Underdog Ag

“Living Water,” we’re all living because of it. Kylen Hunt has a story of self-discovery and faith. The center of that story is the incredible, divine element that is the foundation of all life, “living water.” You will be surprised by some of the twists and turns in his testimonial. Surprised, and filled with, HOPE. 

About Kylen Hunt:

Kylen’s background in Precision Agriculture began as a teenager working with his grandfather in the fields of Central Nebraska. He was taught to love the land and respect its natural resources.

It wasn't until 2001, that Kylen began his career in Precision Agriculture. While operating a local farm service business and working alongside local farmers, he became intrigued by auto steer and variable rate technology. This caused him to sell his business and transition into a Precision Ag Operator role for a local Cooperative.

By the mid-2000s, Kylen began to see several issues developing within the precision industry. Learning how important data analytics would become in the future, he began to focus a considerable amount of time on the subject. 

Through personal research and study, Kylen learned that 87% of the time, water management was the cause for yield variability, crop production limitations, and even consistent profit management. Through this process of learning, Kylen developed a passion for data analytics and data interpretation on irrigated acres.

Today, Kylen has the privilege of working alongside industry partners, and farmers, to help them fully adopt real-time and predictive water management. He’s learned his real gifts and talents are not in the technology or analytics, but in helping industry leaders and producers fully adopt precision technology along with annual and real-time data analytics.

Kylen lives in Corning, Iowa with his wife Rebecca, his biggest fan for 31 years. They travel together and look forward to investing time in their four grandchildren. 

Kylen is also a DISC Certified Personality and Behavioral Trainer and Consultant as well as a certified speaker, trainer, and business coach with the John Maxwell Team. 

In his "spare time," Kylen engages in leadership, public speaking, and business training events, where he challenges individuals to seek truth, gain wisdom, and serve others. A formula he has found to be very successful in both his personal and business life.

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

GUEST:  Kylen Hunt 

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

This Underdog Ag Podcast features my friend Gail Fuller of Circle 7 Farms near Severy, Kan.

Gail Fuller grew up just north of Emporia, Kan. on the Neosho River.

"The inner child in me had known all my life that we were farming wrong.
But it took me from 1979 to 2003 to really start to question things."

Fuller was always a hardworking farmer, dedicated to his tasks. In 2000, he was farming 3,200 acres of Roundup Ready® corn and soybeans. 

"I was the fourth largest farmer in my county. But I came to know a change was needed."

"All farmers, I think in some fashion, grow up with a conservationist mindset," he said. "There was the little creek behind my parents' house where we would look for raccoon tracks, you know, all of those things farm kids do. And with those experiences, grew my affection for the trees, wildlife, and all those things."

"But then, when I became a farmer, suddenly we needed insecticides and those insecticides could kill some of the birds and insects too, but there I was needing to make money and grow corn to ‘feed the world,’” Fuller admitted. "The government had a big role to play in this mindset change. They quit talking about farmers as producers of food and changed the language from food to commodities. I think that language desensitized us into using all the chemicals."

Gail and Lynette are bringing senses and common sense alive in their many pursuits. Join them Oct. 3-4 at Fuller Field School for a life-changing conversation with Dr. Nasha Winters, who found a path to recovery from cancer by focusing on a new mindset about healing and a life’s mission fueled by the soil. Learn about the event and register here: www.fullerfieldschool.com

Read Gail’s full story in “Hope Stories for the Heartland.” You can find the order link here: www.grazemastergroup.com/hope-stories

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

GUEST:  Gail Fuller - www.fullerfieldschool.com  

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

The backbone of the family and the backbone of rural America, I present to you the modern farm wife.  

This Underdog Ag podcast, I had the pleasure of visiting with Robyn Harlan of Nueces County, Texas.  

Robyn is testament to the faith and lifelong learning it takes to play all the pivotal roles of farm partner and mother.  You will love this podcast featuring an incredible woman who exudes joy, can-do, and timeless common sense to a world hungry to get back to the land.

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

GUEST:  Robyn Harlan

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

This Underdog Ag Podcast I did something really different and outside my comfort zone.

I spent some time with myself, some of my writings, and a few of the ag heroes in my new book, “Hope Stories for the Heartland.”

If you feel moved to do so, come see us July 24 in Denton, Neb. for our Graze Master Group – Paths to Profitability event and field day!  Register here for FREE: www.grazemastergroup.com/events
I will have some books on hand to sign at the July 24 event or you can order here too:  www.amazon.com/dp/B0D264BYVQ

Thank you for your time and consideration of these serious topics. It means the world. Give me a call or text at 402-363-8963 if you want to learn more about the Graze Master Group and “Hope Stories.”

