Farm4Profit Podcast

In this Farm4Profit Podcast episode, we shift gears from our usual focus on succession planning to tackle another critical piece of the future: retirement planning. While we often think of retirement in the context of W-2 workers with 401(k)s and pensions, farmers, small business owners, and self-employed professionals face very different challenges.Guest Levi Morrissey of Financial Architects, Inc. joins us to explain why retirement planning isn’t optional—and why it looks different for those who don’t fit the “traditional” mold. We explore the looming reality that two-thirds of Iowa farmland is owned by people over the age of 65, meaning a tidal wave of transitions is already reshaping small-town economies and family farms.Key takeaways from our conversation include:The psychology of retirement: How financial readiness and personal identity both play roles in deciding when (and how) to step back.Farmers vs. W-2 workers: Why relying on land equity alone may not be enough, and how tax-advantaged accounts like SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and SIMPLE IRAs can provide real security.Phased retirement strategies: Leasing land, crop-share agreements, or custom farming as ways to transition without walking away entirely.Tax benefits for farmers: Including Iowa exemptions on retirement income for those who’ve materially participated in farming for 10+ years, as well as incentives for cash rent to beginning farmers.The bigger picture: Retirement planning doesn’t just protect one family’s legacy—it sustains rural communities, preserves farmland, and strengthens the next generation of producers.We wrap up by asking listeners to consider an important question: What does life after the farm—or after the business—look like for you? Retirement doesn’t have to mean loss of identity. With intentional planning, it can be the foundation for personal freedom, family security, and thriving rural communities. 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.

April Hemmes, a farmer, rancher, and ag leader whose influence spans from Franklin County, Iowa, to international policy discussions. April operates her family’s century farm—1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and pasture—while serving on an impressive list of boards and advisory councils, including the United Soybean Board, USDA Foreign Ag Service Ag Technical Advisory Council, and multiple Iowa ag organizations.April’s story starts with a degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University and early work in banking, ag research, and policy. In 1993, she took over the family farm, transitioning from a farrow-to-finish hog and cattle operation to a highly productive, tech-driven grain farm. She’s never plowed her land, instead adopting no-till, buffer strips, wetlands, filter strips, and pollinator habitats to protect soil and water.She also leads a women’s grain marketing group with economist Kelvin Leibold, empowering members to increase their farm incomes by $10,000 to $30,000 through smarter marketing strategies. Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including Iowa Master Farmer, Monsanto’s Farm Mom of the Year, and induction into the FarmHer Hall of Fame.In our conversation, April shares:How she balances technology investments with a used machinery strategy.Why conservation practices have been non-negotiable on her farm.How serving in leadership roles at the state, national, and global level influences her farm decisions.What she’s learned from 40 years of running a farm as both owner and operator.Why building strong marketing skills is one of the best returns on investment for any farmer.We also lighten things up with a rapid-fire “Would You Rather” segment—revealing whether April prefers harvest or planting, beef or pork, and if she’d rather talk to animals or speak every human language.Whether you’re interested in leadership, conservation, technology, or marketing, this episode offers inspiration and practical takeaways from one of the most respected voices in 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.

Negotiation happens every day in agriculture—whether you’re selling used equipment, renewing a land lease, or buying seed. But too often, farmers head into these conversations without a plan. On this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Attia Qureshi, an international negotiation consultant, educator, and farmer’s spouse, to learn how her Seven Elements of Effective Negotiation can transform the way you do business.Attia begins by walking us through her framework—Interests, Options, Legitimacy, Communication, Relationship, Alternatives, and Commitment—and shows exactly how each applies to farm life. She shares why Relationship is the most overlooked element in ag negotiations, especially when working with the same buyers, suppliers, or landlords year after year.We explore four common farm negotiation scenarios:Private Sales & One-on-One Deals – Selling used equipment or buying livestock while using tactical empathy, anchoring, and mirroring to reach a fair price.Value-Based Negotiation with Retailers – Moving the conversation from “lowest cost” to “best value” when working with seed and input suppliers.Volume & Group Negotiation – Harnessing collective buying power without falling into the trap of misaligned goals.Land Lease Agreements – Approaching tough talks in the fall, preserving relationships with absentee or long-time landlords, and handling “I’ve had a higher offer” moments without damaging trust.Throughout the conversation, Attia blends professional insights with personal stories from life on the farm. She offers practical tips on reading non-verbal cues, understanding the power of timing, and defusing tension in high-stakes discussions.We wrap up with Attia’s lightning-round favorites, from her go-to negotiation book to the biggest myth about negotiation. Whether you’re preparing for lease renegotiation season or just want to feel more confident in daily farm conversations, this episode delivers strategies you can put to work 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.

We start with Mike Doran—the Sale Manager who’s been at the helm of this event for years—offers an insider’s view of what it takes to make the Sale of Champions a success. From coordinating sponsors and buyers to ensuring the young exhibitors have their moment in the spotlight, Mike’s leadership has helped the IFAA grow its support from $50,000 in its first year to nearly $725,000 annually in livestock sales, scholarships, and awards.Then, Joe Stien, a young leader who not only captured Reserve Grand Champion honors in the 2024 4-H Market Hog competition but also uses his platform, The Joe Show, to amplify youth voices in agriculture. Joe shares the grind behind the glamour, from early mornings in the barn to the adrenaline rush of the Sale of Champions, and how this event represents years of dedication from youth exhibitors across the state.We also explore how the IFAA invests in the next generation through over $240,000 in scholarships each year, including the Winner’s Circle Scholarships for students pursuing ag degrees. With stories from the ring, the sale floor, and the scholarship stage, this episode highlights how tradition, community, and opportunity come together to create lifelong impact for Iowa’s ag youth.Whether you’re a livestock exhibitor, a parent, a sponsor, or just a fan of the Iowa State Fair, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the dedication and teamwork that fuel the Sale of Champions. 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.

