitability. Throughout the conversation, Billy Carter breaks down the agronomic principles behind AgX’s high-yield programs, including seed treatments, fertility management, fungicide strategies, plant growth regulation, hybrid selection, and the importance of focusing on details many growers overlook. Topics include: Breaking the 300-bushel corn barrier Building profitable high-yield systems Contest plots versus whole-farm ROI Cover crops and soil health as yield drivers Fragipan soils and improving water infiltration Nitrogen efficiency and fertility management Hybrid and variety selection strategies Drone applications and late-season management High-yield soybean challenges and opportunities The role of mindset, observation, and continuous learning Whether you're chasing yield contest results or simply looking to improve efficiency and profitability across your operation, this episode delivers practical lessons from growers who are constantly pushing the limits of what's possible in the field. 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.

The conversation begins with the life of founder Ray Hagie, an Iowa State graduate, farmer, entrepreneur, inventor, and public servant whose relentless focus on solving problems led to one of agriculture's greatest innovations. Faced with labor shortages during the 1940s and inspired by the introduction of 2,4-D herbicide, Ray envisioned a better way to apply crop protection products. In 1947, that vision became the world's first self-propelled sprayer. Kevin walks through the evolution of Hagie's equipment lineup, including: The early three-wheel machines The introduction of front-mounted booms The first hydrostatic drive sprayer Expansion into larger-capacity, high-clearance machines The development of iconic models like the 640, 8400, 2100, and STS series The discussion highlights how Hagie wasn't simply building machinery—it was creating timing flexibility and efficiency that farmers could never achieve with traditional pull-type sprayers. The episode also dives into: Why front-mounted booms were revolutionary How Hagie survived the difficult farm economy of the 1980s The advantages of remaining independent and focused on a niche market What customers demanded as sprayer technology evolved The importance of innovation culture within the company A major portion of the conversation centers on the 2016 partnership with John Deere. Kevin explains what led to the agreement, what both companies gained, and how Hagie has successfully maintained its unique identity while leveraging Deere's technology, precision agriculture systems, dealer network, and global reach. Along the way, listeners will hear stories about Ray Hagie's leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and lasting influence on agriculture. The discussion also explores what Ray might be working on if he were innovating today and whether the spirit of problem-solving that built Hagie still drives the company forward. Whether you're a machinery enthusiast, Hagie owner, John Deere fan, or simply appreciate stories of agricultural innovation, this episode provides a fascinating look at one of the most important equipment manufacturers in farming history. Information for this episode was provided in the guest outline and historical materials supplied by the show team. 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.

www.iasoybeans.com/Farm4Profit Through more than 200 on-farm trials each year, the Iowa Soybean Association is helping farmers make better decisions based on real-world conditions, not controlled plots. Their work spans everything from seeding rates to fungicide use to nitrogen efficiency, all with one goal: improving profitability and sustainability at the farm level. One of the biggest takeaways? Many farmers are planting more soybean seeds than they need. Research shows populations can often be reduced to around 110,000 seeds per acre without sacrificing yield, creating a clear opportunity to cut input costs in tight-margin years. Another major focus has been fungicide and insecticide applications. Despite common “program” approaches where these products are applied every season, multiple years of trials have shown that in the absence of disease pressure, these applications rarely pay. In fact, only about one in five blanket applications delivers a return, reinforcing the importance of scouting before making application decisions. The conversation also highlights how far crop genetics have come—reducing the need for routine treatments that may have made sense years ago but don’t always deliver value today. On the corn side, nitrogen efficiency continues to stand out. Some of the most efficient operators are producing strong yields using as little as 0.6 pounds of nitrogen per bushel by leveraging practices like split applications and better timing. Trials are also exploring the value of stabilizers in spring-applied nitrogen, showing early signs that protecting that investment can make a difference. At its core, this episode reinforces a simple but powerful idea: farmers don’t need more data—they need better data they can trust. And when that data comes directly from farms like theirs, it becomes a tool they can use with confidence. If you’re looking for ways to trim costs, improve efficiency, and make smarter agronomic decisions, this is a conversation worth paying attention to. 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.
This episode takes a unique approach to ag finance: “Think like a lender. Act like an investor. Farm like an operator.” Jake explains how sophisticated lenders and institutional investors evaluate farming operations differently than producers often evaluate themselves. The discussion challenges farmers to step back and ask an important question: “If your farm walked into your office asking for a loan… would you approve it?” We break down: What lenders actually look at first when evaluating an operation What separates a “bankable” farm from a risky one Why consistency and decision-making discipline matter more than acres alone How lenders think in terms of risk while farmers often think in bushels The conversation introduces a practical framework for understanding farm financial health through three key buckets: Liquidity — Can you survive? Working capital Cash flow flexibility Burn rate management Equity — Can you withstand shocks? Land values Leverage ratios Collateral strength Efficiency — Can you win long-term? Cost structure ROI on assets Decision quality Jake also explains why institutional investors continue to value farmland as an asset class, what they see in agricultural real estate, and whether current farmland prices are sustainable. Additional topics include: Whether farmland is overpriced, fairly valued, or still undervalued What could actually cause land values to decline Why farmland may remain strong while farm cash flow weakens Long-term land financing versus operating lines Flexible financing structures and matching debt to asset life How growth-oriented operations approach lending differently What top-tier operators are doing differently in today’s economy Conversations successful operators are having with lenders right now The episode also explores how data, performance analysis, and decision-making tools used in athletics and business could transform financial management in 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.