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. Hagie History: The Story of the World’s First Self-Propelled Sprayer

    1d ago

    Hagie History: The Story of the World’s First Self-Propelled Sprayer

    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.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 29m
  2. Cut Costs, Not Yield: What Iowa Soybean Research Is Showing Farmers

    2d ago

    Cut Costs, Not Yield: What Iowa Soybean Research Is Showing Farmers

    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.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.

    16 min
  3. Farmland, Risk & the Future of Ag

    4d ago

    Farmland, Risk & the Future of Ag

    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.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
  4. Emma of Double E Ranch : Ag Education, Cattle Country & The Power of Social Media

    May 28

    Emma of Double E Ranch : Ag Education, Cattle Country & The Power of Social Media

    Emma shares her journey from growing up in Temple, Texas, to building a career in the cattle industry through hands-on experience in cow-calf operations, livestock breeding programs in Australia, cattle IVF, animal nutrition, and data management. Along the way, she discovered a passion for helping consumers better understand where their food comes from and the realities of modern agriculture. That mission led to the creation of Double E Ranch Advocacy in 2021, a platform focused on bridging the gap between consumers and cattle country through authentic storytelling, education, and digital media. In this conversation, we discuss: What inspired Emma to pursue agriculture as a first-generation rancher Why she launched Double E Ranch Advocacy How social media has changed ag education The challenges of explaining complex ag topics to non-farm audiences The importance of transparency in the beef industry Virtual farm tours and interactive agriculture education tools Her educational projects, including commodity maps and RanchWorthy The future of multimedia content in agriculture How The Bridge Podcast connects urban and rural communities The role of storytelling in building trust with consumers Public speaking, advocacy, and representing agriculture at industry events Her experience with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Masters of Beef Advocacy Trailblazer Cohort Emma also discusses the growing need for agriculture to proactively communicate with consumers instead of waiting for misinformation to shape public opinion. From social media videos to educational resources and live events, she explains how modern advocacy can help reconnect people with the realities of food production and cattle ranching. This episode is packed with insight for ranchers, ag communicators, and anyone passionate about the future of agriculture education and consumer trust. 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. From Paperwork Chaos to Profit Clarity: Quick Organics Explained

    May 27

    From Paperwork Chaos to Profit Clarity: Quick Organics Explained

    In tight-margin years, every hour and every dollar matters—and paperwork is one of the biggest hidden drains on both. In this What’s Working in Ag segment, we catch back up with Greg and Frankie from Quick Organics to break down how their platform is simplifying one of the most frustrating parts of farming: documentation and compliance. Originally built to solve the headaches of organic certification, Quick Organics is helping producers manage their Organic System Plan, track daily activities, and store critical records all in one place—keeping them audit-ready year-round. But this conversation goes beyond organic. With increasing demand for data tracking, programs like 45Z, and the need to better understand farm profitability, this type of system may soon be just as valuable for conventional farmers. If you’re organic, organic-curious, or simply tired of chasing paperwork, this episode highlights a tool designed to give farmers back their most valuable resource: time. 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.

    12 min
  6. Ag Equipment and Farmland Market Update

    May 25

    Ag Equipment and Farmland Market Update

    With manufacturers calling 2026 the bottom — or near-bottom — of the current large-ag equipment cycle, farmers are left trying to answer a big question: is this a buying opportunity, a warning sign, or both? Luke and Andy bring real-world auction data and market perspective to help explain what’s actually happening with equipment values right now. We discuss: Whether 2026 feels worse, better, or just different than 2025 How auction results compare to manufacturer reports Why big iron like high-horsepower tractors, combines, sprayers, and planters is under pressure What equipment is still selling well Which machines are sitting longer than expected Who is selling right now: retirements, dealer trades, financial stress, or right-sizing Who is still buying aggressively Whether bankruptcies and forced liquidations are really increasing What separates successful sales from disappointing ones Why photos, records, transparency, and seller reputation matter more in a softer market What farmers should do today if they plan to sell equipment in the next six months The conversation also goes beyond machinery. We talk about the broader forces shaping buyer psychology, including tighter credit, repayment stress, interest rates, trade uncertainty, tariffs, Farm Bill delays, and global headlines. Then we connect equipment values to farmland. Land values remain strong in many regions, but cash flow is tightening. That raises an important question for farmers: are we becoming land rich and cash poor? Luke and Andy share what they’re watching in the farmland market, whether strong land values are still supporting confidence, and why machinery could stay soft even if land remains firm. Finally, we look ahead to summer and fall 2026. Will there be a seasonal bounce after planting? What needs to happen for the market to improve? And what could make it worse? 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.

