

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
Dec 8, 2025 • 47min
Successes in 2025 and What’s Next for 2026 - Agronomic Update
We sit down with Brad Burkhart, Market Development Specialist for Corteva Agriscience, to recap what really happened in the 2025 crop season — and what farmers should take forward into 2026.Brad walks us through the major trends he saw at harvest: disease pressure that showed up across multiple regions, waterhemp surges creeping from edge to row, and early-season conditions that made crop protection decisions more important than ever.We highlight the biggest “wins” of 2025, including real-world in-field results:• Forcivo™ fungicide:High pressure meant fungicide performance mattered. Brad shares field trial results — including one Iowa farm where combining Forcivo with Aproach® Prima delivered 49 bu/A more than untreated acres.• Resicore® REV & Kyro™ herbicides:Farmers leaned on flexible application windows, strong tank-mix compatibility, and long-lasting residuals. Brad shares how an Iowa grower again achieved 8 weeks of waterhemp residual with encapsulated acetochlor in Resicore REV.• Enversa™, Sonic® Boom & Kyber® Pro soy herbicides:Farmers needed solutions beyond dicamba. Brad highlights how Enversa and Enlist One® helped a Nebraska farm eliminate pigweed pressure — and how Sonic Boom and Kyber Pro performed with consistent, broad-spectrum activity and flexible timing up to V4/V5.• Tolvera® herbicide for cereals:A rare new active ingredient hit the market in 2025 — and cereal growers embraced it. Brad shares a Montana farm’s success controlling kochia, narrowleaf hawksbeard and wild buckwheat while maintaining strong rotation flexibility.We close with actionable 2026 planning steps, including mapping problem areas, updating weed control programs, and using 2025 performance insights to maximize ROI next season.For more information on Corteva crop protection solutions, visit Corteva.com/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.
Dec 4, 2025 • 48min
Family Business, Big Responsibility: Tom Mangan on Culture & Leadership
This episode features a rare and powerful perspective: what it takes to lead one of agriculture’s most respected family-owned companies — when you’re not part of the family name.We sit down with Tom Mangan, Sukup Manufacturing’s incoming CEO and the first non-family executive to hold the role in the company’s history. Tom’s background spans Fareway Stores, Endicott Clay Products, Deloitte Tax, and, since 2020, serving as Sukup’s CFO. Beginning in October 2025, he’ll step into the CEO role with Hank Norem transitioning back into the CFO seat to support the change.Tom shares his journey from Iowa State accounting major and CPA to guiding one of ag’s most innovative, global, family-rooted brands. We explore the challenges and advantages of stepping into leadership in a multi-generational family company — from building trust, honoring legacy, and collaborating with family stakeholders to introducing new systems, tech, and approaches.Listeners will gain insight into how non-family leaders can thrive in family-owned operations, how to create alignment across teams, and how to balance culture, performance, and long-term vision. Tom breaks down his collaborative leadership philosophy, the lessons he’s learned, and the strategies he believes matter for both large manufacturers and family farms alike.
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 1, 2025 • 1h 9min
Tax Moves That Put Real Money Back in YOUR Pocket
Tax season doesn’t have to be a scramble — and today’s guests show farmers exactly how to get ahead. We’re joined by two ag-focused CPAs: Mackenzie Sprain from LattaHarris and Hannah Mann from Pioneer Accounting LLC. One brings deep ag tax expertise, the other specializes in helping farmers build cleaner records and better financial visibility — together, they give producers a complete roadmap for winning tax season before it starts.We open with an honest look at the 2025 tax landscape: inflation pressures, high interest rates, shifting policy environments, and the growing relevance of tools like Section 180 deductions, R&D credits, conservation program rules, CRP tax treatment, and more. Mackenzie and Hannah outline how year-round planning beats last-minute spending — and why quarterly conversations with your accountant can save thousands.From there, we dig into the power of modern recordkeeping. Tools like Ambrook allow producers to tag expenses by enterprise, monitor breakevens in real time, organize receipts, and make equipment or land decisions with clarity instead of guesswork. The CPAs share real stories of farmers who uncovered hidden savings, improved profitability, or avoided costly mistakes simply by keeping organized, digital records.We also cover common mistakes farmers make — outdated depreciation schedules, misclassified wages, partnership changes not reported, misunderstood conservation payments, or relying on handshake agreements without tax implications in mind. Mackenzie and Hannah walk through the opportunities available for 2025: Section 179 planning, bonus depreciation limits, energy tax credits, R&D credits for agronomy trials, and strategies to minimize interest-driven tax impacts.We close with actionable takeaways: start early, track continuously, communicate often, and use technology to transform tax planning from compliance into strategy. If you want to reduce stress, avoid surprises, and make tax season another profit tool for your operation, this episode is packed with practical, CPA-approved guidance you can apply immediately.
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.
