Jared AchenAs a 4th generation farmer in southeast Iowa, there was never any doubt that ChopLocal Founder and CEO Jared Achen would return to the farm after completing his education. Alongside his father, sister and brother-in-law, he raises turkeys and row-crops in southeast Iowa.Have them each tell more about where they came from, back-story, and farms.What is ChopLocal?What is the premise?Founded by farmersDo you yourself sell products through the platform?Why start this business? Why ChopLocal?What problems are we solving?Get the highest quality meats for your family.Support local farmers and small butcher shops.Ensure your meat was grown &amp; harvested in the US on farms near you.Help transform the meat supply chain.Have a business background?What were some of the hardest parts to getting this started?What would they do differently now if they started over?What about themselves during this process surprised them?Skills, determination, etc….Back to ChopLocal….How does it work?Connects with farms and farm marketsSelect a productPick up or DeliveryWhere are these farms located?Can any of our listeners sign up to sell a product?How do you “vet” the stuff that gets sold out there?What types of products are for sale?MeatSpices &amp; MarinadesSWAGWhat else?We have listeners that have business ideas, including us. What do you suggest are some good firsts steps to take to turn it into a reality?How did you get funding?How did you build out your platform?How did you attract customers?You’ve made it this far….What’s next?How can we or our listeners help you?Any more advice for our listeners that are curious about joining your platform or starting a business? What would you go back and tell yourself at age 18?

<ul><li>Jared Achen</li><li>As a 4th generation farmer in southeast Iowa, there was never any doubt that ChopLocal Founder and CEO Jared Achen would return to the farm after completing his education. Alongside his father, sister and brother-in-law, he raises turkeys and row-crops in southeast Iowa.</li><li>Have them each tell more about where they came from, back-story, and farms.</li><li>What is ChopLocal?</li><li>What is the premise?</li><li>Founded by farmers</li><li>Do you yourself sell products through the platform?</li><li>Why start this business? Why ChopLocal?</li><li>What problems are we solving?</li><li>Get the highest quality meats for your family.</li><li>Support local farmers and small butcher shops.</li><li>Ensure your meat was grown &amp; harvested in the US on farms near you.</li><li>Help transform the meat supply chain.</li><li>Have a business background?</li><li>What were some of the hardest parts to getting this started?</li><li>What would they do differently now if they started over?</li><li>What about themselves during this process surprised them?</li><li>Skills, determination, etc….</li><li>Back to ChopLocal….How does it work?</li><li>Connects with farms and farm markets</li><li>Select a product</li><li>Pick up or Delivery</li><li>Where are these farms located?</li><li>Can any of our listeners sign up to sell a product?</li><li>How do you “vet” the stuff that gets sold out there?</li><li>What types of products are for sale?</li><li>Meat</li><li>Spices &amp; Marinades</li><li>SWAG</li><li>What else?</li><li>We have listeners that have business ideas, including us. What do you suggest are some good firsts steps to take to turn it into a reality?</li><li>How did you get funding?</li><li>How did you build out your platform?</li><li>How did you attract customers?</li><li>You’ve made it this far….What’s next?</li><li>How can we or our listeners help you?</li><li>Any more advice for our listeners that are curious about joining your platform or starting a business?</li><li> </li><li>What would you go back and tell yourself at age 18?</li></ul>

ChopLocal: Connecting Locally Sourced Meats to You

@rumpchat     Instagram 14.3k    TikTok ____   YouTube _____   Twitter ____ @justin rumford          Facebook 15k   Catch UpWhere are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farmingHow’s the family - do they farm with family?Hilton lives in Weatherford with his wife, WhitneyRumford lives in Ponca City, OK with his wife and triplets (2 girls, 1 boy)What are they up to today?What they see that excites them?What do they want to make sure they see before they leave Rodeo’s #1 Comedy PodcastHost: Justin C Rumford (10x ProRodeo Clown of the year) &amp; Josh Hambone Hilton (2x ProRodeo Music Director of the Year)Over 150 episodes (7/7/23 - 150th episode)Nearly 2,000,000 downloads Ranked in top 0.5% of all podcast globallyTop 200 USA Comedy podcasts by Apple Justin RumfordThird generation rodeo cowboy Barrelman and Funnyman he enjoys most in rodeosGrew up in “Rumford Rodeo Company” (Dad = Bronco)Received a rodeo scholarship for Northwestern Oklahoma State University Inspired by Lance Brittain, a PRCA bullfighterHad a bullfighting accident in 2001 at Denver - punctured his colon Worked for Butler and Son Rodeo - driving trucks, hauling horsesBecame a funnyman in 2011First year of clowning had 100 performances Been the Coors Man in the Can 3 yearsPRCA Comedy Act of the Year in 2018“Gorilla” act Rodeos today have different responsibilities than a decade ago“If we don’t adapt we go away” - Justin Rumford Decked out new 40’ trailer with Fast Signs (stickers)Josh Hambone HiltonGrew up in Sidney, IAMusic Director for Iowa’s Championship rodeoServes as Rodeo Director for the San Angelo, Texas Stock Show and Rodeo (currently lives here)Started with Cervi Rodeo Company - did some music at smaller rodeos Then went onto Denver and the National WesternIntroduced electronic dance music to the bullfights - key ingredient to BFO format Where are our listeners from?Nairobi – Cordoba – Parana –– Jakarta – Camarillo  - Muleshoe – Sperry  How has Rump Chat changed their life?Why do it?How would he start it over differently?Which is their favorite platform?Nairobi – Kenya, AfricaCordoba – Argentina, South AmericaParana – Brazil, South AmericaJakarta – IndonesiaCamarillo – CaliforniaMuleshoe – TexasSperry – Iowa   If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?Right now, who inspires you?If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be? – Smaller?

@rumpchat     Instagram 14.3k    TikTok ____   YouTube _____   Twitter ____ @justin rumford          Facebook 15k <ul><li>Catch Up</li><li>Where are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farming</li><li>How’s the family - do they farm with family?</li><li>Hilton lives in Weatherford with his wife, Whitney</li><li>Rumford lives in Ponca City, OK with his wife and triplets (2 girls, 1 boy)</li><li>What are they up to today?</li><li>What they see that excites them?</li><li>What do they want to make sure they see before they leave </li><li>Rodeo’s #1 Comedy Podcast</li><li>Host: Justin C Rumford (10x ProRodeo Clown of the year) &amp; Josh Hambone Hilton (2x ProRodeo Music Director of the Year)</li><li>Over 150 episodes (7/7/23 - 150th episode)</li><li>Nearly 2,000,000 downloads </li><li>Ranked in top 0.5% of all podcast globally</li><li>Top 200 USA Comedy podcasts by Apple </li><li>Justin Rumford</li><li>Third generation rodeo cowboy </li><li>Barrelman and Funnyman he enjoys most in rodeos</li><li>Grew up in “Rumford Rodeo Company” (Dad = Bronco)</li><li>Received a rodeo scholarship for Northwestern Oklahoma State University </li><li>Inspired by Lance Brittain, a PRCA bullfighter</li><li>Had a bullfighting accident in 2001 at Denver - punctured his colon </li><li>Worked for Butler and Son Rodeo - driving trucks, hauling horses</li><li>Became a funnyman in 2011</li><li>First year of clowning had 100 performances </li><li>Been the Coors Man in the Can 3 years</li><li>PRCA Comedy Act of the Year in 2018</li><li>“Gorilla” act </li><li>Rodeos today have different responsibilities than a decade ago</li><li>“If we don’t adapt we go away” - Justin Rumford </li><li>Decked out new 40’ trailer with Fast Signs (stickers)</li><li>Josh Hambone Hilton</li><li>Grew up in Sidney, IA</li><li>Music Director for Iowa’s Championship rodeo</li><li>Serves as Rodeo Director for the San Angelo, Texas Stock Show and Rodeo (currently lives here)</li><li>Started with Cervi Rodeo Company - did some music at smaller rodeos </li><li>Then went onto Denver and the National Western</li><li>Introduced electronic dance music to the bullfights - key ingredient to BFO format </li><li>Where are our listeners from?</li><li>Nairobi – Cordoba – Parana –– Jakarta – Camarillo  - Muleshoe – Sperry </li><li> </li><li>How has Rump Chat changed their life?</li><li>Why do it?</li><li>How would he start it over differently?</li><li>Which is their favorite platform?</li><li>Nairobi – Kenya, Africa</li><li>Cordoba – Argentina, South America</li><li>Parana – Brazil, South America</li><li>Jakarta – Indonesia</li><li>Camarillo – California</li><li>Muleshoe – Texas</li><li>Sperry – Iowa</li></ul> <ul><li>If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?</li><li>Right now, who inspires you?</li><li>If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be? – Smaller?</li></ul>

F4F w/ RumpChat - Rodeo's #1 Comedy Podcast!

Power PollenAiring 8/7/23John Deere Pre-RollToday’s episode is brought to you by Pattern Ag, predicting pest and pathogen risk in your fields. Don’t gamble with your yields, go to www.pattern.ag today!Around the Room – why do you need a Farm4Profit conversation today?As hosts what are you most looking forward to with this guest today?Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE – REMEMBER TO LEAVE REVIEWS Especially on YouTubeWhat’s Working in Ag Segment – ZeaKal – Tanner &amp; JenniferGuest:Jason Cope brings more than 20-years of industry experience in the development of theoretical and applied engineering solutions from leading global agribusinesses. He currently holds more than 40 granted US and worldwide patents and oversees PowerPollen’s intellectual property strategy. He also guides operations and engineering initiatives for the company.Who is Power Pollen?History, Mission, VisionTo preserve and enhance crop productivity by enabling superior pollination systems2015 - Todd Krone(just left DuPont Pioneer) partnered with Jason Cope (engineer)Set up shop in Todd’s garageHow does your new corn pollination techniques benefit ag?What factors increase yield and minimize risk with seed practices in pollination?corn, rice, and wheatHow are you reaching your producer base? InvestorsAt what point did you see the business growing?Field operationscustom designed machinery across in-field production on 22 customer fieldsOperations in IA, TX, &amp; Puerto Rico How do you see global agriculture playing a part through expanding Power Pollen?Where will we start to see agriculture fluctuate due to the pollination of crops?What are the factors that affect the optimal time of applying the pollen?In a drought year, how much can farmers expect to be saved from their field with Power Pollen?Corn Seed impactsYield ImprovementsFewer male plants are needed → more females/acre = greater output and land utilizationLess Risk with seed overproductionMore Flexibility → expands window for plantingReasons: drought, flooding, climate changesHow does Power Pollen overcome in a drought year?How is In-Season Control allowing farmers more flexibility?Are they meeting current market demand while in-season?An average 60% increase in oil over normal-hybrids with no reduction yield What challenges do those producers face ahead?What did we miss?Summary and ChallengeIf you could go back and talk to yourself at age 18, what would you go back and say?Share Contact information

