Farm4Profit Podcast

Recorded at the Maya Corn Heads booth during Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Nebraska, Tanner, Corey, and David welcome Caleb Wilson and Lucas Connery from Till Insurance for a timely conversation about protecting farm profitability heading into the 2027 growing season. Caleb, originally from Seneca, Kansas, leads innovation initiatives at Till after working with Farmers Business Network and Farm Credit. Lucas, based near Madison, Wisconsin, brings approximately 14 years of crop insurance experience. Together, they explain Till's approach to supporting independent agents by reducing administrative work, improving access to information, and allowing agents to spend more time serving farmers. Since federally regulated crop insurance rates are standardized, they argue that the real difference often comes down to the quality of the agent, the advice provided, and the tools available.

The conversation tackles some of agriculture's most confusing insurance acronyms, including Revenue Protection (RP), Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO). Caleb explains how SCO and ECO provide additional county-based coverage above a farmer's underlying policy and why those products aren't necessarily the right investment in every county. He introduces Till's ECO Optimizer, a tool that evaluates historical county performance, insurance triggers, and expected value using USDA Risk Management Agency data. The goal is to help agents and farmers understand whether a policy makes financial sense rather than purchasing coverage simply because it's available. The group also discusses the importance of understanding Actual Production History (APH), comparing coverage levels, and evaluating how closely an individual farm's yields track county averages.

Livestock producers get plenty of attention as the discussion shifts to Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) insurance and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). Lucas and Caleb explain how PRF uses rainfall measurements to provide protection for grazing and forage operations, while LRP can help cattle producers establish a price floor against declining livestock markets. They also discuss livestock insurance for hogs, dairy revenue protection, and why cattle producers have historically participated in insurance programs at much lower rates than row-crop farmers. Caleb previews a livestock risk management platform Till is developing to track cattle inventories, break-even prices, market movements, and potential insurance opportunities. The conversation emphasizes that LRP protects against market price changes, not livestock death, and that knowing your true production costs is essential before deciding which risks to protect.

The crew also explores the growing market for private crop insurance products, including wind, hail, supplemental revenue, and individual yield protection. Unlike federally subsidized policies, these private products can carry different rules, costs, and coverage limitations depending on the insurance provider. Lucas explains why farmers should carefully compare options rather than assuming every additional policy provides the same protection. The group debates whether self-insuring makes sense, using an example of a farmer holding $200,000 in reserve compared with purchasing approximately $5,000 in annual coverage. They also discuss the role of crop insurance subsidies in maintaining a stable agricultural economy and why insurance decisions should reflect each farm's financial position, debt obligations, production history, and tolerance for risk.

With deadlines approaching, the guests remind listeners that crop insurance planning should be a year-round conversation, not a last-minute meeting before sales close. They identify December 1 as an important PRF deadline and March 15 as the major spring sales closing date for corn and soybeans in much of the country, while noting that deadlines vary by crop and location. Their biggest recommendation for 2027 is simple: ask your agent to explain why your current coverage still makes sense, how your operation compares with county performance, and whether new private products or coverage combinations could better protect your cost of production. The episode wraps up with plenty of Farm4Profit humor, including interruptions from the windy farm show, a crop insurance drinking game, and the ongoing debate about whether farmers should pay their insurance premiums earlier in the season.

Learn more about Till Insurance at tillinsurance.com.

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https://agxplore.com/assessment/

Tanner, Corey, and David welcome Tyler and Hannah Hunter, the husband-and-wife team behind Greene County Agronomy in Jefferson, Iowa. Tyler grew up in a farming family near Scranton and worked in seed treatment and agricultural retail before launching the business in 2014, with its first full operational year in 2015. Hannah, who grew up in Coon Rapids and studied marketing at Buena Vista University, has become an essential part of the operation, handling everything from business responsibilities to operating a massive grain cart during harvest. Together, they've built a full-service agronomy business offering Pioneer seed, crop protection products, fertilizer, plant nutrition, custom application, and crop management advice. Their investments include a 10,000-ton dry fertilizer facility and a million-gallon heated ammonium thiosulfate storage tank designed to improve purchasing flexibility and product availability.

The conversation quickly moves into high-yield corn production and the importance of balanced plant nutrition. Tyler explains why he believes farmers sometimes focus too heavily on nitrogen and phosphorus while overlooking nutrients such as sulfur, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and calcium. Using in-field tissue testing technology from LeafTech, his team tracks nutrient trends and identifies opportunities for in-season adjustments. On his own continuous-corn acres, Tyler says he has reduced nitrogen use from approximately 1.1–1.2 pounds per bushel toward 0.6 pounds per bushel while maintaining strong yields. He shares an example of a field that averaged 324 bushels per acre of dry corn, emphasizing that the real measurement of success is return on investment rather than yield alone.

