Farm4Profit Podcast

David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof
  • 4.8 (356)
  • 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. Be Consistently More Profitable - No Guessing w/ the Founders of PLA

    1D AGO

    Be Consistently More Profitable - No Guessing w/ the Founders of PLA

    In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Performance Livestock Analytics, the creators of Performance Beef and Cattle Krush — two powerful tools designed to help feedlot and cow-calf producers move from reactive to proactive management. Founded in 2015 in Ames, Iowa, acquired by Zoetis in 2020, and then returning to independence in 2023, Performance Livestock Analytics has grown into a platform trusted by over 4,000 producers, managing more than 5 million head of cattle, with an incredible 96% retention rate. We break down: • What a true “Producer Ecosystem” looks like • Why relationships between producers, advisors, nutritionists, bankers, and partners matter more than ever • How digital feed management helps track rations, delivery, and inventory in real time • The importance of automatic cost-of-gain tracking — and why guessing can cost you thousands • Health and treatment logging that’s mobile and simple • Marketing tools that prepare you before buyers ever show up • Seamless integrations with Bluetooth scales, feed trucks, and QuickBooks • How Cattle Krush pulls real-time CBOT data to calculate live breakevens at auction And we tackle the bigger picture: In today’s environment, profitability isn’t just about working harder — it’s about having better information. When your dashboard shows cost of gain, projected profit, market swings, and feed efficiency all in one place, decisions get clearer. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    53 min
  2. Old Tractors, Real Farming, and One Hell of a Community : Farming Sumbitch

    5D AGO

    Old Tractors, Real Farming, and One Hell of a Community : Farming Sumbitch

    In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Tom Corcoran, better known online as Farming Sumbitch, a first-generation farmer from rural western New York who has built something truly special — both online and in real life. Tom shares the story behind the SUMBITCH Tractor Show (Some Unique Machines Brought In To Commemorate History), an annual August event hosted on his family’s farm that now draws visitors from across the U.S. — and even internationally. What began in 2018 as a small idea has grown into a show featuring 150+ tractors, tractor rides, hay rides, live music, food, and a mission much bigger than machinery. The show raises money to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, a cause close to Tom’s heart after his father-in-law battled the disease. In 2024 alone, the event raised over $40,000, proving that agriculture still has the power to bring people together for something bigger than itself. We also dive into: Tom’s journey as a first-generation farmer, starting independently in 2010 What it’s really like farming corn, wheat, rye, black beans, and pumpkins in New York Why old iron still matters — including shelling corn with a 3-row picker and running classic John Deere equipment The growth of his “The Way We Farm” YouTube channel and why showing real farming still resonates How social media helped connect a small farm to a global audience Why preserving ag history matters just as much as adopting new technology This episode is about more than tractors. It’s about honoring where agriculture came from, sharing real farm life, and using your platform — no matter how small it starts — to make a real impact. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m
  3. Most Feeders Don’t Have a Roadmap — Time to Fix That

    FEB 9

    Most Feeders Don’t Have a Roadmap — Time to Fix That

    In an industry driven by razor-thin margins, volatile markets, and rising input costs, mid-market cattle producers often face a simple truth: expertise matters more than luck. In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we welcome Todd Drake, CEO of Balance4Ward — a company dedicated to helping cattle feeders break out of the “daily grind” and build intentional, profitable, and sustainable operations. Balance4Ward is built on decades of real-world cattle feeding experience and a mission to empower producers with both strategy and execution. Todd shares: Balance4Ward’s origin story — how hands-on cattle feeding experience led to solutions for mid-market feeders rather than generic advice. Why traditional cattle feeding models leave producers chasing short-term wins instead of building long-term strength. How the company developed Cattle Business Systems — a transparent, coaching-based approach where producers have access to expert guidance, custom planning, and monthly check-ins. What practical value advisory and coaching adds — from back office clarity to production decisions that preserve margins and unlock profit potential. Why Balance4Ward combines data, people, and experience into a system that lets feeders call the shots, rather than follow generic prescription models. The evolution of the company into feed delivery, ration formulation, onsite consulting, blended feed, and strategic coaching designed to help operations compete with the biggest players. Whether you’re an established feeder or a producer looking to scale smarter, Todd’s insights show why a systematic, coachable approach — not guesswork — is what it takes to thrive long-term. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 8m
  4. He’s Investigated Farm Crime for 15 Years : The Future of Rural Security

