Farm4Profit Podcast

David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof
  • 4.8 (357)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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.

  1. Meeting the Next Generation of Cattle Producers : Mike Schwarck

    1D AGO

    Meeting the Next Generation of Cattle Producers : Mike Schwarck

    Mike brings a unique perspective to the conversation—not only as a producer, but also through his involvement with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, where he serves as chairman of the Business Issues Policy Committee. That combination of boots-on-the-ground experience and industry-level insight gives him a well-rounded view of the challenges and opportunities facing cattle producers today. We start with the story of Schwarck Farms—how the operation began, how it has evolved over the years, and what decisions have shaped its current structure. Like many operations, it hasn’t stayed static. Changes in markets, costs, and industry dynamics have required constant adjustment and a willingness to rethink how things are done. From there, we dig into decision-making. Mike shares how his approach has changed over time and why today’s producers need to be more strategic than ever. With volatility in markets, shifting regulations, and unpredictable weather, the margin for error is smaller. Having the right tools, advisors, and mindset can make the difference between staying ahead or falling behind. A key part of that conversation is his involvement with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Mike emphasizes the importance of being engaged—not just on your own farm, but within your community and industry organizations. Those connections help producers stay informed, influence policy, and ultimately make better decisions at the farm level. We also spend time talking about the next generation of cattle producers. Mike shares what he sees as the biggest challenges for young farmers today and the skills they’ll need beyond just raising livestock. Business management, marketing, and relationship-building are all becoming just as important as traditional production knowledge. Finally, we dive into cattle marketing. In a constantly changing market environment, timing and strategy matter more than ever. Mike explains how his marketing approach has evolved, what factors he pays closest attention to, and the common mistakes he sees producers making when margins get tight. This episode is a practical conversation about adapting, staying involved, and making smarter decisions in the cattle business—whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your current operation. 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    44 min
  2. What’s Working in Ag: Measuring Grain Loss with Bushel Plus

    2D AGO

    What’s Working in Ag: Measuring Grain Loss with Bushel Plus

    Harvest efficiency has always been one of the biggest profit drivers on the farm—but it’s also been one of the hardest things to measure accurately. In this What’s Working in Ag segment from Commodity Classic, we sat down with Marcel from Bushel Plus to talk about a simple idea that’s making a major impact: actually measuring grain loss instead of guessing. For years, farmers relied on rough estimates—counting kernels on the ground, making visual judgments, or simply trusting experience. But as combines become more advanced with automation, sensors, and data systems, the need for accurate, real-world calibration has never been more important. That’s where Bushel Plus comes in. Their SmartPan system allows operators to safely and quickly measure exactly what’s coming out the back of the combine. With a remote-controlled drop pan, farmers can capture a sample during harvest, separate the grain from residue, and calculate true loss in just a few minutes. No guesswork. No unsafe methods. Just real numbers. And those numbers matter. Even a small amount of grain loss—just a couple bushels per acre—can add up to significant dollars across an operation. In many cases, farmers are surprised at how much they’re actually losing. Once they see it, they can’t unsee it—and more importantly, they can fix it. The impact goes beyond just saving grain. Reducing loss also means fewer volunteer crops, less need for additional passes or herbicide, and better overall field management. What makes this even more relevant today is the integration with modern combine technology. With John Deere’s recent partnership and endorsement, SmartPan is now being used to “ground truth” combine automation systems—helping machines calibrate properly and hit target loss levels more accurately. Whether you’re running the latest high-tech combine or an older machine, the concept is the same: you can’t manage what you don’t measure. And for many farmers, this tool pays for itself almost immediately—sometimes within the first few fields. The bottom line: harvest is too important—and margins are too tight—to leave bushels in the field. Tools like this are helping farmers capture more of what they’ve already worked all season to grow. 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    14 min
  3. How Technology is Transforming Hay Production

    4D AGO

    How Technology is Transforming Hay Production

    Today we’re diving into the latest advancements in hay equipment with a focus on round baler technology and how it’s helping farmers improve efficiency, consistency, and overall bale quality. From automation to data tracking, hay production is evolving fast—and the newest innovations are designed to reduce operator fatigue while delivering more uniform, higher-quality bales. One of the standout features is Weave Automation, which allows the baler to guide itself along the windrow. With a hitch that can swing side-to-side, the system automatically weaves across the windrow during bale formation. The result is more consistent bale shape and density, less need for constant steering, and a lower risk of pulling in dirt or debris. Beyond automation, today’s balers are equipped with advanced sensors that measure moisture and weight in real time. Operators can monitor conditions directly from the cab, making better decisions on the go. This data can also be uploaded into the John Deere Operations Center, giving farmers the ability to track bale performance, monitor trends, and document field activity over time. Moisture management continues to be a critical factor in hay quality, and baler-mounted testers now provide real-time readings during operation—helping reduce spoilage risk and improve storage outcomes. Upstream from the baler, windrowing and mowing equipment are also becoming more advanced. Self-propelled windrowers, merger attachments, integrated cameras, and in-cab controls allow operators to fine-tune their process and create ideal windrows for baling. These systems, combined with data tracking, help optimize cutting schedules and improve dry-down timing. All of this is connected through tools like JDLink and the John Deere Operations Center, where farmers can monitor machine performance, track field work, and make more informed decisions based on real data. The bottom line: hay production is no longer just about getting across the field—it’s about precision, consistency, and using technology to maximize quality and efficiency every step of the way.   www.johndeere.com 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    41 min
  4. The Evolution of Witte Beef: Generations, Trucking, and Prime Steaks

