Welcome back to Beyond the Crops, where farm life meets real life! This week, Jena and Mary Pat are asking the question "What is Total Acre, and is it worth it?" They're joined by two very special guests who are deep in the trenches with this high-yield network: Mary Pat's husband Josh and fellow Wisconsin farmer Caleb Walters. From the community and networking to the data-driven trials and mindset shifts, they're breaking down what it takes to be a member, the biggest benefits they've seen on their own operations, and why it's about so much more than just chasing bushels.

📌 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ What is Total Acre?
✅ The Power of the Network
✅ Data-Driven Trials
✅ The Commitment Involved
✅ The Best Time to Join
✅ A Special Offer for Listeners

💡 Key Takeaways:

✨ Community is a cheat code. Learning from the mistakes and successes of hundreds of other farmers gives you a massive head start and helps you make better decisions, faster.
✨ Pay attention to the details. The biggest gains often come from small, free adjustments—like planter settings, nutrient timing, and a deeper understanding of what the crop is telling you.
✨ Don't jump in all at once. When adopting new practices, "dip your toe in the water." Test on a small scale, see what works for your unique operation, and then expand.
✨ ROI is the real goal. Chasing high yields without considering the cost is a losing game. The best programs help you understand how to make more bushels with fewer or smarter inputs.
✨ Once you know better, you do better. The knowledge gained from a group like Total Acre changes your perspective permanently. You can't "unsee" the details that lead to a healthier, more profitable crop.

🙌 Join the Conversation!
Have you navigated tricky family business conversations? What's one piece of advice you'd give to another farm family in transition? Share your thoughts and tag us @beyondthecrops_. And don't forget to leave us a message on our new voicemail line! The link is in our show notes.

Special Offer from Total Acre (Until Jan. 15, 2026!):
Use code PODCAST for a $500 discount on a first year membership with Total Acre. This discounted membership opportunity is only available until January 15, 2026, and will allow you to attend the Grower Clinic and End of Year Meetings that are happening right now.

Click here to fill out the form and claim your $500 discount!

This offer is only valid until January 15, 2026, so don't wait!

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