Farm4Profit Podcast

This Farm4Profit episode features Matt and Kelly Griggs, owners of Griggs Farms LLC in Humboldt, Tennessee — a fifth-generation family operation growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton on 2,000 acres. What began in 1882 with cotton has evolved into a nationally recognized regenerative farm rooted in conservation and faith.Listeners will hear how:Matt began experimenting with cover crops back in 2011 — long before it was common — and turned those early trials into measurable success: improving soil structure, reducing runoff, and boosting water infiltration by over 1,200%.Kelly, originally from Chicago with a background in hospitality, left her corporate career to become an essential partner on the farm. She now runs equipment, manages operations, and advocates for farm wives across the country.The couple faced immense challenges — including Matt’s traumatic combine accident in 2020 and Kelly’s battles with cancer and autoimmune illness — and used their platform to openly share their faith, perseverance, and community support through it all.The conversation dives deep into regenerative agriculture, family legacy, and living your faith out loud, including:How they use multi-species cover crops like cereal rye, clover, radish, and buckwheat to build resilience.The importance of balancing modern technology (Case IH & John Deere) with stewardship principles.What it means to lead publicly as a family through pain, healing, and gratitude.The Griggs’ work has earned national recognition, including the 2020 Mid-South High Cotton Award and features on the History Channel’s “The American Farm.”You’ll also hear about their community outreach — from lighting up a tractor and grain cart with Christmas lights to connecting with other farm families through events like Farmers Off the Farm Cruise (2025).The show closes with a lighthearted “Would You Rather” segment, reminding listeners that even the most accomplished farmers still love a good laugh between long harvest days. 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.

For years, farmers have asked for more transparency and tools to maintain their own equipment without depending solely on dealerships. John Deere’s new Operations Center PRO Service may be the most significant answer yet.Guest Kent Brown joins the Farm4Profit team to unpack what this new system offers, why it matters, and how it reshapes the balance of power in the repair world.Listeners will learn:What PRO Service is: A licensed, digital self-repair and diagnostic platform replacing the old Customer Service ADVISOR. It delivers PIN-specific manuals, real-time machine health data, and AI-powered search functions for faster troubleshooting.What makes it different: Interactive electrical schematics, controller reprogramming tools, and the ability to perform diagnostic tests—all without relying solely on the dealer network.Who it’s for: U.S. and Canadian farmers, custom operators, and independent technicians—anyone who wants more repair independence.Kent explains how this platform empowers farmers to diagnose issues, order parts, and update software directly, while still allowing seamless collaboration with dealers when needed.The episode also dives into the broader right-to-repair debate, exploring how PRO Service reflects Deere’s effort to address farmer concerns and regulatory scrutiny. With pricing starting at $195 per machine annually for owner-operators—or $5,995 per year for independent service providers—the investment could quickly pay for itself through reduced downtime and fewer service calls.The Farm4Profit hosts explore critical questions, including:How easy is it for everyday farmers to learn the system?Does it really give farmers control—or just a better window into Deere’s data?Could this open the door to predictive maintenance, AI-driven insights, or fully offline repair libraries in the future?Ultimately, this episode breaks down how PRO Service moves the industry forward—providing a middle ground between self-sufficiency and expert support—and what it could mean for the next generation of farm repair culture. 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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode takes listeners deep into one of the most dramatic rivalries in agricultural history: the tractor wars of the 1970s and 80s. Our guest, Lee Klancher, is an award-winning author, photographer, and publisher of Octane Press, whose new book Snoopy and the Spy tells the story of International Harvester vs. John Deere during the height of the farm crisis.We explore:Lee’s Journey: How his early passions for machinery, photography, and storytelling led to a 30-year career publishing more than 30 books, teaching writing, and founding Octane Press from his garage in Austin.Adventures Behind the Lens: From climbing the Julian Alps to photographing 30 rare John Deere tractors in a custom-built studio, Lee shares wild experiences that shape his work.Snoopy & the Spy Storyline:The bold espionage of Bud Youle sneaking into John Deere’s Superdome showcase in 1982.The innovative but short-lived IH 2+2 “Snoopy” lineage and the canceled Super 70 prototypes (7288, 7488, rumored 7888).Deere’s counterpunch: the 15-speed PowerShift transmission and factory MFWD on high-hp row crops.How espionage fueled innovation but couldn’t save IH from its financial collapse and eventual merger into Case IH.Wider Themes: Loyalty, desperation, and ethics during a time when the survival of whole companies—and farm livelihoods—hung in the balance.The conversation also highlights Lee’s reflections: espionage and secret prototyping accelerated tractor innovation and shaped the machines we know today, even if IH itself didn’t survive.We close with lighter fare: Lee’s dream tractor test drive, favorite adventures from around the globe, and what hidden book projects might be next.This episode blends ag history, corporate drama, and personal adventure—showing how tractors and their stories are as much about people and passion as they are about horsepower. 