Farm4Profit Podcast

This Farm4Profit Podcast episode introduces NexOpt, a new asset management and GPS tracking system that promises to change how farmers monitor equipment, track service, and manage downtime. Our guest, Sherie Jones, Operations Manager at STEINBAUER USA, shares how NexOpt—founded in 2016—has already been adopted by industries like postal services, broadcasters, and leasing companies in Europe, and why now is the right time to bring it to the U.S.Key themes from the conversation include:What Makes NexOpt Different: Unlike traditional telematics systems tied to one carrier, NexOpt is cell-provider independent, can store data offline and upload later, and is engineered entirely in-house for reliability. Sherie also explains how the system uses a fraction of the data compared to competitors.Why Farmers Should Care: From real-time tracking of machines to the Service History feature that logs invoices, technician notes, and repair photos, NexOpt helps farmers replace messy spreadsheets and paper records with one digital solution. For row-crop, livestock, and custom operators alike, this can reduce downtime during critical planting or harvest windows.Features & Functionality: Farmers gain tools like breadcrumb trails, idle time tracking, fault code reporting, and customizable analytics. Sherie shares which features early adopters love most and how even non-tech-savvy users can navigate the platform with ease.ROI and Practical Use: Sherie outlines the cost structure (setup + per-vehicle monthly fee), where farmers typically see the return on investment, and whether it’s better to pilot a few machines or roll out across an entire fleet.The U.S. Launch: Debuting at the Farm Progress Show, NexOpt is kicking things off with T-shirt giveaways, a cooler raffle, and even a shrimp boil and gumbo dinner for attendees.This episode highlights how smarter tracking can turn maintenance into a profit driver, giving farmers more time in the field and fewer unexpected breakdowns. 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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode highlights the powerful connection between agriculture and athletics through the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. Our guest, Joe Roberts, is not only the President of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board but also a third-generation Wright County farmer, Beck’s Seed dealer, and conservation advocate.Joe shares his journey from growing up on the family farm to leading farmer-funded checkoff initiatives that promote corn’s role in food, feed, fuel, and fiber. We explore how the Iowa Corn Promotion Board uses the Cy-Hawk Series as a platform to connect with millions of fans, building both consumer awareness and farmer pride.Key themes from the episode include:The Cy-Hawk Story: What the series is, which sports are included, and why it’s such an iconic rivalry in Iowa culture.Checkoff Dollars at Work: How farmer checkoff investments make sponsorships possible and the tangible value they bring back to the farm.Beyond the Stadium: How Iowa Corn uses the event to educate consumers on corn’s role in everyday life, from renewable fuels to livestock feed.Conservation & Leadership: Joe’s perspective as a young farmer balancing tradition, conservation practices, and leadership roles in Iowa ag.The conversation wraps with Joe’s message for both farmers and consumers: that checkoff programs and community partnerships help secure the future of agriculture while strengthening the connection between the farm gate and the dinner plate (or tailgate). 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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode dives deep into the world of grain marketing education with Jeff Kazin and Mike Rohlfsen, founders of Agris Academy. With 50+ years of combined grain trade experience—ranging from trading floors to farming and even pioneering Cargill’s first office in post-communist Ukraine—Jeff and Mike have seen the good, the bad, and the bizarre in global grain markets.Rather than serving as advisors or brokers, they created Agris Academy to teach farmers how to think like merchandisers, empowering them with tools and frameworks to improve decision-making for the long term. Their flagship Master Class offers 40+ hours of interactive instruction, case studies, and open Q&A—helping farmers sharpen their skills beyond just chasing better prices.Topics covered in this episode include:Why Education, Not Advice: Why Jeff and Mike chose teaching over consulting, and the myths they love busting in grain marketing.Tactical Insights: What stood out in 2023/24 among their students, how to market crops below cost of production, and why there’s no silver bullet.Inside the Master Class: What the course structure looks like, who their typical students are, and what lessons they’ve learned since launching.Beyond the Farm: Jeff’s wildest stories from 30 years in the grain trade, and Mike’s unique perspective from building markets in Ukraine.Big Picture Takeaways: What every farmer should understand about grain marketing—and the first step they can take today to improve.From tailgate lessons to global perspectives, this episode shows how mastering grain marketing is less about predicting the market and more about mastering your approach. 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.

