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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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com
Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com
Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com
Call/Text: 515.207.9640
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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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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com
Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com
Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com
Call/Text: 515.207.9640
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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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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 kuhn.com

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com
Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com
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Call/Text: 515.207.9640
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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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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com
Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com
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Call/Text: 515.207.9640
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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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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com
Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com
Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com
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.

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