Power PollenAiring 8/7/23<ul><li>John Deere Pre-Roll</li><li>Today’s episode is brought to you by Pattern Ag, predicting pest and pathogen risk in your fields. Don’t gamble with your yields, go to <a href="http://www.pattern.ag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pattern.ag</a> today!</li><li>Around the Room – why do you need a Farm4Profit conversation today?</li><li>As hosts what are you most looking forward to with this guest today?</li><li>Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE – REMEMBER TO LEAVE REVIEWS </li><li>Especially on YouTube</li><li>What’s Working in Ag Segment – ZeaKal – Tanner &amp; Jennifer</li></ul>Guest:Jason Cope brings more than 20-years of industry experience in the development of theoretical and applied engineering solutions from leading global agribusinesses. He currently holds more than 40 granted US and worldwide patents and oversees PowerPollen’s intellectual property strategy. He also guides operations and engineering initiatives for the company.<ul><li>Who is Power Pollen?</li><li>History, Mission, Vision</li><li>To preserve and enhance crop productivity by enabling superior pollination systems</li><li>2015 - Todd Krone(just left DuPont Pioneer) partnered with Jason Cope (engineer)</li><li>Set up shop in Todd’s garage</li></ul>How does your new corn pollination techniques benefit ag?<ul><li>What factors increase yield and minimize risk with seed practices in pollination?</li><li>corn, rice, and wheat</li><li>How are you reaching your producer base? </li><li>Investors</li><li>At what point did you see the business growing?</li><li>Field operations</li><li>custom designed machinery across in-field production on 22 customer fields</li><li>Operations in IA, TX, &amp; Puerto Rico How do you see global agriculture playing a part through expanding Power Pollen?</li><li>Where will we start to see agriculture fluctuate due to the pollination of crops?</li><li>What are the factors that affect the optimal time of applying the pollen?</li><li>In a drought year, how much can farmers expect to be saved from their field with Power Pollen?</li><li>Corn Seed impacts</li><li>Yield Improvements</li><li>Fewer male plants are needed → more females/acre = greater output and land utilization</li><li>Less Risk with seed overproduction</li><li>More Flexibility → expands window for planting</li><li>Reasons: drought, flooding, climate changes</li><li>How does Power Pollen overcome in a drought year?</li><li>How is In-Season Control allowing farmers more flexibility?</li><li>Are they meeting current market demand while in-season?</li><li>An average 60% increase in oil over normal-hybrids with no reduction yield </li><li>What challenges do those producers face ahead?</li><li>What did we miss?</li><li>Summary and Challenge</li><li>If you could go back and talk to yourself at age 18, what would you go back and say?</li><li>Share Contact information</li></ul>

Crop Resilience Redefined: Power Pollen Revolutionizing Corn

Royce Johns

@roycejohnsmusic     Instagram 2.7k    Facebook 31k   YouTube _____   Twitter ____   Catch UpWhere are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farmingHow’s the family - do they farm with family?Iowa raised - 515 area codeWhat are they up to today?Husband, father, guitar picker, and singer/songwriter, “occasional grinner”MusicOpener for: Sammy Kershar, Deana Carter, Sawyer Brown, Collin Raye, The Cadillac Three, Walker McGuire, Sunny Sweeney, etc. Two records (Truckstop Souvenirs - 2018)(One Last Two Step - 2020)Goal: release full-length records to stand the test of time Plan: releasing new full-length record compromised of songs writing in 2023Playing music for 10 yearsStarted at 19 ~150-200 shows a yearPerforms a lot around small town’s in Iowa2021 - Iowa Arts Council funded next records with grants Where do you want to be in 5, 10, 15 years?Why Iowa? Do you have the goal of traveling across the country?Who is your support system? How far in advance are you booked out? How much time do you leave between each performance?How are you using social media to brand yourself? Has it come to your advantage? RealtorNothing I could find on thisIf you were an animal, what do you think you would be?Right now, who inspires you?If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be?   Would you rather:  Lose your voice or unable to play guitar Get lost in the wilderness of in a dangerous city Day at Adventureland or day on the lakeEat all raw food or cooked food for every mealFamous on the internet or in real lifePerform in Nashville or in small town Iowa   Word Association Ocean                         Coffee                         Lion                             Dance Adventure                   Book                            Butterfly                       Camera Serenade                    Laughter                      Farm                           Unknown   What’s next for them?What can our listeners do to help?What can we do to help?   What would you go back and tell yourself and age 18? 

@roycejohnsmusic     Instagram 2.7k    Facebook 31k   YouTube _____   Twitter ____ <ul><li>Catch Up</li><li>Where are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farming</li><li>How’s the family - do they farm with family?</li><li>Iowa raised - 515 area code</li><li>What are they up to today?</li><li>Husband, father, guitar picker, and singer/songwriter, “occasional grinner”</li><li>Music</li><li>Opener for: Sammy Kershar, Deana Carter, Sawyer Brown, Collin Raye, The Cadillac Three, Walker McGuire, Sunny Sweeney, etc. </li><li>Two records (Truckstop Souvenirs - 2018)(One Last Two Step - 2020)</li><li>Goal: release full-length records to stand the test of time </li><li>Plan: releasing new full-length record compromised of songs writing in 2023</li><li>Playing music for 10 years</li><li>Started at 19 </li><li>~150-200 shows a year</li><li>Performs a lot around small town’s in Iowa</li><li>2021 - Iowa Arts Council funded next records with grants </li><li>Where do you want to be in 5, 10, 15 years?</li><li>Why Iowa? Do you have the goal of traveling across the country?</li><li>Who is your support system? </li><li>How far in advance are you booked out? How much time do you leave between each performance?</li><li>How are you using social media to brand yourself? Has it come to your advantage? </li><li>Realtor</li><li>Nothing I could find on this</li><li>If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?</li><li>Right now, who inspires you?</li><li>If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be?</li></ul> Would you rather:  <ul><li>Lose your voice or unable to play guitar </li><li>Get lost in the wilderness of in a dangerous city </li><li>Day at Adventureland or day on the lake</li><li>Eat all raw food or cooked food for every meal</li><li>Famous on the internet or in real life</li><li>Perform in Nashville or in small town Iowa</li></ul> Word Association Ocean                         Coffee                         Lion                             Dance Adventure                   Book                            Butterfly                       Camera Serenade                    Laughter                      Farm                           Unknown <ul><li>What’s next for them?</li><li>What can our listeners do to help?</li><li>What can we do to help?</li></ul> What would you go back and tell yourself and age 18?

F4F - Royce Johns - Thank You Kindly

Livestock Margin ProtectionAiring 7/31/23John Deere Pre-RollToday’s episode is brought to you by Pattern Ag, predicting pest and pathogen risk in your fields. Don’t gamble with your yields, go to www.pattern.ag today!Around the Room – why do you need a Farm4Profit conversation today?As hosts what are you most looking forward to with this guest today?Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE – REMEMBER TO LEAVE REVIEWS Especially on YouTubeBios:Tony Latcham is the VP of Risk Management at Stockguard. He merges his unique experience as both a risk management consultant and producer on a 4th generation cow-calf and row crop operation to help other farmers identify and manage unexpected risks. Before joining Stockguard, he worked as an Agricultural banker for 15 years and as the CEO of a bank for five years. He then founded a risk management company, which has been serving farmers and ranchers across the Midwest for the past 13 years. He specializes in a wide range of areas, including financial consulting, market analysis, and risk mitigation.Jordan Morris is a Senior Risk Management Consultant at Stockguard. He is a first-generation farmer and owner of a feedlot and cow-calf operation in Southeast Iowa. As a Senior Risk Management Consultant, he is dedicated to sharing his knowledge of market trends and risk management solutions to help his clients meet their goals and secure their investments against unexpected risks.Talking points:Are there ways for livestock producers to protect their margins like row crop farmers do with crop insurance?What is Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)What is Livestock Gross Margin (LGM)What are ways that you have seen successful farmers and ranchers using these products in their operations?Is there anything available for our listeners that have Pasture/Rangeland/Forage (PRF)?The Future of the Stockguard Portal and How it helps producers Crop Insurance high-level overviewDo you have to physically own livestock to use theses products?How do farmers get access to these products?What else did we miss?What is the most common thing you see your most successful clients doing better or more different than others?Summary &amp; ChallengeWhat would you go back and tell yourself at age 18?Share contact information

Livestock Margin ProtectionAiring 7/31/23<ul><li>John Deere Pre-Roll</li><li>Today’s episode is brought to you by Pattern Ag, predicting pest and pathogen risk in your fields. Don’t gamble with your yields, go to <a href="http://www.pattern.ag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pattern.ag</a> today!</li><li>Around the Room – why do you need a Farm4Profit conversation today?</li><li>As hosts what are you most looking forward to with this guest today?</li><li>Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE – REMEMBER TO LEAVE REVIEWS </li><li>Especially on YouTube</li></ul>Bios: Tony Latcham is the VP of Risk Management at Stockguard. He merges his unique experience as both a risk management consultant and producer on a 4th generation cow-calf and row crop operation to help other farmers identify and manage unexpected risks. Before joining Stockguard, he worked as an Agricultural banker for 15 years and as the CEO of a bank for five years. He then founded a risk management company, which has been serving farmers and ranchers across the Midwest for the past 13 years. He specializes in a wide range of areas, including financial consulting, market analysis, and risk mitigation. Jordan Morris is a Senior Risk Management Consultant at Stockguard. He is a first-generation farmer and owner of a feedlot and cow-calf operation in Southeast Iowa. As a Senior Risk Management Consultant, he is dedicated to sharing his knowledge of market trends and risk management solutions to help his clients meet their goals and secure their investments against unexpected risks. Talking points:<ul><li>Are there ways for livestock producers to protect their margins like row crop farmers do with crop insurance?</li><li>What is Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)</li><li>What is Livestock Gross Margin (LGM)</li><li>What are ways that you have seen successful farmers and ranchers using these products in their operations?</li><li>Is there anything available for our listeners that have Pasture/Rangeland/Forage (PRF)?</li><li>The Future of the Stockguard Portal and How it helps producers </li><li>Crop Insurance high-level overview</li><li>Do you have to physically own livestock to use theses products?</li><li>How do farmers get access to these products?</li><li>What else did we miss?</li><li>What is the most common thing you see your most successful clients doing better or more different than others?</li><li>Summary &amp; Challenge</li></ul>What would you go back and tell yourself at age 18?Share contact information

Livestock Producers' Margin Protection Solutions

@joyvanwydgarden                Instagram: 16.3k   TikTok: 146.0k    YouTube: 35___  Catch UpWhere are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farmingHow’s the family - do they farm with family?Iowa native - 25Major ag, outdoors and conservation enthusiastHobbies: Hunting, fishing, hikingTikTok will take down any of her videos that have guns in it As a kid brought random critters in the house - baby skunks once Holistic health and wellnessTraining to become a yoga instructor Does cold plunge (ice bath) - barrel or freezer Cooks eggs and liver after her workoutsHas a garden, dog, boyfriendHas a lifted ‘90 Ford truck Classic country fan“Busch-mosas” - mentioned in a tiktok Works for her dadFarms redFarming practices: cover crops, filter strip, no-tillJobs:Project Coordinator for the South Skunk River &amp; Cedar Creek Watershed of Mahaska CountyRange and Safety Officer at Big Springs Shooting ComplexHow has social media changed her life?Why do it? How would they start it over differently?Which is their favorite social media platform? If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?Right now, who inspires you?If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be? Word association - Take the word we share and say the first thing thing that comes to mind connecting it to agricultureCoffee                                     Green                                      LuxuryBeer                                        Pluto                                        ClockJavelin                                     Hero                                        BallYoga                                        Fear                                        GirlFur                                          Future                                     ChangeBeauty                                     Mistake                                   Cold  What’s next for them?What can our listeners do to help?What can we do to help? What would you go back and tell yourself at age 18?

