Farm4Profit Podcast

By David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner WinterhofComedy Business Education Comedy Interviews Investing How To

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Farm4Profit Podcast episodes

July 22Darren Hefty on the Biggest Innovations Coming to Ag
What makes Ag PhD Field Day one of the premier educational events in agriculture every year?
In this What's Working in Ag segment, Darren Hefty joins Farm4Profit to preview everything coming to the 2026 Ag PhD Field Day, including brand-new equipment launches, recently approved herbicides, AI discussions, fertility management, and practical agronomic advice for the season ahead.
The conversation covers why farmers from across the country attend the event, how innovation continues to reshape agriculture, and why networking with fellow producers can be just as valuable as the latest technology demonstrations.
Darren also discusses current crop conditions, disease pressure, fungicide timing, drone applications, fertility economics, and offers practical advice for farmers dealing with flooded fields and prevented planting situations.
Whether you're planning to attend Ag PhD Field Day or simply want to stay ahead of the latest developments in agriculture, this episode provides a preview of the technology, products, and management strategies shaping the future of farming.
Topics include:
Ag PhD Field Day 2026

New equipment introductions

AI in agriculture

Rapidacill and Convento herbicides

Fertility management

High fertilizer prices

Fungicide timing

Tar spot and southern rust

Agricultural drones

Cover crop strategies

Field drainage improvements

Learning from other farmers

Crop scouting and crop protection
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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com
Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com
Email address: [email protected]
Call/Text: 515.207.9640
Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc
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Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

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14 min
July 20Harvest Automation - Is It Worth the Hype?
In this episode, Farm4Profit welcomes John Deere Combine Specialist Tim Ford along with Millennial Farmer Zach Johnson for an in-depth conversation about harvest automation.
You'll learn how predictive ground speed automation uses cameras, satellite imagery, and onboard sensors to maintain optimal combine performance throughout the day while reducing operator fatigue.
Topics include:
Predictive Ground Speed Automation

Harvest Settings Automation

Camera-based crop detection

Satellite imagery integration

Green crop detection

Down crop detection

Machine learning in combines

Fuel efficiency improvements

Harvest productivity gains

Operator fatigue reduction

Future autonomous harvesting

Return on investment for automation
Tim also explains how customer feedback directly shapes future software updates and how John Deere continuously improves automation through real-world testing with cooperating farmers.
Meanwhile, Zach shares firsthand experience using harvest automation on his own farm and discusses how quickly operators gain confidence once they understand how the technology works.

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!
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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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
41 min
July 16Old Iron, Big Steam & Family Tradition : The 55th Albert City Threshermen Show
The conversation explores the history behind the Albert City Threshermen Show, now celebrating its 55th year, and why thousands of visitors continue traveling from across the United States—and even internationally—to experience farming as it once was.
You'll hear about:
Live wheat harvesting demonstrations

Antique combines and threshing machines

Steam engines and prairie tractors

Horse-powered farming equipment

Blacksmith and woodworking demonstrations

Corn shelling and sawmill operations

The famous 60 Minutes of Farming demonstration

Family activities for all ages

The annual Wheat Run and Old Power Roundup

Why preserving agricultural history matters for future generations
The episode also shares stories about multi-generational volunteers, restored equipment over 100 years old, and the passion required to keep agricultural history alive.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
51 min
July 15Harvest Ready: Practical Training for Real Farm Jobs
In this episode of What’s Working in Ag, Tanner, Corey, and David sit down with Drew Grundmeyer, founder of Harvest Ready, to discuss a practical solution to one of farming’s most persistent problems: labor. Drew shares how his background in education and farming inspired him to create a training program that helps prepare people for real-world farm work before they ever climb into a tractor or grain cart.
Harvest Ready combines classroom instruction, safety training, equipment familiarization, and hands-on experience to help participants develop the foundational skills needed to support farm operations during harvest. The goal isn’t to create expert operators overnight—it’s to build confidence, improve safety, and provide farmers with a pool of trained individuals who understand the basics of agricultural equipment and harvest logistics.
Topics discussed include:
The growing labor shortage facing agriculture