    FEB 5

    He’s Investigated Farm Crime for 15 Years : The Future of Rural Security

    From copper wire and irrigation pumps to fencing and remote electrical systems, thieves are targeting farms more aggressively than ever — driven by rising metal prices and the reality that rural law enforcement is stretched thin. We dig into: Why agricultural crime is surging across the U.S. What thieves are stealing most — and why farms are uniquely vulnerable The true cost of theft beyond scrap value (downtime, crop loss, repairs, and missed irrigation) Why traditional tools like trail cameras and motion lights often fail in remote areas How new technology is shifting security from reactive to proactive Bobby also shares how real-time theft detection systems like COP-R-LOCK can pinpoint theft instantly, trigger on-site alarms, and provide alerts fast enough to actually stop criminals before the damage is done. With repair costs ranging from $20,000 to $90,000, this conversation is about more than stolen copper — it’s about protecting your farm’s productivity, infrastructure, and long-term resilience. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 6m
  5. Farmers Are CEOs — Most Just Don’t Run Their Farm Like One Yet

    FEB 2

    Farmers Are CEOs — Most Just Don’t Run Their Farm Like One Yet

    In this episode of Farm4Profit, we sit down with Lance Weaver, a Texas native, former ag banker, and now business coach with Legacy Farmer, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes in agricultural lending — and what farmers need to understand to protect their operations. After earning degrees in Ag Business and Ag Economics and spending over a decade in ag finance, Lance reached a breaking point. Despite good intentions, he realized the system wasn’t built to serve farmers the way they thought it was. We dig into: The moment Lance said, “I can’t do this anymore as a banker” Why loan officers don’t always have your back in loan committee meetings Red flags in both farm financials and bank relationships Why balance sheets, cash flow, and production knowledge must align The danger of confusing bank renewals with actual profitability How farmers can start thinking — and operating — like CEOs of multimillion-dollar businesses What Legacy Farmer does differently to help producers build clarity, structure, and long-term resilience This episode challenges farmers to take ownership of their numbers, their leadership role, and their future — because the bank will always protect its own interests, but your farm needs someone protecting yours. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    54 min
  6. Life as the Jamaican Farmer - Raising Kids, Crops, and a Community

    JAN 29

    Life as the Jamaican Farmer - Raising Kids, Crops, and a Community

    Nels farms corn and soybeans in Iowa, including seed beans for major companies, while running a diverse lineup of equipment and managing challenges like field fires, weather swings, and land access as a next-generation farmer. He shares what it was like returning to the family operation, starting on his own acres, and building a farm business one decision at a time. We also dive into: Why he started sharing farm life on social media in 2019 How simple things like rain gauge updates connect farmers and non-farmers alike What it’s like raising kids who actively help on the farm Lessons learned from Iowa Corn’s I-LEAD program and international trade missions Why community involvement — fire department, PTO, Lions Club — still matters in rural America The reality of farming through tough seasons, including multiple field fires in one year This conversation is a reminder that farming isn’t just about acres and yields — it’s about people, perspective, and showing the real side of 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 10m
  7. Still Guessing on Grain Marketing? - Get Better Grain Marketing Skills

    JAN 28

    Still Guessing on Grain Marketing? - Get Better Grain Marketing Skills

    In this What’s Working in Ag segment, we highlight a growing trend we’re seeing across agriculture heading into 2026: farmers investing in skills instead of opinions. Agris Academy is hosting a 2026 Winter Workshop on Merchandising and Futures Risk Management on February 19th in Baltic, South Dakota, with both in-person and online options available. What makes this workshop stand out is what it doesn’t promise. This session focuses on: Teaching real merchandising skills farmers can use immediately Sharing practical “tricks of the trade” from professional risk managers Helping producers build repeatable systems, not one-off trades Creating skills that become a permanent asset to a farm or business What it won’t do: Predict market direction Push trading strategies React to daily headlines In a year where volatility, tight margins, and uncertainty continue to dominate agriculture, farmers are realizing that better decisions come from better understanding — not better guesses. This short segment explains why educational workshops like this are gaining momentum, why farmers are choosing to attend in person, and how developing merchandising discipline can change how farms manage risk long-term. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    14 min
  8. How Farmers Are Stacking Crop Insurance, FSA, and Disaster Aid for 2026

    JAN 26

    How Farmers Are Stacking Crop Insurance, FSA, and Disaster Aid for 2026

    In this episode of Farm4Profit, we’re joined by Ken Ripley, AVP of Regional Sales for FMH’s Northwest region and a farmer himself in southern Minnesota. Ken brings decades of experience from both John Deere and crop insurance, helping producers understand how to build smarter protection strategies. We break down: The current financial environment farmers are facing How crop insurance, FSA programs, and disaster relief work together What’s changed under the new USDA and RMA leadership Key updates to ARC/PLC, base acres, reference prices, and SCO flexibility New and expanded area coverage options like ECO, SCO, and MCO Enhancements to the Beginning Farmer/Rancher program Disaster programs like SDRP Phase 2 and the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program Why precision data is becoming critical for reporting, claims, and audits Ken also shares practical advice for navigating these decisions without getting overwhelmed — including why working closely with a trusted crop insurance agent can help producers avoid missed opportunities. With so many changes heading into 2026, this episode helps farmers step back, understand the big picture, and make intentional decisions that protect profitability. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
356 Ratings

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
    533
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Farm4Profit Podcast

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