@joyvanwydgarden                Instagram: 16.3k   TikTok: 146.0k    YouTube: 35___  <ul><li>Catch Up</li><li>Where are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farming</li><li>How’s the family - do they farm with family?</li><li>Iowa native - 25</li><li>Major ag, outdoors and conservation enthusiast</li><li>Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, hiking</li><li>TikTok will take down any of her videos that have guns in it </li><li>As a kid brought random critters in the house - baby skunks once </li><li>Holistic health and wellness</li><li>Training to become a yoga instructor </li><li>Does cold plunge (ice bath) - barrel or freezer </li><li>Cooks eggs and liver after her workouts</li><li>Has a garden, dog, boyfriend</li><li>Has a lifted ‘90 Ford truck </li><li>Classic country fan</li><li>“Busch-mosas” - mentioned in a tiktok </li><li>Works for her dad</li><li>Farms red</li><li>Farming practices: cover crops, filter strip, no-till</li><li>Jobs:</li><li>Project Coordinator for the South Skunk River &amp; Cedar Creek Watershed of Mahaska County</li><li>Range and Safety Officer at Big Springs Shooting Complex</li><li>How has social media changed her life?</li><li>Why do it? </li><li>How would they start it over differently?</li><li>Which is their favorite social media platform? </li><li>If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?</li><li>Right now, who inspires you?</li><li>If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be?</li></ul> Word association - Take the word we share and say the first thing thing that comes to mind connecting it to agriculture<ul><li>Coffee                                     Green                                      Luxury</li><li>Beer                                        Pluto                                        Clock</li><li>Javelin                                     Hero                                        Ball</li><li>Yoga                                        Fear                                        Girl</li><li>Fur                                          Future                                     Change</li><li>Beauty                                     Mistake                                   Cold</li></ul> <ul><li>What’s next for them?</li><li>What can our listeners do to help?</li><li>What can we do to help?</li></ul> What would you go back and tell yourself at age 18?

F4F - Joy VanWyngarden - Outdoors: Farming & Hunting

Clayton FarmsAiring 7/24/23John Deere Pre-RollToday’s episode is brought to you by Pattern Ag, predicting pest and pathogen risk in your fields. Don’t gamble with your yields, go to www.pattern.ag today!Around the Room – why do you need a Farm4Profit conversation today?As hosts what are you most looking forward to with this guest today?Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE – REMEMBER TO LEAVE REVIEWS Especially on YouTubeThank the listeners and launch into the introduction!Guest: Clayton MooneyBefore becoming a co-founder of Clayton Farms, Mooney was a professional poker player in Ireland before returning to the state looking for opportunities to work for or found a start-up. He was a founder of KinoSol, which made solar food dehydrators, then connected with Pool to found Nebullam, now Clayton Farms. He now serves as an entrepreneur in residence with Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Guest: Huey Boelen - Huey B Cool            Immigrant from the Netherlands, former cricket and dairy farmer, lover of social media and great stories, and a great friend of Farm4Profit. Who is Clayton Farms?History, Mission, Vision“Bring you the freshest, locally grown food”Greens grown/harvested in an driven indoor farmFounded in 2017 - by Clayton Mooney and Danen poolOriginal concept of designing, building, and selling a new generation of indoor farming equipment, then licensing the software to run indoor farms to buyers to run themselvesBuilt demonstration farm at Iowa State University Research ParkSelling lettuce and microgreens to local restaurants when COVID-19 hitHow did you survive during the pandemic? How did you receive business from other restaurants? Did this lead to doorstep delivery?BackgroundFood harvest/grown in neighborhoodNo pesticides Harvested and delivered same day all year aroundWhat they’re growingLettuce, radish, sunflower, beet, bok choy, pea, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, arugula, chardHow the subscription works:Choose items → get delivery times → delivered to door-step→ reusable packaging Locations: Ames, IA and Twin CitiesTwin Cities locationReceived keys to building to harvest plants in 8 weeks What made you come to the idea of your company?Did you grow up with an ag background? Where did your interest grow in ag? Did you have a greenhouse beforehand? Why Iowa?Agriculture state - accessibility to ISU researches and ability to hire ISU alumniIowa’s startup ecosystem - Iowa State CyStarters and ISU Startup FactoryAg StartupEngine invested in Clayton Farms in 2017 - follow-on investment in 2019What other demographics would fit his company?Have there been challenges to selling people to subscribe? What promotions have you used?The Grow RoomLaunched in October 2022A space for founders to not only work, but collaborate and connect at the ISU Research Park Where do you see the impacting the community? What students are you seeing interested in it? The Restaurant at North Grand MallWhat are you most excited for in the future?What did we miss?Summary and ChallengeIf you could go back to talk to yourself at age 18, what would you say?

Clayton FarmsAiring 7/24/23<ul><li>John Deere Pre-Roll</li><li>Today’s episode is brought to you by Pattern Ag, predicting pest and pathogen risk in your fields. Don’t gamble with your yields, go to <a href="http://www.pattern.ag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pattern.ag</a> today!</li><li>Around the Room – why do you need a Farm4Profit conversation today?</li><li>As hosts what are you most looking forward to with this guest today?</li><li>Remind people to hit SUBSCRIBE – REMEMBER TO LEAVE REVIEWS </li><li>Especially on YouTube</li><li>Thank the listeners and launch into the introduction!</li></ul>Guest: Clayton MooneyBefore becoming a co-founder of Clayton Farms, Mooney was a professional poker player in Ireland before returning to the state looking for opportunities to work for or found a start-up. He was a founder of KinoSol, which made solar food dehydrators, then connected with Pool to found Nebullam, now Clayton Farms. He now serves as an entrepreneur in residence with Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Guest: Huey Boelen - Huey B Cool            Immigrant from the Netherlands, former cricket and dairy farmer, lover of social media and great stories, and a great friend of Farm4Profit. <ul><li>Who is Clayton Farms?</li><li>History, Mission, Vision</li><li>“Bring you the freshest, locally grown food”</li><li>Greens grown/harvested in an driven indoor farm</li><li>Founded in 2017 - by Clayton Mooney and Danen pool</li><li>Original concept of designing, building, and selling a new generation of indoor farming equipment, then licensing the software to run indoor farms to buyers to run themselves</li><li>Built demonstration farm at Iowa State University Research Park</li><li>Selling lettuce and microgreens to local restaurants when COVID-19 hit</li><li>How did you survive during the pandemic? How did you receive business from other restaurants? Did this lead to doorstep delivery?</li><li>Background</li><li>Food harvest/grown in neighborhood</li><li>No pesticides </li><li>Harvested and delivered same day all year around</li><li>What they’re growing</li><li>Lettuce, radish, sunflower, beet, bok choy, pea, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, arugula, chard</li><li>How the subscription works:</li><li>Choose items → get delivery times → delivered to door-step→ reusable packaging </li><li>Locations: Ames, IA and Twin Cities</li><li>Twin Cities location</li><li>Received keys to building to harvest plants in 8 weeks </li><li>What made you come to the idea of your company?</li><li>Did you grow up with an ag background? Where did your interest grow in ag? Did you have a greenhouse beforehand? </li><li>Why Iowa?</li><li>Agriculture state - accessibility to ISU researches and ability to hire ISU alumni</li><li>Iowa’s startup ecosystem - Iowa State CyStarters and ISU Startup Factory</li><li>Ag StartupEngine invested in Clayton Farms in 2017 - follow-on investment in 2019</li><li>What other demographics would fit his company?</li><li>Have there been challenges to selling people to subscribe? What promotions have you used?</li><li>The Grow Room</li><li>Launched in October 2022</li><li>A space for founders to not only work, but collaborate and connect at the ISU Research Park </li><li>Where do you see the impacting the community? What students are you seeing interested in it? </li><li>The Restaurant at North Grand Mall</li><li>What are you most excited for in the future?</li><li>What did we miss?</li><li>Summary and Challenge</li><li>If you could go back to talk to yourself at age 18, what would you say?</li></ul>

The Grow Room: Ag Innovation w/ Indoor Farming

@junkyard_digs      Instagram 84.7k    TikTok ____   YouTube 995k   Twitter _____      Catch UpWhere are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farmingHow’s the family - do they farm with family?Kevin Brown - Ames, IAFormer US Army Aviation MechanicCertified CH-47 helicopter mechanic 6 years of service in the Army National Guard (one deployment in OSS/OIS)Graduated from ISU in 202115 years of mechanical experience in engine and vehicle repairEngaged to Micah Uertz (Junkyard Mook) Junkyard Digs - finding cool junk in the area and reviving it Invited to events like the QA1 Open House or the Street Machine NationalsShow off cars like the Gambler 500 LeMansRamp truck - “sketchiest thing hauled”Raced at Barber Motorsports Park (AL) 71 Satellite revival (neat story on how he found the owner in his hometown) Drag race with it Kansas Speedway busBought a bus 9 hr before race for $5000, went to menards to buy lumber, then drove to the race track First bus they bought did not make it so bought one on the way there Every year they go down in a different camper Desoto project - drove down to AZ to swap the driveline into a disabled vets project car (drove a donated van) Busch drinkers How has hosting the Junk Yard Digs changed their life?Why do it? How would they start it over differently?Which is their favorite social media platform? If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?Right now, who inspires you?If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be?   Would you rather Find a possum in a car or used baby diapersYouTube or InstagramAutocross race or enduro raceOnly drive 71 Satellite or Ford Durango the rest of your lifeKansas Speedway or Indy 50090’s music or 70’s music Club or dive bar   What’s next for them?What can our listeners do to help?What can we do to help?   If you could go back to yourself at age 18, what would you go back and say?

