Farm4Profit Podcast

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 meetingsRed flags in both farm financials and bank relationshipsWhy balance sheets, cash flow, and production knowledge must alignThe danger of confusing bank renewals with actual profitabilityHow farmers can start thinking — and operating — like CEOs of multimillion-dollar businessesWhat Legacy Farmer does differently to help producers build clarity, structure, and long-term resilienceThis 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 2019How simple things like rain gauge updates connect farmers and non-farmers alikeWhat it’s like raising kids who actively help on the farmLessons learned from Iowa Corn’s I-LEAD program and international trade missionsWhy community involvement — fire department, PTO, Lions Club — still matters in rural AmericaThe reality of farming through tough seasons, including multiple field fires in one yearThis 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 immediatelySharing practical “tricks of the trade” from professional risk managersHelping producers build repeatable systems, not one-off tradesCreating skills that become a permanent asset to a farm or businessWhat it won’t do:Predict market directionPush trading strategiesReact to daily headlinesIn 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 facingHow crop insurance, FSA programs, and disaster relief work togetherWhat’s changed under the new USDA and RMA leadershipKey updates to ARC/PLC, base acres, reference prices, and SCO flexibilityNew and expanded area coverage options like ECO, SCO, and MCOEnhancements to the Beginning Farmer/Rancher programDisaster programs like SDRP Phase 2 and the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) programWhy precision data is becoming critical for reporting, claims, and auditsKen 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 IowaHow his dad and Iowa racing connections launched his motorsports careerWinning races before he was old enough to legally driveThe discipline required to balance school, training, and full-time racingHandling pressure, failure, and expectations at a young ageLessons racing teaches that apply directly to farming and businessEndurance, mindset, and why he ran a marathon in 2025Giving back through scholarships and community involvementWhat’s next in his racing careerWhile 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 schoolWhy he stepped away from farming to build an ag services businessThe independent retailer model behind AgHub MidwestHow variable-rate prescriptions and precision tech drive value for farmersSelling farm chemicals shipped direct to the farm at just 10% over costScaling aerial application with helicopters and spray dronesThe hiring challenges in rural ag—and why character matters more than resumesUsing consultants to break growth plateaus and plan for 2.5x expansionBuilding multiple businesses simultaneously without losing focusThis 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 purchaseWhat it’s like starting a farm without generational land or equipmentWhy they’re open about profits, failures, and financial realitiesHow content creation, gaming, and real farming now overlapLaunching beef production and partnering with Farmer GradeBuilding community through Discord and digital platformsAnd the idea behind forming a creator “dream team” to bring farmers early access to product reveals—before Commodity ClassicThis 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 goodThe difference between reactive bookkeeping and proactive financial planningWhy January is the best time to reset farm records (not December)How forward-looking cash flow projections help with banker conversations and credit renewalsWhy tracking inventory, enterprises, and allocations matters more than everHow the best operators use simple systems to buy back time and peace of mindWhy clean, real-time numbers create better decisions when margins are tightThis 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

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 specialistWhy off-patent genetics are gaining traction with cost-conscious farmersHow non-GMO corn fits into modern cropping systemsThe economics behind seed pricing once royalties and licensing fees are removedWhy many smaller seed companies are moving toward proven, off-patent traitsAdvantages for farmers: lower costs, reduced financial risk, faster access to geneticsTrade-offs farmers should understand, including fewer trials and older geneticsHow direct-to-farm distribution works without dealers or regional repsWhether this model represents a niche option—or a broader shift in the seed industryThis 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.

In this Farm4Fun episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we’re joined by Cavin Malloy, an Eastern Iowa farmer from Williamsburg and the creator behind @stonecoldcavin. Known for his high-energy, wrestling-inspired persona and relatable day-in-the-life farm content, Cavin has built a loyal following by showing the real side of farming—with humor, honesty, and Midwest grit.We dig into:Where Cavin grew up and his family’s farming backgroundWhat his current farming operation looks like (row crops, cattle, equipment, and custom work)What he does differently than his neighbors—and whyHow the “StoneColdCavin” brand started and his first viral momentBalancing comedy with real farm educationWhat neighbors and locals think about his online presenceHis biggest farm pet peevesBest and worst purchases he’s made on the farmHow he prepares for rain days and “winter hours”ROI on automation and technology in a real-world farm settingCoaching youth wrestling and how that mindset carries over to farmingAnd what he’d be doing if farming and content creation weren’t the pathThis episode is part laughs, part real talk, and 100% authentic farm life—no filters, no fluff. 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.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow 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.