USE CODE  FP10 for your discount today!This Farm4Profit Podcast episode turns up the volume on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sound built for the farm. Our guest, Ryan Kanallakan, is the founder and CEO of RAK’D Audio, the company behind rugged, custom-built speakers that are redefining how farmers listen to music in the cab, shop, or out in the field.Ryan’s story highlights how a rebrand from Cool Beats in 2022 and a focus on durability, customization, and powerful design put RAK’D Audio on the map. The speakers—often crafted from repurposed military ammo cans—feature:30+ hour battery life300+ foot Bluetooth rangeWaterproof IP65 ratingParty Mode connection for up to 100 unitsWe discuss how RAK’D carved out a niche in agriculture, why farmers love their products, and how TikTok has helped Ryan build a community of more than 250,000 followers by mixing farm equipment talk with customer Q&A videos.Ryan also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at building his new shop, experimenting with things like stained concrete flooring, and balancing growth while staying close to his rural roots.Of course, we wrap up with some fun “Would You Rather” questions—from music in the cab to mind-reading superpowers—putting Ryan in the hot seat.Whether you’re into tech, farm life, or just love a good small-business success story, this episode delivers insights (and laughs) 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.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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode brings a farmer-focused look at the role of company field reps and how they fit into the busy cycle of planting, protecting, harvesting, and planning for the next year. Our guest, Kylee Nodine, is a Field Marketing Manager at Corteva Agriscience, supporting crop protection teams across Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.Kylee shares what she’s hearing from growers and local reps this season—from rainfall patterns to crop health to harvest outlooks—and explains why every farm can benefit from leaning more on the knowledge of their company reps.Key themes from the episode include:Boots on the Ground Insights: Crop health and harvest takeaways from the 2025 season across diverse geographies.Maximizing Your Local Rep: Why reps should be seen as an extension of your business—helping with hybrid and variety planning, crop protection strategies, and post-harvest evaluations.Smart Questions to Ask: The single best question farmers should ask at harvest and the call Kylee wishes more growers made early in the season.Beyond Sales Teams: How Corteva’s specialized nitrogen stabilizer team and market development specialists support retailers, Extension, and growers with cutting-edge field trials.Looking Ahead to 2026: What to jot down now before the spring rush—hybrid performance notes, weed escapes, nitrogen use, and more.The episode wraps up with Kylee’s lightning-round favorites, plus a reminder that farmers don’t need to go it alone. With knowledgeable field teams, local reps, and new technologies, planning for profit starts now. 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 special two-part Farm4Profit Podcast episode takes listeners into the high-paced, high-stakes world of custom harvesting—where crews and families crisscross the country to bring in America’s grain crops.First, we sit down with Paul Paplow, President of Paplow Harvesting & Trucking. What started in 1992 as a two-combine family operation has grown into a 10-machine fleet traveling from Texas to Montana each season. Paul shares insights on managing crews of all sizes, keeping up with new regulations, and using the J1 Visa program to staff harvest runs. With experience representing the U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (USCHI) in Washington, D.C. and at Commodity Classic, Paul brings a national perspective to the challenges and opportunities in the custom harvesting industry.Next, we talk with David from Orrson Custom Farming LTD of Apple Creek, Ohio, a third-generation family business that has been custom harvesting since 1946. Today, Orrson Custom Farming employs 16 crew members and covers ground from Georgia to Michigan, starting harvest in February and running all the way through Thanksgiving. David discusses the importance of safety protocols, crew training, and risk management, as well as the family’s ongoing crop production on 700 acres back home. With the fourth generation now involved, Orrson’s story is one of resilience, expansion, and dedication to customer service.Together, these conversations paint a vivid picture of life on the road as a custom harvester—long days, tight schedules, family traditions, and the incredible logistics behind getting America’s crops out of the field and into the supply chain. Whether you’re a farmer, an ag enthusiast, or someone curious about how food gets from field to table, this episode shines a spotlight on an essential but often overlooked part 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 episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Shay Foulk—a fifth-generation farmer, Army Ranger veteran, agronomist, consultant, and podcaster who wears many hats in agriculture. Shay grew up on a family farm in Northeast Iowa, studied agronomy at Iowa State University, and went on to serve five years in the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, an experience that sharpened his leadership and discipline. Today, he continues his service in the Illinois National Guard while managing his family farm, Foulk Farms, and co-operating Monier Seed, a seed cleaning and packaging business.Shay’s passion lies in conservation-minded farming—using cover crops, precision tools, and variable-rate fertilizer strategies to protect soil health while driving profitability. Beyond his own farm, he serves as a consultant and coach with Ag View Solutions, where he helps farm families tackle everything from profit management and equipment analysis to succession planning, peer groups, and team health.He also reaches thousands through his podcasts—Ag View Pitch and 19 Minutes with Chris Barron—where he shares timely market outlooks, business insights, and farmer-to-farmer conversations that resonate across the industry.Listeners will gain practical advice on:Building sustainable and profitable farm practices.Approaching farm management with a business-first mindset.Balancing family life, military service, consulting, and farming.Why podcasts and peer groups can be powerful tools for farm education and connection.Shay’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and service—making this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of modern 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.

