

Farm4Profit Podcast
David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 2min
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 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.
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 30min
Winter Hours to Rain Days with StoneColdCavin
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.
Jan 5, 2026 • 57min
Learn from Ultra-High-Net-Worth Families to Protect Your Farm
In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we’re joined by Danielle Darcy of UBS Wealth Management, who specializes in working with ultra-high-net-worth clients—families and individuals managing $40+ million in assets.What’s surprising? The strategies that keep wealthy families wealthy aren’t about having more money—they’re about structure, intentionality, and planning. And many of those same principles apply directly to farm operations of all sizes.In this conversation, we cover:How Danielle got into wealth management and what most people misunderstand about itThe habits and mindset that separate families who preserve wealth from those who lose itWhy the ultra-wealthy review financial and estate plans quarterly—and what farmers can learn from thatTax strategies used by high-net-worth families (and how scaled-down versions apply to farms)Entity structuring, gifting strategies, and using life insurance as a liquidity toolCommon mistakes families make when they wait too long to plan transitionsWhy only 30% of family businesses survive into the second generation—and how communication plays a bigger role than moneyRisk management basics every farm should have in placeThe growing role of women in farm ownership, inheritance, and wealth decisionsHow the ultra-wealthy use philanthropy to teach stewardship, purpose, and legacyDanielle also shares practical takeaways any farmer can use today, regardless of operation size or net worth.
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.
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 5min
New Guy in the Shop: Cameras, Cattle, and More Farm4Profit!
In this Farm4Fun New Year’s episode, we officially introduce Cody Vanderholm, the newest hire at Farm4Profit and our Project and Digital Media Manager.Cody lives in Stanton, Iowa, and brings a unique mix of ag roots, technical experience, and creative talent to the Farm4Profit team. He grew up showing cattle, still helps run Vanderholm Cattle Company with his dad, and works closely with 4-H and FFA families selling Angus and Simmental breeding stock.Before joining Farm4Profit, Cody built a diverse career across agriculture, equipment, precision ag, and marketing—including roles with Titan Machinery, HTS Ag, AlffCo, and more—while also growing his own business, Vanderholm Media.In this episode, we cover:Cody’s farming background and cattle operationHow showing livestock shaped his path into agricultureHis journey through ag sales, precision ag, and equipment rolesHow Vanderholm Media got started and evolvedPhotography, drone work, tractor pulls, air shows, and light paintingHis passion for weather, travel, and capturing agriculture visuallyWhat excites him most about joining the Farm4Profit teamThis episode is part introduction, part behind-the-scenes, and part Farm4Fun—giving listeners a chance to get to know the person who’ll be helping shape the future of Farm4Profit content.Welcome to the team, Cody—and welcome to the New Year.
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.
Dec 29, 2025 • 59min
Packers and Policy Stripping Power from Farmers
In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Joe Kerns, a 30-year industry veteran and Iowa State University graduate who has worked across procurement, risk management, nutrition, hedging, livestock marketing, and operational benchmarking. Joe doesn’t sugarcoat the situation—and his perspective raises uncomfortable but necessary questions about the future of U.S. agriculture, especially pork production.Joe explains why he believes the pork industry is on the brink of becoming “a serf to the packer,” tracing the roots back to the 1998 hog price collapse and the financial community’s push for mandatory packer contracts. The result? The negotiated cash market has collapsed from roughly 17% in 2002 to around 1% today, leaving producers without meaningful price discovery and shifting risk almost entirely onto the farm.We also tackle the growing loss of faith in USDA reporting, including:Corn yield overestimations that led to bad marketing decisionsThe September 2024 hog supply miss that sent futures $20/head higherDeclining participation in USDA reports and what that means for accuracyHow flawed data distorts markets, hedging decisions, and producer confidenceBut this episode isn’t just about problems—it’s about opportunity.Joe outlines how producer-driven, anonymous data aggregation could flip the power dynamic back toward farmers. With enough participation, predictive analytics could unlock insights across genetics, nutrition, management, equipment, and animal health—turning farm data into a monetized advantage instead of a liability.We also explore:Why pork producers may actually be agriculture’s quiet sustainability success storyHow efficiency gains from genetics and feed conversion are reshaping protein productionWhy beef prices are likely to remain elevated—and why politics are missing the pointThe hard reality behind renewable diesel, SAF, and global energy policyWhat happens to independent producers if nothing changesThis is a candid, data-driven conversation about power, control, and survival in modern agriculture—and why the next decade may determine whether independence remains viable at all.
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.
Dec 25, 2025 • 53min
You Built This: One Incredible Farm Community: What's Next?
The hosts go mic-only to say thank you to the people who make this show possible: you.As we wrap up 2025, we take a moment to reflect on what this community has become. The Farm4Profit audience reached:200,000+ unique listeners1,200,000+ total downloads660,000+ Spotify streams10.4 million+ YouTube views in the last year2.18 million+ long-form episode listens43.4 million impressions and 1.3 million engagements across social mediaBut the numbers only tell part of the story.In this episode, we talk about:Our favorite podcast moments from 2025Unexpected wins and personal highlights outside the showReal struggles we faced this year—and what they taught usWhat we’re most excited about heading into 2026New ideas, experiments, and fun challenges we want to bring to the Farm4Profit communityWe also share listener demographics that show exactly who makes up this audience:55% farmers and farmhands28% ag business professionals11% ag enthusiasts2% influencers4% other supportersWhether you listen from the tractor cab, the shop, the pickup, or the kitchen table—this episode is for you. Thank you for trusting us with your time, your stories, and your support.
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.