A major focus is the Hunters' relationship with AgXplore and their experience testing plant nutrition products. Tyler describes how an early trial with an AgXplore boron product produced results strong enough to make him reconsider his skepticism toward specialty nutritionals. He discusses using GrowPak AI as an in-box planter treatment, along with customized in-furrow nutrition, calcium applications, sulfur programs, and strategically timed foliar micronutrients. One particularly memorable example came when Tyler ran out of zinc during an application and later observed a 17-bushel-per-acre difference in the treated portion of a field. He stresses that such results aren't guaranteed and that nutrient availability, placement, timing, and the crop's limiting factors all influence whether a product pays.

The episode also takes a detailed look at Tyler's corn-on-corn equipment and management system. From in-furrow and 2-by-2 fertilizer placement to T-band applications, residue management, tire inflation, and planter closing systems, he explains why small improvements throughout the season can add up. The group discusses his experience investing in strip-till equipment, only to abandon the approach after inconsistent application performance and disappointing economics. Tyler also shares how he evaluates new products through field trials, why his customers receive priority when application windows get tight, and why honesty and consistency have been central to growing Greene County Agronomy.

Looking toward the 2027 crop, Tyler expects to keep refining variable-rate fertilizer prescriptions, tissue testing, micronutrient programs, and the balance between production costs and yield potential. Hannah adds perspective on the realities of building a family business, learning agriculture firsthand, and keeping a complex operation moving. Naturally, the Farm4Profit crew mixes in plenty of humor about pilot lessons, South African farm labor, giant grain carts, expensive equipment experiments, and a few stories the Hunters apparently aren't allowed to tell.

The central takeaway: Profitable crop production isn't about throwing more inputs at every acre. It's about understanding what each field needs, testing what works, and making every dollar earn its place.

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Strip-till continues to gain attention as farmers look for ways to maximize yields while controlling input costs. During this What's Working in Ag segment at Farm Progress Show, Michael Bergren from KUHN introduces the Gladiator XL, a 24-row strip-till system designed to increase field efficiency while maintaining the agronomic benefits of KUHN's established Gladiator lineup. Michael shares that third-party studies have demonstrated the potential to reduce fertilizer applications by 20–25% through targeted placement in the seedbed while maintaining yields.

One of the biggest advancements is capacity. The Gladiator XL expands from 16 rows to 24 rows and features a 16-ton Montag fertilizer system, allowing operators to carry eight tons of two different fertilizer products. Individual metering for every row, prescription application capabilities and integrated ISOBUS controls help improve fertilizer placement accuracy. KUHN's Smart Soil Technology (SST) also simplifies operation with automated folding sequences, while RTK guidance helps farmers return in the spring and plant directly into the strips created in the fall.

The conversation moves to the ST Pro2 row unit, where Michael explains how the machine creates a consistent 10-inch-wide strip on 30-inch row spacing. A front coulter cuts residue, row cleaners move material aside, a shank performs tillage and places fertilizer, and the system builds and conditions the berm for spring planting. The crew discusses how the machine handles heavy corn residue, changing soil types, rocky conditions and the importance of minimizing compaction. Despite its increased capacity, KUHN says the Gladiator XL's high-flotation tires help distribute weight and reduce its footprint compared with the existing 16-row configuration.

Of course, moving 24 rows and 16 tons of fertilizer requires serious horsepower. Michael explains that operators should plan for approximately 25–30 horsepower per row, with requirements varying based on soil conditions and terrain. The discussion also touches on KUHN's VT Pro coulter-style row unit for shallower spring strip-till applications. Whether farmers are looking to match a 24-row planter, reduce fertilizer waste or increase acres covered during a narrow fall application window, this segment highlights how precision technology and equipment capacity can work together to improve strip-till efficiency.

Learn more at https://www.kuhn.com

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Recorded at Iowa Speedway during the Iowa Corn 350 weekend, Tanner, David, and Corey welcome six Iowa farmers representing two organizations working toward the same goal: creating long-term profitability for corn producers. The first conversation features Joe Roberts, Ralph Lentz, and Paul Gieselman from the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. They explain how Iowa's corn checkoff dollars support market development, research, and consumer education, while the separate Iowa Corn Growers Association handles legislative advocacy. With more than 4,000 uses for corn, the opportunities extend far beyond livestock feed and ethanol. The group discusses emerging corn-based materials, including potential alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics, and shares a reported $398 economic return for every dollar invested through Iowa Corn's efforts.

