Farm4Profit Podcast

We try to communicate to you how communicating effectively can directly effect your bottom line. Working to make sure lines aren't getting crossed and your directions are clear will save you time, money, and accidents! 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.

David and Tanner have a conversation around ways to invest inside and outside of agriculture that provide residual income. The conversation flows freely through many different examples. 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.

What, When, and How should I Sell it? Introduction – thank you for your time and feedbackListener left us a review on Twitter : “Nice little podcast here. Bend an ear to this episode talking about the sociological impacts pre/post epidemic “ Remind them how to submit questions and topic suggestions@farm4profitllcFarm4profitllc@gmail.comAnswer questions – COVID-19 in the cab, what do I do if an employee reports positive and they have been running my truck, tractor, floater, etc…..?The guidance we have is to protect yourself from employee/employer legal actions you must take reasonable action to make the environment safe before someone else can enter that piece of equipment.  The employee must quarantine for 14 days and any other individual they came in contact with. We also learned there is a “FOG” that can be released in the cabs once the air has settle to kill the virus.  Once the fog disappears you can go back to operating the machine.What’s working for Ag – In10T AG - https://in10t.ag/ - Kevin Heikes - @kheikes on TwitterDiscovered you via Tweet with Tim Hammerich about giving hats away…… just so you know the cost of admission on the F4P Podcast is two hats!Kevin Heikes is the Chief Operations Officer and CO-Founder of In10T AGIN10T is an independent, farmer-centric, data driven company focused on partnering with farmers to test and learn the benefits of innovative agricultural products and solutions.  Elaborate …….IN10T helps innovative clients accelerate the time from scientific discovery to successful farmer adoption by leveraging farmer feedback, data and technology.  Elaborate ……Please provide us your background, expertise, and the business history…..Company FocusesProduct PerformanceFarmTrials NetworkFarmer ExperienceClients walk in the shoes of the farmerMarket StrategyHow do we get stuff to the farmersDigitally Powered InformationPutting it into the cloud?!How many acres have you tracked or farmers have you impacted?What are you most excited about for In10T in 2020?How could your business help farmers achieve higher levels of farm profitability?Anything else you’d like to share?Main TOPIC: What are we going to do now?  I have to liquidate to get cash now…….What, When, and How!?This will be an episode where I let David handle sharing the information and I’ll try and pry a little deeper for the listenersThis episode is going to be listened to throughout the year so let’s go either by topic or by season.Equipment, Vehicles, Livestock, Land, or Personal Goods/HomesWhat can I sell the fastest to get cash now?What will most likely be the most stable as far as value?How do I know if it’s something I should be selling or if I should hold it?Is there something that has been holding its value or appreciating?JD 4960, quad tracks, land, smart planters, JD 8xx0-8x20Spring, Summer, Fall, WinterWhich is the best season to sell?Do different things sell better in different seasons?4wd’s, Land, Livestock, Planters, Sprayers etc…..Trade it, List it, Auction it, Donate itWhat are the differences between the options?Which options can I do myself and which options to I need a professionalAre their different ways to list or auction?Live, Online, FSBO, Facebook, Auctiontime, HiBid, Etc…Is one way better than the other to sell for an asset type?What if I am looking to buy?Advice for equipmentAdvice for real estateGeneral AdviceWhat would to say to the farmer with a house, shed, and grove full of stuff that doesn’t believe in selling?What are somethings people can do to get the most value out of what they are selling?WaxPicturesGet it runningStage itService RecordsWhat if I have a loan on the property I want to sell?Any other general advice?SummarizeTake notes during the interview to summarize.  Hit on how important using technology can be on the farm. Tie back the obvious to growing farm profitability.ChallengeSpell out steps for them to begin taking action. Refer to the points made by the presenter.Conference UpdateLooking for ideas for great speakersFarm4profitllc@gmail.comSubmit questions and topic suggestionsLike, Rate, Review, ShareThank The Listener 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.

Tanner and David review an article from the Iowa Farmer Today about suggestions for preparing for your farm to transition to the next generation. 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.