    56 min
  7. The Steiger Story: Lee Klancher Talks Innovation, Risk & Tractor Wars

    May 21

    The Steiger Story: Lee Klancher Talks Innovation, Risk & Tractor Wars

    Author, historian, and ag storyteller Lee Klancher joins Farm4Profit for an incredible deep dive into the history of four-wheel-drive tractors, the horsepower race, and the innovators who transformed modern agriculture. After previously discussing Cold War agricultural espionage surrounding his book Snoopy and the Spy, Lee returns with a brand-new project exploring the rise of 4WD tractors and the intense competition that shaped the farm equipment industry. This episode uncovers the untold stories behind: The origins of articulated 4WD tractors Early steam-powered and tandem tractor experiments Garage-built giants like Big Bertha Why innovation in agriculture happened in barns and machine sheds How farmer-led engineering differed from Silicon Valley-style innovation The spread of new ideas through farm communities The horsepower wars between major manufacturers Why Steiger became one of the defining names in Big Iron Steiger’s near collapse and partnership with International Harvester The DOJ lawsuit and financial restructuring that nearly changed ag history The “Raba Rumble” and lessons from pushing technology too fast Australia’s influence on high-horsepower tractor development How overseas demand accelerated machinery innovation Lee also shares behind-the-scenes insights from filming Tractor Wars 2, the new PBS documentary series following up on the original Tractor Wars project. The conversation explores how mechanization transformed American agriculture during the 1920s and 1930s and why the rapid rise of tractors changed farming forever. The episode finishes with a discussion on today’s technology race — autonomy, AI, and robotics — and whether modern agriculture is entering a new version of the horsepower wars. If you love tractor history, Big Iron, innovation stories, or the personalities that shaped agriculture, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 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 11m
  8. What’s Working in Ag: Weed Pressure & Fungicide Strategy

    May 20

    What’s Working in Ag: Weed Pressure & Fungicide Strategy

    In this What’s Working in Ag segment the Farm4Profit crew sits down with Corteva technical and fungicide specialists to discuss one of the biggest topics facing growers today: protecting yield in a tight-margin environment. The conversation focuses on how weed control, insects, and disease pressure all work together — and why cutting corners on crop protection can end up costing farmers far more in lost yield potential. Corteva experts Eric and Madison explain why starting clean with effective herbicide programs remains critical, especially as growers continue adapting to early soybean planting and evolving resistance challenges. The episode dives into: Why weed escapes create environments for insects and disease pressure How weeds compete for nutrients and rob yield potential Southern rust’s major impact during the 2025 season Why fungicides continue to deliver ROI despite tighter farm margins Tar spot, gray leaf spot, northern corn leaf blight, and other disease concerns The importance of multiple herbicide modes of action How dry conditions impact herbicide performance Why pre-emerge programs still matter Fungicide timing strategies for 2026 Corteva’s new fungicide timing solution launched at Commodity Classic The role AI and predictive analytics may play in disease management Pairing fungicides and insecticides for maximum field efficiency Why scouting remains one of the most important management tools The discussion also highlights Corteva’s newest fungicide, Forcivo™, and how modern fungicide technology is being combined with predictive tools and Pioneer genetics to help growers better manage disease pressure and protect bushels. If you’re making crop protection decisions for the 2026 season, this episode delivers practical insight on how to think through herbicides, fungicides, insects, and profitability in a challenging farm economy. 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
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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
    578
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Farm4Profit Podcast

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