

Farm4Profit Podcast
David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof
Our mission is to provide farms and operators an independent and unbiased outlet for information related to increasing the profitability of their farming operation. We will be providing farms and operators of all sizes and experience levels access to the latest trends, projections, and the tools necessary to increase farming profitability. We will take each episode to deliver latest news, what's working for active farms, and a topic of focus each episode. Remember, if you aren't farming for profit you won't be farming for long.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 15, 2025 • 53min
Brenna Beard's Future in Farming : Indiana Story
We get to meet Brenna Beard, a farmer at heart with roots that run deep into her family farm. Brenna opens up about working with her dad, the learning curve of jumping into farming, and what it’s like trying to juggle that with a career in ag retail.She’s authentic, quick-witted, and not afraid to speak her truth. We chat about life outside the field too—from her love of the lake life, to how she deals with assumptions people make about her because she’s a young woman in ag. Oh, and if you're wondering—yes, we get into boyfriend talk too.As someone building a presence online, Brenna also shares her take on what kind of social media messaging today’s ag voices should be putting out there—and how we can stay real while still being positive for the next generation of farmers.
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.
May 12, 2025 • 1h 2min
Autonomy in Action : What's your Vision for the Future of Farming?
We first talk with DPA Auctions to get a pulse on the current used machinery market. They explain how equipment values are shifting, what’s hot, and how auction trends reflect broader changes in the ag economy. Whether you’re in the market to buy, sell, or just curious about asset values, DPA offers timely insights.Next, we take a forward-looking leap with John Deere, exploring the future of autonomous tractors and the current automation technology already transforming how we harvest. From auto path steering to real-time yield monitoring, automation inside combines is quietly revolutionizing ag operations—reducing fatigue, increasing precision, and helping producers maximize every acre.Our guests from John Deere explain how autonomy is not about replacing the farmer, but empowering them to do more with less. It’s not science fiction—it’s already happening, and this episode explains how, why, and what’s 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.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.
May 8, 2025 • 35min
What Makes a Team Willing to Run Through a Wall? Tim Gutwein Tells All
In this episode, we kick back with Tim Gutwein, CEO of AgXplore, to uncover the personal and professional journey that took him from rural roots to the helm of one of agriculture’s most innovative companies. Tim walks us through the early days of AgXplore, a company founded in 1999 with a mission to deliver smarter, more effective plant nutrition solutions.He shares what it was like to join the company in 2006 as Director of Sales, helping scale it from just five employees and $2 million in revenue to record-breaking growth. We talk about the buyout of the founder in 2018, how he leads with passion, and why his team would “run through a wall” for him.Beyond business, Tim opens up about the challenges he’s faced, the family values that continue to shape AgXplore, and what the future holds for the company and the ag industry. Plus, we fire off some fun questions—from field snacks to the weirdest thing he’s seen in a field.If you’re looking for a mix of leadership inspiration, ag innovation, and some good old-fashioned fun, this one’s 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.
May 5, 2025 • 1h 6min
Tough Enough to Talk About It: Mental Health in Agriculture
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we welcome experts from the Purdue Extension Office to shine a light on mental health and suicide awareness in the agricultural world.Farming comes with a unique set of pressures—volatile markets, unpredictable weather, isolation, long hours—and all too often, these challenges are suffered in silence. Our guests explain why mental health is as critical as physical health, especially in rural communities where stigma and limited resources can make asking for help even harder.We discuss early warning signs, how to start conversations when you’re worried about someone, and the resources available through Purdue Extension and beyond. You’ll also hear why mental health education isn’t just important for individuals, but for the health and strength of our entire ag community.This episode is a reminder: You are not alone. Help is available, and taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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.
May 1, 2025 • 46min
A Farmer’s Greatest Asset: Capturing The Power of the Farmer's Mind
In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Steffensmeier to discuss how record-keeping and farm management can be a game-changer for farmers. As the owners of Midwest Wagyu Beef, Jesse and Leah have firsthand experience balancing farm operations, financial management, and family life. Their upcoming workbook is designed to help farmers stay organized, improve efficiency, and plan for the future with tools to track daily operations, finances, equipment, and field conditions.We also explore their background in agriculture, their transition from traditional farming to raising American Wagyu, and their journey into the farm-to-table business. They share insights on why proper documentation is critical for success, how to build a supportive farming network, and why faith, family, and farming remain at the core of their operation. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you maximize your farm’s potential.
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.