Using Custom Farming to Boost ProfitabilityThank you for listening to us.  We know that time is the most valuable resource and greatly appreciate you using your time to consume our content.Also, thank you for reviewing and sharing our podcast with your family, friends and neighbors.  That means the world to us.Online review: “What a great format you have put together for any business person inside or outside of agriculture to listen to and learn from!” Answer questionsHow can I boost my farm’s profitability through custom farming?We will attack this as our topic of discussion today.What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedbackMoville, Iowa  - Hungry Canyon - Cards and gifts for those who work in acres not in hoursMelissa Keyes Nelson  @MelNelKeyes  www.hungrycanyondesign.comOriginally from Nebraska and transplanted to NW Iowa where she lives with her Husband Mark and son Roy.  She started her Agriculture Educational Non-Profit.  She has a background of being creative and entrepreneurial spirit and is able to put a unique spin on everyday items.  Melissa takes pride in creating authentic and accurate agriculture-based cards, gifts, and home decor.  How did you decide to start this business to compliment your family farm?Valentines Day for her husbandDo you do all the creating yourself?The designs are made by Melissa and the products are made by a company that employs individuals with developmental disabilities.How does having this business help your family’s farm succeed?…What is the most difficult challenge about running an online retail business?…What advice would you have for the listener who is thinking about starting or expanding their online retail business?…What are you and your husband most proud of on your farm?…Please share any final comments and how our listeners can find you for questions or any interest in ordering your products. Thank you!Main Topic- How can custom farming work for your farm and increase farming profitability?Custom work as defined: Custom farming services means the performance of an activity, defined as farming in this section, for a farmer for a fee. The fee may include a cash payment, a share of the harvest or other valuable consideration.This means you could be using custom farming practices to benefit your farm in 2 different ways.  Either by performing the tasks for others or by hiring someone else to perform the task for you.You will need to step back and do a 360 review of your farming operation before making this decision.  As we said at the beginning of the podcast that we know time is the most valuable resource, so part of this review will be to consider:How much time do you have to devote to performing custom farming tasks?Do you have staff or employees that are under employed?Have you struggled to get a part of your farming done timely in the past?Do you know of others in the area expressing a need for tasks to be completed?Are you adequately equipped to perform more tasks, need to upgrade, need to buy?Is there a practice you want to learn, try, or improve but want to try before your buy?Once you do a 360 degree review of your farm as it is now you’ll be able to take the next steps necessary.Example:  My family used to be a farrow to finish hog farm.  My parents chose a time to expand their operation when I was a young child. They did a review similar to this knowing with a limited labor force they would need to incorporate some custom farming practices.  Because they believed the breeding and farrowing processes were the most important they elected to perform those tasks themselves and hired other farmers to nursery and finish part of the production for them.  They knew they didn’t have the time to do all the jobs well and this was the solution.This could be the same when you look at getting the crops in the ground this spring.  Possibly custom tillage or pre-emergent chemical application could be beneficial.Example: Another hog example, had a client include me on a decision/fact finding mission.  He has been taking care of ISO Wean pigs on a custom basis, sometimes getting double stocked at the beginning and other times not.  We calculated the extra time it took to carry in brooders and mats, sort out feeder pigs etc… and arrived at the determination he was more profitable in the process to take only feeder pigs with a $1.50/space pay cut.  He’s now going to make less gross revenue but net more income.Could custom farming be the entry door into upgrading a piece of equipment?Sprayer, manure equipment, high speed planter, feed wagon/truck, semi & trailerTarget enough work to make the payment or reduce the costs of the equipmentEntryway to a farm manager that gets access to more rented or crop share ground.How do you charge for custom work?Most farm managers who hire all processes custom will base the payment on ISU or another university survey and use the average or a multiple of the average rate.  Is this fair?  Too much competition?CalculationStarts with an equipment appraisal then continues with an appraisal annually to get a true depreciation value.  Target a market value and wholesale value. Salesman, auctioneer, appraiser.Overhead costs on a per acre basis:  Road time, RTK, Insurance, etc..Establish Tractor Value and establish the cost based on use (50% of planter and grain cart) and the cost of planter + wages/acre + fuel/acre + overhead expenses/acre Wages are different for each operator including yourself.Niche’High clearance spraying, cover crop seeding, silage chopping, baling, heavy haul equipment, excavator work, tiling, ISO WeansLocationHow far from your home base?  How far from your last customer?  How many acres?  Can you charge a premium?  Will it become a long term relationship?ExperienceIf you have been doing the same task since you just started farming…..don’t you think you deserve a raise for experience and efficiency?What could hiring custom operators do for you?Pre-emergence, fungicide, Y Drops, cover crops, lawn mowing, putting cows out to pasture, expanding livestock herds, baling waterways (50/50)Your farm gains: speed, efficiency, precision, focus, diversity, and profitEx: Hiring someone to help you combine beans when its fit to go rather than picking at high moisture yourselfIs it included in the price of the purchase: Spreading litter when bought, buying chemicals or fungicideMaybe someone is doing it for less that you could do it for by yourself???!!!Lastly, sometimes the best answer is to say “no"ChallengeDo that 360 degree review of your farm to see where custom work could be a fit.Then if you are performing custom farming tasks get down to the real costs involved in performing the task.  Your time isn’t free or worthless.Please remember to like, rate, review, and share the podcastSubmit questions and topic suggestions@farm4profitllcfarm4profitllc@gmail.comThank 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.

