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

    3d ago

    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
  2. From Paperwork Chaos to Profit Clarity: Quick Organics Explained

    4d ago

    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
  3. Ag Equipment and Farmland Market Update

    6d ago

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. The Lobe Rangers: Three Farmers Taking on Water Quality, Tillage & Ag Policy

    May 18

    The Lobe Rangers: Three Farmers Taking on Water Quality, Tillage & Ag Policy

    In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, Corey sits down with Zach Smith (The Stock Cropper), James Epp, and Matt Boerman — better known as The Lobe Rangers — for a candid and in-depth conversation about the future of agriculture, conservation practices, and what farmers can do to improve profitability while protecting soil and water resources. The group shares how The Lobe Rangers started as a simple Snapchat conversation between frustrated farmers who wanted to discuss poor farming practices, erosion, nitrogen management, and conservation solutions happening across Iowa’s Des Moines Lobe region. What began as a private peer group quickly evolved into a growing movement focused on honest conversations around agriculture, sustainability, and practical solutions that work at scale. The discussion covers: Strip-till and no-till systems Cover crop adoption and management Nitrogen timing and in-season application Water quality and nitrate concerns Soil erosion and long-term land stewardship Farm profitability through reduced input costs The economics behind regenerative agriculture Challenges with ag policy and regulation Spray drift and pesticide stewardship The role of leadership within agriculture How farmers can proactively avoid future regulation Why knowing your numbers matters more than ever The Lobe Rangers explain how they’ve implemented conservation systems on their own operations while still maintaining profitability and efficiency. They also discuss the realities of public perception, working with Des Moines Water Works, and why communication between farmers, consumers, and policymakers is critical moving forward. This episode is a raw, honest, and thought-provoking discussion about balancing production agriculture with long-term sustainability while keeping family farms profitable for future generations. 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 21m
  7. Meeting the Next Generation of Cattle Producers : Mike Schwarck

    May 14

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

    May 13

    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
See All (575)

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
    575
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Farm4Profit Podcast

You Might Also Like