Farm4Profit Podcast

Ron Geis, a Nebraska native turned proud Iowan, who’s spent decades advancing agriculture in multiple ways — from working in crop protection with Corteva Agriscience, to helping run a family cow-calf operation, to mentoring the next generation of ag leaders.Ron reflects on growing up on a dairy farm and how those early mornings and hard lessons shaped his outlook on life and work. He shares what it’s been like to witness — and contribute to — the evolution of crop protection technology throughout his career. His background in agricultural education also shines through, offering insight into how he communicates with growers and supports Corteva’s mission across Iowa and beyond.But it’s not all business — we get to know Ron on a personal level, too. He opens up about working alongside his wife on their cattle operation, camping adventures in their “hotel on wheels,” and the joy his grandchildren bring to his life. Ron even shares what advice he’d pass along to young people considering a career in agriculture.As always, we wrap up with a fun either/or round, and Ron leaves us with thoughtful advice as we all look ahead to the 2025 season. 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.

Scott Berden from U.S. Sugar and Brad Rucks from Everglades Equipment Group.Scott leads the precision ag program for over 255,000 acres of production at U.S. Sugar, where the company grows sugarcane, citrus, and vegetables across five counties. He manages a fleet of 350+ precision-equipped vehicles and oversees everything from GPS land leveling to real-time logistics and RTK networks. His collaboration with Everglades Equipment Group and John Deere has helped U.S. Sugar remain at the forefront of ag tech, including new autonomous solutions, smart equipment, and farm-wide Wi-Fi.Brad, a veteran in the Integrated Solutions department at Everglades, works closely with producers of sugarcane and specialty crops. He brings his knowledge of John Deere’s latest technologies — including JDLink, embedded efficiency tools, and landforming software — to help farmers get the most out of their machines. From optimizing fertilizer application to introducing automation, Brad ensures customers can compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.Together, they unpack the power of strategic partnerships, the evolution of modern farming, and what lies ahead in the next 5 to 10 years — including autonomous tractors and smarter machine-to-machine communication. This is a can’t-miss conversation for any grower, ag tech enthusiast, or agribusiness leader looking to better understand how scale, data, and innovation come together in the field.  Want Farm4Profit Merch?  Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we go behind the scenes with two Ag Leader team members who are also active farmers — Evan Boderman and Chad Stensrud. Evan works in product management at Ag Leader, while Chad manages territory sales and support in Minnesota. But when they’re not helping other growers, they’re back on their own farms, using the very same Ag Leader tools they help develop and support.Evan and Chad share their farming backgrounds, the challenges of managing dual careers, and what makes their farm operations unique. They also reveal how Ag Leader’s suite of precision ag products — from guidance systems to yield monitoring — help them be more efficient, accurate, and productive on their own acres.You’ll hear real-world examples of how their time in the field shapes their work at Ag Leader. Whether it’s identifying a needed product update or pushing for better support tools, their dual roles allow them to bring authentic feedback to the innovation process.The conversation also dives into Ag Leader’s core values — being Made in America, delivering reliable, high-quality tech, and offering top-tier service and support. Chad and Evan reflect on what it means to be part of a company that lives those values, both as employees and as customers.Finally, we lighten the mood with a fun rapid fire round covering their favorite equipment, go-to cab snacks, and essential Ag Leader tools.If you’ve ever wondered whether ag tech companies truly understand what farmers need — this episode will show you that at Ag Leader, the people building the tools are also the people using them. 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.

Jesse Bounds — a farmer, hay exporter, trucking company owner, business coach, and content creator from Eugene, Oregon. Jesse’s story is one of grit, growth, and generosity. From his early days working on a grass seed farm at 16 after his parents divorced, to buying his first baler in high school, Jesse’s entrepreneurial journey is both inspiring and deeply practical.We dive into the origin and expansion of Jesse Bounds Trucking, where every truck — including his iconic refurbished 1986 Peterbilt 259 shoot hood — is painted in classic Peterbilt orange. Jesse shares the story of restoring that first truck with a close friend who recently passed, a moment that shaped his approach to business and legacy.His flagship venture, Bounds Hay Company, now includes massive storage barns, a hay bale press, hay squeezes, and a 110-foot scale — exporting hay daily to Korea and Japan. From farming and baling to international shipping logistics, Jesse breaks down the systems that keep the operation running 24/6.He’s also the founder of Ten Four Coaching, a business training platform with workshops like Baler School and a Finance Workshop for entrepreneurs dealing with financial stress. Jesse provides listeners with practical, tactical strategies to identify growth opportunities, break through business plateaus, focus on revenue-driving activities, and craft a long-term vision.As a bonus, we touch on Bounds Coffee, Jesse’s small-town coffee shop serving smoothies, espresso, and Lotus drinks in Junction City, Oregon — a reminder that passion projects and business can go hand in hand.Whether you're a farmer, trucker, business owner, or dreamer, Jesse’s top five actionable tips and stories from the field offer a roadmap to turning hustle into success — with no excuses and no shortcuts. 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.