@junkyard_digs      Instagram 84.7k    TikTok ____   YouTube 995k   Twitter _____    <ul><li>Catch Up</li><li>Where are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farming</li><li>How’s the family - do they farm with family?</li><li>Kevin Brown - Ames, IA</li><li>Former US Army Aviation Mechanic</li><li>Certified CH-47 helicopter mechanic </li><li>6 years of service in the Army National Guard (one deployment in OSS/OIS)</li><li>Graduated from ISU in 2021</li><li>15 years of mechanical experience in engine and vehicle repair</li><li>Engaged to Micah Uertz (Junkyard Mook) </li><li>Junkyard Digs - finding cool junk in the area and reviving it </li><li>Invited to events like the QA1 Open House or the Street Machine Nationals</li><li>Show off cars like the Gambler 500 LeMans</li><li>Ramp truck - “sketchiest thing hauled”</li><li>Raced at Barber Motorsports Park (AL) </li><li>71 Satellite revival (neat story on how he found the owner in his hometown) </li><li>Drag race with it </li><li>Kansas Speedway bus</li><li>Bought a bus 9 hr before race for $5000, went to menards to buy lumber, then drove to the race track </li><li>First bus they bought did not make it so bought one on the way there </li><li>Every year they go down in a different camper </li><li>Desoto project - drove down to AZ to swap the driveline into a disabled vets project car (drove a donated van) </li><li>Busch drinkers </li><li>How has hosting the Junk Yard Digs changed their life?</li><li>Why do it? </li><li>How would they start it over differently?</li><li>Which is their favorite social media platform? </li><li>If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?</li><li>Right now, who inspires you?</li><li>If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be?</li></ul> Would you rather <ul><li>Find a possum in a car or used baby diapers</li><li>YouTube or Instagram</li><li>Autocross race or enduro race</li><li>Only drive 71 Satellite or Ford Durango the rest of your life</li><li>Kansas Speedway or Indy 500</li><li>90’s music or 70’s music </li><li>Club or dive bar</li></ul> <ul><li>What’s next for them?</li><li>What can our listeners do to help?</li><li>What can we do to help?</li></ul> If you could go back to yourself at age 18, what would you go back and say?

F4F W/ Junkyard Digs - He Can Make Anything Run

Episode Topic: Using Technologoy to boost ag profitability while staying sustainable @Lidiia Lelechenko. Lidiia is the Account Executive at EOS Data Analytics, she has over 6 years of experience in various roles related to SaaS solutions sales and research activities in sensory analysis. Lidiia holds a Master Degree in Viticulture, Winemaking &amp; Marketing obtained in ESA (École supérieure d'agricultures d'Angers).  Where is she joining us from today?What is Viticulture?What is her professional background? How did she get to where she is today?Who is EOS Data Analytics?A Short Introduction of EOSDA: company background, numbers, and main solutionsEOS Data Analytics takes advantage of cutting-edge geospatial data analytics along with AI-powered algorithms to boost businesses globally and address the challenges humanity is facing today.How EOSDA aligns its work with sustainable agriculture development: solutions capabilities, a social case study about Iowa Drought tolerant cropsWhat technology EOSDA uses to determine the environmental impact of natural disasters: an example of Iowa social case studySatellites and network connectivity?EOSDA Crop Monitoring, best features to boost farm productivity and profitability during the planting season.How does this help our listeners?What kind of data do they receive to help them make decisions.Why is EOSDA Crop Monitoring better than other solutions on the market? Why will it continue to be the leader?Many companies process data, but we do have our own models that show efficiency. Our RnD team processes the images (presence of clouds, shadows, etc.). A team of 25 Ph.D. professors and 60 scientists and developers. Thanks to such a team, we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the problems/needs of customers 100%, feel their pain, and can find an individual approach to each client.EOS SAT. The world's first agri-focused satellite constellation, among companies utilizing remote sensing technologies, is uniquely designed to serve agricultural purposes. Up to 100% coverage of the farmlands and forest areas in the top countries. What are the technical aspectswhy did EOSDA decide to launch it? How EOS SAT will help farmers solve day-to-day agriculture challenges.EOS SAT and its impact on climate change Why is this a focus of EOSDA?What else did we miss?Contact informationSummaryChallengeKnowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself or others at 18? 

Episode Topic: Using Technologoy to boost ag profitability while staying sustainable <a href="mailto:lidiia.lelechenko@eosda.com">@Lidiia Lelechenko</a>. Lidiia is the Account Executive at EOS Data Analytics, she has over 6 years of experience in various roles related to SaaS solutions sales and research activities in sensory analysis. Lidiia holds a Master Degree in Viticulture, Winemaking &amp; Marketing obtained in ESA (École supérieure d'agricultures d'Angers).  Where is she joining us from today?What is Viticulture?What is her professional background? How did she get to where she is today?Who is EOS Data Analytics?<ul><li>A Short Introduction of EOSDA: company background, numbers, and main solutions</li><li>EOS Data Analytics takes advantage of cutting-edge geospatial data analytics along with AI-powered algorithms to boost businesses globally and address the challenges humanity is facing today.</li><li>How EOSDA aligns its work with sustainable agriculture development: solutions capabilities, a social case study about <a href="https://eos.com/blog/how-farmers-help-corn-crops-tackle-droughts-in-iowa/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iowa </a></li><li>Drought tolerant crops</li><li>What technology EOSDA uses to determine the environmental impact of natural disasters: an example of Iowa social case study</li><li>Satellites and network connectivity?</li><li>EOSDA Crop Monitoring, best features to boost farm productivity and profitability during the planting season.</li><li>How does this help our listeners?</li><li>What kind of data do they receive to help them make decisions.</li><li>Why is EOSDA Crop Monitoring better than other solutions on the market? </li><li>Why will it continue to be the leader?</li><li>Many companies process data, but we do have our own models that show efficiency. Our RnD team processes the images (presence of clouds, shadows, etc.). </li><li>A team of 25 Ph.D. professors and 60 scientists and developers. Thanks to such a team, we have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the problems/needs of customers 100%, feel their pain, and can find an individual approach to each client.</li><li>EOS SAT. The world's first agri-focused satellite constellation, among companies utilizing remote sensing technologies, is uniquely designed to serve agricultural purposes. Up to 100% coverage of the farmlands and forest areas in the top countries. </li><li>What are the technical aspects</li><li>why did EOSDA decide to launch it? </li><li>How EOS SAT will help farmers solve day-to-day agriculture challenges.</li><li>EOS SAT and its impact on climate change </li><li>Why is this a focus of EOSDA?</li><li>What else did we miss?</li><li>Contact information</li><li>Summary</li><li>Challenge</li><li>Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself or others at 18? </li></ul>

Revolutionizing Agriculture with Satellite Constellations

Jaclyn Wilson

@FDGenetics      Instagram 2.7k    TikTok ____   YouTube _____   Twitter 22.8k        Catch UpWhere are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farmingHow’s the family - do they farm with family?Lakeside, NEWhat are they up to today?What they see that excites them?What do they want to make sure they see before they leave Fifth generation full-time caretaker of three bovine - Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch Works with her father - Blaine WilsonRed Angus and Red Angus/Simmental composite operation2002: Jaclyn came back to ranch after college2019: founded Flying Diamond Beef2023 National Beef Quality Assurance Cow/Calf producer of the yearFounder of EnviroSmartBeef - founded in April ‘24Grain finished cattleTissue sample taken to give an ideal “days on feed” for animal to reach optimal characteristics3 Concepts: human wellbeing, animal wellbeing, and environment wellbeing Achievements: On Peter Santello (1.68M subscribers) YouTube (last year)On a blockchain project w/ CO Department of Ag (May)Nebraska Hall of Agricultural AchievementReceive the coveted Leopold Covservation AwardHow has social media changed his life?Why do it?How would he start it over differently?Which is their favorite platform?If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?Right now, who inspires you?If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be?   Would you rather Plant trees or branding cattle Have a beer or have a cocktail Road trip cross country or flying to a tropical islandWork in heels or drive to work in reverse Wear a cowgirl hat or a baseball capWork in 0 degrees or 110 degreeBuy a coffee or buy flowers    What’s next for them?What can our listeners do to help?What can we do to help?   If you could stand next to yourself back at age 18, what would you say? 

@FDGenetics      Instagram 2.7k    TikTok ____   YouTube _____   Twitter 22.8k      <ul><li>Catch Up</li><li>Where are they from, what do they farm, how did they get into farming</li><li>How’s the family - do they farm with family?</li><li>Lakeside, NE</li><li>What are they up to today?</li><li>What they see that excites them?</li><li>What do they want to make sure they see before they leave </li><li>Fifth generation full-time caretaker of three bovine - Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch </li><li>Works with her father - Blaine Wilson</li><li>Red Angus and Red Angus/Simmental composite operation</li><li>2002: Jaclyn came back to ranch after college</li><li>2019: founded Flying Diamond Beef</li><li>2023 National Beef Quality Assurance Cow/Calf producer of the year</li><li>Founder of EnviroSmartBeef - founded in April ‘24</li><li>Grain finished cattle</li><li>Tissue sample taken to give an ideal “days on feed” for animal to reach optimal characteristics</li><li>3 Concepts: human wellbeing, animal wellbeing, and environment wellbeing </li><li>Achievements: </li><li>On Peter Santello (1.68M subscribers) YouTube (last year)</li><li>On a blockchain project w/ CO Department of Ag (May)</li><li>Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement</li><li>Receive the coveted Leopold Covservation Award</li><li>How has social media changed his life?</li><li>Why do it?</li><li>How would he start it over differently?</li><li>Which is their favorite platform?</li><li>If you were an animal, what do you think you would be?</li><li>Right now, who inspires you?</li><li>If you could make anything bigger on your body what would it be?</li></ul> Would you rather <ul><li>Plant trees or branding cattle </li><li>Have a beer or have a cocktail </li><li>Road trip cross country or flying to a tropical island</li><li>Work in heels or drive to work in reverse </li><li>Wear a cowgirl hat or a baseball cap</li><li>Work in 0 degrees or 110 degree</li><li>Buy a coffee or buy flowers </li></ul> <ul><li>What’s next for them?</li><li>What can our listeners do to help?</li><li>What can we do to help?</li></ul> If you could stand next to yourself back at age 18, what would you say?

F4F - Jaclyn Wilson Founder of EnviroSmartBeef

Our mission is to provide farms and operators an independent and unbiased outlet for information related to increasing the profitability of their farming operation. We will be providing farms and operators of all sizes and experience levels access to the latest trends, projections, and the tools necessary to increase farming profitability.  Hosted by Tanner Winterhof (@IowaBankerman), David Whitaker (@farmlandguy), and Corey Hillebo (@corn_PorkNBeans) we will take each episode to deliver latest news, what's working for active farms, and a topic of focus each episode.  Remember, if you aren't farming for profit you won't be farming for long.