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Right to Repair Debate: Autonomy, Safety, and the Future of Farming
"Beyond the Toolbox: Exploring the Complexities of the Right to Repair Debate in Agriculture" We acknowledge the complexity of the debate—it’s not just about farmers hacking software but a broader discussion about safety, ownership, relationships, and trust.Defining Right to Repair:Farmers’ desire to access tools, diagnostics, and manuals to repair their equipment independently.Manufacturers’ perspective on safety, emissions compliance, cybersecurity, and intellectual property rights.What the Debate Is Really About:It’s not as simple as “farmers vs. manufacturers.”Broader implications for safety, environmental sustainability, and secure operation.What Equipment Manufacturers Support:According to the AEM statement, manufacturers support customers’ access to:Safety materials, Manuals, service guides, and diagnostic tools.Training, best practices, and parts at authorized prices. The Bigger Picture – People, Personalities, and Perspectives Farmers’ Perspective:Frustrations with downtime during critical seasons.Stories of how delays in repair access have impacted operations.The pride farmers take in being self-reliant and innovative problem-solvers.Manufacturers’ Concerns:Safety risks associated with untrained individuals performing repairs.Cybersecurity risks and potential violations of emissions compliance.Concerns about providing access to embedded proprietary software.Trust and Collaboration:The relationship between farmers, dealerships, and manufacturers.Challenges in balancing farmers’ needs with manufacturers’ responsibility to protect their products and technology. Breaking Down Key IssuesManufacturer concerns about ensuring proper repair and maintenance practices.Risks of unauthorized modifications leading to unsafe or non-compliant equipment.Cybersecurity Threats:Potential vulnerabilities in connected equipment and broader networks.Real-world examples of what could go wrong if sensitive systems are compromised.Economic Impacts:How Right to Repair regulations could disrupt current market dynamics.Concerns from manufacturers about government-mandated repair provisions.A Free Market vs. Regulation:Discussing manufacturers’ objection to laws dictating the cost and manner of repair information sharing.The balance between fostering competition and protecting innovation. Where Do We Go From Here?What Needs to Change:Open discussion on what each side—farmers and manufacturers—needs to consider to find common ground.
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.
Apr 24, 2025 • 29min
Millennial Farmer & Just a Jackson Thing : Pure Entertainment
In this quick-hit episode, we sit down with Zach Johnson (aka The Millennial Farmer) and Just a Jackson Thing for a laid-back conversation that’s all about the love of agriculture. We talk shop—literally—with updates on Jackson’s new space, swap stories about their favorite tractors, and reflect on what keeps them passionate about creating farm content.Zach and Jackson share how social media has become a powerful platform to tell the truth about life on the farm—from the tough days to the moments of joy. Plus, they take on some audience questions, offering candid answers and laughs along the way.Whether you’re in the tractor cab, at the shop, or scrolling through TikTok, this episode is a feel-good reminder of the community agriculture creates—and the personalities that make it even better.
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.
Apr 21, 2025 • 58min
The Custom Harvesting Hustle: Starting and Growing a Business
Custom harvesting is a lifestyle, a business, and an essential part of the agricultural ecosystem—and few know it better than Frederick Harvesting & Trucking. What began as a small family operation with one combine and one truck has grown into a dynamic business that travels across multiple states each year, helping farmers bring in their crops efficiently and on time.In this episode, we sit down with the Frederick family to talk about the realities of life on the harvest trail—the long days, the logistical puzzles, the tight-knit crew, and the powerful sense of purpose that comes from serving farmers across the Midwest. We dive into the evolution of their business, how technology and equipment upgrades have shaped the way they work, and what it takes to stay organized while moving across state lines with a full fleet.More than that, we ask the Fredericks how someone new might get started in custom harvesting. What equipment do you need? How do you find clients? What skills are required? What are the biggest challenges and most rewarding parts of the job? Whether you're a young entrepreneur or a farm kid with a dream, this episode has the practical insights and motivational spark you’ve been looking for.You’ll also hear about:The benefits of hiring a harvest crew vs. owning your own equipmentThe importance of crew culture and treating employees like familyHow harvesters build lasting relationships with farmers over decadesThe biggest surprises people don’t expect about the custom harvesting lifestyleTips for keeping machines running and staff energized during the heat of harvestThis episode is your backstage pass to one of agriculture’s most unique and mobile businesses.
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.
Apr 17, 2025 • 33min
Behind the Wheel with @CharlieTrucker: Hauling Waste and Making Waves
Charlie from Uniondale, Pennsylvania, has built a massive following by doing what he does best—trucking with personality. With over 360k followers on TikTok and 81k on Facebook, Charlie blends the grit of hauling hazardous waste with humor, music, and daily check-ins that his fans love. His signature video intros like “Whiskey Wednesday” and “Thirsty Thursday” have become cult favorites, and his love of music—especially singing in his shop—is just another layer to the character people can’t get enough of.In this episode, we dive into Charlie’s life on the road, including what it's like hauling with a crew, how he manages the pressures of trucking dangerous materials, and why storytelling from the cab has struck such a chord online. We explore his home life too—his love for the lake, his pontoon boat (which only he drives), his kids’ fishing adventures, and even a few tales about “Old Mary,” his motorcycle-riding 76-year-old neighbor with a Boss Hoss packing an LS3 Corvette engine.Charlie shares how the trucking lifestyle can be both chaotic and rewarding, what keeps him grounded, and how he uses humor and authenticity to connect with fans across the country. Whether you’re in agriculture, transportation, or just enjoy a great story, this episode will keep you entertained from start to finish.
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.
Apr 14, 2025 • 60min
5 Phases to Better Crops – Plant Health & Nutrient Strategy for 2025
Gunny Kreps joins the show to break down the fundamentals of plant nutrition and how it directly impacts crop growth, resilience, and yield. Representing AgXplore, Gunny explains the five stages of crop development—Foundation, Establishment, Architecture, Reproductive, and Maturity—and highlights how understanding and supporting each phase can maximize ROI.We also tackle real-world challenges like slow plant growth, leaf rolling, grain fill issues, and unpredictable weather. Gunther shares what separates top-performing farms from the rest and offers advice on trying new practices, field trialing with check strips, and planning fertility strategies for 2025-2026. Plus, we wrap things up Farm4Fun style with some lighthearted agronomy banter. www.agxplore.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.


