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Farm4Profit Podcast

Farm4Profit Podcast

By: David Whitaker Corey Hillebo Tanner Winterhof
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Summary
 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. Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Brock Purdy : Resilience, Farming & Life Beyond Football

    Brock Purdy : Resilience, Farming & Life Beyond Football
    Nov 12 2026
    What does an NFL quarterback have in common with an Iowa farmer? More than you might think. In one of Farm4Profit's most anticipated Farm4Fun conversations, the crew welcomes Brock Purdy to the show. From his days at Iowa State to being selected with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and eventually leading the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl, Brock's journey has been anything but conventional. But beyond football, the Arizona native has developed a genuine appreciation for agriculture through his wife Jenna's family farm in northeast Iowa. Brock shares how a simple video of him harvesting corn with his future father-in-law eventually caught John Deere's attention and helped launch a partnership that continues today. And when asked whether driving an expensive combine or facing a fourth-down situation in the NFL was more nerve-racking, Brock admits that trying to impress his future father-in-law might have been the tougher challenge!The conversation takes a meaningful turn as Brock discusses resilience, overcoming adversity, and focusing on what you can control. Reflecting on the 49ers' remarkable comeback against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game, Brock explains how he avoided getting overwhelmed by the scoreboard and instead focused on executing one play at a time. He connects that same mindset to the challenges he's faced throughout his career, from being overlooked and underestimated to dealing with injuries and the constant pressure of professional football. For farmers facing unpredictable markets, weather challenges, rising expenses, and circumstances outside their control, Brock offers a powerful perspective on perseverance. Rather than viewing difficult situations only as setbacks, he believes adversity creates opportunities to learn, improve, and become stronger.Faith, family, and humility are central to Brock's identity, and he credits those values with helping him stay grounded despite his success. He talks about the influence of his family, the importance of his relationship with God, and the role agriculture plays in helping him disconnect from the demands of the NFL. Whether he's spending time in a combine in Iowa or mowing grass with his John Deere equipment in Tennessee, Brock finds satisfaction in working with his hands and appreciating a simpler way of life. He also shares how his time at Iowa State helped him recognize the work ethic and character of agricultural communities. Brock remembers teammates from farming backgrounds who brought a humble, hardworking mentality to the football field, and he explains why surrounding himself with mentors who tell him the truth has been essential to his personal and professional growth.The Farm4Fun crew also gets Brock talking about life in the NFL, financial responsibility, and his relationships with teammates. He reflects on the importance of managing money wisely after signing a major NFL contract, emphasizing responsible stewardship, generosity, and surrounding himself with trustworthy financial advisers. Brock also shares stories about fellow Iowa native George Kittle, including the time Kittle welcomed the former Cyclone to the 49ers by decorating his locker with Iowa Hawkeyes gear. The conversation touches on his favorite former Iowa State teammates, including Breece Hall, Hakeem Butler, and Charlie Kolar, as well as his admiration for Christian McCaffrey and other players he's shared the field with. He even reveals that if football hadn't worked out, he might have pursued sports broadcasting or a leadership-oriented career.Of course, it wouldn't be Farm4Fun without some laughs and unexpected questions. Brock admits that although he knew how to operate a tractor, he wasn't actually driving the John Deere tractor through San Francisco in the commercial. The crew gives him a hard time about his Ariat sponsorship, and Brock jokingly offers to help connect Farm4Profit with the brand. He also shares that his wife Jenna deserves the credit for furnishing much of their home with Pottery Barn, laughs about criticism of his game-day outfits, and talks about the possibility of raising a family with room to enjoy animals, agriculture, and the outdoors. While he doesn't know exactly where life after football will take him, Brock says the idea of having land, growing crops, and spending time outdoors is increasingly appealing. For now, one of his favorite jobs is simply mowing tall grass with a tractor and rotary cutter, then looking back at a job well done. 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/@...
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    39 mins
  • The 80-Acre Experiment That Could Change Your Farm's Profitability