The discussion highlights how ethanol continues to create demand for American corn. From NASCAR race cars to everyday drivers choosing Unleaded 88 (E15), Iowa Corn leaders explain why renewable fuels matter to farmers and consumers. They discuss potential fuel savings, common misconceptions about vehicle compatibility, and the push to expand E15 availability nationwide. The conversation also explores future opportunities involving low-carbon fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, marine transportation, and international ethanol markets. Beyond the racetrack, Iowa Corn uses events like the Iowa State Fair and the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series to connect farmers with consumers and tell agriculture's story.

In the second half, Stu Swanson, Mark Mueller, and Steve join the podcast to discuss the work of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and some of the biggest challenges facing producers. The conversation tackles the Farm Bill, year-round E15 legislation, the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and the uncertainty created by changing trade policies. The guests explain why Mexico is such an important customer for American corn, why Canada matters to ethanol exports, and why expanding trade relationships with countries like India could create enormous future demand. They also discuss record-setting corn export projections and the importance of developing markets beyond China.

One of the episode's strongest conversations centers on fertilizer prices and the cost of producing corn. Mark raises concerns about consolidation in the fertilizer industry, questions whether competition is working as intended, and discusses efforts to improve pricing transparency and investigate potential anticompetitive behavior. The group examines how expensive inputs, government payments, and uncertain commodity markets affect farm profitability. They also explain how stronger farm income supports equipment manufacturers, local businesses, schools, and rural communities throughout Iowa. And because this is Farm4Profit, the serious conversations come with plenty of laughs, including Mark's surprisingly fascinating business growing specialty corn for racing pigeons, the possibility of corn-based tires, and predictions for how many caution flags NASCAR drivers will bring out during race weekend.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces a message that reaches well beyond Iowa: producing more bushels is only part of the equation. Farmers also need stronger markets, manageable input costs, and people willing to advocate for their future.

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From the family pet food business to building a creative media company, Tim Strathman's career has been anything but conventional. Growing up in a small northeast Kansas community, Tim learned the value of hard work while helping manufacture pet food for major brands, including Blue Buffalo. After studying software development, working with companies like Landoll, and unexpectedly landing a marketing director position at a local cooperative, Tim discovered his passion for photography, video production, and storytelling. Eventually, he took the leap into entrepreneurship, launching 6S Creative, a marketing company focused primarily on agriculture and manufacturing.

The conversation turns to Tim's growing podcast, Humble Ground, which focuses on the people, businesses, and stories behind agriculture. What started as a way to share interesting stories has developed into something much bigger. Tim explains his passion for documentary filmmaking, including an upcoming project following a year in the life of an Idaho potato operation and potential future projects exploring how bacon reaches consumers. His ultimate goal? Produce an agricultural documentary or series that reaches a major streaming platform like Netflix. The crew discusses how documentaries are funded, the importance of maintaining creative independence, and the opportunity to educate consumers who have little understanding of where their food comes from.

Of course, it wouldn't be Farm4Fun without some laughs and controversial opinions. The guys dive into the explosion of AI-generated agricultural marketing, pointing out everything from unrealistic combines to soybean fields that look nothing like actual soybeans. Tim argues that AI can be a valuable tool, but companies risk losing credibility when they replace industry knowledge and authentic content with poorly executed artificial imagery. They also tackle social media criticism, the challenges of representing different farming practices fairly, and why meaningful storytelling can help bridge the gap between producers and consumers.

For agricultural businesses wondering whether digital marketing is worth the investment, Tim shares his perspective on the changing media landscape. Rather than abandoning traditional advertising, he encourages companies to develop a coordinated strategy that includes video, social media, podcasts, and digital advertising. He explains why businesses can start small, test different approaches, measure results, and expand what works. The discussion also explores what successful farmers are doing differently, particularly through diversification, efficiency, and finding profitable niche markets. Along the way, the crew debates who has the better podcast equipment, hears Tim's unforgettable story about smelling like whitefish for days, and learns about his interest in raising shrimp.

Find Tim's work by searching for Humble Ground and 6S Creative.

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Ag Leader's newer InCommand Go displays feature a built-in modem designed to make connectivity more seamless. Instead of relying on a phone hotspot or separate Wi-Fi connection, the display can connect directly when it powers up. Through AgFiniti, farmers can move files and prescriptions, keep displays updated, access maps, and—with additional features—transfer data between displays in real time.

Luke also explains that connectivity isn't limited to brand-new equipment. Ag Leader offers retrofit options across different brands and ages of machinery, while newer displays can communicate with previous-generation InCommand 1200 and 800 displays. ZeeRow adds another piece of harvest automation by tying into existing corn-head row feelers and allowing row guidance to work directly through the Ag Leader display without another monitor in the cab.