Really enjoy the variety here and the the information is enlightening!

An Easy, Educational Listen on Ag

Farm4Profit Podcast

The laws of small changes Introduction What’s happening Reminders: Like, rate, review, share Send to farm4profitllc@gmail.com Register for the conference Jason Mauck of Constant Canopy - Keynotes What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback (Nathan Anderson) Networking: Building, maintaining, and utilizing human networks. Creating friends of the farm rather than enemies Having those around you that you can ask for help, borrower equipment, trade services (grain bin moving story) Continued learning through others Hosting or attending field days to learn about best practices and meet others with more experience Connecting with area politicians Taking advantage of paid lobbying trips, talking to those in DC, get in conversations with those who have little in common with you. Breaking the stigma of an “Independent Family Farm” Farmers should be very dependent on others.  That is the way is used to be with shared equipment and labor.  Becoming “Interdependent” https://practicalfarmers.org/ https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/ https://agsolver.com/ Topic of the Week: Why do small changes matter? People don’t fear or resist change in general.  It has to be exciting, clear, and obtainable to get the human psyche on board.  People cut their hair, buy new equipment, try new food all the time = change It’s intimidating to think about cutting something out of your life completely. Instead of eliminating something completely to save costs take a look at the budget and find small areas of savings. 5% less spent on utilities (call and ask for a break), less in interest expense (call and ask or pay down quicker), inputs like wages, seed, chemicals, fertilizer (application rates or dealer price lowering), family living expenses (eat at home) Sell or produce for 5% more – more sources of revenues What would it take to boost your yields by 5%? 200 bushel is 10 more bushel  50 bushel is 2.5 more, 3 lbs per day rate of gain is just an extra 15 hundredths daily What would it take to sell your crop or animal 5% better than you have in the past? Use a broker? Follow a plan?  Set target dates? Could you grow your gross revenues by 5% by doing something else? Custom farm, contract or sub work, become a dealer, network referrals, board position? If you could grow or raise your commodity for 5% less cost at the same time as selling it for 5% more your actual net profit increases.  The profit you produce doesn’t just increase by 10% though it will be more!  $50M into $62.5M is 25% more while $5 into $15 is 200% more (chocolate bars) Buy 100 chocolate bars for 95 cents each and sell them for $1 apiece.  This leaves you with 5% margin or $5 profit at the end of the day.  However, if you find a 5% off coupon and by them for 90 cents each and sell them for $1.05 you have a profit now of $15 or 200% more than before. Summarize This doesn’t just apply to purchasing and selling.  Making small changes in habits, mental and physical health, management techniques and more will pay off. Management, health, and more to be covered in future episodes. Challenge What are some easy areas for you to make 5% changes in your operation?  Where are the harder areas of changing going to be?  Focus on assigning a dollar of impact figure to each category and focus on the areas of largest impact first.  They may not be the easiest or most fun but will be the most rewarding. Conference Update - Jason Mauck of Constant Canopy will be one of the Key Note speakers

The laws of small changes Introduction What’s happening Reminders: Like, rate, review, share Send to farm4profitllc@gmail.com Register for the conference Jason Mauck of Constant Canopy - Keynotes What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback (Nathan Anderson) Networking: Building, maintaining, and utilizing human networks. Creating friends of the farm rather than enemies Having those around you that you can ask for help, borrower equipment, trade services (grain bin moving story) Continued learning through others Hosting or attending field days to learn about best practices and meet others with more experience Connecting with area politicians Taking advantage of paid lobbying trips, talking to those in DC, get in conversations with those who have little in common with you. Breaking the stigma of an “Independent Family Farm” Farmers should be very dependent on others. That is the way is used to be with shared equipment and labor. Becoming “Interdependent” <a href="https://practicalfarmers.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://practicalfarmers.org/</a> <a href="https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/</a> <a href="https://agsolver.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://agsolver.com/</a> Topic of the Week: Why do small changes matter? People don’t fear or resist change in general. It has to be exciting, clear, and obtainable to get the human psyche on board. People cut their hair, buy new equipment, try new food all the time = change It’s intimidating to think about cutting something out of your life completely. Instead of eliminating something completely to save costs take a look at the budget and find small areas of savings. 5% less spent on utilities (call and ask for a break), less in interest expense (call and ask or pay down quicker), inputs like wages, seed, chemicals, fertilizer (application rates or dealer price lowering), family living expenses (eat at home) Sell or produce for 5% more – more sources of revenues What would it take to boost your yields by 5%? 200 bushel is 10 more bushel 50 bushel is 2.5 more, 3 lbs per day rate of gain is just an extra 15 hundredths daily What would it take to sell your crop or animal 5% better than you have in the past? Use a broker? Follow a plan? Set target dates? Could you grow your gross revenues by 5% by doing something else? Custom farm, contract or sub work, become a dealer, network referrals, board position? If you could grow or raise your commodity for 5% less cost at the same time as selling it for 5% more your actual net profit increases. The profit you produce doesn’t just increase by 10% though it will be more! $50M into $62.5M is 25% more while $5 into $15 is 200% more (chocolate bars) Buy 100 chocolate bars for 95 cents each and sell them for $1 apiece. This leaves you with 5% margin or $5 profit at the end of the day. However, if you find a 5% off coupon and by them for 90 cents each and sell them for $1.05 you have a profit now of $15 or 200% more than before. Summarize This doesn’t just apply to purchasing and selling. Making small changes in habits, mental and physical health, management techniques and more will pay off. Management, health, and more to be covered in future episodes. Challenge What are some easy areas for you to make 5% changes in your operation? Where are the harder areas of changing going to be? Focus on assigning a dollar of impact figure to each category and focus on the areas of largest impact first. They may not be the easiest or most fun but will be the most rewarding. Conference Update - Jason Mauck of Constant Canopy will be one of the Key Note speakers

Making Small Changes Can Have a Big Result

Steve Johnson

What to understand about the 2018 Farm Bill? (Dr. Steve Johnson)IntroductionWhat’s happeningFarm4profitllc@gmail.comText 515.207.9640Helpful Linkshttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.htmlhttps://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/farm-bill-decision-aid-tool/https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2019/10/choosing-between-arc-co-and-plc.html2018 Farm Bill Updates Introduce the guest.  Steve Johnson a Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.  Ph.D., Vocational Education, Colorado State University, M.S., Agricultural Education/Economics ,B.S., Agricultural Education, Iowa State University and the resident expert on all things Farm Bill.  Lead into Steve giving a more in depth introduction himself and the meetings coming up.When was the 2018 Farm Bill signed that we are going to discuss?How long is this Farm Bill good for?What were the major changes to this farm bill compared to the one of the past?Crop Insurance – ARC/PLC DecisionsWhat’s the difference between ARC and PLC?Do we get to choose again?Who gets to make the choice?How often do we get to decide?How does this work with my crop insuranceWhat are my deadlines?October 7thMarch 15thMore?What factors should our listeners be considering when making their choice?Should we be updating our yield information?Any other information you’d like to share with our listeners?When you sit down with someone you’ve met for the first time.  What would you tell them about this Farm Bill?For those who either don’t believe in paying attention to this or refuse to try and understand it, what advice do you have for them?Are there any other points you’d like to share with our listeners?Conference UpdateSubmit questions and topic suggestions

What to understand about the 2018 Farm Bill? (Dr. Steve Johnson)<ul><li>Introduction</li><li>What’s happening</li><li><a href="mailto:Farm4profitllc@gmail.com">Farm4profitllc@gmail.com</a></li><li>Text 515.207.9640</li><li>Helpful Links<ul><li><a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html</a></li><li><a href="https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/farm-bill-decision-aid-tool/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/solutions/farm-bill-decision-aid-tool/</a></li><li><a href="https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2019/10/choosing-between-arc-co-and-plc.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://farmdocdaily.illinois.edu/2019/10/choosing-between-arc-co-and-plc.html</a></li></ul></li><li>2018 Farm Bill Updates<ul><li> Introduce the guest.  Steve Johnson a Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.  Ph.D., Vocational Education, Colorado State University, M.S., Agricultural Education/Economics ,B.S., Agricultural Education, Iowa State University and the resident expert on all things Farm Bill.  Lead into Steve giving a more in depth introduction himself and the meetings coming up.</li><li>When was the 2018 Farm Bill signed that we are going to discuss?</li><li>How long is this Farm Bill good for?</li><li>What were the major changes to this farm bill compared to the one of the past?</li><li>Crop Insurance – ARC/PLC Decisions<ul><li>What’s the difference between ARC and PLC?</li><li>Do we get to choose again?<ul><li>Who gets to make the choice?</li></ul></li><li>How often do we get to decide?</li><li>How does this work with my crop insurance</li><li>What are my deadlines?<ul><li>October 7th</li><li>March 15th</li><li>More?</li></ul></li><li>What factors should our listeners be considering when making their choice?<ul><li>Should we be updating our yield information?</li></ul></li><li>Any other information you’d like to share with our listeners?</li></ul></li><li>When you sit down with someone you’ve met for the first time.  What would you tell them about this Farm Bill?</li><li>For those who either don’t believe in paying attention to this or refuse to try and understand it, what advice do you have for them?</li><li>Are there any other points you’d like to share with our listeners?</li></ul></li><li>Conference Update</li><li>Submit questions and topic suggestions</li></ul>

Understanding ARC and PLC w/ Dr. Steve Johnson

How to form your advisory team. What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback o Farm4profitllc@gmail.com o @Farm4Profitllc on Twitter  Taking prevent plant with Brian Sampson Forming an Advisory Team You don’t have to face crucial decisions alone. You can get a team of experts to help you with yourfarming decisions. Where do you start? Is an advisory team right for your farm? Could it become a board of directors? Which farms or operations are a fit for an advisory team?  Many of farms are set up perfectly for an advisory team.  The one who aren't are the farmers who go at it only being their way.  For the rest of you it is a fit! How do I form an advisory team?  You start by listing out the people you think would be a good fit for your advisory team.  They maybe people you already call for advice, or they could be people you've wanted to ask before and haven't.  Then, ask them!  This is the key part, the asking.  What we have learned is when you ask, more often than not, the team member feels honored to join.  This results in more attentive listening and invested advice. Who should be on my advisory team?  This will depend on your farming operation.  We suggest starting with agronomists, accountants, bankers, financial advisors, commodities broker, retired farmer, peer farmer, lawyer, land lord, veterinarian and so on.  Each team will be different based on the needs of your farming operation.  Also, think about reaching out to someone outside of the AG industry.  As farms continue to get more complex with various entities and structures including a CEO or CFO from a corporate setting could provide unique insight. How often should we meet?  This will depend on your farming operation again!  Some of the operations we talked to reach out to specific team members with questions throughout the year and host a full team meeting in the Winter.  Depending how complex your farm business is and how formal of a role you want your advisory team to play this may be different.  We have learned of a farming operation who has their advisory team functioning as a board of directors with voting rights, they meet monthly. Do I compensate my advisory team?  The decision to pay your board or team will be your choice.  You will retain team members longer when purchasing their services or compensating for their time.  However, you can also get quality advice from the right personalities for free too!  Summarize o Start by doing self-reflection on your ability to accept criticism. Flight school pilots are separated from good and great by those who can accept criticism the best and own their faults. They are all trained the same but the best are humble. You need to ask the people to be a part of your team, otherwise they may not even have a clue. Think about your weaknesses or areas of challenge and recruit members to fill those gaps. Each farm will be different so figure out what fits best into your schedule for meeting and which way you plan to compensate your team members.  Glen Newcomer (twitter) learned about creating a when I die folder from his advisory team.  Challenge o If you have people you call now for advice, take the next steps to make sure they are considered your advisory team. Then make it a point to have regular and focused conversations about improving your farm. If you already have an advisory team together we challenge you to think outside of the box for an additional team member (CFO, CEO, HR, etc…)  Conference Update o Farm4Profit Farm Business Award – Nomination details to be on the website, awarded to the farm/farmer most running their operation like a business.  Submit questions and topic suggestions o Farm4profitllc@gmail.com o @Farm4Profitllc on Twitter  Remember if you aren’t farming for profit, you won’t be farming for long.

