Farm4Profit Podcast

Tanner and David talk with Chad Colby right after his visit to the Farm Progress Show grounds. We catch up with him and learn about the latest in automation, aeronautical advancements, and how the virtual Farm Progress Show was set up. More than a couple times during this Chad had us astonished! 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.com Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com Call/Text: 515.207.9640 Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw Follow 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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE – REMEMBER TO READ REVIEWS All about Brady @BradysmithI'm the 6th generation operating a corn, soybean, hay, and cattle operation near Emerson in SWIA. My wife Melissa, daughter Sawyer, and I live on the homeplace. I graduated from Iowa State in 2005 and worked in the ag industry for 6 years prior to returning to the family farm. We are a diversified row crop and livestock operation. Included in our family farming operation is an on farm feed store (B. Smith Feed and Supply), and a custom farm/hay business. How did you get that twitter handle?  Were you the first one out there? Smith is pretty common - luckyWorked in the AG industry for 6 years before returning to the farmWhereWhyWould you do it again?Is running an on farm feed store like selling seedHard to get started?US Flag Net WrapWhat are his favorite podcasts?In AGOut of AGTell us about the feed truck you builtFarmall MuseumBusch Light Marketing Mix up@ShaunPTyson Mount Pulaski – Illinois Asked, “What do you keep in your truck no matter what?”Side arm, trauma kit, leather gloves, pliers, extra $100 bill, ratchet straps, zip ties, blue shop towels, koozies, duct tape,Jumper cables, pens, shovels, dog, emergency beer, log chain, field glasses, phone charger, tape measure, bottle jack, wire, hoodie, knife, flashlight, axe, water 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.

3:15 - Crop Insurance36:15 - Agronomist56:00 - Elevator GM1:18:15 - Corn Head Dealer1:37:40 - Farmer1:56:10 - Pastor 3:15 Crop Insurance Representative- Farmers Mutual Hail – Ryan Benes & Zach AllsupCrop Insurance Claims and AdjustersRyan Benes - Ryan is a Strategic Account Manager, who works with some of the nation’s leading crop insurance agents. Ryan began at FMH in 2012 as an adjuster and has been a Sales Manager since 2013. He lives in Grimes, IA with his wife Micah and 2 boys (Brazen and Maxen).  Ryan loves three things - Family, Golf, and the Iowa Hawkeyes.Zach Allsup - Zach grew up in eastern Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa where he double majored in finance and real estate. He have been in the crop insurance industry for 11 years. Zach currently hold the position of Assistant Vice President – Claims with Famers Mutual Hail. He resides in Polk City, IA with his wife Kelly, 3.5 year old son Cameron and our 1 year old daughter Rylie.We have already shared about the extra communication going a long way, but we’ve learned more since our first episodeWhat are you seeing in your area now for claimsCornBeansHow are they being handled?Are fields being totaled?What does it mean for a field to be totaled?Is there really a list that people go on for being totaled?Cattle guys call then trying to buy the field from the farmerWill all underwriters treat the conditions the same?Is there guidance from RMA?Test strips – 1000 feet for 40 acres then it gets appraised – Harvest try like normalSubtract the appraisal from the APH and settle upAppraisal after black layerCan the farmer go at it after that to try and harvest the differenceARM Tech – Rolling cornWhy are companies doing it differently?If you don’t agree with your adjuster, what should we as the farmer do next?Are there independent adjusters?36:15 Agronomist Perspective (Meaghan) @mjanders1Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She helps area farmers with research, questions, diagnosing problems, and most importantly has been doing research on how the Derecho has impacted the area and how to move on from it. We talked earlier, but how are the crops looking now?CornBeansWhat are you or have you been learning since we chatted last?What type of yield impact are we looking at?Suggestions for what next steps to take based on conditions?If we get told to destroy it, what is the best way?Ripper, disk, VT, high speed, other?Is there anything our listeners should be looking out for now?Mold, volunteer, etc…56:00 Local Coop Perspective – Key Coop Boyd Brodie – General Manager of Key CooperativeJason Dubberke – Grain Division Manager for Key CooperativeTell us a little bit about Key Cooperativehttps://www.keycoop.com/About#who-we-areHow bad is it-the storm damage?Key Co-op30 million- 12 million in space (40 bins)https://youtu.be/TXn5bhnGc08Other elevatorsWhat are things elevators can do to be up and running for fall?Tear downBuild up/Rebuild – started labor day ish with target for 1st week of OctoberNew locationsCommunicationDamaged Crop – rejection levelsPartnerships?Disaster recovery teamsWhat options do elevators have for alternative storage solutions?Do you expect basis to change more than seasonally?What can a farmer/customer do this fall to help make things run smoother for you?If our listener has concerns about any of this what should they do next in regards to working with a Co-op?1:18:15 Harvesting Down corn (MAYA) Justin is a born and raised 5th generation Iowa farmer.  He has actively farmed on 4 continents and has spent his entire career working in agriculture across North America (USA/Canada), South America, Europe, and Africa.  Justin earned his bachelor's degree in Agronomy from Iowa State University in 2000.  In 2007, he completed his MBA from California State University-Fresno.  Justin is the Co-Founder and Chairman of AgFunder.com, one of the largest agriculture crowd funding businesses in the world with a 100% focus on funding agriculture projects.Justin has remained active in their family farming operation in NW Iowa which allows him to stay very active in day to day changes in the production of crops and industry changes.Justin and his brother Lance have the exclusive Maya corn head dealership in NW Iowa for the United States.@Justin BruchTell us a little about MAYA and the corn heads they makeWhat in your experience helps with the process of harvesting down corn?What about the MAYA head makes it superior in these conditions?How does stock and ordering look right now?If we can’t get a MAYA head or afford to trade what can do we do make our current heads work better?Any advice for the process of harvesting down corn?ISU Articlehttps://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/aaron-saeugling-kristina-tebockhorst-mark-hanna-ryan-w-bergman-shawn-shouse/combine-adjustments?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter1:37:40 Farmer Perspective – @4fingerdthpunchDestroying a cropWhat process did you go through before making the decision to destroy the crop?What information did you collectWho did you solicit advice fromWhat type of insurance did you haveAnything you wish you would have done differentlyHow did this play with or effect your emotions?Any advice for when a crop should be destroyed?Did your process work well?What would you change?1:56:10 Stress/Anxiety/Community Perspective – Pastor BenBen Austicserves as the Associate Pastor of Family Ministries For Rehoboth Baptist Church in Kirskville, MO.  