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 55min
Thanksgiving Throwdown with the Father/Son Duo behind BarnTalk
This special Thanksgiving episode features Tork and Sawyer Whisler, the father–son duo behind BarnTalk, This’ll Do Farm, and a massive online following that continues to grow year after year. Tork is a 5th-generation Iowa farmer who returned to hog production after time in construction and sales, and Sawyer is a 6th-generation farmer who jumped straight into farming full-time after high school. Together, they run a transparent hog and row-crop operation centered around their brand promise: “Show people where their food comes from.”We talk about the journey behind BarnTalk, how their follower count has doubled (or tripled) since we last recorded together, and what changes they’ve made in how they film, tell stories, and build community online. They share the mission behind Farmer Grade, the direct-to-consumer meat company sourcing from creators like Sonne Farms, Lightning Cattle Co., Hilbert Farms, Peterson Farm Bros, and others — bringing high-quality protein with a story straight to consumers.Then we dive into the fun stuff:• A Thanksgiving snake draft of must-have foods• Their most non-traditional Thanksgiving dishes• A holiday lightning round covering turkey vs ham, favorite sides, who’s most likely to fall asleep after dinner, favorite holiday movies, family traditions, gifts, and plenty moreWe also explore deeper topics — what fame has taught them about success, what they choose not to share online, childhood stories from the farm, and how Sawyer pushed through the moments he questioned his path.A high-energy mix of storytelling, humor, transparency, and farm-family holiday chaos — just the way Thanksgiving should be.
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.
Nov 24, 2025 • 60min
The Legal Mistakes Costing Farmers Thousands
Today we’re joined by James (Jim) Eggleston, founding partner of Eggleston King Davis, an agricultural and commercial real estate law expert with offices in Texas and California. Jim specializes in farmland transactions, partitions, entity structuring, asset protection, private equity financing, and complex mediations — all areas that directly impact farmers, ranchers, and multigenerational family operations.Jim shares how he got started in real estate law, what drew him into agriculture, and how his experience shaped the launch of his firm. Throughout the episode, we explore the world of agricultural real estate and what makes it dramatically different from standard real estate — from zoning and water rights to mineral rights, easements, conservation programs, and estate structures that protect family assets.We dive into the most common mistakes farmers make in land deals, including red flags in purchase agreements, title issues, unclear access easements, handshake agreements that go bad, and how the right contract language can prevent major financial and legal problems. Jim discusses best practices in leases, seller financing, buy/sell agreements, and entity formation, along with how farmers can use LLCs or family partnerships to protect land for future generations.This conversation also highlights the importance of having the right team of legal and financial advisors — including partners like Boa Safra — so farmers can grow smarter, reduce risk, and preserve their legacy.We wrap up with fun questions like Jim’s favorite piece of land he’s ever seen, what law he’d change for producers, and the career he’d pursue if he weren’t an attorney.A practical, eye-opening episode for anyone owning, renting, purchasing, or planning for the future of farmland.
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.
Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
Farmer King Unfiltered: Broiler Barns, Crops & MORE!
Today we’re joined by Emerson King, the young Western Kentucky farmer behind the fast-growing online brand Adventures of Farmer King. Emerson operates a full-time row crop farm paired with six large broiler chicken houses, raising thousands of birds while producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and more.What started as a simple idea to show real farm life has grown into a respected and relatable platform across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook—and now AcresTV. Emerson has become known for his authenticity, humor, and willingness to show the tough, dirty, and meaningful parts of agriculture that most people never get to see.In this episode, Emerson shares:• How he got started in farming and what his operation looks like today• Why he first picked up a camera and how his content evolved• The realities of raising broilers while filming daily work• What he’s learned about non-farmer perceptions of agriculture• The biggest misconceptions viewers have about poultry and row crops• How social media became a tool for advocacy and education• His experience joining AcresTV and reaching a bigger rural audience• Where he hopes Adventures of Farmer King grows nextThis is an honest, down-to-earth conversation with a young producer working hard, telling the truth, and helping bridge the gap between farming and the public.
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.
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 7min
Good Farmers Fail Without a Plan : Hidden Mistakes That Are Killing Family Farms
In this episode, the Farm4Profit Podcast gets real about the financial and organizational realities facing today’s farms. Jace Young, CEO of Legacy Farmer, joins the hosts to share how he helps farmers move from “organized chaos” to truly structured, profitable, and sustainable businesses.He lays out the five most common pitfalls holding family farms back — micromanaging, centralized decision-making, lack of training, absence of core values, and neglecting personal well-being — and explains how each one quietly erodes profitability, family relationships, and long-term success.Listeners will learn how Jace’s Legacy Farmer System simplifies farm finances, empowers next-generation leaders, and builds confidence in daily decision-making. From financial tracking to leadership development, Jace emphasizes that the most successful farms today are the ones mastering their numbers and their systems, not just their yields.The conversation wraps with practical advice for any producer wanting to protect their legacy — and a few truths about why taking care of yourself might just be the best business decision you can make.If you’ve ever felt buried by paperwork, overwhelmed by management decisions, or unsure how to prepare your farm for the next generation — this episode is your blueprint to start fixing it.