How to form your advisory team. What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback o Farm4profitllc@gmail.com o @Farm4Profitllc on Twitter  Taking prevent plant with Brian Sampson Forming an Advisory Team You don’t have to face crucial decisions alone. You can get a team of experts to help you with yourfarming decisions. Where do you start? Is an advisory team right for your farm? Could it become a board of directors? Which farms or operations are a fit for an advisory team?  Many of farms are set up perfectly for an advisory team.  The one who aren't are the farmers who go at it only being their way.  For the rest of you it is a fit! How do I form an advisory team?  You start by listing out the people you think would be a good fit for your advisory team.  They maybe people you already call for advice, or they could be people you've wanted to ask before and haven't.  Then, ask them!  This is the key part, the asking.  What we have learned is when you ask, more often than not, the team member feels honored to join.  This results in more attentive listening and invested advice. Who should be on my advisory team?  This will depend on your farming operation.  We suggest starting with agronomists, accountants, bankers, financial advisors, commodities broker, retired farmer, peer farmer, lawyer, land lord, veterinarian and so on.  Each team will be different based on the needs of your farming operation.  Also, think about reaching out to someone outside of the AG industry.  As farms continue to get more complex with various entities and structures including a CEO or CFO from a corporate setting could provide unique insight. How often should we meet?  This will depend on your farming operation again!  Some of the operations we talked to reach out to specific team members with questions throughout the year and host a full team meeting in the Winter.  Depending how complex your farm business is and how formal of a role you want your advisory team to play this may be different.  We have learned of a farming operation who has their advisory team functioning as a board of directors with voting rights, they meet monthly. Do I compensate my advisory team?  The decision to pay your board or team will be your choice.  You will retain team members longer when purchasing their services or compensating for their time.  However, you can also get quality advice from the right personalities for free too!  Summarize o Start by doing self-reflection on your ability to accept criticism. Flight school pilots are separated from good and great by those who can accept criticism the best and own their faults. They are all trained the same but the best are humble. You need to ask the people to be a part of your team, otherwise they may not even have a clue. Think about your weaknesses or areas of challenge and recruit members to fill those gaps. Each farm will be different so figure out what fits best into your schedule for meeting and which way you plan to compensate your team members.  Glen Newcomer (twitter) learned about creating a when I die folder from his advisory team.  Challenge o If you have people you call now for advice, take the next steps to make sure they are considered your advisory team. Then make it a point to have regular and focused conversations about improving your farm. If you already have an advisory team together we challenge you to think outside of the box for an additional team member (CFO, CEO, HR, etc…)  Conference Update o Farm4Profit Farm Business Award – Nomination details to be on the website, awarded to the farm/farmer most running their operation like a business.  Submit questions and topic suggestions o Farm4profitllc@gmail.com o @Farm4Profitllc on Twitter  Remember if you aren’t farming for profit, you won’t be farming for long.

Forming Your Advisory Team

Planning and budgeting – goal setting (Episode #2) Calving Story What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback Cheap beer (focusing on family living expenses) costs from outside of farming expenses that still need to be carried by farm profitability Cutting the cable or using streaming entertainment services. monthly reoccurring charges for memberships/subscriptions that aren’t used any more Consulting with service providers for reduced rates, packages, or alternatives.  (Energy, insurance, 5% changes) future podcasts Find us on twitter @Farm4ProfitLLC Individually on Twitter @IowaBankerman - Tanner @IowaLandGuy - David Send us an email farm4profitllc@gmail.com Connect through our website www.farm4profit.com Leave us a voicemail at 515.207.9640 Connect on Facebook @Farm4Profit Building an Instagram at Farm4Profit Planning and budgeting – goal setting Most often this is where it starts, just having a plan is progress even if it’s in your head.  In today’s world with competition at its peak you can’t afford to not have a plan. Better yet, Write it down, type it up, enter it into a program Services available all over: https://farmlogs.com/ https://conservis.ag/ https://granular.ag/ https://www.harvestprofit.com/ https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/decisionaids.html https://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/ https://www.card.iastate.edu/ Share it with others – welcome feedback Family Team members (Banker, broker, accountant) Peers Example of what sharing with your peers can gain for you.  An individual living in a suburb made a resolution to exercise more and chose CrossFit as a form of exercising to do that.  The closest gym to him offering this style of workout was a 30 minute commute &amp; in the opposite direction of where he worked.  After working out for 3 months he built relationships with other members of the class &amp; shared he may need to discontinue the class because the time commitment was too long.  As soon as he shared this he had an option for a route that shaved 12 minutes off the drive time and the knowledge of a new gym closer to his work. Just by sharing his plan he gained from the perspective of others. Get detailed Over all is great, but dividing down to a field by field, acre by acre, or animal by animal basis will provide insight more insight Using unit by unit strategies could result in letting a farm go, searching for my ground or genetics like your highest profit characteristics, or searching for cost reduction strategies with a more focused effort. Company from prior conference was Ag Solver https://agsolver.com/ If you can’t do it get help Or you don’t enjoy it Pay for help or get it for free (future) There will be more material in future episodes about how to form an advisory team to help with this. Also future episodes on how to get more of this service from your bankers, salesmen, and tools for free. Review it Periodically Monthly or after seasonal swings and big market movements (trade deals and crop reports and planting progress) Huge tool in considering prevented plant or crop choices Make in season adjustments Compare at the end of the year/season Keep your original plan/budget and then compare.  Learn from the factors that changed and why. Summarize Start with a plan, basic.  Work through the details and then share your plan with others.  This will help keep you accountable and maybe share insights you were missing.  Make adjustments throughout the year and revisit it frequently to make sure you are on track.  At the end reflect on how it turned out and what needs to be done differently next time. Challenge What does you budget look like now?  Not talking if it’s in the green or red, but does one exists.  If you do have one are there ways you get add more detail or more accurate information to it?  DO you know someone with more skills than you have to add insight?  If you don’t have one start now to take the steps to get started on paper.  Write it down. Conference Update What’s working for Ag section to be featured on 12/6/2019.  Sharing the most profitable actions from farmers from all areas. Submit questions and topic suggestions Find us on twitter @Farm4ProfitLLC Individually on Twitter @IowaBankerman - Tanner @IowaLandGuy - David Send us an email farm4profitllc@gmail.com Connect through our website www.farm4profit.com Leave us a voicemail at 515.207.9640 Connect on Facebook @Farm4Profit Building an Instagram at Farm4Profit

Planning and budgeting – goal setting (Episode #2) Calving Story What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback Cheap beer (focusing on family living expenses) costs from outside of farming expenses that still need to be carried by farm profitability Cutting the cable or using streaming entertainment services. monthly reoccurring charges for memberships/subscriptions that aren’t used any more Consulting with service providers for reduced rates, packages, or alternatives. (Energy, insurance, 5% changes) future podcasts Find us on twitter @Farm4ProfitLLC Individually on Twitter @IowaBankerman - Tanner @IowaLandGuy - David Send us an email farm4profitllc@gmail.com Connect through our website <a href="http://www.farm4profit.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.farm4profit.com</a> Leave us a voicemail at 515.207.9640 Connect on Facebook @Farm4Profit Building an Instagram at Farm4Profit Planning and budgeting – goal setting Most often this is where it starts, just having a plan is progress even if it’s in your head. In today’s world with competition at its peak you can’t afford to not have a plan. Better yet, Write it down, type it up, enter it into a program Services available all over: <a href="https://farmlogs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://farmlogs.com/</a> <a href="https://conservis.ag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://conservis.ag/</a> <a href="https://granular.ag/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://granular.ag/</a> <a href="https://www.harvestprofit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.harvestprofit.com/</a> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/decisionaids.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/decisionaids.html</a> <a href="https://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://quickbooks.intuit.com/online/</a> <a href="https://www.card.iastate.edu/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.card.iastate.edu/</a> Share it with others – welcome feedback Family Team members (Banker, broker, accountant) Peers Example of what sharing with your peers can gain for you. An individual living in a suburb made a resolution to exercise more and chose CrossFit as a form of exercising to do that. The closest gym to him offering this style of workout was a 30 minute commute &amp; in the opposite direction of where he worked. After working out for 3 months he built relationships with other members of the class &amp; shared he may need to discontinue the class because the time commitment was too long. As soon as he shared this he had an option for a route that shaved 12 minutes off the drive time and the knowledge of a new gym closer to his work. Just by sharing his plan he gained from the perspective of others. Get detailed Over all is great, but dividing down to a field by field, acre by acre, or animal by animal basis will provide insight more insight Using unit by unit strategies could result in letting a farm go, searching for my ground or genetics like your highest profit characteristics, or searching for cost reduction strategies with a more focused effort. Company from prior conference was Ag Solver <a href="https://agsolver.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://agsolver.com/</a> If you can’t do it get help Or you don’t enjoy it Pay for help or get it for free (future) There will be more material in future episodes about how to form an advisory team to help with this. Also future episodes on how to get more of this service from your bankers, salesmen, and tools for free. Review it Periodically Monthly or after seasonal swings and big market movements (trade deals and crop reports and planting progress) Huge tool in considering prevented plant or crop choices Make in season adjustments Compare at the end of the year/season Keep your original plan/budget and then compare. Learn from the factors that changed and why. Summarize Start with a plan, basic. Work through the details and then share your plan with others. This will help keep you accountable and maybe share insights you were missing. Make adjustments throughout the year and revisit it frequently to make sure you are on track. At the end reflect on how it turned out and what needs to be done differently next time. Challenge What does you budget look like now? Not talking if it’s in the green or red, but does one exists. If you do have one are there ways you get add more detail or more accurate information to it? DO you know someone with more skills than you have to add insight? If you don’t have one start now to take the steps to get started on paper. Write it down. Conference Update What’s working for Ag section to be featured on 12/6/2019. Sharing the most profitable actions from farmers from all areas. Submit questions and topic suggestions Find us on twitter @Farm4ProfitLLC Individually on Twitter @IowaBankerman - Tanner @IowaLandGuy - David Send us an email farm4profitllc@gmail.com Connect through our website <a href="http://www.farm4profit.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.farm4profit.com</a> Leave us a voicemail at 515.207.9640 Connect on Facebook @Farm4Profit Building an Instagram at Farm4Profit

