Farm4Profit Podcast

David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof
  • 4.8 (354)
  • 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. Life as the Jamaican Farmer - Raising Kids, Crops, and a Community

    3D AGO

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

    4D AGO

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

    6D AGO

    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
  4. From Small-Town Iowa to NASCAR's Biggest Stages

    JAN 22

    From Small-Town Iowa to NASCAR's Biggest Stages

    This episode is a little different—and that’s exactly why you’ll want to listen. Sammy Smith is a Johnston, Iowa native who grew up racing on small tracks across the state before becoming one of the youngest drivers to win at NASCAR’s national level. Today, at just 21 years old, he’s competed across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the Truck Series, racing for some of the sport’s most respected teams. In this conversation, we dig into: Growing up just miles from the Farm4Profit studio and racing across Iowa How his dad and Iowa racing connections launched his motorsports career Winning races before he was old enough to legally drive The discipline required to balance school, training, and full-time racing Handling pressure, failure, and expectations at a young age Lessons racing teaches that apply directly to farming and business Endurance, mindset, and why he ran a marathon in 2025 Giving back through scholarships and community involvement What’s next in his racing career While Sammy’s world looks different than farming, the themes are the same: discipline, consistency, risk management, preparation, and performance under pressure. This episode bridges agriculture and motorsports through mindset—and shows why success at the highest levels always comes back to fundamentals. 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.

    55 min
  5. Chemicals at 10% Over Cost is Actually a Thing : Talking Cash & Carry

    JAN 19

    Chemicals at 10% Over Cost is Actually a Thing : Talking Cash & Carry

    Titan Immel doesn’t follow the traditional ag retail playbook—and that’s exactly why his businesses are growing. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of AgHub Midwest and Ten Percent Ag to unpack how a 17-year-old seed dealer turned into a diversified ag entrepreneur serving tens of thousands of acres across the Midwest. We dig into: How Titan started selling seed while still in high school Why he stepped away from farming to build an ag services business The independent retailer model behind AgHub Midwest How variable-rate prescriptions and precision tech drive value for farmers Selling farm chemicals shipped direct to the farm at just 10% over cost Scaling aerial application with helicopters and spray drones The hiring challenges in rural ag—and why character matters more than resumes Using consultants to break growth plateaus and plan for 2.5x expansion Building multiple businesses simultaneously without losing focus This episode is a real-world look at modern ag entrepreneurship, where technology, logistics, people, and margins all have to work together. Whether you’re a farmer, ag retailer, or someone thinking about starting something of your own, Titan’s story offers a blueprint for doing ag business differently—and sustainably. 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
  6. They Buy Farms With YouTube Money - Hilbert's Share How

    JAN 15

    They Buy Farms With YouTube Money - Hilbert's Share How

    Grant and Spencer Hilbert didn’t grow up farming—but today they’re running a first-generation operation, raising crops, adding beef cattle, and building one of the most transparent ag creator platforms online. In this episode, we sit down with the brothers behind Hilbert Farms, The Squad, and the American Farming game to talk about: How YouTube income helped fund their first farmland purchase What it’s like starting a farm without generational land or equipment Why they’re open about profits, failures, and financial realities How content creation, gaming, and real farming now overlap Launching beef production and partnering with Farmer Grade Building community through Discord and digital platforms And the idea behind forming a creator “dream team” to bring farmers early access to product reveals—before Commodity Classic This conversation isn’t just about social media or gaming. It’s about where agriculture is headed, how younger farmers and creators are influencing the industry, and how early access and transparency can bring real value back to producers. 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.

    57 min
  7. The #1 Change Top Producers Are Making to Their Books in 2026

    JAN 14

    The #1 Change Top Producers Are Making to Their Books in 2026

    This What’s Working in Ag segment is brought to you by www.ambrook.com , we bring back Hannah Mann, CPA and ag-focused accountant, to answer the follow-up questions farmers had after our recent tax planning episode. This short, to-the-point conversation focuses on what’s actually working right now for producers who want better control of their numbers heading into 2026. Hannah shares: Why most farms struggle with knowing true profitability—even when yields look good The difference between reactive bookkeeping and proactive financial planning Why January is the best time to reset farm records (not December) How forward-looking cash flow projections help with banker conversations and credit renewals Why tracking inventory, enterprises, and allocations matters more than ever How the best operators use simple systems to buy back time and peace of mind Why clean, real-time numbers create better decisions when margins are tight This episode isn’t about accounting theory or tax jargon. It’s about giving farmers clarity, confidence, and a system that helps them make better decisions—before it’s too late. 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.

    16 min
  8. Off-Patent Genetics leading to Lower Costs - Changing Seed Industry

    JAN 12

    Off-Patent Genetics leading to Lower Costs - Changing Seed Industry

    Seed costs remain one of the largest line items on a farm’s balance sheet—but what if there was another way to think about genetics, pricing, and value? In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Nate Belcher, a crop consultant, regenerative ag specialist, and longtime advocate for alternative ag business models. Nate shares his perspective on off-patent corn genetics, non-GMO seed options, and why more farmers are questioning the traditional seed system. We discuss: Nate’s background as a crop consultant and regenerative ag specialist Why off-patent genetics are gaining traction with cost-conscious farmers How non-GMO corn fits into modern cropping systems The economics behind seed pricing once royalties and licensing fees are removed Why many smaller seed companies are moving toward proven, off-patent traits Advantages for farmers: lower costs, reduced financial risk, faster access to genetics Trade-offs farmers should understand, including fewer trials and older genetics How direct-to-farm distribution works without dealers or regional reps Whether this model represents a niche option—or a broader shift in the seed industry This conversation isn’t about selling seed—it’s about understanding the economics, the risks, and the opportunities farmers face as the seed industry continues to evolve. https://hybrid85.com/about-us   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 2m
See All (528)

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
354 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
    528
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Farm4Profit Podcast

You Might Also Like