Then there's CartACE, a technology Corey says his own operation quickly went from questioning to not wanting to harvest without. CartACE can create a guidance line based on where the combine has already traveled, allowing the grain-cart tractor to steer itself while unloading on the go. It can also send combine grain-tank levels to the cart operator, helping them decide which combine needs attention first when working with multiple machines.

AgFiniti can also stream harvest maps and information such as yield, moisture, speed, and equipment location to a phone, tablet, or computer. That means someone running the dryer can see what moisture is headed toward the farm, while the harvest crew can track trucks and make better decisions about where to work while waiting for them to return. The profitability connection is straightforward: combines, tractors, grain carts, and labor are expensive, and every unnecessary minute of downtime costs money. Ag Leader's goal is to keep the entire harvest system connected so people spend less time calling for information and more time getting work done.

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In this episode of Farm4Profit, we sit down with Devin Fuhrman, VP and Chief Agriculture Sponsor Relations Officer, and Erin Cumings, Senior Consultant, Sponsor Relations at Nationwide Insurance to discuss a free program that helps farmers identify risks, uncover vulnerabilities and build a practical plan for responding to the unexpected.

Through a simple assessment and practical five-step planning process, Farm Risk Ready helps farmers understand the unexpected risks or disruptions that could affect their operation and create a personalized roadmap for responding to them.

The discussion covers what it means to be Farm Risk Ready, why preparedness matters, and how farmers can take steps today to strengthen their operation for tomorrow.

What You'll Learn

• What it means to be Farm Risk Ready
• Why today's risks extend beyond traditional production concerns
• The difference between reacting to disruption and preparing for it
• How planning can support long-term resilience and business continuity

Whether you're actively building a risk management plan or simply evaluating where your operation may be vulnerable, this episode offers practical perspectives on preparing for the unexpected.

Learn more at nationwide.com/farmriskready.

Full URL link: https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/farm-and-agribusiness/articles/farm-risk-ready#get-started

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Kirbe Schnoor grew up in California's Central Valley, where her family raised crops ranging from cotton and corn to almonds, while Kirbe and her sisters built their own Angus cattle herd and traveled the country showing livestock. After studying mass communications and journalism at Fresno State, she headed to Fort Worth, Texas, determined to work for Superior Livestock Auction. She started by answering phones and taking out the trash before eventually hosting Superior Sunrise on RFD-TV. That opportunity launched a broadcasting career that would take her from cattle auctions to producing The American Rancher, helping launch The Cowboy Channel, covering rodeos and interviewing country music stars.

Today, much of Kirbe's time is spent traveling the country filming FarmHER and RanchHER, sharing the stories of women who farm and ranch in every imaginable capacity. She discusses the responsibility that comes with telling these stories, especially when families open their operations, finances and personal struggles to a national audience. From first-generation ranchers taking enormous financial risks to a legally blind rancher who relies on her dog's signals to help navigate the farm, Kirbe shares unforgettable experiences that demonstrate the determination and diversity of people working in agriculture.

The conversation also explores the changing face of agricultural media. Kirbe and the guys discuss how social media and podcasts have made agricultural storytelling more accessible, why authenticity matters more than polished television personalities, and how western fashion has become a major part of rodeo culture. Kirbe even admits to owning approximately 85 pairs of cowboy boots, while the crew debates everything from California almonds and cattle markets to the growing popularity of Fort Worth's Stockyards.

Beyond the laughs, Kirbe reflects on the importance of encouraging young people, especially women, to pursue careers in agriculture and agricultural communications. She talks about her family's farming legacy, the challenges facing first-generation producers, and why sharing authentic stories can inspire the next generation. The episode wraps up with memorable interviews, international travels, college sports, dream guests and a few ideas for future Farm4Profit collaborations.

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Farmers don't need perfect financial statements to qualify for financing, but they do need to understand their numbers. Erin, who brings approximately 27 years of agricultural finance experience and a background in cattle ranching, explains why preparing for next year's operating loan should begin before harvest is finished. That means updating balance sheets, profit-and-loss statements, tax information and projections while making sure lenders have a complete picture of equipment purchases, outstanding obligations, grain inventories and pre-sold bushels. Surprises halfway through the loan process can create unnecessary problems.

A central part of the conversation is the five C's of credit: capacity, capital, collateral, character and conditions. Erin explains how lenders evaluate a farmer's ability to repay, available working capital, equity, credit history and the broader economic environment. With tighter farm margins and increased financial pressure, repayment capacity and working capital are receiving additional attention. However, she emphasizes that character matters too. Farmers who understand their financial position, communicate openly and demonstrate a plan for navigating challenges can put themselves in a stronger position with lenders.

Timing is another major consideration. Erin warns against waiting until an operating loan is urgently needed before beginning the application process. Starting conversations early gives farmers more time to gather documents, evaluate financing alternatives and negotiate terms. She also encourages producers to look beyond the advertised interest rate and consider the complete loan package, including fees, repayment schedules, fixed versus variable rates, loan terms and potential prepayment penalties.

