Farm4Profit Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with the team behind Performance Livestock Analytics, the creators of Performance Beef and Cattle Krush — two powerful tools designed to help feedlot and cow-calf producers move from reactive to proactive management.Founded in 2015 in Ames, Iowa, acquired by Zoetis in 2020, and then returning to independence in 2023, Performance Livestock Analytics has grown into a platform trusted by over 4,000 producers, managing more than 5 million head of cattle, with an incredible 96% retention rate.We break down:• What a true “Producer Ecosystem” looks like• Why relationships between producers, advisors, nutritionists, bankers, and partners matter more than ever• How digital feed management helps track rations, delivery, and inventory in real time• The importance of automatic cost-of-gain tracking — and why guessing can cost you thousands• Health and treatment logging that’s mobile and simple• Marketing tools that prepare you before buyers ever show up• Seamless integrations with Bluetooth scales, feed trucks, and QuickBooks• How Cattle Krush pulls real-time CBOT data to calculate live breakevens at auctionAnd we tackle the bigger picture:In today’s environment, profitability isn’t just about working harder — it’s about having better information.When your dashboard shows cost of gain, projected profit, market swings, and feed efficiency all in one place, decisions get clearer. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Tom Corcoran, better known online as Farming Sumbitch, a first-generation farmer from rural western New York who has built something truly special — both online and in real life.Tom shares the story behind the SUMBITCH Tractor Show (Some Unique Machines Brought In To Commemorate History), an annual August event hosted on his family’s farm that now draws visitors from across the U.S. — and even internationally. What began in 2018 as a small idea has grown into a show featuring 150+ tractors, tractor rides, hay rides, live music, food, and a mission much bigger than machinery.The show raises money to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, a cause close to Tom’s heart after his father-in-law battled the disease. In 2024 alone, the event raised over $40,000, proving that agriculture still has the power to bring people together for something bigger than itself.We also dive into:Tom’s journey as a first-generation farmer, starting independently in 2010What it’s really like farming corn, wheat, rye, black beans, and pumpkins in New YorkWhy old iron still matters — including shelling corn with a 3-row picker and running classic John Deere equipmentThe growth of his “The Way We Farm” YouTube channel and why showing real farming still resonatesHow social media helped connect a small farm to a global audienceWhy preserving ag history matters just as much as adopting new technologyThis episode is about more than tractors. It’s about honoring where agriculture came from, sharing real farm life, and using your platform — no matter how small it starts — to make a real impact. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In an industry driven by razor-thin margins, volatile markets, and rising input costs, mid-market cattle producers often face a simple truth: expertise matters more than luck.In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we welcome Todd Drake, CEO of Balance4Ward — a company dedicated to helping cattle feeders break out of the “daily grind” and build intentional, profitable, and sustainable operations. Balance4Ward is built on decades of real-world cattle feeding experience and a mission to empower producers with both strategy and execution.Todd shares:Balance4Ward’s origin story — how hands-on cattle feeding experience led to solutions for mid-market feeders rather than generic advice.Why traditional cattle feeding models leave producers chasing short-term wins instead of building long-term strength.How the company developed Cattle Business Systems — a transparent, coaching-based approach where producers have access to expert guidance, custom planning, and monthly check-ins.What practical value advisory and coaching adds — from back office clarity to production decisions that preserve margins and unlock profit potential.Why Balance4Ward combines data, people, and experience into a system that lets feeders call the shots, rather than follow generic prescription models.The evolution of the company into feed delivery, ration formulation, onsite consulting, blended feed, and strategic coaching designed to help operations compete with the biggest players.Whether you’re an established feeder or a producer looking to scale smarter, Todd’s insights show why a systematic, coachable approach — not guesswork — is what it takes to thrive long-term. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From copper wire and irrigation pumps to fencing and remote electrical systems, thieves are targeting farms more aggressively than ever — driven by rising metal prices and the reality that rural law enforcement is stretched thin.We dig into:Why agricultural crime is surging across the U.S.What thieves are stealing most — and why farms are uniquely vulnerableThe true cost of theft beyond scrap value (downtime, crop loss, repairs, and missed irrigation)Why traditional tools like trail cameras and motion lights often fail in remote areasHow new technology is shifting security from reactive to proactiveBobby also shares how real-time theft detection systems like COP-R-LOCK can pinpoint theft instantly, trigger on-site alarms, and provide alerts fast enough to actually stop criminals before the damage is done.With repair costs ranging from $20,000 to $90,000, this conversation is about more than stolen copper — it’s about protecting your farm’s productivity, infrastructure, and long-term resilience. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Farm4Profit, we sit down with Lance Weaver, a Texas native, former ag banker, and now business coach with Legacy Farmer, to talk about what really happens behind the scenes in agricultural lending — and what farmers need to understand to protect their operations.After earning degrees in Ag Business and Ag Economics and spending over a decade in ag finance, Lance reached a breaking point. Despite good intentions, he realized the system wasn’t built to serve farmers the way they thought it was.We dig into:The moment Lance said, “I can’t do this anymore as a banker”Why loan officers don’t always have your back in loan committee meetingsRed flags in both farm financials and bank relationshipsWhy balance sheets, cash flow, and production knowledge must alignThe danger of confusing bank renewals with actual profitabilityHow farmers can start thinking — and operating — like CEOs of multimillion-dollar businessesWhat Legacy Farmer does differently to help producers build clarity, structure, and long-term resilienceThis episode challenges farmers to take ownership of their numbers, their leadership role, and their future — because the bank will always protect its own interests, but your farm needs someone protecting yours. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nels farms corn and soybeans in Iowa, including seed beans for major companies, while running a diverse lineup of equipment and managing challenges like field fires, weather swings, and land access as a next-generation farmer. He shares what it was like returning to the family operation, starting on his own acres, and building a farm business one decision at a time.We also dive into:Why he started sharing farm life on social media in 2019How simple things like rain gauge updates connect farmers and non-farmers alikeWhat it’s like raising kids who actively help on the farmLessons learned from Iowa Corn’s I-LEAD program and international trade missionsWhy community involvement — fire department, PTO, Lions Club — still matters in rural AmericaThe reality of farming through tough seasons, including multiple field fires in one yearThis conversation is a reminder that farming isn’t just about acres and yields — it’s about people, perspective, and showing the real side of agriculture. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this What’s Working in Ag segment, we highlight a growing trend we’re seeing across agriculture heading into 2026: farmers investing in skills instead of opinions.Agris Academy is hosting a 2026 Winter Workshop on Merchandising and Futures Risk Management on February 19th in Baltic, South Dakota, with both in-person and online options available. What makes this workshop stand out is what it doesn’t promise.This session focuses on:Teaching real merchandising skills farmers can use immediatelySharing practical “tricks of the trade” from professional risk managersHelping producers build repeatable systems, not one-off tradesCreating skills that become a permanent asset to a farm or businessWhat it won’t do:Predict market directionPush trading strategiesReact to daily headlinesIn a year where volatility, tight margins, and uncertainty continue to dominate agriculture, farmers are realizing that better decisions come from better understanding — not better guesses.This short segment explains why educational workshops like this are gaining momentum, why farmers are choosing to attend in person, and how developing merchandising discipline can change how farms manage risk long-term. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Farm4Profit, we’re joined by Ken Ripley, AVP of Regional Sales for FMH’s Northwest region and a farmer himself in southern Minnesota. Ken brings decades of experience from both John Deere and crop insurance, helping producers understand how to build smarter protection strategies.We break down:The current financial environment farmers are facingHow crop insurance, FSA programs, and disaster relief work togetherWhat’s changed under the new USDA and RMA leadershipKey updates to ARC/PLC, base acres, reference prices, and SCO flexibilityNew and expanded area coverage options like ECO, SCO, and MCOEnhancements to the Beginning Farmer/Rancher programDisaster programs like SDRP Phase 2 and the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) programWhy precision data is becoming critical for reporting, claims, and auditsKen also shares practical advice for navigating these decisions without getting overwhelmed — including why working closely with a trusted crop insurance agent can help producers avoid missed opportunities.With so many changes heading into 2026, this episode helps farmers step back, understand the big picture, and make intentional decisions that protect profitability. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode is a little different—and that’s exactly why you’ll want to listen.Sammy Smith is a Johnston, Iowa native who grew up racing on small tracks across the state before becoming one of the youngest drivers to win at NASCAR’s national level. Today, at just 21 years old, he’s competed across the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the Truck Series, racing for some of the sport’s most respected teams.In this conversation, we dig into:Growing up just miles from the Farm4Profit studio and racing across IowaHow his dad and Iowa racing connections launched his motorsports careerWinning races before he was old enough to legally driveThe discipline required to balance school, training, and full-time racingHandling pressure, failure, and expectations at a young ageLessons racing teaches that apply directly to farming and businessEndurance, mindset, and why he ran a marathon in 2025Giving back through scholarships and community involvementWhat’s next in his racing careerWhile Sammy’s world looks different than farming, the themes are the same: discipline, consistency, risk management, preparation, and performance under pressure. This episode bridges agriculture and motorsports through mindset—and shows why success at the highest levels always comes back to fundamentals. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Titan Immel doesn’t follow the traditional ag retail playbook—and that’s exactly why his businesses are growing.In this episode, we sit down with the founder of AgHub Midwest and Ten Percent Ag to unpack how a 17-year-old seed dealer turned into a diversified ag entrepreneur serving tens of thousands of acres across the Midwest.We dig into:How Titan started selling seed while still in high schoolWhy he stepped away from farming to build an ag services businessThe independent retailer model behind AgHub MidwestHow variable-rate prescriptions and precision tech drive value for farmersSelling farm chemicals shipped direct to the farm at just 10% over costScaling aerial application with helicopters and spray dronesThe hiring challenges in rural ag—and why character matters more than resumesUsing consultants to break growth plateaus and plan for 2.5x expansionBuilding multiple businesses simultaneously without losing focusThis episode is a real-world look at modern ag entrepreneurship, where technology, logistics, people, and margins all have to work together. Whether you’re a farmer, ag retailer, or someone thinking about starting something of your own, Titan’s story offers a blueprint for doing ag business differently—and sustainably. 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/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.