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more salt-of-the-earth individual who is daily trying to do what’s right on his farm.   

Born and raised just three miles away from where he resides today Scott Heinemann said, “I have only lived in two houses in Nebraska. My grandpa settled in Wayne County in the 1940s. As early as I can remember, I was tagging along with dad and grandpa. I loved being around the cattle and on the tractor.”

Today, Heinemann and his wife Rita are still in love with their farm near Winside, Neb. and are always trying to improve. One of their biggest dreams is finding a next generation farm family to give an opportunity to with a work ethic and passion for agriculture that matches their own.  

Heinemann is a Graze Master Group partner and will be one of the speakers on a farm profitability panel during our Wednesday, July 24 event in Denton, Neb.

Register for free here: www.grazemastergroup.com/events or call/text Kerry (co-founder of the Graze Master Group) at 402-363-8963.  

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

This Underdog Ag Podcast is building excitement for a historic day in Nebraska!

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024 the Graze Master Group is bringing together a moment never witnessed before. 

Zack Smith, the inventor of the Stock Cropper – the world’s first autonomous, solar powered, self-steering multi-species grazing barn, will be demonstrating his rural changing invention at Brian Brhel’s farm – one of the most innovative and resilient farms and ranches in Nebraska.  

This duo is kicking off our July 24 field day and event with a confident, common sense message – we must save the nation’s soil and water and we most certainly can do so by Balancing Nature & Profitability. 

If you want to network with some of the most influential leaders in agriculture and learn from their challenges and successes, this is a must attend event.  It’s FREE to make the information accessible to everyone.  You will leave with a renewed vision and tangible information and resources to improve your farm, ranch, rural community, and nation. 

Register here:  www.grazemastergroup.com/events or call/text Kerry Hoffschneider, co-founder of the Graze Master Group at (402) 363-8963.  We cannot wait to see neighbors from near and far come together. 

It’s going to be awesome.  Thank you!

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

This Underdog Ag Podcast presents: “Everything you don’t want to hear, but really need to about the current state of agriculture (with a light at the end of the tunnel if we don’t ignore the train a coming).”  

If you aren’t ready to hear about how agriculture really is, this podcast isn’t for you.  

If you do want to hear real farmers and ranchers discuss issues that may make us all squirm a bit and should, please tune in.   

Del Ficke of Ficke Cattle Company and co-founder of the Graze Master Group will have a frank discussion with Vance McCoy of Triple Creek Cover Crops and Graze Master partner along with Kerry Hoffschneider, co-founder of the Graze Master Group.  

No one held back in this discussion because agriculture doesn’t need a public relations campaign. It needs solutions. Now.  

Get your minds and hearts ready. We need all of us eyes wide open and on deck if we’re going to get things right. The good news is. We can.  

To find out more about Graze Master Group Transitional Ag Services that Balance Nature & Profitability contact:

Del Ficke:  402-499-0329
Kerry Hoffschneider:  402-363-8963
Vance McCoy:  308-352-6031

Join us in Denton, Neb. for our no-cost field day by registering here:  www.grazemastergroup.com/events

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

Nick Cuchetti is a highly motivated Conservation Agronomist – Certified Crop Advisor and Real Estate Agent specializing in Regenerative Agriculture and Ecological Markets.

With a strong academic background in plants and soils, Nick earned a degree in Plant and Soil Sciences from the University of Missouri. Passionate about regenerative land management and the development of Ecological Markets, Nick combines his expertise in agronomy with his extensive knowledge of real estate to offer clients innovative solutions within the realm of Regenerative Agriculture and Ecological Markets.

As a Conservation Agronomist, Nick collaborates closely with farmers, landowners, and stakeholders to design and implement effective strategies that enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and foster ecosystem resilience.

By employing regenerative practices such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, and no-till systems, Nick helps farmers optimize their land's productivity while minimizing environmental impact. With a keen understanding of the real estate market, Nick assists clients in identifying properties that align with their aspirations in Regenerative Agriculture and Eco Markets.

Whether it involves finding land suitable for organic farming, establishing agroforestry systems, exploring opportunities for conservation easements, Nick leverages their expertise to guide clients towards sustainable and profitable investments.

Recognizing the importance of education and community engagement, Nick actively participates in various workshops, conferences, and events to promote the benefits of Regenerative Agriculture and Eco Markets. They are dedicated to inspiring others to embrace sustainable land management practices and contribute to the creation of a greener and more sustainable future.

Through his combined passion for conservation, agronomy, and real estate, Nick Cuchetti is a trusted professional committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of his clients.