Tanner and David record a conversation they had talking about where we are right now emotionally, socially, and economically because of COVID19. Then they do their best to think about where we are going next. 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.

The Latest in Spring Technology IntroductionListener left us a review on Twitter : “This was really fun to listen to, Thanks! “ Remind them how to submit questions and topic suggestions@farm4profitllcFarm4profitllc@gmail.comWhat’s working for Ag – Blake Chance @farmerman_1Probably the biggest IH enthusiast you’ll ever meet.  Graduated of Kansas State University with a degree in Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship.  Inventor of the “Quick-Pin”Describe to the listeners what it is.Why did you invent this?Have you completed the process or are you still looking for more input and feedback?When will it be ready for the market?How can listeners get in contact with you?blakejchance@gmail.comWhat could farmers be doing to plant additional profit in to each acre this spring?Introduce the guest.  Ben Pederson Owner of Sprout Ag Enterprises – Lake Mills, IA 641-592-2305ben@sproutag.com@sproutag or @Ben_C _PedersonWe are passionate about melding agriculture and technology and making them work for you. We want you to experience the financial rewards that come with applying cutting-edge technology to your operation. Our passion is making your equipment more efficient, so it works in a way that is more powerful, agronomically and financially.We are a 360 Yield Center Dealer, 360 Y-DROP & 360 Undercover Custom Applicator and provider of 360 SOILSCAN Testing Services..We are also a Precision Planting Premier Dealer. Precision Planting has been driving planter improvement and innovation for over 20 years and is now the recognized leader in the field. We can help you grow.What kind of planter technology and advancements are on the market today?On average, your Sowmaster planter will be up to 30% less expensive than leading equipment manufacturer’s comparable planters. It also has row units that are more durable and require less maintenance than competitor’s.What are you adding to this planter to make it the farmer more profitable?Mudsmith, Martin, Copperhead, Precision, High Speed, Seed Placement, Dual HybridMaintenance – are there any new ways to log, schedule, or keep records of?What should people be checking right before they head for the field?Autonomous Planting – Sabanto  (Planted beans in Iowa last Spring)How does it work?Is it safe?What does it cost?Translates to profitabilityLSW vs tracks MFWD but with 4 tracksHow the advancements from 360 are Yield Center and their Y-Drops going to help farmers achieve higher levels of profitability this Spring?What are some of the latest advancements in tillage equipment for seed bed preparation?Vertical TillageSpeed TillageAFS Soil Command Case IH (Field Cultivators, Disks, Soil Finishers)Production-quality Case IH tillage tools equipped with AFS Soil Command™ technology hit the fields for fall 2019 and spring 2020 season of use.  AFS Soil Command agronomically optimizes soil conditions through measuring, monitoring and controlling tillage tools. This advanced technology adds precision to soil management The ability to have an unskilled operator behind the wheel and know work is being done correctly, and the agronomic advantages of a correctly set machine.AFS Soil Command provides a data-driven approach to tillage. When planting, producers consider every seed in the ground — similarly, AFS Soil Command helps producers monitor and optimize soil conditions down to the square inch for tillageAFS Soil Command is designed to identify problem areas across the field and give operators the knowledge and tools to fix them. As-tilled mapping technology now records all depth settings and crumbler pressure and where they were used at one-second intervals, helping to map out potential problem areas, which can be used for future adjustments in-field for a healthier seedbed and seedbed floor.John Deere-TruSet TechnologyLate last year, Sunflower introduced the SF6830 Series high-speed rotary finisher. Its new feature is the hydraulic leveler gang composed of four wavy center blades, which can be hydraulically adjusted by the operator from zero to 10 degrees. By adjusting the angle at which these blades engage the soil, the operator has more exacting control of the tool and can match soil conditions and ground speed of the implement to achieve a smooth, even seedbed with every pass.John Deere has introduced new tillage equipment, as well. Its new 2630 Series disks and vertical tillage tools include four distinct models: 2630 disk, 2633 disk, 2635 disk and 2633 vertical tillage implement.These tools also incorporate John Deere’s precision control, TruSet Technology, which lets you make on-the-go depth and down-pressure adjustments from the cab. You can fine-tune the implement with 0.1-inch adjustments with just the touch of a button.And, the TruSet system provides the ability to execute prescriptions and document the tillage operation. So, you can run variable-depth tillage prescriptions to incorporate residue at different levels across the field or change the depth of tillage for different conditions such as lighter soils or areas of known compaction.What’s next? – What have you seen coming down the pipe?What would you say to those producers out there who don’t see the ROI for technology on their farm?For those with little technology in their operations today.  Where do you suggest they start and how?What do you see your top producing or top tier of clients doing?  Both in Tech and on their farm in generalIs there anything else you would like our listeners to learn from our conversation today?SummarizeTake notes during the interview to summarize.  Hit on how important using technology can be on the farm. Tie back the obvious to growing farm profitability.ChallengeSpell out steps for them to begin taking action. Refer to the points made by the presenter.Conference UpdateLooking for ideas for great speakersFarm4profitllc@gmail.comSubmit questions and topic suggestionsLike, Rate, Review, Share 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.