He is married to his wife Jessica, and together they have daughter Anushri and sons Seth and Ethan.  Farming was his passion for the first 36 years of my life, but in 2013 some amazing things happened that convinced him that God wanted him in ministry.  In May 2016, I graduated from Midwestern Baptist College with an Associate's degree in Worship Ministries.@benhaminaustic – Pastor Ben, CCAReligion can form a very strong network of support, how can a sense of community help in a situation such as the Derecho?Religious communities in general - I’m going to say, particularly the Christian church - is unique in all the world. Where else will you find a group of people called to self-sacrificial love, modeled after Christ- Who laid down His very own perfect life for the benefit of sinners… for the benefit of His enemies!Even if they do this poorly, you won’t find this out in the world!The writer of Hebrews tells the reader to gather together to stimulate one another to love and good deeds and to encourage one another.The early church in Acts - in the face of a hostile culture and government - shared everything, even through severe persecution. They were joyful! We all remember 1 For 13 - the love chapter, love is patient, love is kind, long-suffering, doesn’t boast, etc. But have you considered that 1 Cor 13 follows 1 Cor 12? And what is in 12? Paul is telling the church that EVERYONE has gifts, and they’re all needed like parts of a body. He’s talking to a dysfunctional church, by the way. He’s saying, none is more important than another, but all are needed. So how do you bring this diversity of people together from chapter 12? Love. Chapter 13. If I speak with tongues of men and angels, but don’t have love? I’m just noise. Even if I give away all my possessions, if I don’t have love I don’t gain a thing.So, to summarize and bring this back around. How can a religious community help? These are the people that will love you and you will love. These are people to serve and be served by.In hard times, the only thing as powerful as being served… is serving others. And serving one another in view of how Christ served? It’s the ultimate loving community. No room for pride, but there’s room for everyone.If you haven’t found this to be true, go out and find this community. It’s out there. We’re out here. And we have room for you. These are the people that will pray for you and love you.o   If our listener is feeling pretty bad, down and out, lost, etc….do you have any hope you can provide them?First off, you don’t hope for something you already have. You only hope when you’re in need. So, hope only exists in need. If you’re in need, then there’s hope!Hope is so human! Every good story has a crisis in the plot. Then somewhere from the doubt and despair, hope emerges! Hope floats, as they say. The greater the crisis, the greater the hope, the greater the victory.If hope requires a crisis… if it exists in need, don’t diminish the crisis, don’t downplay the need. Don’t numb or dull the pain. Embrace the crisis.§  What does it mean to have hope?Hope is celebrating the trials, knowing that they bring perseverance, which brings proven character, which brings more hope. (Romans 5:3) From a Christian point of view, if God was able to raise Christ from the dead… if His promises of future glory are true, how can hope disappoint? He not only gave the example of Christ persevering, He gave assurance of that reality through resurrection! Death, sickness, my own failure, and certainly not a derecho can stop that kind of hope! What is this life? It’s just a proving ground!We recognize it’s a mess here. It’s been that way from the beginning. Sometimes it seems unfair (Job). Sometimes it just seems hopeless. Mankind has been in this difficult situation for all his existence, but there’s hope! And it’s beautiful! The wildflowers and crops grow on the cow turds and decaying plants.§  Any key verses to remember to help power through harvest?I have two.My favorite is from Job 5:7. Job has lost everything and he’s sad and angry, sitting in the ashes of his estate full of sores. His terrible friends come to sit with him and make him feel better, but they just keep telling Job he must have done something terrible to deserve all this. And his friend Eliphaz says, “For man is born for trouble as sparks fly upward.” No truer words were ever spoken. Hey, life is hard. As sure as the sparks fly up from a fire, man is born for trouble.The second came from my senior pastor. Galatians 6:9 - Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.Put them together - Life is hard, but don’t lose heart in doing good. We’ll harvest in due time if we don’t grow weary.o   What are some good resources for those in need through the church in general?The greatest resource I can recommend is just any old friend. Start reaching out. Find a friend. Search #agtwitter and start following people. My friend, Kyle Samp at @mocornfarmer is a great follow. Sow Hope and Hank Wade are others. Seriously, I have found the best little community here on Twitter.  Follow me or just send me a message at benjamin austic. The second, of course, is a local church. If it’s truly doing what the church was put here to do, then it is the community that God has designed to provide for all your needs. I serve in a Southern Baptist Church, but any denomination has resources.Third, if you’re not interested or you’re hesitant to look here, if it comes to suicidal thoughts, the suicide hotline is (800) 273-8255. Don’t wait. There’s hope, you may not believe it but you can get to the place where you can. Persevere. Keep moving forward. Don’t let suicide be the end of your story.o   What could you say to the person who doesn’t think this is them or doesn’t think the religious community can help?If the objection is previous hurt:I’ve said before, and I’ll say again… if all of the people who have been hurt by church, showed up at church on a given Sunday, we couldn’t hold all the people. I understand. But the church of Jesus is a place that is healing, not hurting. Opening up to people makes you vulnerable, but it’s necessary. Don’t lose heart!Being disconnected from a body leads to death. Cut off your finger and see how long it lives! You’re the same way. You need to be connected in order to maintain a faith. You need the blood that pumps through the rest of the body. They need you, as well.o   What can we do to help others who are battling all forms of stress and anxiety?Ask people. Don’t be afraid of the weird question- are you doing okay? You’ll be shocked at how many people around you want to be asked that question. Also, don’t be afraid to ask how you can be praying for someone.Be sensitive. Hurting people can be prickly. They may lash out. Be kind. You don’t have to respond to everything. Love is patient and kind. It doesn’t respond in anger. Be understanding. You’re not a doormat when you do this, you’re showing them a kindness— one that we’ve all been shown.  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.