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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode introduces NexOpt, a new asset management and GPS tracking system that promises to change how farmers monitor equipment, track service, and manage downtime. Our guest, Sherie Jones, Operations Manager at STEINBAUER USA, shares how NexOpt—founded in 2016—has already been adopted by industries like postal services, broadcasters, and leasing companies in Europe, and why now is the right time to bring it to the U.S.Key themes from the conversation include:What Makes NexOpt Different: Unlike traditional telematics systems tied to one carrier, NexOpt is cell-provider independent, can store data offline and upload later, and is engineered entirely in-house for reliability. Sherie also explains how the system uses a fraction of the data compared to competitors.Why Farmers Should Care: From real-time tracking of machines to the Service History feature that logs invoices, technician notes, and repair photos, NexOpt helps farmers replace messy spreadsheets and paper records with one digital solution. For row-crop, livestock, and custom operators alike, this can reduce downtime during critical planting or harvest windows.Features & Functionality: Farmers gain tools like breadcrumb trails, idle time tracking, fault code reporting, and customizable analytics. Sherie shares which features early adopters love most and how even non-tech-savvy users can navigate the platform with ease.ROI and Practical Use: Sherie outlines the cost structure (setup + per-vehicle monthly fee), where farmers typically see the return on investment, and whether it’s better to pilot a few machines or roll out across an entire fleet.The U.S. Launch: Debuting at the Farm Progress Show, NexOpt is kicking things off with T-shirt giveaways, a cooler raffle, and even a shrimp boil and gumbo dinner for attendees.This episode highlights how smarter tracking can turn maintenance into a profit driver, giving farmers more time in the field and fewer unexpected breakdowns. 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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode highlights the powerful connection between agriculture and athletics through the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. Our guest, Joe Roberts, is not only the President of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board but also a third-generation Wright County farmer, Beck’s Seed dealer, and conservation advocate.Joe shares his journey from growing up on the family farm to leading farmer-funded checkoff initiatives that promote corn’s role in food, feed, fuel, and fiber. We explore how the Iowa Corn Promotion Board uses the Cy-Hawk Series as a platform to connect with millions of fans, building both consumer awareness and farmer pride.Key themes from the episode include:The Cy-Hawk Story: What the series is, which sports are included, and why it’s such an iconic rivalry in Iowa culture.Checkoff Dollars at Work: How farmer checkoff investments make sponsorships possible and the tangible value they bring back to the farm.Beyond the Stadium: How Iowa Corn uses the event to educate consumers on corn’s role in everyday life, from renewable fuels to livestock feed.Conservation & Leadership: Joe’s perspective as a young farmer balancing tradition, conservation practices, and leadership roles in Iowa ag.The conversation wraps with Joe’s message for both farmers and consumers: that checkoff programs and community partnerships help secure the future of agriculture while strengthening the connection between the farm gate and the dinner plate (or tailgate). 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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode dives deep into the world of grain marketing education with Jeff Kazin and Mike Rohlfsen, founders of Agris Academy. With 50+ years of combined grain trade experience—ranging from trading floors to farming and even pioneering Cargill’s first office in post-communist Ukraine—Jeff and Mike have seen the good, the bad, and the bizarre in global grain markets.Rather than serving as advisors or brokers, they created Agris Academy to teach farmers how to think like merchandisers, empowering them with tools and frameworks to improve decision-making for the long term. Their flagship Master Class offers 40+ hours of interactive instruction, case studies, and open Q&A—helping farmers sharpen their skills beyond just chasing better prices.Topics covered in this episode include:Why Education, Not Advice: Why Jeff and Mike chose teaching over consulting, and the myths they love busting in grain marketing.Tactical Insights: What stood out in 2023/24 among their students, how to market crops below cost of production, and why there’s no silver bullet.Inside the Master Class: What the course structure looks like, who their typical students are, and what lessons they’ve learned since launching.Beyond the Farm: Jeff’s wildest stories from 30 years in the grain trade, and Mike’s unique perspective from building markets in Ukraine.Big Picture Takeaways: What every farmer should understand about grain marketing—and the first step they can take today to improve.From tailgate lessons to global perspectives, this episode shows how mastering grain marketing is less about predicting the market and more about mastering your approach. 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.