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.
Nov 13, 2025 • 38min
From Parodies to Faith & Farming: Meet The Peterson Farm Bros
In this episode, the Farm4Profit Podcast dives into how the Peterson Farm Bros went from small-town Kansas to global agricultural ambassadors — one parody video at a time.Greg shares the story behind launching their first viral video in 2012, the family’s passion for using humor and music to educate the public, and how they balance content creation with the demands of a 1,000-head cattle operation and 2,500 acres of crops. The brothers open up about their family’s multi-generational legacy, their faith, and how opening their farm to the public has built a bridge between rural life and urban audiences.Listeners will also get a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process, their latest projects like subsurface drip irrigation, and how they keep their message authentic while touring the country speaking at major ag events like Ag PhD Field Day, Farm Technology Days, and FFA conventions.This conversation is a mix of inspiration, laughter, and lessons on using creativity to advocate for agriculture — while still making it home in time for chores.
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.
Nov 10, 2025 • 45min
From Shop Houses to Farm Shops: No One Ever Built Too Big!
In this Farm4Profit episode, the crew sits down with Randy Marcks, Sukup Steel Buildings expert, to discuss the evolution of steel structures in modern agriculture and how smart planning leads to stronger, more efficient operations.Steel buildings aren’t just about durability—they’re about design precision, longevity, and adaptability. Randy walks us through Sukup’s building innovations—from I-beam structural corners and Galvalume+ steel panels, to factory-welded clips and pre-punched components that make installation faster and more accurate.But before the first bolt goes in, Randy emphasizes what farmers should consider:Future use planning: Think beyond today—design for changing equipment or livestock needs.Size and layout: Bigger isn’t always better; right-sized buildings drive efficiency and cost control.Site prep and foundation: Proper grading, compaction, and soil testing save years of drainage headaches.Budgeting beyond the kit: Include labor, electrical, insulation, and ventilation.Building codes & permits: Stay compliant and avoid costly rework.Listeners will learn why steel buildings outperform wood—handling higher wind loads, resisting termites and rot, and maintaining clear spans up to 200 feet for wide, open workspaces. Sukup’s IAS AC472 accreditation ensures every building meets the highest quality and safety standards.Randy also digs into why roof and wall panel design matter more than most people realize: mechanically rolled standing seams with a 360° Pittsburgh double-lock prevent leaks, and movable clips let panels expand and contract with temperature swings—protecting your investment from the elements for decades.🧠 Key TakeawaysPlan with purpose — A smart build starts with site prep, future needs, and full-cost budgeting.Steel wins the long game — Stronger spans, higher durability, no rot, and recyclable value at teardown.Details matter — Panel design, insulation, and airflow determine building lifespan and comfort.Sukup quality = Iowa pride — Family-owned innovation, automation, and precision manufacturing deliver farm-tough reliability.
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.
Nov 6, 2025 • 34min
Farming in the Fast Lane: Kyle Kirkwood - Ag's Connection to IndyCar
In this high-octane Farm4Profit episode, the team welcomes Kyle Kirkwood, one of the brightest young stars in the NTT INDYCAR Series, to explore how agriculture fuels racing’s future—literally. Kyle, who pilots the #27 car for Andretti Global, shares his journey from a five-year-old discovering jet cars at Moroso Motorsports Park to standing on the podium at Long Beach and Bommarito in 2025.We dive into Kyle’s personal story—his love for deep-sea fishing, surfing, and staying fit—and then turn toward the intersection of farming, fuel, and fast cars. The conversation highlights his partnership with Sukup Manufacturing and what it means to represent a company rooted in American agriculture at the Iowa Speedway, where corn isn’t just grown—it powers the race itself.Topics Covered:The Making of a Champion: How Kyle’s early karting success and Road to Indy dominance prepared him for the big leagues.Inside Andretti Global: A look at the legendary team’s legacy, innovation, and culture of excellence.Ag Meets IndyCar: The story behind Sukup’s sponsorship and why agricultural brands are increasingly visible in motorsports.Ethanol Power: Kyle explains how E85 ethanol-based fuel enhances car performance and efficiency, and why it’s both a renewable and high-performance solution.Shared Values: The parallels between racing and farming—precision, data-driven decision-making, and the pursuit of efficiency.Future of the Sport: How technology, sustainability, and partnerships like Sukup’s are driving the next chapter of racing innovation.Listeners get a unique peek into the mindset of a professional racer who’s not just chasing checkered flags, but also celebrating the partnership between the track and the tractor. Whether you’re a farmer, gearhead, or ethanol advocate, this episode connects the roar of the engine to the roots of rural America.
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.