The episode wraps up with a discussion about shopping for financing and why farmers shouldn't hesitate to compare offers from multiple lenders. Erin explains how FBN Finance combines a digital application process with loan advisors who often have agricultural production experience themselves. Whether an operation is financially strong or facing challenges, the message is consistent: know your numbers, prepare early and enter the lending conversation with a plan rather than waiting for your banker to tell you what needs to change.

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Pete Youngblut grew up on a corn and soybean farm near Dysart, Iowa, before studying precision agriculture at Hawkeye Community College and eventually working for Ag Leader. He later returned closer to the family farm and started Youngblut Ag, which has grown into a precision-ag and equipment business serving customers across a large portion of Iowa. Pete explains that his approach isn't simply selling technology—it's understanding a farmer's operation well enough to recommend equipment and technology that actually fit. f4p cart ace done f4p cart ace done

A major focus of the episode is CartACE. Pete shares how his own farm adopted the technology after pairing a Case 7120 combine with a 40-foot MacDon draper and realizing the existing unload auger created a tight operating window. Instead of buying a longer auger, they used CartACE to help guide the grain cart alongside the combine. What initially sounded like a convenience quickly became something operators didn't want to harvest without. f4p cart ace done

The bigger value, Pete argues, comes from connectivity. The grain cart operator can see information such as yield, moisture, maps and combine speed in real time rather than constantly asking the combine operator for updates. The connected system can also provide visibility into where machines are located across the field. Pete shares a real example where seeing the grain cart's vehicle icon on his monitor prevented him from backing the combine into it while working around down corn—a safety benefit he hadn't necessarily considered when originally purchasing the technology. f4p cart ace done f4p cart ace done

The conversation also addresses farmers who assume this technology requires newer equipment. Pete explains that Ag Leader systems can be retrofitted onto much older tractors and combines through solutions such as SteadySteer or hydraulic steering. They also discuss AgFiniti remote support, integrated modems in the InCommand Go displays, DisplayCast and how connectivity can reduce downtime by allowing dealers to diagnose some problems remotely. Looking ahead, Pete expects agriculture to continue moving toward greater automation and eventually autonomy, with AI potentially helping machines make more of the situational decisions farmers currently make themselves. f4p cart ace done

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Logan and Bobby Lee grew up around the same family farming operation near Memphis, Tennessee, but eventually took different paths. Bobby Lee became a second-generation veterinarian and works primarily with dogs and cats while continuing to raise cattle. Logan left the farm for a couple of years to work as a machinist before returning, buying his first farm in 2015 and building a row-crop operation alongside—but separate from—his dad. That independence gave him room to experiment with practices such as cover crops while still working closely with the family operation. talk dirty to me talk dirty to me

Talk Dirt To Me officially started in October 2021 after Logan had already experimented with another podcast. The idea for the name came to him while sitting in a tractor, and after repeatedly pushing Bobby Lee to join him, they started recording episodes at 4:30 in the morning. What began with structured conversations about topics such as renting farmland and getting started in agriculture evolved into a more conversational show built around current events, farming and the chemistry between two cousins who have known each other their entire lives. talk dirty to me talk dirty to me

The guys also compare farming in western Tennessee with Iowa agriculture. They talk about smaller and more scattered fields, highly competitive rented ground, Mississippi River grain markets, cattle production, grain storage, cover crops, fragipan soils and the challenges of moving equipment from farm to farm. The conversation even gets into harvest moisture, grain bags, tillage and why Iowa's black dirt eventually makes its way downstream to Tennessee. talk dirty to me talk dirty to me talk dirty to me

Behind the laughs is a conversation about what it takes to keep creating content for years when there's no guarantee anyone will listen. Logan and Bobby Lee discuss funding much of the show themselves, producing more than 250 episodes, building relationships with partners such as AgZaga and their new partnership with Helena, and resisting the idea that working with sponsors means “selling out.” Their favorite episode remains the one featuring their dads—a reminder that some of the best podcast moments come from simply documenting the people and stories closest to agriculture. The episode closes in true Talk Dirt To Me fashion with pet peeves, slow drivers, farm equipment on public roads and plenty of friendly trash talk. talk dirty to me

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Harvest isn't just about measuring what happened this year—it's an opportunity to start planning for the next crop. Dr. Sherder says changing planting dates, cover crops and tillage practices make weed-control planning increasingly important. In soybeans, his message remains consistent: start with multiple effective modes of action in the pre-emerge program, then follow with multiple post products and another residual to keep weeds from gaining a foothold.