USE CODE  FP10 for your discount today!This Farm4Profit Podcast episode turns up the volume on innovation, entrepreneurship, and sound built for the farm. Our guest, Ryan Kanallakan, is the founder and CEO of RAK’D Audio, the company behind rugged, custom-built speakers that are redefining how farmers listen to music in the cab, shop, or out in the field.Ryan’s story highlights how a rebrand from Cool Beats in 2022 and a focus on durability, customization, and powerful design put RAK’D Audio on the map. The speakers—often crafted from repurposed military ammo cans—feature:30+ hour battery life300+ foot Bluetooth rangeWaterproof IP65 ratingParty Mode connection for up to 100 unitsWe discuss how RAK’D carved out a niche in agriculture, why farmers love their products, and how TikTok has helped Ryan build a community of more than 250,000 followers by mixing farm equipment talk with customer Q&A videos.Ryan also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at building his new shop, experimenting with things like stained concrete flooring, and balancing growth while staying close to his rural roots.Of course, we wrap up with some fun “Would You Rather” questions—from music in the cab to mind-reading superpowers—putting Ryan in the hot seat.Whether you’re into tech, farm life, or just love a good small-business success story, this episode delivers insights (and laughs) you won’t want to miss. 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 Farm4Profit Podcast episode brings a farmer-focused look at the role of company field reps and how they fit into the busy cycle of planting, protecting, harvesting, and planning for the next year. Our guest, Kylee Nodine, is a Field Marketing Manager at Corteva Agriscience, supporting crop protection teams across Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.Kylee shares what she’s hearing from growers and local reps this season—from rainfall patterns to crop health to harvest outlooks—and explains why every farm can benefit from leaning more on the knowledge of their company reps.Key themes from the episode include:Boots on the Ground Insights: Crop health and harvest takeaways from the 2025 season across diverse geographies.Maximizing Your Local Rep: Why reps should be seen as an extension of your business—helping with hybrid and variety planning, crop protection strategies, and post-harvest evaluations.Smart Questions to Ask: The single best question farmers should ask at harvest and the call Kylee wishes more growers made early in the season.Beyond Sales Teams: How Corteva’s specialized nitrogen stabilizer team and market development specialists support retailers, Extension, and growers with cutting-edge field trials.Looking Ahead to 2026: What to jot down now before the spring rush—hybrid performance notes, weed escapes, nitrogen use, and more.The episode wraps up with Kylee’s lightning-round favorites, plus a reminder that farmers don’t need to go it alone. With knowledgeable field teams, local reps, and new technologies, planning for profit starts now. 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 special two-part Farm4Profit Podcast episode takes listeners into the high-paced, high-stakes world of custom harvesting—where crews and families crisscross the country to bring in America’s grain crops.First, we sit down with Paul Paplow, President of Paplow Harvesting & Trucking. What started in 1992 as a two-combine family operation has grown into a 10-machine fleet traveling from Texas to Montana each season. Paul shares insights on managing crews of all sizes, keeping up with new regulations, and using the J1 Visa program to staff harvest runs. With experience representing the U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. (USCHI) in Washington, D.C. and at Commodity Classic, Paul brings a national perspective to the challenges and opportunities in the custom harvesting industry.Next, we talk with David from Orrson Custom Farming LTD of Apple Creek, Ohio, a third-generation family business that has been custom harvesting since 1946. Today, Orrson Custom Farming employs 16 crew members and covers ground from Georgia to Michigan, starting harvest in February and running all the way through Thanksgiving. David discusses the importance of safety protocols, crew training, and risk management, as well as the family’s ongoing crop production on 700 acres back home. With the fourth generation now involved, Orrson’s story is one of resilience, expansion, and dedication to customer service.Together, these conversations paint a vivid picture of life on the road as a custom harvester—long days, tight schedules, family traditions, and the incredible logistics behind getting America’s crops out of the field and into the supply chain. Whether you’re a farmer, an ag enthusiast, or someone curious about how food gets from field to table, this episode shines a spotlight on an essential but often overlooked part 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 episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Shay Foulk—a fifth-generation farmer, Army Ranger veteran, agronomist, consultant, and podcaster who wears many hats in agriculture. Shay grew up on a family farm in Northeast Iowa, studied agronomy at Iowa State University, and went on to serve five years in the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, an experience that sharpened his leadership and discipline. Today, he continues his service in the Illinois National Guard while managing his family farm, Foulk Farms, and co-operating Monier Seed, a seed cleaning and packaging business.Shay’s passion lies in conservation-minded farming—using cover crops, precision tools, and variable-rate fertilizer strategies to protect soil health while driving profitability. Beyond his own farm, he serves as a consultant and coach with Ag View Solutions, where he helps farm families tackle everything from profit management and equipment analysis to succession planning, peer groups, and team health.He also reaches thousands through his podcasts—Ag View Pitch and 19 Minutes with Chris Barron—where he shares timely market outlooks, business insights, and farmer-to-farmer conversations that resonate across the industry.Listeners will gain practical advice on:Building sustainable and profitable farm practices.Approaching farm management with a business-first mindset.Balancing family life, military service, consulting, and farming.Why podcasts and peer groups can be powerful tools for farm education and connection.Shay’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and service—making this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of modern 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.