@ErnHolberthttps://heartofthemidwestshop.com/ Alluvial - Our little farm in Franklin Township seemed to be the perfect spot to plant that seed.  The aim isto create a limited variety of craft brews dedicated to quality and taste, focused on celebrating ourcommunity and our unique piece of Iowa. Located in Ames, IA next to Prairie Moon Winery.Alluvial is located at 3715 West 190 th St Ames IA 50014, Ames Prairie Rivers of Iowa, a 501c3 non-profit, will partner with Alluvial Brewing Company for an event onFriday, September 25 from 4:30 to 7 at Alluvial. $10 per person As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, Prairie Rivers of Iowa plays a unique role in Iowa. As one ofthe only nonprofit organizations focusing on both conserving our natural and cultural resources andbuilding stronger businesses and communities, we bring unique expertise to creatively address some ofIowa’s most challenging needs. From assisting small communities in marketing themselves to travelers,to supporting students in becoming environmentally-literate citizens, to training the next generation ofresponsible farmers and producers, Prairie Rivers of Iowa helps Iowans create a stronger and healthierstate.Prairie Rivers of Iowa is also headquartered in Ames. www.prrcd.orgThe Sept 11 event is a PREVIEW PARTY for a virtual film festival on October 2, 2020 in the evening. Livemusic, food trucks, prairie walk. LEAD sponsor VISION BANK. Film Festival Goals To educate the public about the conservation and heritage work that Prairie Rivers of Iowa doesand has been doing for 20 years. A fundraiser, hence the ticket/registration. A chance for the public to learn more about the October virtual film festival which Prairie Rivershas designed in partnership with Wild and Scenic Film Festival (California).o Wild & Scenic Film Festival inspires environmental awareness and a love fornature–through film. Wild & Scenic shares an urgent call to action, encouraging festival-goers to learn more about what they can do to take care of the planet.o Our 5-day flagship festival is traditionally held annually in Nevada City and Grass Valley,California. Featuring 100+ films, workshops, visiting filmmaker and activist talks, family-friendly programs, art exhibitions, parties, and more–you won’t want to miss thisfestival! In 2020 we will make that easier to do by bringing the festival to a 100% virtualplatform! You can buy tickets for the film festival at the event on September 11 th or online at www.prrcd.org Beer #1Black is Beautiful is a collaborative effort to bring awareness to the injusticesthat many people of color face daily started by Weathered Souls Brewing.This is a 9% Imperial Stout brewed with coffee, rich, full bodied with rich, roasty coffee notes and just a touch of smokiness. Beer #2Rhubbyl Strawberry Sour ... and loaded with even more fruit, this one is kettle soured with yogurt with additions of fresh rhubarb and strawberries. Beer #3Lutris Pale Ale - This massively hopped pale ale combines Citra hop and Maris Otter malt to create an extremely sessionable pale ale with giant citrus notes. 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.

IntroductionToday we are going to be having a conversation with an expert in negotiations today.Our hopes are to share some tips and tricks that may help you work on cash rent leases this year and have success in other conversations.  Thank you again for suggesting topics for us to talk about on the podcast and keep them coming.  Send those to farm4profitllc@gmail.com or find us all over social media.As a reminder if you find value in our message today please share that with a friend or associate and leave us a review.  We greatly appreciate that as we try to grow our audience.What’s Working in AGFoundry Distilling Company1 – The Foundry was started by Scott Bush who is a graduate of MIT and also started the famous Templeton Rye Whiskey2 – The Foundry was created with flexibility in mind.  They have the ability to make just about any spirit in large or small amounts including hand sanitizer.3 – They enjoy telling the stories behind the liquor.  Since they have the ability to make any kind of liquor they have the ability to make Private Barrels. Heritage Bourbon or VodkaCreate a customized mash – your cropsCelebrate your farmMake your own labelsTaste throughout the processReasonably priced customized product4 – 5% off when you mention Farm4Profit PodcastMain TopicTips for negotiating with land lords, suppliers, buyers, and everyone else.Negotiation expert Matthias (Ma-Tie-Us) Schrannerwas originally trained by the police and the FBI as a lead negotiator for high-stakes situations. For the past 15 years, he and his team at the Schranner Negotiation Institute have been advising clients including the UN, global corporations and political parties in difficult negotiations.He teaches the executive seminar series Negotiations on the Edge and is the author of books such as The Negotiator, Negotiations on the Edge and Costly Mistakes, and The Schranner Concept® as well as numerous articles and other publications.Matthias Schranner advises business and government leaders in over 40 countries, including the US, China, Russia and Japan. His proprietary Schranner Concept® is used by numerous Fortune 500 companies worldwide to succeed in difficult negotiations.He’s talking to us today from Zurich in Switzerland        https://www.schranner.com/homeGeneral QuestionsCan anyone become good at negotiating?What does it take to be good at it?How can I become good at asking questions?What is the best way to start a negotiation?Fish on the tableWhat are smart tradeoffs?How does body language play into the negotiation? Farmers rely heavily on trade agreements negotiated between governments.  