How Harvest Ready was created to fill a critical need

Why basic training can make a major difference during harvest

The concept behind Harvest Ready’s Core and Alpha training programs

Safety education and equipment familiarization

Grain cart operation fundamentals

Training new operators before harvest begins

Creating opportunities for non-farm individuals to gain agricultural experience

Potential partnerships with FFA and agricultural education programs

The challenges of training across different equipment brands and technologies

Building a future workforce for agriculture

How farmers can prepare for labor needs before harvest starts
Whether you're a farmer looking for reliable help, a student interested in agriculture, or someone wanting to gain hands-on farm experience, this conversation highlights an innovative approach to strengthening the agricultural workforce and helping operations stay productive during their busiest seasons.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
15 min
July 13Specialty Crops: What Every Row Crop Farmer Can Learn
The discussion covers everything from almonds, vineyards, tomatoes, melons, cucurbits, tobacco, cotton, sweet potatoes, peanuts, peaches, apples, and leafy vegetables while comparing production practices to the corn and soybean systems familiar to much of the Farm4Profit audience.
Topics include:
Specialty crop production across the United States

California almonds, walnuts, pistachios, vineyards and vegetables

North Carolina sweet potatoes, tobacco and cotton

Why long-term planning matters in permanent crops

Water management and irrigation challenges

Labor costs versus traditional row crop production

Weed management strategies and residual herbicides

New Corteva herbicides including Hulk CA

Managing nematodes with Celebro

Disease and insect pressure in specialty crops

How growers balance profitability with quality expectations

Multi-generational family farms across specialty agriculture

What all farmers can learn from one another
The conversation highlights that regardless of geography or crop, every producer faces weather risk, pest pressure, rising input costs, and the need to make timely management decisions.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
50 min
July 09Entrepreneur Reinventing Ag Equipment : The Story Behind DOSE Manufacturing
Nearly twenty years later, DOSE Manufacturing has grown into a 45-person manufacturing company producing premium agricultural equipment, including Headhunter head trailers, Freedom all-wheel-steer trailers, sprayer accessories, rock boxes, fertilizer equipment, and large LED display trailers used across the country.
In this episode, Brett walks through that incredible journey and shares the lessons learned along the way.
The conversation includes:
How DOSE Manufacturing got its start

Why Brett stopped repairing equipment and began manufacturing products

Building the first Headhunter trailer

Growing from Perry to Bouton and eventually transforming the Story City outlet mall into a manufacturing facility

Product development through customer feedback

Engineering equipment for today's larger combines and headers

Building products for agriculture and the entertainment industry

The importance of dealer relationships

Hiring employees and growing a company culture

Lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and customer service

Why "people buy from people"
Brett also discusses how listening to customers has driven continuous innovation, why quality always wins over the cheapest price, and how every challenge has helped create better products.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 8 min
July 08Better Timing, Better Yields: The Value of a High-Clearance Sprayer
After touring the Hagie Manufacturing facility in Clarion, Iowa, Corey Hillebo and his father, Scott Hillebo, reflect on their family's long history with Hagie sprayers and how technology has transformed their farming operation.
Scott shares the story of purchasing his first Hagie STS10 in 2009, using a detasseling cutter to help justify the investment, and eventually progressing through multiple Hagie models as the farm's needs evolved. The conversation highlights how the farm transitioned from using a sprayer primarily for crop protection to utilizing it as a critical management tool for fertility, nitrogen applications, fungicides, foliar feeding, and late-season crop management.
The father-son duo discusses:
Scott's history owning three Hagie sprayers

How detasseling helped support the original investment

The evolution from early STS models to today's technology-packed machines

ExactApply and its impact on application accuracy and efficiency

First impressions of John Deere's See & Spray technology

Why timing matters more than ever in modern crop production

Using Y-Drops and spoon-feeding nitrogen

Fungicide and foliar application opportunities later in the growing season

How a high-clearance sprayer influences agronomic decision-making

The benefits of controlling application timing in-house

What stood out most during the Hagie factory tour

The unique culture of Hagie Manufacturing and its continued focus on craftsmanship