    The 80-Acre Experiment That Could Change Your Farm's Profitability
    Nov 11 2026
    Could organic production be the next opportunity to improve your farm's profitability? Greg Schreiner, co-founder of Quick Organics, returns to Farm4Profit to explain why more conventional farmers should at least consider the economics of organic production. Drawing on 12 years of personal organic farming experience, Greg describes how frustrating and time-consuming USDA organic certification paperwork can be. Quick Organics was created to simplify that process through digital recordkeeping, streamlined organic system plans, and easier documentation of planting, tillage, cultivation, inputs, and harvest activities. Greg also shares a major company milestone: helping develop a Common Organic System Plan, which he says received USDA approval in May after approximately five years of work.Rather than suggesting that every farmer immediately convert an entire operation, Greg recommends starting with a manageable number of acres, whether that's 80, 160, or 240. He believes organic production could help conventional farmers diversify their income and capitalize on changing consumer preferences. Greg points to the growing purchasing influence of Generation Z and its interest in organic products as a reason to pay attention to future demand. He also emphasizes that organic opportunities extend well beyond fruits and vegetables. Farmers can explore organic corn, white corn, blue corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, alfalfa, and specialty beans. In particular, Greg sees organic alfalfa as an attractive transition crop because of its potential fit within existing agricultural infrastructure and markets.The conversation explores one of the biggest barriers to organic production: the transition period. Greg explains that Quick Organics helps farmers develop a timeline that could allow a crop harvested in 2029 to qualify for organic pricing if prohibited inputs were discontinued at the appropriate point in 2026. That means farmers may face roughly two crop years receiving conventional prices while following organic production requirements. He also addresses the practical challenges of sourcing manure, finding appropriate equipment, locating buyers, and maintaining separation between conventional and organic grain. Quick Organics is developing a supplier and market network to help farmers navigate these challenges, while Greg notes that cleaning equipment, maintaining records, and documenting transportation are important parts of protecting organic integrity. Actual eligibility depends on certification requirements and the documented timing of prohibited substance applications.One of the most interesting developments is Quick Organics' new online profitability calculator, designed to help farmers compare conventional and organic production scenarios. Greg uses the example of a 1,500-acre farm that converts 500 acres to organic while maintaining 1,000 conventional acres. He cites illustrative organic prices of approximately $14 per bushel for corn, $24 for soybeans, and $16 for wheat, demonstrating how premium markets could change an operation's gross revenue potential. The calculator allows farmers to explore different acreage allocations and crop prices. However, the hosts and Greg acknowledge that the decision requires more than looking at higher selling prices; producers also need to evaluate transition costs, yields, labor, equipment, certification, and access to reliable markets.The episode wraps up with a discussion about government programs and financial assistance available to organic and transitioning farmers. Greg highlights organic certification cost-share opportunities and discusses conservation programs through USDA NRCS, including EQIP and emerging regenerative agriculture initiatives. Quick Organics is working to incorporate information about funding opportunities and applications directly into its platform, potentially reducing the administrative burden on producers. Greg believes many farmers are overlooking programs that could help offset the cost of changing practices, although actual assistance varies by program, location, eligibility, and available funding.The takeaway: Organic farming doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. For conventional farmers willing to investigate new markets, experiment with a portion of their acres, and carefully evaluate the economics, organic production may offer another path toward long-term profitability.Explore the transition tools and profitability calculator at QuickOrganics.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 ...
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    12 mins
  • The 5 Biggest Grain Marketing Mistakes Farmers Make with Ed Usset

    The 5 Biggest Grain Marketing Mistakes Farmers Make with Ed Usset
    Nov 9 2026
    Is your grain marketing strategy helping your farm make money, or are you leaving valuable opportunities on the table? Recorded during a lightning delay at the Farm Progress Show, the Farm4Profit crew welcomes Ed Usset, grain marketing economist with the University of Minnesota's Center for Farm Financial Management, for a conversation about improving grain marketing decisions. Ed brings decades of experience to the discussion, including 12–13 years as a wheat buyer and pit trader at the Minneapolis Grain Exchange for Pillsbury. Since joining the University of Minnesota in 1996, he has dedicated much of his career to helping farmers understand commodity markets, futures, options, and the importance of having a consistent marketing strategy.Ed is also the author of Grain Marketing Is Simple (It's Just Not Easy), now in its third edition, with nearly 17,000 copies sold across its editions. One of his most memorable teaching methods involves fictional farmers representing different grain marketing strategies. Barney Binless sells at harvest, Terry Timer prices grain before harvest, Peter Paperfarmer uses options, Hank Holder keeps grain in the bin too long, and Sally Sell-the-Carry takes advantage of opportunities in futures market spreads. Ed uses decades of actual historical grain price data to compare these approaches, helping farmers understand which strategies have performed consistently rather than judging success by a single year's results.The conversation begins exploring five common grain marketing mistakes, starting with farmers' reluctance to price grain before harvest. Ed explains that some of the best marketing opportunities historically occur during April, May, and June, when weather uncertainty and growing-season concerns can create price rallies. He argues that crop insurance can give producers additional confidence to make pre-harvest sales, particularly when prices are at or above their cost of production. However, he emphasizes that no strategy wins every year. David shares his own experience making early grain sales near $5 corn, only to watch markets rally later. The discussion reinforces an important lesson: a profitable sale doesn't become a bad decision simply because prices eventually move higher.Ed's second major concern is farmers failing to understand and track their local basis. He explains why knowing the relationship between local cash grain prices and futures prices is essential, especially when nearby ethanol plants, soybean processors, and competing grain buyers influence local demand. Ed also introduces listeners to FINBIN, the University of Minnesota's publicly accessible farm financial database, which contains real production, expense, and profitability information from participating farms across multiple states. He points to historical Minnesota farm data suggesting average corn profitability of approximately 10–20 cents per bushel over a ten-year period, including government payments. Against margins that narrow, improving grain marketing performance by even 20 cents per bushel could make a substantial difference.Between discussions of market carry, grain storage, the value of historical data, and the psychology of selling grain, Ed makes a strong case for approaching marketing with a written plan rather than relying on emotion or attempting to predict the market's highest price. And, in classic Farm4Profit fashion, the conversation includes plenty of humor about lightning strikes, hazard pay, Ed's honorary doctor title, and whether his fictional grain marketers might someday become AI assistants.The takeaway: Successful grain marketing isn't about perfectly predicting the market. It's about understanding your costs, knowing your basis, recognizing profitable opportunities, and following a disciplined strategy over time. 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/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.
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    36 mins
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