Let’s not talk party sides but focus in on President Trump’s negotiation style.  Is it a style? Can his style be effective?What is the 51/49 rule, why is it important?Is this the same as never split the difference?Are win-win deals really losers?Are there any sure-fire tips you can provide the listeners to improve their skills?5 key tips everyone needs to knowDo you have any exciting stories what would grab the listener’s ear?Is there anything else our listener needs to know about negotiating? Situational QuestionsNegotiations with someone who we believe has the upper hand. Negotiating with landlord who owns the farm ground.  The idea is that owner could rent it out to any other farmer in the neighborhood if we don’t pay their price (which is probably too high).  Control over a land base is key in agriculture and the reason many over pay cash rent on land.Negotiations with Ag retailers who provide chemicals, fertilizer, seed, and more.Negotiations with a salesperson who usually doesn’t have the final say.  Most of the time is a large company with what appears to be set prices.  Farmers just succumb to what is offered thinking it’s their only option.Negotiations with AG product purchasers.  How do we get more money for the products we produce?Most farmers don’t sell directly to the consumer, so they market their product to processors.  These can be grain elevators or meat packing facilities that have a combination of price x weight component with a basis factor for delivery and end product.  How can we negotiate the sale to ensure we aren’t leaving any money on the table in the end?Negotiations with friends who also sell a product or provide a service.Agriculture is a tight knit group.  More than likely the people you buy from in your network are also your friends.  We don’t want to hurt their feelings, but also know the key to our future is to be a profitable farmer.Negotiations with family for time and labor.The common question around the AG world is how to balance farm and family.  Our observations are some farmers feel guilty for spending more time on their work than their family.  We believe there should be a balance, but balance doesn’t always mean equal.  Most of the time the feeling of guilt comes from misrepresented expectations or abilities.How do we more effectively win discussions/conversations/negotiations about where our time is spent with family?SummaryChallengeClosing Reminder to like, rate, and review.  Please don’t hesitate to share the “Mullet of Podcasts” with your friends.  We look forward to sharing more time with you next week on our Farm4Fun Episode. 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.

2:55 Weather Man Perspective (BAMWX) www.bamwx.comWhat just happened?What is a derecho?Where did this event occur? – What area?What types of weather conditions led up to this event?Are these rare?Do you feel this storm was accurately predicted?Are there any after-effects from a storm like this?16:35 Insurance Man Perspective (Eric)Crop InsuranceHow will Federal Crop come into play?Do we have to attempt to harvest?What if we had Wind/Hail?  What if we didn’t?Extra Harvest Cost Coverage? @Bobhartstough (SP)Can we buy this now?What should our listeners be doing now?  Next three stepsLiability InsuranceBuildingsGrain BinsEquipmentFall Rental?Other Stuff45:20  Agronomist Perspective (Meaghan) @mjanders1How were we sitting before the storm?What did the storm do to the crop?CornBeansHow are the crops looking now?What type of yield impact are we looking at?Is there anything our listeners should be looking out for now?Mold, volunteer, etc…1:03:45 Coop/Elevator Perspective (Elevators Cut Podcast)How bad is it?What are things elevators can do to be up and running for fall?Can they line up rail cars to start loading right away?Do you expect basis to change more than seasonally?Would there be infrastructure concerns for other storage outside of steel bins?Can the elevator store un-owned grain outside?Any suggestions for marketing fall crop or how to handle presold bushels now?If our listener has concerns what should they do next?1:26:15 Farmer Experience PerspectiveHow do I get this stored? (Swanson) @MaxROIFarmerOld BinsFlat Storage1:45:35 Grain Bags 'tdbirchmier1@gmail.com'BaggersUnloadersOutdoor PileHow do you get it picked up again?Truck it out of the area?Buy Cows? Walk-About Mother Bin2:01:08 Stress/Anxiety Perspective – (Lesley)What ways could stress/anxiety be showing up right now?What are some things we can do to help with the stress/anxiety?How can we be prepared for a situation where we know our stress/anxiety will rise?What are some good resources for us?What do you have to say to the person who doesn’t think this is them?How can we help others who are battling this?https://www.domore.ag/about-ushttps://www.fb.org/programs/farm-state-of-mind/https://namicentraliowa.org/1-800-273-8255 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.