The partnership between Hagie and John Deere

The future of precision spraying technology
This episode offers a real-world farmer perspective on how equipment investments can influence management decisions, improve efficiency, and create opportunities to capture additional yield through better timing and precision.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
9 min
July 06Are Prediction Markets The Next Big Risk Management Tool for Agriculture?
Joining the show are Raymond Chung, founder and CEO of AcreHedge, Chief Technology Officer Todd Larson, and Chief Media Officer (and returning guest) Zoe Kent. Together they explain how prediction markets work, why they're gaining popularity, and how they could eventually become another valuable tool alongside crop insurance and traditional marketing strategies.
Ray shares how his background on Wall Street combined with years operating one of the nation's largest edamame processing businesses led him to create AcreHedge. Todd explains how modern AI accelerated development of the platform while maintaining enterprise-level quality, and Zoe discusses using her own farming operation as the first public market on AcreHedge.
The discussion covers:
What prediction markets actually are—and what they are not

How "wisdom of the crowd" often produces remarkably accurate forecasts

Why prediction markets differ from sports betting or casino gambling

Filling risk management gaps left by traditional crop insurance

Weather, disease, commodity price, acreage, and yield-related markets

Real-world examples using New World Screwworm, corn prices, and USDA acreage reports

How farmers can use markets to express opinions while managing financial risk

AI's growing role in agriculture and software development

Why agriculture deserves specialized prediction markets built by people who understand farming
The group also has plenty of fun discussing edamame, Skittles, weather forecasting, rock picking, farm influencers, and brainstorming future prediction markets that could keep both farmers and agriculture enthusiasts engaged.
Whether you're interested in grain marketing, crop insurance, technology, finance, or simply enjoy learning about innovative ideas shaping agriculture, this episode offers an early look at what could become an entirely new category of farm risk management.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 12 min
July 02Tony Reed & Zach Hefty : The King of FarmTok and the Prince of the Hefty's
In this Farm4Fun episode, Zach Hefty and multi-time Farm4Profit favorite Tony Reed return to the show to preview the upcoming Ag PhD Field Day while sharing honest updates on one of the most challenging growing seasons many farmers have experienced.
The conversation begins with spring planting struggles, including Tony's incredible 15-plus inches of rainfall, multiple rounds of replanting, and fields ranging from freshly planted corn to chest-high corn—all within the same operation. Meanwhile, Zach discusses the opposite challenge in South Dakota: dry conditions and hoping for timely rains before Field Day.
The discussion then shifts to Ag PhD Field Day and what has made it one of agriculture's biggest educational experiences.
Topics include:
Why Ag PhD Field Day is completely free to attend

Research plots showcasing the latest agronomic practices

Hands-on demonstrations with new equipment and technology

High-yield farmer presentations from across North America

"Crazy Trials" that test unconventional farming ideas

Opportunities to interact with leading agricultural content creators

Product demonstrations and ride-and-drive experiences

Why education—not sales—is the focus of the event

The logistics behind feeding more than 10,000 attendees

Building an event that combines education, networking, and entertainment
The episode also includes plenty of laughs as the crew discusses anniversary gifts, old farm trucks, Cameo videos, Beater with a Heater, weather forecasting, and Tony Reed's legendary podcast appearances.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
53 min
July 01Spray Drones & Finding the Right Operator
In this What's Working in Ag segment, Tanner and Mikaya Spires from Spray Drone Network join Farm4Profit to explain how their platform is helping connect growers with qualified, licensed drone applicators across the country. What started as a simple question—"How do I find a reliable spray drone operator?"—has quickly grown into a nationwide network serving farmers, applicators, dealers, and industry professionals.
The discussion covers:
How Spray Drone Network was created

The rapid growth of spray drone applications across agriculture

Why licensing and professionalism matter

What farmers should ask before hiring a drone applicator

The difference between being a drone pilot and being a professional applicator

Finding qualified operators by location and application type

Cover crops, fungicides, herbicides, specialty crops, and more

The business side of running a drone application operation

New opportunities for young entrepreneurs entering agriculture

Education, training, and community-building within the drone industry

The role of technology, software, and logistics in successful drone operations
Tanner and Mikaya also discuss the challenges facing new operators, including equipment setup, application knowledge, chemical handling, business management, and customer expectations. Their mission is simple: help grow the spray drone industry while ensuring farmers have access to trustworthy and qualified operators.
Whether you're a farmer looking for aerial application options, a custom applicator considering drones, or someone curious about the future of precision agriculture, this episode provides an inside look at one of the fastest-growing segments in ag technology.
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: [email protected]
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/
Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
14 min

About Farm4Profit Podcast

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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…