Waterhemp is a major reason to think beyond a single season. Saving a few dollars by relying on one mode of action may look attractive today, but surviving weeds can replenish the seedbank and create a more expensive problem for years to come. In corn, Dr. Schroeder recommends the same basic philosophy: identify the primary weed pressure, start strong with multiple effective modes of action and residual activity, and layer the post-emerge program rather than relying on a single pass.

The conversation also addresses the renewed interest in conventional corn. Dr. Schroeder explains that growers still have strong herbicide options without glyphosate, but the system leaves less room for rescue treatments if the initial program fails. He also reminds conventional corn growers to pay attention to insect pressure—particularly European corn borer—because any grain premium can disappear quickly if yield suffers.

Finally, don't let the combine cab become autopilot. Use harvest to scout fields, identify why certain areas underperformed, and document weed escapes or drowned-out areas that could become major problems next season. Dr. Schroeder cautions against completely changing a program based on one unusual year; instead, evaluate whether what you learned holds true across multiple seasons. Start with a good plan, understand why you're making each decision, and be prepared to adjust when conditions throw a curveball.

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Cody Holmes grew up on a fifth-generation Idaho potato operation that also raises grain, while building his own career as an entrepreneur and heavy-equipment dealer. After years of dealing with domestic and international payments—and spending more than a decade around cryptocurrency—he saw an opportunity to make stablecoin technology usable for ordinary businesses. The result is Spud Pay, a business payment platform built around Spud USD, a stablecoin designed to maintain a one-to-one relationship with the U.S. dollar. spud coin done spud coin done

The crew spends much of the episode separating stablecoins from cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and meme coins. Cody describes Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as investments whose values can fluctuate significantly, while stablecoins are intended to function more like digital dollars. That distinction becomes important when talking about Spud Pay: the goal isn't to speculate on the value of the currency, but to use blockchain technology to move money faster. Cody shares one example where he transferred $8,000 to a technician in Colombia who also had a Spud Pay account; according to Cody, the stablecoin-to-stablecoin transfer arrived in 14 seconds with no transfer fee. spud coin done spud coin done spud coin done

Spud Pay is designed to make that technology feel more like a traditional business checking and payment platform. Businesses can hold a Spud USD balance, use a Visa card, accept credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, transfer money to vendors, and connect transactions with accounting software such as QuickBooks. Cody says businesses can also pay recipients who don't have Spud Pay by sending them a link that allows the payment to move into their traditional bank account through ACH. Behind the scenes, the platform uses the Solana blockchain, creating a permanent ledger of transactions while keeping much of the complexity away from the farmer using it. spud coin done spud coin done spud coin done spud coin done

For agriculture, the potential use cases range from paying trucking and fertilizer companies to receiving grain payments and holding crop-sale proceeds until large seasonal bills come due. Cody's argument is that instead of money sitting idle in a traditional business checking account, a stablecoin balance can generate yield while remaining available for business expenses. He also discusses Spud Pay's revenue model, white-label opportunities for larger companies, future lending integrations, and why he chose agriculture as the first market. His reasoning is simple: agriculture still relies heavily on checks and traditional payment systems, and he believes farmers should have access to the same financial technology being adopted elsewhere.

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The Dryshod story starts well before the Dryshod name. Brad Hahn explains that he and his business partners had previously worked with the Muck Boot product line, while their partner Jim Donahue was the original creator behind Muck Boots. After their relationship with the brand ended in 2017, they called Jim about designing a new product. His response? He had been waiting years for the opportunity and already knew what he wanted to do differently. Dryshod launched with roughly 20–25 products and has since expanded to around 100 SKUs.

The conversation explores how rubber-neoprene boots evolved and what Dryshod says it changed in its designs. Brad walks through features including aggressive outsole designs intended to shed mud, heel kicks for easier removal, larger toe bumpers, EVA midsoles for shock absorption, internal shanks for support, four-way-stretch neoprene and Hydracoat, a treatment designed to keep the neoprene exterior from absorbing water and contaminants.

They also get into one of the biggest challenges with waterproof footwear: keeping feet comfortable. Brad explains how Dryshod uses air-mesh and moisture-management liners to create air movement inside a boot even though neoprene itself doesn't breathe. The newer Dereva outsole takes inspiration from athletic footwear and, according to Brad, removes roughly a pound of weight from a pair compared with older sole technology while maintaining durability.

From cattle lots and muddy fields to hunting, construction, oil fields and commercial fishing, the crew talks through how different jobs require different footwear—and why fit, support and traction matter when you're on your feet all day. Brad estimates roughly 55% of Dryshod's business is farm/ag-related and discusses specialized safety-toe and commercial products as well. The episode wraps with a simple piece of advice for anyone shopping for boots: take them out of the box, try them on and pay attention to fit, arch support and cushioning rather than choosing on price alone.