With nitrate levels making headlines again, Mike doesn’t shy away from addressing Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy and how his team is driving long-term improvements in water quality. He also explains the real impact of the Choose Iowa branding initiative, how export tracking actually works, and why the Iowa State Fair is one of the best tools for connecting everyday Iowans with agriculture.We dig into hot-button topics like crop conditions, biosecurity in pork and beef, rural workforce development, and the significance of celebrating Century & Heritage Farms. Whether you’re a farmer, policymaker, or just someone who cares about Iowa’s land and legacy, this episode will give you a timely, no-spin look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Midwest 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, we sit down with the co-founders of Map Dot Media, the agency behind viral platforms like Iowa Chill and Midwest Vs. Everybody, to explore their journey from UNI dorm rooms to campaigns with Coors Light, John Deere, and Iowa Pork Producers.They reveal how a cow breaking through a barn wall (seriously) sparked their first viral moment, why authenticity trumps polish in meme marketing, and what it takes to turn a loyal regional audience into a profitable brand. You'll hear how they’ve balanced humor and heart, built community through content, and are now running festivals, brand activations, and an internship pipeline that’s shaping the next wave of Midwest creatives.Whether you're a farmer, marketer, content creator—or someone who's ever laughed at “Duck, Duck, Gray Duck”—this conversation is packed with insights on building brands, telling stories, and keeping it real in a world full of filters. 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’re joined by Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, a research scientist at the forefront of multifunctional drainage systems in agriculture. Drain tile has long been used to remove excess water from fields, but according to Dr. Shedekar, that’s just scratching the surface.We explore how tile systems can now support irrigation, manage seasonal water needs, improve water quality, and even contribute to conservation efforts. Dr. Shedekar explains the concept of transitioning from "drain to de-rain"—a strategy that leverages tile infrastructure to retain or redistribute water based on the time of year and crop demand.He also unpacks the potential of drainage water management and subirrigation in increasing yields, improving efficiency, and enhancing farm profitability—especially in places like Northwest Ohio, where traditional irrigation adoption has been limited.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:How to evaluate their current tile systemWhether water management upgrades make senseHow conservation practices like bioreactors and control structures play into the big pictureWhat technologies are emerging to help maximize return from these buried systemsIf you’ve ever wondered whether your tile could be doing more for your crops, wallet, and the environment, this episode is for you. 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 sit down with Kris Thayer, a man who’s worn more hats than a tractor seat at a consignment sale. A former college wrestler from Nebraska, Kris took his competitive mindset straight into the ag world. He started at AgriVision Equipment, representing John Deere in some of the most equipment-savvy regions in the country, and hasn’t stopped moving since.Kris shares how his time on the mat taught him grit, discipline, and the power of work ethic—lessons that now drive his success in multiple ag ventures. Today, he not only sells seed to area farmers but also flips used equipment and works with DPA Auctions, helping farmers across the Midwest get the most out of their iron.We talk about spotting undervalued equipment, how online auctions are changing the game, and what buyers and sellers should really be thinking about when they make a deal. Plus, Kris dives into what farmers should be asking their seed dealers, and why adding value (not volume) is the key to standing out.Whether you’re into wrestling, wrenching, or winning in the business of ag, Kris’s journey is packed with takeaways you can bring back to your operation today. 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 explore the digital tools transforming the cattle industry with the innovators behind Performance Livestock Analytics. The spotlight is on two core technologies—Performance Beef and Cattle Krush—both designed to simplify the complexities of raising and marketing cattle.Performance Beef is a cloud-based cattle management software tailored for feedlot and cow-calf producers. It digitizes feed management, health records, cost-of-gain tracking, and market prep—all in one simple dashboard. With real-time updates and seamless integration with feed trucks, Bluetooth scales, and QuickBooks, it saves time, reduces errors, and supports more profitable decisions. And with more than 5 million cattle on feed and a 96% customer retention rate, producers are clearly seeing value.We also dig into Cattle Krush, a real-time market insights app that pulls data from the Chicago Board of Trade to help producers make informed buying and selling decisions. Tools like Auction Advisor, My Lots, and Profit Alerts show exactly where a producer stands—down to the head—on profitability and breakevens.The team shares how they identified this massive need in the industry, how user-friendly the platforms really are, and where they see the cattle industry heading as technology and data play a growing role in profitability. We wrap with real-world success stories and advice for anyone looking to upgrade how they manage their livestock operation. 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, we sit down with Ryan Bare, the visionary behind Century Farms Distillery—a craft distillery rooted in agricultural tradition and dedicated to producing premium farm-to-bottle spirits. Growing up on his family’s Iowa farm, Ryan learned early the value of hard work, precision, and pride in the land. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University, Ryan spent over 15 years refining oil and producing ethanol before circling back to his agricultural roots with a bold idea: start a distillery that pays tribute to the very ground he grew up on.Founded in 2017, Century Farms Distillery celebrates the legacy of Iowa’s multigenerational farms. Ryan walks us through the journey—from navigating complicated distilling regulations to sourcing high-quality local grains that deliver standout flavors in every batch. We discuss the differences between producing energy and crafting spirits, how farm practices directly influence taste, and what it means to distill with purpose and pride.Ryan also shares insights on branding, connecting with consumers through storytelling, and expanding the distillery’s reach beyond Iowa. Whether it’s whiskey, bourbon, or celebrating agricultural heritage, Ryan’s mission is clear: honor the past while innovating for the 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.