We’re joined by Matthias Kunerth—HiTech Farmer, a fifth-generation farmer from southwest Minnesota who is making waves online by blending his family’s farming legacy with cutting-edge agricultural technology.Matthias farms corn and soybeans alongside his family, works as a sales rep for Dekalb and John Deere, and runs a drone operation. His passion for technology shines through in everything he does—whether it’s testing the latest GPS-guided equipment, exploring autonomous tractors, or showing how precision agriculture tools can boost efficiency and sustainability.On social media, where he’s built a following of nearly 80,000 across platforms, Matthias highlights the contrast between how his dad and grandpa farmed and how technology is shaping his generation’s approach. His content ranges from time-lapse planting videos to behind-the-scenes drone spraying journeys, giving his audience a unique window into modern agriculture.We dive into how Matthias finances his farm as a young producer, what tools and strategies he uses to keep his operation organized, and how his role as both a farmer and content creator allows him to promote agriculture to a broader audience. He also shares stories from working alongside his family, why showcasing generational differences matters, and what excites him most about the next wave of farm technology.To keep things light, we close the episode with a round of “Start, Bench, Cut” where Matthias chooses between autonomous tractors, drone spraying, and GPS-guided planters—and reveals whether he’d rather film harvest with his grandpa or rebuild old equipment in the shop.This episode blends nostalgia and innovation, offering listeners a look at how one young farmer is carrying tradition forward while embracing the tools that will define agriculture’s future. 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.

We’re joined by the CEOs of Des Moines Water Works and Central Iowa Water Works, who provide a utility perspective on what it takes to ensure clean, safe drinking water for over 600,000 residents. They explain what nitrate removal looks like in practice, why one winter alone cost more than $540,000, and how proposed new facilities could require investments of up to $183 million.From the agricultural side, we explore the progress farmers have made in reducing erosion, improving nitrogen use efficiency (down from ~1.2 lbs per bushel in the 1990s to ~0.7 lbs or less today), and adopting conservation practices like no-till, cover crops, and prairie strips. We also look at the barriers—like cost, adoption rates, and weather extremes—that keep nitrate reductions from moving as fast as water utilities and regulators would like.The conversation highlights the drivers of change, from climate volatility to increased corn production, and examines the broader economic context: agriculture still contributes over $53 billion to Iowa’s GDP and supports 1 in 5 jobs statewide. Any solutions must balance environmental protection with economic sustainability for farm families and rural communities.Ultimately, this discussion is about bridging the divide. Both farmers and utilities are making major investments in infrastructure—whether that’s treatment plants or conservation practices. The question is: how do we build trust, share data, and create partnerships that deliver measurable water quality improvements while protecting Iowa’s agricultural economy and heritage?This episode gives listeners a nuanced look at the nitrate issue beyond the headlines, showing how public health, environmental stewardship, and agricultural productivity can coexist with the right mix of science, collaboration, and leadership. 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.

We welcome back Brian Scott, the Indiana farmer behind The Farmer’s Life. Brian is a fourth-generation farmer raising corn, soybeans, popcorn, and wheat on his family’s 2,400-acre operation. Farming alongside his father and grandfather, Brian not only manages the day-to-day work of no-till practices, cover cropping, and seed production but also shares it with the world through his blog and growing social media platforms.We talk about the evolution of his farm—from planting soybeans before corn and experimenting with cover crops across 25% of their acres each fall, to the anticipation of earning a centennial designation for his grandpa’s farm in 2028. Brian also shares how his Purdue Ag degree and openness to new agronomic practices have helped him continually adapt and improve his operation.Beyond the farm, Brian has built a large online community through The Farmer’s Life blog and daily content on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Starting in 2011, his writing evolved into video and social storytelling, where he now connects with hundreds of thousands of people globally. He shares how projects like Cruisin’ with Corteva and conversations with followers have expanded his perspective on biotech, cover cropping, and farm transparency.Listeners will also get a peek at Brian’s journey from working in retail management after college back to farming full time, his experience growing up outside the FFA/4-H path, and how music shaped his early years. Whether it’s managing soil health, using precision ag tools, or reflecting on the role of family legacy, Brian offers an honest look at what it really means to live “The Farmer’s Life.” 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.