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Maya's U.S. story began when co-owner Justin Bruch discovered the corn head while farming in Ukraine and brought one back to Iowa. Rick Nelson eventually tried the head on his own family farm, became impressed with its construction and harvesting performance, and bought into the business around 2014. More than a decade later, Rick says the basic row-unit design has remained largely unchanged because the fundamentals were already right.

One of the biggest differences is the longer row unit. Maya can run the head flatter—around a 15- to 17-degree angle—and use longer snapping rolls operating around 500–550 RPM. Rick explains that the larger working area allows the plant to be pulled through the deck plates more slowly, which can reduce butt shelling compared with a shorter row unit that has to operate faster. Maya also manufactures most of its gearboxes and row-unit components in-house, which Rick credits for the head's durability and quality control.

Maintenance is another major selling point. Maya calls it an “annual maintenance head.” Beyond routine attention to components such as the combine drive-shaft U-joints and folding hinge points, Rick says a properly serviced head can generally run through the season without daily row-unit greasing. Its chopping option is designed for lower maintenance as well, with angled chopping action intended to reduce horsepower requirements while distributing residue evenly across the field.

Corey also shares his experience harvesting completely flattened corn after the 2020 Iowa derecho. Instead of installing a traditional corn reel, Maya's down-corn units replace selected snouts with units containing an additional gathering chain that runs up the center of the snoot. Farmers can install them only on the rows necessary, retain the ability to fold the head, and remove or resell the units afterward. Rick emphasizes that Maya isn't simply a down-corn head—the system is an added layer of “cheap insurance” when wind, disease, or other conditions put a standing crop on the ground.

Ultimately, Rick encourages farmers to evaluate total cost of ownership, not just purchase price. Maya offers a three-year unlimited-acre warranty, and Rick says he knows of multiple 16-row heads with more than 30,000 acres that have yet to replace a gearbox, row unit, or knife roller. His explanation of the philosophy behind the head is straightforward: it's built without planned obsolescence—“built how it used to be” and how he believes equipment should be built.

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FBN Finance was built around the idea that agricultural borrowers should have more of the transparency and convenience consumers have when shopping for financing. Dan explains that FBN combines a digital application process and visible pricing with agricultural credit professionals who understand the complexities of farm operations. That becomes increasingly important as farmers navigate higher borrowing costs and become more cautious about how much debt their operations can sustainably support.

For farmers with a farmland loan approaching a rate reset or balloon, Dan's advice starts before shopping for another lender: read the documents you already signed. Understand when the rate resets, whether there's a cap, what rate it would reset to today, and whether you can move between variable- and fixed-rate products. Starting early gives borrowers more time to compare alternatives and avoid getting trapped by deadlines, fees, or unfavorable terms.

The conversation also explores buying farmland in today's environment. Strategic parcels may only become available once in a generation, but higher rates make cash flow and leverage increasingly important. Farmers hoping to purchase their first or next farm can improve their readiness by maintaining an updated balance sheet, filing tax returns promptly, checking their credit, knowing all of their assets and debts, and developing realistic projections based on today's commodity prices—not optimistic assumptions. FBN also offers prequalification options so a borrower can be positioned to move quickly when the right property becomes available.

For operations already feeling financial pressure, the discussion gets more difficult but practical: evaluate whether every piece of equipment is necessary, understand profitability on owned and rented acres, examine grain-marketing opportunities, and prioritize the most expensive debt. Dan's recurring message is that time creates options. Whether you're refinancing, trying to buy the neighboring farm, or attempting to right-size an over-leveraged operation, addressing the situation early generally gives you more choices than waiting until a payment or maturity date forces the decision.

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Dan takes the guys inside his Northeast Iowa dairy, where his family milks nearly 200 Holsteins with three Lely A5 robots, an automated Lely Vector feeding system, and a Lely Calm calf feeder. Dan explains why automation isn't simply about replacing labor—it's about efficiency, lifestyle and allowing a relatively small dairy to produce millions of pounds of milk with very few employees. His philosophy is simple: technology won't turn a bad manager into a good one, but it can help turn a good manager into a great one.

They also discuss dairy genetics, beef-on-dairy calves, profitability and Dan's approach to agricultural advocacy. With an audience that extends well beyond agriculture, Dan believes farmers shouldn't be afraid of difficult conversations. His approach is “brutally honest transparency”—showing consumers what actually happens on a farm rather than assuming they can't handle uncomfortable truths about food production.