How to Deal with Difficult Employees: 10 Tips to Improve Workplace PerformanceWhen a small business has an employee who is difficult to work with, it can drain productivity and create a hostile work environment. Business owners and managers need to demonstrate leadership and deal with difficult employees directly, discussing the behavioral and performance issues and creating a clear plan moving forward to address the issues. Managers should monitor the progress of difficult employees and if the performance doesn’t improve with feedback and resources, you may need to fire the problem employee for the sake of your business’s performance and the morale of other workers.10 Ways to Deal with Difficult EmployeesAddressing issues with a difficult employee can be stressful and awkward. Follow these ten tips for managing difficult employees to make the process easier and increase your chances of improving the situation:Critique Behavior, Not PeopleIt’s important that you don’t make the conversation overly personal or emotional. The end goal is to reach a solution to the problem, not to spark a confrontation. To do that, it’s important to focus specifically on inappropriate or undesirable behavior the employee has demonstrated rather than attack them personally. There may not be negative intentions behind their negative behavior. It might stem from confusion, fear or personal problems that you aren’t aware of.Listen to FeedbackYou should have a two-way conversation with the challenging employee. Listen to their feedback so you can understand where the problem lies and acknowledge any workplace issues that might be contributing to the negative behavior. Sometimes, just feeling listened to is enough for the employee to feel better and improve their behavior.Give Clear DirectionGiving tough feedback can be a difficult task for managers, but it’s important that you give clear and specific examples of the negative behavior and explain why it’s inappropriate and how it has to change. Focusing on specific examples can help lower the employee’s defensiveness and offer useful information that can help them improve their workplace performance.Document Problematic BehaviorWhenever you witness poor performance or troubling behavior, write it down in detail so you have a record of what happened and be sure to include the date. Proper documentation not only helps you remember and refer to specific events, it also protects your company in the event that the employee is let go and decides to sue the business for wrongful termination.Consult the HR DepartmentSchedule meetings with the human resources team to discuss the situation. They can give advice on how to deal with the poor behavior, help you understand the documentation you need and provide a course of action for addressing the issue with the employee. HR will understand all the company policies and processes for handling difficult employees and terminating their employment, if necessary.Work Together Toward a SolutionThe ideal result when you discuss a difficult employee’s behavior with them is that the two of you work together to develop a solution you both agree on. Discuss the negative behavior, what the appropriate behavior looks like and then find out what the employee needs from you to improve. Agree upon a solution to the issue.Write Down ExpectationsDetail your expectations for what needs to improve and set a timeline for improvement. Write down a clear plan of action with a specific timeline and evaluation framework for measuring success. Sign the plan and have the employee sign it as well. You should both keep a copy of the document so the employee can use it to enact the plan and you can evaluate performance moving forward.Set Specific ConsequencesIt’s possible that your plan for improvement with a difficult employee will fail if you don’t set clear consequences if the behavior doesn’t change within the agreed upon timeframe. Consequences can include a formal written warning, not being eligible for promotions or bonuses and in more severe situations, termination of their employment. Employees likely won’t change their behavior unless continuing it will affect them negatively.Monitor ProgressGive your employee the time needed to correct their behavior. During that time, monitor their progress and make note of any issues or relapses. Check in as frequently as needed to get a better sense of how they’re progressing with the agreed-upon plan and intervene if they get off track. After the timeline from your plan has passed, schedule a full in-person evaluation to discuss how the situation has progressed.Recognize a Hopeless SituationWhile the goal is to improve the employee’s behavior so that your team can be more happy and productive together, realistically there will be times when that isn’t possible. If your previous interventions haven’t had the desired effect and the staff member is unwilling to change their behavior, you need to follow your company’s termination procedure and cut your losses.https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/leadership/deal-with-difficult-employees 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.