IntroWhat’s Working In AgThe importance of better weather data and why BAMWX has better dataBamwx.com@BAMWXCOMHow does better data leads to farmers making better decisions?The value of having access to your own meteorologist….Why?How do farmers get a hold of them and get signed up?Introduce Guest-------Loran Steinlage @FLOLOFarmersIt’s that time of year, if you haven’t been incorporating covers on your farm you are seeing the neighbors flying them on,inter-seeding, and getting their deliveries and so on. So, we wanted to talk with an expert today to try and answer some ofthe question you might have. Start with Definition: Cover Crops: Various crops grown between the harvest of row crops, like corn orsoybeans and planting of the following year’s row crop to cover the soil, reduce nitrogen loss through plantuptake and phosphorus loss through reduced erosion. Why do you think cover crops aren’t the unanimously decided practice for every farm? When considering implementing cover crops on my farm what are some of the challenges I may face? Is this something I need to plan ahead for? How much planning goes in to a successfully managed cover cropprogram?o When putting a plan together, what are somethings I would need to consider? Goals of that cover crop…. Now sell me on it, what are the benefits of implementing cover crops? So we know what the challenges are I may face and you just shared the benefits, what about putting dollars and centsto the project? Is there a positive ROI to using cover crops? Can you provide an example?  Farmers will be able to easily calculate return on investment for cover crops with a new online tool.It will help farmers decide whether or not cover crops work for their operation. Iowa State University’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) The tool shows farmers’ estimated annual net returns of cover crops under a variety of scenarios. The tool was created in Iowa but can be used in any U.S. state.o “Since the tool allows the user to create his or her own scenario using their own data it canbe used by any farmer in the U.S. to evaluate the net returns to cover crops in a corn-soybean rotation,” he says.  Select state, then region, then cash crop, then custom or not applied, burn down or not, expectedcrop price. – hit submit – spits out a chart to customize https://www.card.iastate.edu/conservation/economics-of-cover-crops/net-returns-calculator/ As a farmer working with cover crops, do I have to foot the entire bill to the programs? Are there ways to help withthe upfront costs? Ok, so now you’ve sold me on starting. How do I know what to choose, where to start, etc….?o Resources available?o Cover Crop Decision Treeo https://practicalfarmers.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Cover-Crop-Decision-Tree-and-Seeding-Only.pdf Anything else you think the listener should hear? What do you have to say to the person who thinks “this will never work”? We ask every guest, what do you believe or have observed is the greatest characteristic or trait of the most successfulfarmers you know? Summary Challenge Remember to submit topics and episode ideas to farm4profitllc@gmail.com 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.

Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE #AndyCleanAll about Andy’s FarmAndy’s Burger TourFavorite part about farmingPeppers, Rye, Corn, Beans, Pickles(cucumbers), livestockDiversificationConnection to MikeHired Labor – ImmigrantWork-Life Balance/Cell Services SuckingHobbiesFavorite Ice Cream FlavorTop Characteristics of successful farmersIt’s CakeSimulating a hail stormFun Fact: DM Register top Liquor sold in IA – Black Velvet (2016-2019) made in Lethbridge, Alberta (Heaven Hills)DogglesStrip Cropping Corn and BeansSandwich preferenceJimmy John’s Meat, Subway Bread, Firehouse toasted, never had a jersey Mike’sHaving a bad day?  Read amazon reviews for Haribos sugar free gummy bearshttps://www.amazon.com/Haribo-SUGAR-Classic-Gummi-Bears/product-reviews/B006J1FBLMWhen Squirrels land on the ground they look like super heroes 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.

IntroductionLike, rate, review, share, and subscribeAnswer questionsFarm4profitllc@gmail.com@farm4profitllcWhat’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback1) Pivot Bio PROVENTM is predicable – the microbes adhere and colonize on the roots and apply nitrogen every day. Synthetic nitrogen turns to gas, leaches, washes away and is not always in proximity to the roots and, therefore unavailable to the corn. Because it sticks to the roots and works every day – it is highly predicable.2) Pivot Bio PROVENTM is productive – light, sand soils and fields with sloping topography tend to lose more nitrogen. Most field have many soil zones and varying topography and therefore crop productivity varies widely across a field. Because it adheres directly to the roots – Pivot Bio PROVENTM levels out crop productivity across a range of conditions.3) It’s weather proof – rain does not wash it away as with synthetic nitrogen.4) All of these factors add up to improved ROI – and ROI is mission critical for growers.Introduce GuestAt Farm4Profit one of our favorite things to do is inspire others to achieve their goals, build their farm or business, and help you generate higher levels of profitability.  Whether you are young or old, I want to encourage you to grow or start your business and achieve your dreams. The most important thing to remember is that, no matter your age, if you are alive, you can achieve more.  Keep working towards your goals, work hard, stay hungry, and remember to be great.These episodes are all stemming from the feedback of our “how to grow your farm” show.  That is #24 if you didn’t catch it.  We have now talked about becoming a better leader #25, how to market your farm for growth #26, the right way to build your referral network in #27 and now today we will talk about how having a strong business acumen can benefit your farm and set it up for growth.Elliot Uphoff. @elliotuphoff. (Shelby County, IL)Side jobs are great with helping cash flow problems and also allow you to invest more money back into the farm.  I will continue to run side businesses until my operation is large enough that it can provide for my family but still then I’ll probably keep doing jobs that are sure moneyFor small farmers like myself diversity is key.The people you admire don't have it figured out, and that's okay.You’ll be graced with instant clarity and acute focus. We see others who look like they have it all worked out. They seem successful, they have the perfect social media posts, but in the real world, we are all just figuring it out. Well into your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s, things are still evolving and falling into place. Life is an evolution of changes; you can reinvent yourself and change your mind at any time, and it’s okay. Learning who you are is a lifelong journey and a radical adventure at that.Success Comes To Those Who WorkAlec Amundson. @alamudson  (Osage, Iowa)We joke that we have good lights on our equipment because we do most of our farming at night.Takes some planning ahead for not only inputs, but transportation and picking kids up I would say it’s generally hard to run an ag related business at the same time as farming, but things that can be done off season, ie hardware installation, soil sampling, fertility prescriptions, etc. allow you more time in the cab during the busy seasons.Every single time that you put in work, you get a proportional amount of results and successes from that work.  The more work that you put in, the more success that occurs in your life, the more happy coincidences occur, and the more you realize that you achieve.You begin to create your own luckSales and Negotiation Are Important Skills To LearnSales is one of the most important, most essential skills that you will learn in your lifeIt allows you to convey not only your products, but also your ideas to others in a way that makes them enthusiastic about it too.  Learning not just to “sell,” but also to communicate with people in a way that makes them interested in an essential skill, not just in business, but also in life.“Never Split the Difference” is a book on negotiationsNegotiating is a talent that can be built up with practice.When running a business it gives you more practice to get better for the farm.Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow UpSchedule out your follow upFiguring out when you should touch base with prospects, clients, and referrals next.  