Planning & Budgeting

Please rate, review, and share our podcast!What’s happeningFarm4Profit Conference was 12/6/1961% of our attendees filled out an event survey  rated the conference 4.58 out of 5 starsThanks for a great eventGreat speakersSpeakers were very practical and relatableLots of good infoThis needs to be better advertised, more farmers need to attend this meeting and thank you to the sponsors for putting it onNeeded Pepsi instead of CokePlease make the speakers repeat all questionsWhat’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedbackJason Mauck presented about his relay cropping and intercropping practices.  This last year he planted “twin Row” 60 iinch wheat and 20 inch beans. In his talk he mentioned using less of the inputs than typical relying on the manure to power the wheat and the cover to reduce weeds.  Ended up with 50 bushel wheat and 80 bushel beans.He also planted corn and beans together and harvested with a platform head.  We have his talked recorded and will be releasing his message and the other speakers messages here before too long!Taxes with a capital “T”?Introduce the guest. Kyle “why-wood”  Kyle specializes in Tax Services. He provides expertise in partnerships, corporations, and LLCs. He received his Bachelors in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa.Memberships &amp; Community Service:Member, American Institute of Certified Public AccountantsMember, Iowa Society of Certified Public AccountantsWhat are some of the updates we are facing this year as it relates to ag and ag business?1031 exchangeSection 179 As an accountant what is your take on section 179?Paying ChildrenMaking retirement contributions Why is it important to have a tax planning meeting before the end of the year? When you sit down with a new client or perspective client how does that first meeting usually go? After you have worked with clients for a while what are ways you or other accountants can bring value year after year?What do you see your top tier of clients doing that your believe got them there or keeps them there.  Both financially and on their farms in general. If a farm operation or farmer is reaching 3-5 years from wanting to retire, what advice would you give to begin working on that plan?Suggestions for transferring assets to the next generation Have you been a part of an open communication stream with a farmer’s advisory team?  What was beneficial in that relationship or what could be the benefits of a structure as such? What are some questions our listeners should have prepared for their meetings with their tax preparers? Are there any other points you’d like to share with our listeners? SummarizeTake notes during the interview to summarize.  Hit on how important tax planning can be on the farm. Tie back the obvious to growing farm profitability.ChallengeSpell out steps for them to begin taking action. Refer to the points made by the presenter.Conference UpdateSubmit questions and topic suggestions

<ul><li>Please rate, review, and share our podcast!</li><li>What’s happening<ul><li>Farm4Profit Conference was 12/6/19<ul><li>61% of our attendees filled out an event survey  rated the conference 4.58 out of 5 stars</li><li>Thanks for a great event</li><li>Great speakers</li><li>Speakers were very practical and relatable</li><li>Lots of good info</li><li>This needs to be better advertised, more farmers need to attend this meeting and thank you to the sponsors for putting it on</li><li>Needed Pepsi instead of Coke</li><li>Please make the speakers repeat all questions</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback<ul><li>Jason Mauck presented about his relay cropping and intercropping practices.  This last year he planted “twin Row” 60 iinch wheat and 20 inch beans. In his talk he mentioned using less of the inputs than typical relying on the manure to power the wheat and the cover to reduce weeds.  Ended up with 50 bushel wheat and 80 bushel beans.</li><li>He also planted corn and beans together and harvested with a platform head.  We have his talked recorded and will be releasing his message and the other speakers messages here before too long!</li></ul></li><li>Taxes with a capital “T”?<ul><li>Introduce the guest. Kyle “why-wood”  Kyle specializes in Tax Services. He provides expertise in partnerships, corporations, and LLCs. He received his Bachelors in Accounting from the University of Northern Iowa.</li><li>Memberships &amp; Community Service:<ul><li>Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul>Member, Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants<ul><li>What are some of the updates we are facing this year as it relates to ag and ag business?<ul><li>1031 exchange</li><li>Section 179 <ul><li>As an accountant what is your take on section 179?</li></ul></li><li>Paying Children</li><li>Making retirement contributions</li></ul></li><li> Why is it important to have a tax planning meeting before the end of the year?</li><li> When you sit down with a new client or perspective client how does that first meeting usually go?</li><li> After you have worked with clients for a while what are ways you or other accountants can bring value year after year?</li><li>What do you see your top tier of clients doing that your believe got them there or keeps them there.  Both financially and on their farms in general.</li><li> If a farm operation or farmer is reaching 3-5 years from wanting to retire, what advice would you give to begin working on that plan?<ul><li>Suggestions for transferring assets to the next generation</li></ul></li><li> Have you been a part of an open communication stream with a farmer’s advisory team?  What was beneficial in that relationship or what could be the benefits of a structure as such?</li><li> What are some questions our listeners should have prepared for their meetings with their tax preparers?</li><li> Are there any other points you’d like to share with our listeners?</li><li> Summarize<ul><li>Take notes during the interview to summarize.  Hit on how important tax planning can be on the farm. Tie back the obvious to growing farm profitability.</li></ul></li><li>Challenge<ul><li>Spell out steps for them to begin taking action. Refer to the points made by the presenter.</li></ul></li><li>Conference Update</li><li>Submit questions and topic suggestions</li></ul>

Tax Planning Tips to Keep More Profit

8-Lessons Learned from 2019Tyne Morgan – AgWeb – Farm Journal12/27/20192019 will go down as one of the most challenging crop-growing journeys in history; much of that stemming from unforgiving weather.  Late planting, unforgiving conditions, leading to a wet and snowy harvest.The yield story is one many growers didn’t see coming, creating a year full of agronomic lessons that could last a lifetime.For instance, we would tell a grower not to mud corn in unless he's doing it for crop insurance. That corn stand is so crucial, make sure you get it right.Not so much to worry about the calendar but to focus on the quality of job getting done.2019 taught everyone that planting dates don’t always matter.Stop worrying about the neighbor and know what is right for your farm.If we look at planter studies and planter attachments and how we can teach the planter to dance, it's just as important on June 5 as it is on May 5 as it is on April 15Don’t get in a rush and forget about necessary planter maintenance and set up.As genetics continue to improve, the crop is a little more forgiving when it comes to weather and planting dates. The idea of getting in a panic and forcing that crop in, I don't think we have to do that anymoreBe patient and know what the hybrid’s strengths are – cold germ tests.We have the technology that allows us to plant fast and do it in marginal conditionsSee item #1  marginal is still better than mud, but the pace is faster than it used to beWith a lot of our new genetics today, the last 30 days make the cropThe whole year matters, hope and disciplineDon't never walk away from a growing crop,’ because you don't know when the next opportunity is going to come along.Some tore out a marginal crop only to get another marginal crop plantedStick to your marketing plan.  Delayed planting sprouted a bullish reaction in the markets. Once the market realized a late-planted crop could still be made, that reaction turned sour.Those with less emotion involved took advantage of what the market gave for opportunities.https://www.agweb.com/article/lessons-learned-2019-planting-dates-dont-matter

8-Lessons Learned from 2019Tyne Morgan – AgWeb – Farm Journal12/27/20192019 will go down as one of the most challenging crop-growing journeys in history; much of that stemming from unforgiving weather.  Late planting, unforgiving conditions, leading to a wet and snowy harvest.The yield story is one many growers didn’t see coming, creating a year full of agronomic lessons that could last a lifetime.<ol><li>For instance, we would tell a grower not to mud corn in unless he's doing it for crop insurance. That corn stand is so crucial, make sure you get it right.<ol><li>Not so much to worry about the calendar but to focus on the quality of job getting done.</li></ol></li><li>2019 taught everyone that planting dates don’t always matter.<ol><li>Stop worrying about the neighbor and know what is right for your farm.</li></ol></li><li>If we look at planter studies and planter attachments and how we can teach the planter to dance, it's just as important on June 5 as it is on May 5 as it is on April 15<ol><li>Don’t get in a rush and forget about necessary planter maintenance and set up.</li></ol></li><li>As genetics continue to improve, the crop is a little more forgiving when it comes to weather and planting dates. The idea of getting in a panic and forcing that crop in, I don't think we have to do that anymore<ol><li>Be patient and know what the hybrid’s strengths are – cold germ tests.</li></ol></li><li>We have the technology that allows us to plant fast and do it in marginal conditions<ol><li>See item #1  marginal is still better than mud, but the pace is faster than it used to be</li></ol></li><li>With a lot of our new genetics today, the last 30 days make the crop<ol><li>The whole year matters, hope and discipline</li></ol></li><li>Don't never walk away from a growing crop,’ because you don't know when the next opportunity is going to come along.<ol><li>Some tore out a marginal crop only to get another marginal crop planted</li></ol></li><li>Stick to your marketing plan.  Delayed planting sprouted a bullish reaction in the markets. Once the market realized a late-planted crop could still be made, that reaction turned sour.<ol><li>Those with less emotion involved took advantage of what the market gave for opportunities.</li></ol></li></ol><a href="https://www.agweb.com/article/lessons-learned-2019-planting-dates-dont-matter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.agweb.com/article/lessons-learned-2019-planting-dates-dont-matter</a>