Dec 22, 2025 • 53min
Hidden Diesel Problems Hurting Trucks, Tractors, and other Motors
Diesel technology has come a long way — but with tighter emissions systems, DPFs, EGRs, and high-pressure injectors, today’s engines are also more vulnerable than most operators realize.In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we’re joined by Garth Redifer, Vice President of Sales at Power Service, a third-generation, veteran-owned diesel additive manufacturer based in Weatherford, Texas. With 17 years of hands-on diesel technology experience, Garth has worked directly on innovations like diesel injector cleaning and DPF flush solutions — and has seen firsthand where engines fail and why.We dig into:Why modern diesel engines are more prone to injector deposits, regen issues, and power lossWhat’s really happening inside your fuel system, turbo, EGR, and DPFWhy excessive DPF regens cost you fuel, time, and engine lifeHow a one-tank diesel treatment can clean the entire fuel system — not just injectorsWhat REGENEXTEND™ technology does and how it can cut regen frequency by up to 50%The difference between “band-aid” fuel additives and science-backed solutionsWhy preventive maintenance is cheaper than waiting for warning lights and downtimeGarth also shares insights from working with truckers, farmers, logging crews, and fleets across North America — and explains why diesel fuel quality and maintenance matter more now than ever.Whether you’re running a pickup, tractor, combine, semi, or full fleet, this episode will help you understand how to protect performance, extend engine life, and keep more money in your pocket.
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.

Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 19min
Doing It Wrong on Purpose: Old-School Dairy Farming
In an ag world driven by automation, efficiency metrics, and shiny new equipment, this farmer is unapologetically doing things differently — and calling it Doing It Wrong Dairy.Tristan is a sixth-generation dairy producer in Wisconsin who believes real farming doesn’t need filters, polish, or permission. Farming on his own for more than a decade, Tristan relies heavily on 30+ year-old equipment, practices old-school animal care, and openly questions whether “modern” always means “better.”In this episode, Tristan shares:Growing up in a multi-species livestock operation and starting farm work at age fourWhy his family exited the dairy industry in the 1990s — and why he came backLeaving home at 17 to work on a custom wheat harvest crew and becoming a crew leader at 18His return to Wisconsin and building a farm on his own termsWhy he leaves calves with their mothers and how it impacts herd health and behaviorMilking alternative breeds like Gyr cows and experimenting outside the mainstreamMaintaining a “retirement pasture” for cows he refuses to sell simply because production dropsWhy authenticity — not perfection — is what connects people to agricultureWe also dig into the explosive growth of Doing It Wrong Dairy on social media, where Tristan’s honest, sometimes controversial content has resonated with hundreds of thousands of viewers who want to see the real side of farming — not a highlight reel.
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.

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 13min
Phishing to Ransomware—Why Ag Is Now a Top Target
Farms today run more digital systems than ever before — GPS-guided equipment, grain accounting software, cloud-connected records, automated livestock and irrigation controls, and online financial tools. And that shift has put agriculture squarely into the Top 10 most-targeted industries for cyberattacks.In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sherman, founder of TechSupport.Farm, who specializes in helping farmers and ag businesses protect their operations from online threats. Chris breaks down why farms are becoming major hacker targets, the attacks he sees most often, and the simple ways producers can safeguard their data, their money, and their equipment.We explore real farm-level risks such as:Phishing emails disguised as invoices, USDA notices, or dealer updatesRansomware that locks up grain software, field maps, GPS data, or entire farm serversExtortion scams demanding bitcoinAttempts to infiltrate connected systems like grain dryers, feed mills, and irrigation controlsChris explains where farm data actually lives — on equipment, in cloud systems, or in software platforms — and what farmers need to understand about data ownership, platform security, and privacy.Then we move into practical, easy-to-apply cybersecurity steps every farm can start today:Creating strong password policies (12+ characters)Using password managersTurning on two-factor authenticationUpgrading email security with spam and phishing filtersSeparating home WiFi from business and equipment WiFiTracking who has login accessKeeping offline backups of critical filesTraining your family and employees to spot digital red flagsChris also shares real-world stories from farms he’s helped — the scams that worked, the ones that were caught in time, and the mistakes he sees repeated across operations of all sizes.Whether you run a large operation or a small family farm, cybersecurity is now part of running the business. This episode will help you protect what you’ve built, stay ahead of threats, and keep hackers out of your data, your money, and your equipment.
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.

Dec 11, 2025 • 57min
Big-Egg Dreams with Trey Braswell
Today’s Farm4Fun episode brings you straight to the porch of Braswell Family Farms, where Trey Braswell, the fourth-generation president of a well-known East-Coast egg and feed operation, walks us through his roots, his responsibilities, and the heart behind a business built for generations.We explore how the farm began in 1943 as a small grist mill — and over 80 years and four generations later has grown into one of the largest private-label and specialty-egg producers on the East Coast, with a robust feed mill and diverse operations. Trey shares how he started working on the farm in high school — sweeping floors, unloading rail cars, maintaining mill bins — and later earned a business degree to come back with new ideas.We talk about major milestones under his leadership: building new pullet and layer houses, launching pasture-raised organic egg production, rebranding to Braswell Family Farms (formerly Braswell Foods), and embedding a culture guided by faith and stewardship. But more than facilities and production, we dig into values: how he works to make employees feel like family, establishes a “Stewardship Team,” and leads with a mission rooted in integrity, humility, and service. Expect stories — the earliest years, the tough decisions, the vision for organic and cage-free eggs, and what it really means to manage a 4-generation farm business in 2025. All with the honesty and warmth of a conversation on the porch.Whether you’re a young farmer, seasoned producer, or just curious where your eggs come from, this episode offers a real glimpse into values-driven agriculture, family legacy, and the hard work behind every carton.
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.