This helps not only increase sales, but also develop a better relationship with my clients and vendors.Manage Your TimeJeremy Williams @Wills_Bros_Farms (Martinsville, IL)We ran our custom business until it was costing us time and efficiency on our own farm by being away spraying for someone when we need to take care of our own farmBe sure it benefits your farm moving forward and holding you back from profit on your own farm by having a side businessAnother thing that we have found essential to the success as a business owner is managing your time correctly.  It can seem tiring, confusing, and unorganized at times but you need to understand how to create a schedule Use a calendar or app for tasks, a to-do list for the morning that you write before you go to bed, and form habits that help you achieve success.Having a clear vision will help make prioritizing things easier.  Do what is most time sensitive or important first rather than the easiest task first.The biggest key to running virtually any business successfully is your ability to concentrate most of your time and effort on the activities that will bring in the most money. That means that you have to minimize the time spent on routine functions.It takes a village.Chad E West @dylangreico (Central Iowa)I think one of the most important things in running my business is doing business with people who are looking out for your success and not just trying to sell you something.  I always say I deal with people not companies. I have an agronomist that I really enjoy working with if he calls tomorrow and says he's taking a job at a different company I'm going with him no questions asked.I always say if I was already doing business with you and I took a box of seed away from you and you had done nothing wrong and your seed performed great would that be right?I find that that loyalty has really been beneficial over timeYou won’t ever be able to know it all Assemble an amazing team,Find the right partner. Fill your gapsStarting and growing a company means learning to delegate.Commit your partnership agreement to writing. Partnerships don’t always work out, so you have to have written procedures on how to run the business, how to settle disputes, and if necessary, how to handle the departure of one of the partners.If you’re a sole proprietor, the partnership issue won’t apply to you directly. But anytime you start a business, you will be involved in all kinds of loose and informal partnerships with people you need to rely on. They can be suppliers, vendors, contractors or even major clients. Choose them all wisely, understanding that a bad relationship has the potential to sabotage your business.Burned bridges stay with you for life.Luke lauritsen @lauritsen4440 (Arlington NE)Relationship ... People do business with people they trust no matter what the person is selling or service they are providing...When you work for yourself, you realize how important all relationships are. A burned bridge will stay with you forever, and you quickly learn forgiveness is the most essential tool for success. Who can you forgive today?Your beliefs aren't as important as your behavior.Your beliefs and values are important to you, but how you act and talk to others about what you believe in is more important than the actual belief. Treat others with kindness and respect no matter how different their views are. Contrast can bring clarity.However, the more you believe in yourself, the less you need others to. You don’t need to lean on others for support. When you have a dream or goal, the most important thing is that you believe in yourself. People are going to tell you it can’t be done, but when you connect with your own dreams, you will be unstoppable.OVERHEAD CAN KILL YOU.Impressive features, like premium office space, high end furniture, expensive pictures on the walls, and a streaming live quote system. All that stuff costs money, and when you start a new business, that’s something that’s in short supply.When you start a business you have to think “shoe string”, and that means finding less expensive ways to do everything. It might even mean doing without a few things. Businesses fail for a lack of positive cash flow more than anything else. The sooner your business starts generating that positive cash flow, the greater your chance of business success. You can give yourself a big, fat advantage by determining from the get go that you won’t spend money on stuff you don’t absolutely need.Continue To Explore New Ideas@Brentfwells Brent Wells. (Fonda, Iowa)I had to go work somewhere else for 5 years before I came back to the farm. Part of it was to make sure I saw what else was out there, and to gain knowledge from other businesses.I learned a great deal about managing people, assets, and cash flow. Sometimes I tell people my story and they make the comment “too bad you wasted all that time getting your MBA just to come back and farm”. I just laugh. It has helped me look at the farm as business and make the right decisions for my operation rather than doing what everyone else is doing.If you don’t keep your mind open to new ideas, your business isn’t going to be able to evolve with the market.  Your business needs to be ahead of the market, and in order to do that, you need to continue to explore new ideas, new concepts, new ways to do businessYour competition is a poor metric for success, because they are who you are competing against.  Copying won’t get you ahead.  The best it can do is tie you for first place, not advance you ahead of who was first place.Success Is Ever Evolving.  Most people want to accomplish more.  MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SOME PAYING CUSTOMERS FirstBefore you actually start a business, you might want to test it and treat it more like a side hustle. Test it out with your network. Find out if you actually have something that people are going to pay money for on an ongoing basis.Sometimes not getting what you want is the biggest blessing of all.Austin @auswms. (SW Minnesota)Its helped diversify our risk. It increases the labor needs, but brings added revenue all year.@marioncofarmer A side business is a big help on farming as it helps soften the blow when stuff goes southEverything is part of a larger plan. You quickly learn that rejection is actually protection.Running a business keeps you close to the ground and you get a firsthand feel on what is working and what isn’tNo one cares as much about your business as you do.Think of a business like a baby. Relatives will adore it. Strangers will smile at it. But no one will hover over it, protect it and deeply connect with it like its mother. Yes, owning your own business is like that. No one – not employees, partners, customers or friends – will have the same passion for your company's success as you do. Ever….Business ideas that others have done.Inventing (@farmerman_1 Quick Pins), Card Making/Crafting (@MelNelKeyes Hungary Canyon Design), Seed/Feed Dealer (@elliotuphoff), Lawncare/Landscaping.Snow Removal (@BradPeel3), Consulting/Crop Insurance, Custom Farming (@Wills_Bros_Farms), Trucking Company, Social Media Influencer, Public Speaking, Owning Rental Properties, Livestock Shearing/Showing (@Asuwms – Austin), Tiling (@Citrowske_L – Lance), Equipment Dealership (@marioncofarmer), Preceision Ag (@alamudson), Chemical/Fertilizer Sales (@Brentfwells)Side Job Ideas Others Have SharedMechanic, Tow Truck Driver, Selling Real Estate, Modeling, Tax Preparation, Writing, School bus Driver, Cleaning/Detailing, Tree Removal Service, Heavy Equipment Operator, and more!SummaryDon't judge books by their covers, especially if you think they have it all figured out.  Work hard as being the best farmer you can be and learn along the way.  Becoming a savvy negotiator will pay dividends and remember to make sure you follow-up in every situation.  The more you do, the better you will become at managing your time and you will also realize the benefits of having a strong network around you.  Take care of that network and don't be afraid to try new things.  Just because something doesn't go your way doesn't mean there isn't something to learn from the situation.ChallengeWas there anything we just talked about that you don’t think you are good at?  Start now to work on fixing that.  Read, listen, and practice until it gets better!ClosingRemember to leave us a review and share with your friends.  Send us your questions or topic ideas to farm4profitllc@gmail.com 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.

 Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall (@TheWittyFarmer) | Twitter  https://www.thewittyfarmer.com/  https://danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com/ DFV pays tribute to Bill Sullivan, our Winemaker’s father, on every bottle. After many attempts of trying to upload the picture of him above, our computer would only return a pixelated result. However, its beauty was apparent, even if the original picture was not. This pixelated image, featured on our logo, graces every bottle and his legacy is entrenched in all we do: commitment to all that is good – being ethical, moral, and responsible to the land.Our Centennial farm, where DFV is proud to call home, was established in the mid-1800s by my great, great grandfather, James Sullivan, and his son, Jeremiah, who came over from Ireland. The original farmhouse, although completely modernized, still graces the property. The gazebo itself is housed in the grain silo, where the crops were stored. It is fitting that while some of our farm has a history going back to the 1800s, the remainder has a modern twist.I understand that we have a valuable legacy to nurture with the ability to adapt and change with the future. From my great, great grandparents who came to this area and settled this land to my, to my parents, and now my children, I cherish the generations and the land that has brought me DFV.I believe that my ancestors are looking down upon us and smiling. They may have questioned my endeavor in its beginning, but I think they are probably quite proud of us. I have approached my wines for the last 12 years as if they were pieces of art that I was creating; painting with different flavors and structures to arrive at something layered by cohesive – letting the fruit tell its story, with its tannins and acids – and using yeasts and/or barrels to complete the dream. I start every season with a vision once I taste the fruit, the stems and the tendrils. Even when I am pruning, I am chewing the cuttings and looking for clues. Often, my yeast choices change throughout the growing season, as I detect different flavors that I want to enhance or downplay.In 2011, I decided to commit to making the best wine that I could, and returned to the classroom. I  attended University of California Davis, learning viticulture and enology from some of the finest in the industry.Just like art on a canvas, wine can incite an immense amount of feelings and emotions. It is this passion, love, joy and inspiration that I try to capture with each bottle. It is my vision, this artisan, boutique winery, which I have brought to DFV. I am excited to share DESAGACÉ and AURA ARIA with others in the near future.   Lost Lake CheeseWe are a small dairy farm and cheesery just north of Jewell, Iowa. Our goal is to make award-winning artisan cheese based on regenerative, ecological farming practices. Our farm has 20 beautiful, grass-fed cows and we milk these cows and make all of their milk into cheese right on the farm. We have been selling cheese since the fall of 2016. Kevin makes the cheese and is the primary farmer and we have one part-time employee, Josh Mechaelsen. We started this farm because we'd like to see more life out in rural Iowa, this was one of the few ways we could see starting a farm from scratch, and we really love cows and cheese. Kevin started making his own cheese in 2007, we got our first cow in 2010, and we built a milking parlor and commercial cheesery in 2016.  We direct market a majority of our cheese - usually through farmers' markets in Des Moines, Ames, and Clear Lake. We ship online when it is cold out. Right now the easiest way to find our market alternatives is to head to our website. We have a cheese drop off on Saturday mornings in Des Moines and Ames and will be starting some other options when we get into Mozzarella season. We also sell at Wheatsfield in Ames and Backcountry Winery in Stratford. It's a lot for people to remember and I'll update our website to make it more clear. We do most of our communication and marketing on Facebook.   BiosWe got married in 2006 and, with a lot of help from a lot of people, worked our way towards this farm until we were approved to sell cheese in September of 2016. Many of the details can be found below. Kevin was born in Indianapolis, moved to Minneapolis when he was two, then moved to a dairy farm in central Minnesota at age seven where his family lived in a community of people living and working with mentally disabled adults. This is where he found his love for the land and for farming. He participated in 4-H, where he showed sheep and vegetables. When he was thirteen, his family moved back to the city, where he finished high school. After graduation, he went to Germany, where he did an apprenticeship in Biodynamic farming, spending one year each on three different farms. All three farms were dairy farms, ranging from eight to forty-five milking cows. All were diversified farms with dairy cows, beef cows, hogs, grain and vegetable production. Two of these farms also had on-farm dairy processing, which he helped with every day. At the culmination of his time in Germany, Kevin passed the tests necessary to become a “staatlich anerkannter Landwirt” or state certified agriculturalist. He then returned to Minnesota, where he completed a B.A. with a major in biology and met the woman who would become his wife. He worked on different farms every summer during college. While in Ithaca, New York, he worked at Cornell University as a soils research technician in a research and extension program focusing on nutrient management issues facing New York dairy farmers. After moving to Iowa, he worked for a year as a research associate with the Iowa Learning Farms, a multidisciplinary program that seeks to educate farmers and the public about conserving Iowa’s soil and water resources. He then moved to a position at Practical Farmers of Iowa as a grazing coordinator, where he worked with grazing farmers around the state of Iowa to coordinate programming, field days, pasture walks, and on-farm research projects. After  managing a 4200-head wean-to-finish hog farm for Iowa Select Farms, staying home with our two children three days a week, and planning, building, and raising capital for the farm for two years, he is now working at Lost Lake Farm full-time.Ranae grew up on a hog farm near Radcliffe, Iowa.  