The Benefit of Providing Benefits – Growers Edge and HR Interviews Like, rate, review, share, and find us on social media!What’s working for Ag – Growers Edge  www.growersedge.comIntroduce the guest.  Dan Cosgrove the CEO of Growers Edge which provides data-driven fintech solutions for the ag industryBefore joining Growers Edge in 2019, Cosgrove served as the global leader of corporate development and licensing at Corteva Agriscience. During his time at DuPont Pioneer (now part of Corteva Agriscience), he served as the vice president of business development and held various legal roles, including chief patent counsel and IP group leader. Early in his career, he was a lawyer focused on patent litigation as a partner at Zarley, McKee, Thomte, Voorhees & Sease.Growers Edge Financial, Inc. puts grower profits first by delivering grower income assurance through data-driven financial technology products, solutions and tools for the agricultural sector. Empowering farmers to adopt new technologies to increase profitability, Growers Edge solves the financial gaps of farmers by changing how agricultural inputs and services are sold, allowing them to capture more value and improve profits. Led by a proven team of crop management leaders and backed by top agtech investors, the company is headquartered in Johnston, Iowa.What got my attention was the back of your company’s business cards.  The top corner says “Where farmers’ profits are first”. What does that mean to Growers Edge and you?You have an app that is free to use.  Can you share what that app can accomplish for a farmer?Cash grain bidsLive market alerts & newsBin level trackingWeather forecastsWhere is Growers Edge headed next?Innovative financial solutionsGrain and insurance integrationFinancingSolutions for AgribusinessesIncome AssuranceChanging the way farmers buy productsMain Topic -What are benefits worth to you and your farm? Introduce the guest.  Talk about accomplishments, the qualifications, any events they may have coming up, products they pedal, and how to get in contact with them.Why would paying attention to benefits packages or providing benefits at all be something a farm operator should be considering as a factor of whole farm profitability?Typically how many hours per week must one work to get access to company benefits?  Each business can determine benefit eligibility requirements from how many hours worked constitute eligibility to what group employees it if offered to.   ACA requirements state that employees who work 30 hours a week or 130 hours a month are considered full-time for health insurance.Can part time workers receive benefits? Yes- if the employers elects to offer it.  It can be the same rate as FT or a higher rateHow much does a health insurance premium cost? (whole cost not employee share). will all vary depending upon deductible level, HMO vs. PPO, or full-insured vs. self-insured.Individual-$400.-$500Married-$800.-$1000Family-$1000-$1700How much does a dental/vision insurance premium cost? (whole cost not employee share) Dental                                   VisionIndividual            $40                                         $7-10Married                $75                                         $15-$20Family                   $105                                       $22-$26What structures are common in the work place for percentage covered by employer versus that of the employee?What have you noticed to be the most valuable “fringe” benefit to employees outside of health insurance and PTO?  Ie: health & wellness, cell phone reimbursement, etc…..  Each survey states something different but what I have found to be most consistent is Retirement benefits and flexible work schedules.What are good resources for someone who is looking at providing their employees with benefits and don’t know where to start?  Google is a wonderful thing a quick search can answer a lot of questions.  Benefits brokers can help provide information and provide expertise on different benefit options.  If we are talking to farmers I am not sure if Farm Bureau offers some of these resources or not.  Possibly FBN can help.What have you seen employers doing to gain a competitive advantage when hiring employees? Higher wages, signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, paid maternity or paternity leave, professional development, student loan assistance, wellness programs, work from home, flexible work hours, on-site gym, etc.. The sky is limit hear based upon the size of the wallet of the company.Are you aware of group benefits programs for those who are self-employed?401 K contributions; explain the power of compounding interestAsk your employees what they need to get from you to make them never leave! If you are looking at providing a sign on bonus, how should you go about setting the amount?What are things even out there that are considered “benefits”?Work vehicles, child care, legal insurance, health insurance, retirement contributions, fitness incentive, charitable contribution matches, 529 plan matches, volunteer time off, over-time/double-time, employee referral bonus, new business commission, accident free bonuses, apparel, bereavement, paternity and maternity leave, beverages & snacks, …….SummarizeWhat are the ways you could use benefits to attract or retain a higher quality of help?  What could your farm do to use benefits to increase its profitability? Could you work for benefits and have part-time help for low wage work?ChallengeLet’s break our spending down on a monthly basis. Then take it over an annual income.  Are we comfortable with this or are there some things we could change in structure?Conference UpdateSubmit questions and topic suggestions 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. 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Tanner and David have published the conversation from after recording episode 19 with Ben Pederson a farmer from Lake Mills, Iowa. The three of them rolled right into a conversation about Tillable and shared their opinions. 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.