Then Dan shares the story that changed his family. While spot planting a wet field, Dan unknowingly pulled forward while his father was in front of the planter. When Dan looked in the mirror, he saw his dad on the ground and heard him barely say, “I got run over. Call 911.” What followed included an ambulance ride, Life Flight, emergency surgery, two weeks in the ICU and a long rehabilitation from devastating injuries. Dan shares the guilt, fear and “what ifs” surrounding the accident, while reminding farmers how quickly familiarity and routine around equipment can become dangerous.

Out of an experience that nearly ended in tragedy came an unexpected gift: Dan says his relationship with his dad is now the best it has ever been. His takeaway is one that extends far beyond farm safety—don't wait for something terrible to happen to say the things that matter.

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Farm margins are tight, but there are still programs designed to help producers invest in energy efficiency and infrastructure. Bethany from GDS Associates says EQIP continues to fund projects, while REAP had been paused as changes were made under the new administration. At the time of the interview, GDS said they were hearing REAP was expected to reopen in the fall.

One of the biggest takeaways is understanding the difference between the programs—and not starting too soon. With EQIP, Bethany advises producers not to change anything until they've received approval. REAP can offer more flexibility once a complete application is officially in the system. EQIP generally works from a defined list of eligible energy improvements, while REAP can accommodate a broader range of projects and technologies.

Those projects can include everything from high-efficiency grain dryers and replacing PTO augers with electric grain legs to dump pits, dairy robots, manure systems, poultry barn improvements, solar, wind, digesters, and geothermal. GDS stresses that not every technology makes financial sense on every farm, so the first step should be evaluating the economics rather than chasing a grant simply because money may be available.

GDS also provides energy audits, feasibility work, and grant writing. Before a farmer spends the money to pursue an application, the team can use USDA's scoring process to estimate how competitive the project may be. In several states, GDS says it even has funding available to provide some of these services at no cost. The goal is simple: determine whether the project makes financial sense, identify available assistance, and help farmers keep more money in their operation.

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Why can mental health be so difficult to talk about in agriculture? Sam and Easton explore the unique pressures farmers carry—from finances and isolation to the responsibility of keeping land and a family legacy alive. Rather than blaming farmers for being unwilling to talk, they challenge agriculture to create better opportunities for conversations to happen naturally and earlier.

Sam shares the story behind Perfect Sundays, a six-episode fictional drama created after farmers repeatedly encouraged him to address farmer suicide following the success of his film Silo. The series follows a dairy family rebuilding after losing its patriarch to suicide and a mother's attempt to create a value-added ice cream business. By using entertainment and authentic farm storytelling, Sam hopes viewers see themselves in the characters and begin conversations that may otherwise be difficult to have.

Easton introduces Project Farm Dog, a nonprofit shaped in part by his family's experience losing his father after a long battle with alcoholism. Farm Dog isn't intended to replace crisis resources such as 988. Its focus is prevention: reducing stigma, connecting farmers with professionals who understand agriculture, and funding care so cost and insurance don't become additional barriers. Its “trusted ear” concept comes from the relationship many farmers have with their farm dog—a place where even the toughest farmer may let their guard down.

The message is ultimately about acting before the difficult season arrives. Just as farmers prepare equipment, marketing plans and labor before harvest, Easton argues that health, wellness and relationships should be part of that same checklist. Building resilience, checking on a neighbor, saying a problem out loud, and knowing where to turn for help can all make a difference. Farmer mental health isn't one person's responsibility—it will take farmers, families, agribusinesses and communities working together to make asking for help a normal part of agriculture.

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Tom Brown didn't grow up farming. After studying anthropology and horticulture at Kansas State, he spent roughly 15 years living and working in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he gained experience in agribusiness development, seed production, horticulture, and helping farmers improve their operations. When he eventually returned to the United States, the desire to build a farm of his own was still there.

Instead of starting with what he wanted to grow, Tom started by asking potential customers what they wanted to buy. The answer was fresh, pick-your-own peaches. He intentionally searched within a 30-minute drive of Wichita and purchased 80 acres in 2010 for $225,000.00. Today, Meadowlark includes roughly 18 acres of peaches, 17–18 acres of apples, two acres of strawberries, two acres of pumpkins, and a hard cider business.

Tom explains how agritourism changes the way a farmer thinks about everything from orchard layout and parking to crop selection and customer experience. Feedback from families helped drive Meadowlark's expansion into apples, while fallen fruit that could have become waste created an additional opportunity through hard cider. The result is a business built around multiple revenue streams rather than production alone.

The conversation also gets into the numbers. Tom uses Ambrook to help track the finances of a complicated operation with multiple enterprises and direct costs. As the orchard approaches its physical production limits, he sees future growth coming primarily from cider sales and on-farm experiences, which he believes could significantly increase gross revenue over the next five years. His biggest lesson applies well beyond specialty crops: farming changes slowly, mistakes are expensive, and “every lesson takes a year.”

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