Follow Nick at:www.carbonsmartag.comwww.facebook.com/CarbonSmartAg

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

This Underdog Ag Podcast features Maurice, Iowa farmer and livestock producer, Howard Vlieger, who started asking serious questions about agriculture in 1989 when he switched to alternative farming on their family farm.

“This is when I became a ‘student of the soil’ and I have no problem admitting that ‘the more I know, the more I know I don’t know.’ What I do know is the Good Lord gave us an amazing Creation to be caretakers of and it is a never-ending learning opportunity.”

Vlieger started studying GMOs in 1994 and began conducting on-farm research in 1997, “I am blessed to work with scientists and researchers from around the world. I have been privileged to give numerous educational presentations on GMO crops and the chemicals used in growing them. I am the primary coordinator and co-author of a first of its kind in the world, lifetime feeding study for pigs as a meat animal. The study was published in 2013. ”

The 2013 study can be found here: https://gmojudycarman.org/

Take a listen and find out some of the questions Vlieger has pursued in his agricultural journey!

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider
GUESTS: Howard Vlieger, Farmer

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme

We saved the best for last this year on the Underdog Ag Podcast.

I have been wanting to interview my cousin Scott Gonnerman for so long and I finally headed to the Gonnerman farm in York County, Neb., sat down at the kitchen table, and did just that.

Scott Gonnerman has the kind of salt-of-the-earth common sense that can be a rare find nowadays. When Gonnerman was a child, he told everyone he wanted to be, “a farmer and a semi-driver.” Gonnerman has achieved all of these goals and much more. His farm in York County, Neb. has hosted visitors from all over the world: Australia, Russia and even Africa. Why? Because he sees change coming. While some of his farming neighbors may drive by in wonder, his national and international visitors know exactly what is going on – the soil across the earth is depleted and our freshwater resources are running dry.

They want to learn how Gonnerman and others are salvaging and rebuilding their farms and ranches in a “regenerative” fashion – a phrase that has been made popular by others in this soil movement that has reached a revival-like status. But, for Scott and his wife Barb, it’s simply about doing what’s right for the next generation.

“We bought this farm in 2004 from my Grandfather Raymond and Grandmother Evelyn Gonnerman,” Gonnerman said. Today, he said, the farm has been in the family for more than 100 years. Gonnerman grew up near Benedict, Neb. His father, Smokey, and mom, Donna, were pragmatic, hardworking people. The Gonnerman farm was not unlike the diversified farms of the past.

He remembered farrowing sows with his mom and his dad going to town in the fall to purchase a straight-truck of calves to put out on the corn stalks to graze. In the spring, they would sell the cattle. The ones that didn’t fit on the truck were butchered and fed the family the next winter.

What separated Gonnerman from some of his other farming peers was his father’s openness to learn right alongside him. As the years progressed, the Gonnermans were farming what is now coined as “conventional” like many of their neighbors. This means they were still disking the land and applying synthetic inputs.

Their cropping systems were a basic rotation of corn, beans, and sometimes wheat. “But I was lucky because my dad was willing to learn and we went to meeting after meeting together. So we were learning together. That was key. My wife Barb would come along too. It’s so important to have everyone involved on the same page. In order to be on the same page, you have to attend the meetings together. You have to learn together,” Gonnerman stressed over and over.

Learn they did, traveling everywhere from North Dakota to South Carolina and Ohio. Some of their biggest influencers were soil health leaders Gabe Brown, David Brandt, and Ray Archuleta.

However, the real game-changer came when they came across a simple, but powerful, presentation by Dan Gillepsie, a Soil Conservation Technician and No-Till Specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The presentation consisted of boxes of various soils that had been farmed differently – from full-bore tillage to cover crops and then a final box with native prairie. Above the boxes was a hose with a head shooting down water to create the simulated rainfall effect.

At the end, the boxes of soil were tipped over. Farmers were able to see the difference between tilling their fields (which destroys soil structure) and the positive impact of no-till and covering the soil year-round with living plants that creates a strong root structure underneath. “Gillespie’s presentation got us started.

At that time, we were still gravity irrigating dad’s farm (irrigating the crops with pipe hooked together on the ground with gates that are opened to let water out into the rows on the field),” he began. Then they began to change the farm for the better. You will love hearing what they did too!

Please listen and soak in Gonnerman’s wisdom.

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HOST: Kerry Hoffschneider
GUESTS: Scott Gonnerman, Farmer

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CREDITS:
Mitchell Roush, Producer
Bibi Luevano, Cover Art
Purple Planet Music, Theme