At the AgX Booth in Denver we chatted with some recent winners of the NCGA High Yield Contest to unpack what it truly takes to push corn yields to the limit. We learn about their farm background, what motivated them to enter the contest, and how their winning crop compared to their usual yields.

They walk us through their hybrid selection, fertility program, and how they incorporated biologicals, foliar feeds, and plant growth regulators to unlock every ounce of potential in the field. From variable-rate planting and precision nutrient applications to scouting techniques and drone use, this grower blends old-school effort with new-school tech.

We also hear the lessons they’ve learned—the mistakes made, key takeaways, and small tweaks that can help any farmer boost their productivity. And of course, we explore the competitive edge: how intense the contest is, what it feels like to win, and what comes next in the pursuit of even bigger yields.

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We get to meet Brenna Beard, a farmer at heart with roots that run deep into her family farm. Brenna opens up about working with her dad, the learning curve of jumping into farming, and what it’s like trying to juggle that with a career in ag retail.

She’s authentic, quick-witted, and not afraid to speak her truth. We chat about life outside the field too—from her love of the lake life, to how she deals with assumptions people make about her because she’s a young woman in ag. Oh, and if you're wondering—yes, we get into boyfriend talk too.

As someone building a presence online, Brenna also shares her take on what kind of social media messaging today’s ag voices should be putting out there—and how we can stay real while still being positive for the next generation of farmers.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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We first talk with DPA Auctions to get a pulse on the current used machinery market. They explain how equipment values are shifting, what’s hot, and how auction trends reflect broader changes in the ag economy. Whether you’re in the market to buy, sell, or just curious about asset values, DPA offers timely insights.

Next, we take a forward-looking leap with John Deere, exploring the future of autonomous tractors and the current automation technology already transforming how we harvest. From auto path steering to real-time yield monitoring, automation inside combines is quietly revolutionizing ag operations—reducing fatigue, increasing precision, and helping producers maximize every acre.

Our guests from John Deere explain how autonomy is not about replacing the farmer, but empowering them to do more with less. It’s not science fiction—it’s already happening, and this episode explains how, why, and what’s next.

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In this episode, we kick back with Tim Gutwein, CEO of AgXplore, to uncover the personal and professional journey that took him from rural roots to the helm of one of agriculture’s most innovative companies. Tim walks us through the early days of AgXplore, a company founded in 1999 with a mission to deliver smarter, more effective plant nutrition solutions.

He shares what it was like to join the company in 2006 as Director of Sales, helping scale it from just five employees and $2 million in revenue to record-breaking growth. We talk about the buyout of the founder in 2018, how he leads with passion, and why his team would “run through a wall” for him.

Beyond business, Tim opens up about the challenges he’s faced, the family values that continue to shape AgXplore, and what the future holds for the company and the ag industry. Plus, we fire off some fun questions—from field snacks to the weirdest thing he’s seen in a field.

If you’re looking for a mix of leadership inspiration, ag innovation, and some good old-fashioned fun, this one’s for you.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we welcome experts from the Purdue Extension Office to shine a light on mental health and suicide awareness in the agricultural world.

Farming comes with a unique set of pressures—volatile markets, unpredictable weather, isolation, long hours—and all too often, these challenges are suffered in silence. Our guests explain why mental health is as critical as physical health, especially in rural communities where stigma and limited resources can make asking for help even harder.

We discuss early warning signs, how to start conversations when you’re worried about someone, and the resources available through Purdue Extension and beyond. You’ll also hear why mental health education isn’t just important for individuals, but for the health and strength of our entire ag community.

This episode is a reminder: You are not alone. Help is available, and taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.

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In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Steffensmeier to discuss how record-keeping and farm management can be a game-changer for farmers. As the owners of Midwest Wagyu Beef, Jesse and Leah have firsthand experience balancing farm operations, financial management, and family life. Their upcoming workbook is designed to help farmers stay organized, improve efficiency, and plan for the future with tools to track daily operations, finances, equipment, and field conditions.

We also explore their background in agriculture, their transition from traditional farming to raising American Wagyu, and their journey into the farm-to-table business. They share insights on why proper documentation is critical for success, how to build a supportive farming network, and why faith, family, and farming remain at the core of their operation. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you maximize your farm’s potential.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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"Beyond the Toolbox: Exploring the Complexities of the Right to Repair Debate in Agriculture"

We acknowledge the complexity of the debate—it’s not just about farmers hacking software but a broader discussion about safety, ownership, relationships, and trust.

Defining Right to Repair:

Farmers’ desire to access tools, diagnostics, and manuals to repair their equipment independently.

Manufacturers’ perspective on safety, emissions compliance, cybersecurity, and intellectual property rights.

What the Debate Is Really About:

It’s not as simple as “farmers vs. manufacturers.”

Broader implications for safety, environmental sustainability, and secure operation.

What Equipment Manufacturers Support:

According to the AEM statement, manufacturers support customers’ access to:

Safety materials, Manuals, service guides, and diagnostic tools.

Training, best practices, and parts at authorized prices.

The Bigger Picture – People, Personalities, and Perspectives

Farmers’ Perspective:

Frustrations with downtime during critical seasons.

Stories of how delays in repair access have impacted operations.

The pride farmers take in being self-reliant and innovative problem-solvers.

Manufacturers’ Concerns:

Safety risks associated with untrained individuals performing repairs.

Cybersecurity risks and potential violations of emissions compliance.

Concerns about providing access to embedded proprietary software.

Trust and Collaboration:

The relationship between farmers, dealerships, and manufacturers.

Challenges in balancing farmers’ needs with manufacturers’ responsibility to protect their products and technology.

Breaking Down Key Issues

Manufacturer concerns about ensuring proper repair and maintenance practices.

Risks of unauthorized modifications leading to unsafe or non-compliant equipment.

Cybersecurity Threats:

Potential vulnerabilities in connected equipment and broader networks.

Real-world examples of what could go wrong if sensitive systems are compromised.

Economic Impacts:

How Right to Repair regulations could disrupt current market dynamics.

Concerns from manufacturers about government-mandated repair provisions.

A Free Market vs. Regulation:

Discussing manufacturers’ objection to laws dictating the cost and manner of repair information sharing.

The balance between fostering competition and protecting innovation.

Where Do We Go From Here?

What Needs to Change:

Open discussion on what each side—farmers and manufacturers—needs to consider to find common ground.

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In this quick-hit episode, we sit down with Zach Johnson (aka The Millennial Farmer) and Just a Jackson Thing for a laid-back conversation that’s all about the love of agriculture. We talk shop—literally—with updates on Jackson’s new space, swap stories about their favorite tractors, and reflect on what keeps them passionate about creating farm content.

Zach and Jackson share how social media has become a powerful platform to tell the truth about life on the farm—from the tough days to the moments of joy. Plus, they take on some audience questions, offering candid answers and laughs along the way.

Whether you’re in the tractor cab, at the shop, or scrolling through TikTok, this episode is a feel-good reminder of the community agriculture creates—and the personalities that make it even better.

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