Darren Hefty — South Dakota farmer, co-host of Ag PhD TV and Radio, and a respected leader in both agriculture and ag business. With a legacy rooted in service, innovation, and education, Darren shares the powerful story of how he, his brother Brian, and their father built Hefty Seed Company into the 7th largest crop production firm and the 9th largest seed retailer in the U.S., now operating across 50 locations in 12 states.Darren walks us through his early days on the farm, starting at just 7 years old in the farrow-to-finish hog operation, making auction decisions with his dad at 10, and managing hired help by age 13. His passion for agriculture was matched by an early sense of responsibility — a trait that continues to define his leadership today..You’ll also hear about the upcoming Ag PhD Field Day on July 31 in Baltic, South Dakota, now available for streaming on AcresTV, and why the mission of Ag PhD remains focused on serving farmers first.Whether you’re a farmer, ag business owner, or just someone looking to learn from one of the industry's most experienced and grounded voices, this episode is full of real-world perspective, ag innovation, and leadership lessons you won’t want to miss. Want Farm4Profit Merch?  Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of Farm4Profit is a double feature packed with timely information every farmer and ag business needs to hear.As a reminder - visit DPAauctions.com and Farm4Profit listeners receive 0% listing fee for the first items sold through DPA!We kick things off with Nick Helland from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, who walks us through a series of upcoming roundtable discussions taking place across Iowa. These conversations are designed to bring farmers and stakeholders together to talk about the issues that matter most — from conservation and carbon to trade and transportation. Nick explains how the feedback from these sessions will help shape Iowa Corn’s policy direction and strengthen the voice of agriculture at both the state and national level.Then, we transition into a deep dive on the 2025 equipment market with Luke Stamp from DPA Auctions. We ask Luke the questions that are on every farmer's mind:Are we seeing more or fewer sales compared to last year?Is the market stronger or weaker?What’s the current demand for new vs. used equipment?Luke doesn’t hold back — he talks about who’s buying, who’s selling, and where the real opportunities are in 2025. We also uncover what makes certain sales stand out, the best advice for buyers and sellers, and how factors like interest rates, China relations, PUKs, and Farm Bill chatter could shift the landscape. If you're considering selling equipment or looking to buy in the months ahead, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. Want Farm4Profit Merch?  Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we visit with Orin Nusbaum from Nusbaum Farms in Bellfountain, Oregon — a grower, husband, father, and content creator who’s cultivating more than just crops. Orin gives us a glimpse into what life looks like on his diversified farm where he grows a variety of crops and provides fresh produce to local markets and his surrounding community.We explore how the farm has evolved over time — including planting 10 acres of oats in fall 2022, a crop that may have been a first for the operation — and how he navigates the unpredictability of farming, like this past season’s surprise combine fire. Orin also shares how his family plays an active role on the farm: his wife, kids, and even the dog stay involved in everything from harvest to road trips to answering calls when things get busy.Celebrating 20 years of marriage, Orin and his wife have built a life around faith, family, and farming. Their teamwork, especially during harvest and hay season, is something that truly sets Nusbaum Farms apart. We talk social media, small-town support, and why it’s so important to be present — both online and in the rows. If you love stories about families growing food, navigating challenges, and doing it all together, this episode is for you. Want Farm4Profit Merch?  Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Postemergence scouting plays a critical role in protecting your yield potential, and knowing what to look for — and when — can make all the difference. In this episode, we’re joined by Joe Bolte, Market Development Specialist at Corteva Agriscience, to talk through the key things farmers should be watching for once their corn and soybeans are up and growing. Joe walks us through how to evaluate the effectiveness of your preemergence herbicide program and explains how to identify early signs of weed escapes, insect pressure, and disease threats like tar spot.We also explore how weather patterns, herbicide timing, and canopy development influence scouting decisions and treatment options. Joe introduces two of Corteva’s latest postemergence herbicide offerings — Kyro® for corn and Enversa™ for soybeans — and explains how they provide flexible tank-mix options and help manage herbicide-resistant weed populations. Whether you’re walking your fields, using drones, or leveraging scouting apps, Joe shares practical tips to help you stay proactive instead of reactive.From stand counts and weed ID to fungicide application timing, this episode is packed with agronomic insights designed to help you make better in-season decisions. Don’t miss this conversation on how to keep your fields clean and your yields protected as the season progresses. 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.

https://www.youtube.com/@RushHourAgWe interview Louie Zumbach, a farmer and former Iowa State Representative and County Supervisor, and Elliot Henderson, a farmer and ag communicator, about their new venture—the Rush Hour Ag podcast.They explain what inspired the show, why they felt farmers needed more accessible and engaging policy discussions, and what they’ve learned from being on both sides of the ag-politics fence. We talk about how current and proposed local, state, and federal policies are shaping what farmers can grow, how they grow it, and how profitable their operations can be.We also dig into their personal stories—how growing up in agriculture, working in public service, and staying connected to rural communities shapes their approach to advocacy. Plus, they share how they balance facts with fun and encourage more farmers to understand and participate in the political process.Whether you’re policy-curious or a seasoned follower of farm bills and budgets, this episode will help you better understand why ag policy is ag profit—and how voices like yours matter more than ever. 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.

At the AgX Booth in Denver we chatted with some recent winners of the NCGA High Yield Contest to unpack what it truly takes to push corn yields to the limit. We learn about their farm background, what motivated them to enter the contest, and how their winning crop compared to their usual yields.They walk us through their hybrid selection, fertility program, and how they incorporated biologicals, foliar feeds, and plant growth regulators to unlock every ounce of potential in the field. From variable-rate planting and precision nutrient applications to scouting techniques and drone use, this grower blends old-school effort with new-school tech.We also hear the lessons they’ve learned—the mistakes made, key takeaways, and small tweaks that can help any farmer boost their productivity. And of course, we explore the competitive edge: how intense the contest is, what it feels like to win, and what comes next in the pursuit of even bigger yields. 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.