    MAY 7

    The Evolution of Witte Beef: Generations, Trucking, and Prime Steaks

    Instead of chasing scale, the Witte family leaned into trucking, building a nationwide refrigerated logistics company. Then in the mid-2000s, they made another shift—this time back to cattle, but with a completely different focus: quality over quantity. Today, Witte Beef Co. is built around producing Prime-grade beef comparable to top steakhouses across the country—while maintaining control over nearly every input along the way. In this episode, we cover: The history of the Witte family operation from the 1940s to today Lessons learned from scaling up—and scaling back Why they shifted from commodity cattle to premium beef production How feeding, genetics, and environment impact marbling and taste Their monoslope barn system and low-stress cattle philosophy Growing 90%+ of their own feed and controlling input costs The finishing vs. breeding program strategy How trucking and logistics tie into their overall business And what it takes to build a vertically integrated, quality-focused beef brand This is a masterclass in adapting to markets, controlling your system, and building a premium product in agriculture.   www.johndeere.com 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    52 min
  5. What's Working in Ag : Simplifying Farm Finances

    MAY 6

    What's Working in Ag : Simplifying Farm Finances

    In this What’s Working in Ag segment, we sat down with the Ambrook team to break down how they’re building accounting software specifically for agriculture—and why so many producers are making the switch. Ambrook isn’t just bookkeeping—it’s about understanding your operation at a deeper level. From splitting out enterprises like cow-calf, hay, or trucking… to tracking receipts in real time… to generating tax-ready reports without digging through piles of paper—this platform is designed for how farmers actually operate. In this episode, we cover: What Ambrook is and why it was built specifically for agriculture Why farmers are moving away from QuickBooks How enterprise-level tracking helps identify profitability across your operation Real-time receipt capture and automation tools Mobile-first functionality for in-field financial management Built-in invoicing, inventory tracking, and reporting How Ambrook helps simplify tax prep and improve decision-making If you’ve ever wondered which part of your farm is actually making money—or if one enterprise is subsidizing another—this is a tool 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    11 min
  6. Giving Farmers Tools to Save Lives: Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture

    MAY 4

    Giving Farmers Tools to Save Lives: Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture

    Sarah shares her powerful personal story and how it led to the creation of The RedShirt Foundation after losing her son Vincent in 2021. What started from tragedy has turned into a mission to ensure no family faces these struggles without support, tools, and hope. We also dive into LivingWorks ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training), a globally recognized, evidence-based program that teaches everyday people how to step in, have difficult conversations, and help someone stay safe in critical moments. In this episode, we cover: Why mental health can be harder to talk about in agriculture The “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mindset—when it helps and when it hurts Real warning signs that often go unnoticed What “suicide first aid” actually means How ASIST equips everyday people—not just professionals—to intervene The importance of building a “network of safety” in rural communities Why open conversations reduce stigma and strengthen farms and families This episode isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action, tools, and creating stronger communities across 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    1h 6m
  7. From 3,000 Acres to Second Chances in Agriculture: Maize Valley

    APR 30

    From 3,000 Acres to Second Chances in Agriculture: Maize Valley

    https://www.maizevalley.com/ Today, Maize Valley Farms in Hartville, Ohio is something completely different: A destination. With agritourism, direct-to-consumer sales, events, a winery, brewery, and seasonal attractions, the farm has transformed into a diversified business that often outperforms traditional row crop income. In this Farm4Fun episode, Bill shares: What forced him to rethink the traditional commodity model How direct-to-consumer marketing became a second chance for the farm The early challenges of pivoting into agritourism and specialty crops What he learned from customers—not just markets Why one weekend of U-pick sunflowers can outperform 200 acres of soybeans How family plays a role in evolving the business The challenge of balancing “real farming” with entertainment-driven audiences And how he continues to adapt in an increasingly competitive environment This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and finding profitability outside the traditional ag playbook. 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    59 min
  8. Former IRS and 20+ Year Renewable Fuels Expert talks 45Z

    APR 29

    Former IRS and 20+ Year Renewable Fuels Expert talks 45Z

    Here’s the reality: this is not a direct payment to farmers. It’s a producer tax credit for biofuel companies—but the potential impact on grain demand, carbon scoring, and farming practices could be significant. In this conversation, we cover: What 45Z actually is and how it works Why it was created and how it differs from past biofuel credits The role of carbon intensity (CI) scores Why rules are still not finalized—and what that means The GREET model and how emissions are calculated How farmers could eventually be involved through traceability and climate-smart practices What we know about timelines and the extension through 2029 And what (if anything) farmers should be doing right now This is one of the clearest explanations yet of a complicated program—and a must-listen if you’re trying to understand where this is headed. 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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.

    14 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    569
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Farm4Profit Podcast

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