She met Kevin during college at the University of Minnesota - Morris. She spent one summer working as a veterinary assistant at a large farm in Ukraine, where she worked with dairy cattle, swine, and ostriches. She received her M.S. degree in soil science from Cornell University in 2009, where she studied nitrous oxide emissions as affected by snow cover and freeze-thaw cycles. She earned her Ph.D. in Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Production & Physiology at Iowa State University in 2014, where she studied carbon and root dynamics in prairies and corn-soybean systems. She worked as a post-doctoral research associate in the Integrated Cropping Systems Lab in the Department of Agronomy at ISU for five years. Ranae now works as an Agronomy Data Scientist for Syngenta in Slater, Iowa. Please feel free to mention Golden Harvest and/or NK as worlds greatest seeds with the world's best agronomists. :) CheeseI gave you a few different kinds - Emmentaler, Iowa Alpine, Burrnt Oak, Lost Lake Reserve Blue, and Farmstead Feta. The Feta is super salty and not for crackers, you should use it in place of salt somewhere in a salad or pasta.  If you just have time for one cheese "story" it should be the Burrnt Oak. Burrnt Oak is good on steaks and burgers because of its mushroomy flavor, but my favorite way to eat it is on salty crackers with strawberry jam and honey.  Burrnt OakBurr Oak is the state tree of Iowa. Our Burrnt Oak, an ashed Camembert, has charcoal through the middle and around the outside. The charcoal is made from a 200 year old Burr Oak tree that used to stand overlooking the Lost Lake of Lost Lake Farm. The tree blew over in a wind storm, so we turn it into charcoal, grind it to a fine dust, and put it in the cheese so people can eat this 200 year old piece of Iowa. Ashed cheeses are a traditional method from small farms. It was once common to make half of the batch, pour the curds into the molds, then cover everything with ash to protect it from the flies until the next milking and the next half of the batch could be made. The new curds would be spooned over the ash layer and the whole wheel would also be covered with ash to protect from flies while the wheels were flipped and left out to drain more whey. We make a Camembert without charcoal in the same batch and it's interesting to taste the difference as the charcoal itself is tasteless, but creates a different microbial environment that changes the flavor of the cheese. Farming PracticesThe unique things about our farming practices are that our cows don't eat any grain. We don't get super high milk yields, but we also don't have to buy any corn. We also keep the calves with their moms for up to five months and only milk once a day. This saves us labor on milking and caring for calves and we still get as much milk as one guy can make into cheese.   More farming stuff from the website:At this point, we have not applied for third-party certification from anyone. This means we are not certified organic, grass-fed, natural, or any of the other labels you may find on food. We do, however, follow our own rigorous standards in line with our goals to improve the land we are on, have healthy, happy animals, and provide pure and simple delicious cheese. We welcome any questions on our farming practices. SoilWe strive to keep all of our soil in place and to improve the health and productivity of that soil. We do that by keeping the soil covered and keeping living roots in the ground at all times. Most of our farm is covered in perennial plants in diverse stands. We manage our grazing to maintain high amounts of residual left after grazing, and allow adequate recovery time between grazings, which allows the root systems to also grow deep. We do occasionally till, in order to make a good seed bed for annual forages and to prepare for new diverse perennial seedings. We do this tillage at a time when it can be re-seeded as quickly as possible, so the soil is not bare for very long. The only external inputs are from purchased hay, straw, and cattle minerals. The manure and bedding is made into Biodynamic compost before being spread back onto the land.Grass and ForageWe do not spray pesticides, herbicides, or any other synthetic chemicals.Our pastures are in diverse grass, legume, and forb mixes. In the flat, well-drained cropland areas we seed these mixtures in with a drill, and in the hilly, treed areas it is a combination of the existing plants and some clovers that we have broadcast seeded on top of the soil. In order to maintain the quality and quantity of forage for the dairy cows, we also sometimes seed mixes of annual forages such as sorghum-sudangrass, turnips, and millet for grazing in the hot, dry summer months when the perennial grasses slow down their growth. We manage the forage stands by moving the cows to a new part of each pasture twice a day, using portable electric fencing. This way, the cows only graze each area for a short while, not overstressing the grass, leaving behind potential parasites, and always getting fresh, high-quality grass. This kind of grazing, when well-managed, also encourages diversity, healthy roots, and healthy soil.CowsWe currently milk around 20 cows and are also raising heifers, calves, and a few steers. Our cows are various breeds, including Brown Swiss, Jersey-Holstein crosses, Normande crosses, and New Zealand Frisians. Most of these cows we have raised on the farm from birth or young age. Our philosophy on animal husbandry is to manage lifestyle and nutrition of our animals such that they will be happy and healthy, and require minimal treatments or interventions. We do on rare occasions treat animals with antibiotics when it is the best choice for them to recover quickly and to reduce suffering. We do not strive for high milk production, rather for high-quality milk from healthy, happy animals. The cows are on pasture 24 hours a day when grazing is possible, and in open-air, bedded pack during the winter months when grazing is not possible. Starting in January, 2017, our animals are 100% forage-fed – meaning we do not supplement their diet with any grains or other feeds. They do get salt and minerals free-choice. 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