8 Lessons Learned from 2019

Getting the most out of conferences and webinarsIntroductionSubscribe, Rate, Review, Follow, ShareText 515.207.9640 / E-mail farm4profitllc@gmail.comAnswer questionsWhat are health care options available for farmers and farming families?What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedbackIt’s not a waste of time if you uncover something valuable?It starts with a mentality.  If you start your day or anticipate the learning session to be a waste of your time you might as well just stop now and don’t do it.  The power of emotion is so hard to overtake that you will probably have a pour experience.Find an accountability partner to attend with.  This is a strategic decision. You will get less value attending if the person or group you are there with don’t have the same motivations of you to learn something new.  On your way there or before it starts talk about goals you want to achieve before it’s over.A topic you want to hear and whyA networking opportunity to connect with (politics, royalty, and technology) Busting a mythStrengthen your advisory team.  Why not invite someone to attend with you who also knows the ins/outs and strengths/challenges that your farm faces daily.Don’t waste the breaks.  Yes, stay hydrated and don’t go hungry, but seek out new relationships and target those who can bring value to your farm.  If meeting people is uncomfortable for you then your accountability partner should be one with a skill to help introduce you.  Each attendee there is probably there for the same reason, to get a benefit from the meeting. Meeting you could be their biggest take away, so don’t hold back!Find a sponsor.  We are talking ROI here.  This podcast is all about making your farm more money.  Yes if you invest in yourself that can generate more revenue, but why not get the education for free?  Think of it as a scholarship. -----Suggested places would be salesmen (seed, fert, equipment) or an accountant or your banker!ProTip- If you have a question you want to ask out loud or the end of the presentation write it down.  If you don’t write it down you one, stand a change of forgetting it and two, usually are distracted by trying to remember the question that you don’t hear what is being shared currently.ProTip- Take notes, but do it on two different sheets.  Write down the items you find value in during the presentation.  Then at the end of each presentation write the one or two biggest takeaways on a separate piece of paper or document.  This then allows you to get straight to the important information in the days following.Before you go home take one (maybe two) things that you want to implement on your farm and create a rough plan for how you will do that.  Do you still need to learn more? Who will you need to learn more from? Where do you go to buy it? Are there others you need to educate? And so on. SummarizeIt starts with your mindset.  Just because the conference or webinar is free doesn’t mean it will be worthless.  The vice versa is just because you pay $400 per ticket doesn’t mean there will be automatic extreme value.  The better you are at setting goals before you go into the learning session the more you will get out of the event. (share personal example).  Once you are there, minimize your distraction and make the most of your time. Once you grab a nugget of valuable info make a plan of action to add to your farming operation.  Hopefully you are then able to boost your farms profitability by the knowledge you gained. ChallengeWhat is something on your 3-2-1 plan you need to learn more about?  Is there an annual meeting you have always attended coming up? Take one of those areas and begin setting the mindset for learning, setting goals, and boosting overall profitability.Conference UpdateSubmit questions and topic suggestions

Getting the most out of conferences and webinars<ul><li>Introduction<ul><li>Subscribe, Rate, Review, Follow, Share</li><li>Text 515.207.9640 / E-mail farm4profitllc@gmail.com</li></ul></li><li>Answer questions<ul><li>What are health care options available for farmers and farming families?</li></ul></li><li>What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback</li><li>It’s not a waste of time if you uncover something valuable?<ul><li>It starts with a mentality.  If you start your day or anticipate the learning session to be a waste of your time you might as well just stop now and don’t do it.  The power of emotion is so hard to overtake that you will probably have a pour experience.</li><li>Find an accountability partner to attend with.  This is a strategic decision. You will get less value attending if the person or group you are there with don’t have the same motivations of you to learn something new.  On your way there or before it starts talk about goals you want to achieve before it’s over.<ul><li>A topic you want to hear and why</li><li>A networking opportunity to connect with (politics, royalty, and technology) </li><li>Busting a myth</li></ul></li><li>Strengthen your advisory team.  Why not invite someone to attend with you who also knows the ins/outs and strengths/challenges that your farm faces daily.</li><li>Don’t waste the breaks.  Yes, stay hydrated and don’t go hungry, but seek out new relationships and target those who can bring value to your farm.  If meeting people is uncomfortable for you then your accountability partner should be one with a skill to help introduce you.  Each attendee there is probably there for the same reason, to get a benefit from the meeting. Meeting you could be their biggest take away, so don’t hold back!</li><li>Find a sponsor.  We are talking ROI here.  This podcast is all about making your farm more money.  Yes if you invest in yourself that can generate more revenue, but why not get the education for free?  Think of it as a scholarship. -----Suggested places would be salesmen (seed, fert, equipment) or an accountant or your banker!<ul><li>ProTip- If you have a question you want to ask out loud or the end of the presentation write it down.  If you don’t write it down you one, stand a change of forgetting it and two, usually are distracted by trying to remember the question that you don’t hear what is being shared currently.</li><li>ProTip- Take notes, but do it on two different sheets.  Write down the items you find value in during the presentation.  Then at the end of each presentation write the one or two biggest takeaways on a separate piece of paper or document.  This then allows you to get straight to the important information in the days following.</li></ul></li><li>Before you go home take one (maybe two) things that you want to implement on your farm and create a rough plan for how you will do that.  Do you still need to learn more? Who will you need to learn more from? Where do you go to buy it? Are there others you need to educate? And so on. </li></ul></li><li>Summarize<ul><li>It starts with your mindset.  Just because the conference or webinar is free doesn’t mean it will be worthless.  The vice versa is just because you pay $400 per ticket doesn’t mean there will be automatic extreme value.  The better you are at setting goals before you go into the learning session the more you will get out of the event. (share personal example).  Once you are there, minimize your distraction and make the most of your time. Once you grab a nugget of valuable info make a plan of action to add to your farming operation.  Hopefully you are then able to boost your farms profitability by the knowledge you gained. </li></ul></li><li>Challenge<ul><li>What is something on your 3-2-1 plan you need to learn more about?  Is there an annual meeting you have always attended coming up? Take one of those areas and begin setting the mindset for learning, setting goals, and boosting overall profitability.</li></ul></li><li>Conference Update</li><li>Submit questions and topic suggestions</li></ul>

How to Get the Best ROI From Conference Season

How to become the best customer for your salespersonIntroductionLike, Rate, Review, Share (@farm4profitllc)Read Review “Really enjoy the variety here and the information is enlightening” – RRListener feedback and questions = Contributed to farm4profitllc@gmail.comWho do you know that we could talk to about their successes in growing their farming operation? – Listener feedback question on how to get bigger and growing a farming operation.  Get better first then get bigger.What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedbackAle Frick - @Engineer_Farmer (Lake Creek Texas, from Central Europe, degree in mechanical engineering)What is working on your farm that you feel is helping contribute to high profitability, more efficiencies, margin management, or any other positive momentum?Tandem grain carts, custom made planter, wheat drill, metal fabricating.Is this a mentality/mindset, hobby, training, luck?Advice to on how to get started others who could see a few changes like this making a big difference on their farm? Main Topic: What if your salesperson disliked spending time with you as much as you disliked them coming around? Could the way you behave, react, or think help the relationships you have with sales people?We aren’t insinuating that you don’t like all the sales people that you deal with, but we all know there are some that are better than others.  How about we flip the script?! Do sales people like all their customers?What could you be doing as the customer to make you their favorite customer to do business with?What happens when you are the favorite?First to get a call?Late night, odd hour service?Discounts?Honest advice?Could any of those make you more profitable?Episode #1 was titled Traits of Top Performing Farmers.  We didn’t include being a good customer, but maybe we should have.  We reached out to sales professionals and sales un-professionals around our networks and came up with some common traits of their favorite customers.  If you don’t have these traits and feel like you aren’t getting the service you deserve, maybe there are some changes that need to be made?Matt McCune @ksufearless (farmer &amp; sales agronomist in Hays, KS &amp; storm chaser)Return every phone call.  –and timely!Reduce lying, better to just not lie.  – helps get to the reason behind needing the answerAren’t offended by “20 questions” -  I will ask a ton of questions to find a way to do whatever they need, but sometimes I need more information to get them the answer.Are honest about delivery time frames/windows - When a farmer calls me and asks be to deliver something, I ask "when do you need this by", and quite often they will say "oh, tomorrow or the next day".  When I first started I would drop everything and go running to them; which impresses them, but was sometimes unnecessary due to their scheduling or caused a logistics issue on their farm.Realistically understand the importance of their needs - I will answer my phone ANYTIME. If it’s something that can wait until business hours please do, but I have guys call me just to talk life at 9 pm, and I am there for them.  This game is 90% mental.  Be there for your customersRespect the efforts of going above and beyond. - I have been known to deliver product at stupid odd hours.  One night a customer called me, said he didn’t realize he was low on glyphosate.  I arranged to take him a shuttle at midnight, so that i could also be spraying at first light. He was delighted and it worked out.Mitch Giese @mitch_giese  (John Deere Salesman, Sheldon, IA and farm kid.)Ones who treat me as their peer.  They share information willingly because they know that the more I know about them and their business, the better I can understand their goals and make recommendations accordingly.  Include me in their Advisory Team - They trust me to provide advice that is in their best interest.  Understand my sales position is my JOB - They allow me to make a reasonable profit because they know that sustainability of the industries supporting them is vital to their own survival and pays them back in the long run.  Aren’t confrontational - They don’t make business transactions needlessly confrontational.  They sometimes buy elsewhere if I can’t offer what they need or someone else’s offering is more attractive, but they treat me respectfully when they do. Todd Sampson @td_sampson (Insurance agent with Midwest Insurance, Nevada IA) There needs to be an openness with your sales person - so they know what is important to you.  Being able to articulate the goals of the farm today and the long-term plan of the farm’s future helps the professional have a better idea of what they can do to help make that a reality.Are open to suggestions and implement them: - Most companies will have a risk management meeting with the clients on occasion to make sure the processes and procedures to reduce risk are in place.  Contracts, employee handbooks, safety checklists, etc. are all ways that farmers and ag business companies can reduce their exposure to claims.Kacee Bohle @ConservisKacee (Regional manager for Conservis, traveler &amp; Ag Lover)Be open minded to new things in agriculture, like technology. There are so many farmers who were successful in their prime years ago that are still thinking "this is what I have done and it worked and so I am going to keep doing that", which is not keeping them competitive.  Have a plan to change:  we know that it takes time to implement change, and those clients that understand there needs to be a plan, goals, and a timeline of implementation as well as reflection are usually more successful than those that assume things will just magically work over night.Bodie @Bkitch1Bodie (Regional Business Director for Next Level Ag, central Indiana)1.) Personable and beyond business – are just as interested in learning about me and my goals as I am about them and their goals2.) Engaged and challenging- they aren’t argumentative they are just eager to learn, but also don’t let me slide by with a poor or lazy answer.3.) Genuine in what they do and say. – being straight forward and truthfulConrad @SmithAgConrad (West Central Illinois, Sales Manager Smith Agri-Service)You can’t communicate with me enough.  If that means you need call me 3 times a day or text me 10 times a day to keep me abreast of what’s happening then do it.  My ability to plan &amp; make efficient decision is predicated on how well the producer communicates with me. Many failures occur simply because of a breakdown in communication”.Transparency which goes hand in hand with communication right? Their expectations based on the service level they pay for should match what I can deliver. Things work well when I’ve earned a producers trust to the point where we can sit down and take an honest look at yield history, market prices, expenses &amp; make a decisions that fit the farm.  Tom Hadley @TomHadley55  (Territory Manager for Gerinhoff heads – Southeast IA)Treat me like a family member - My favorite traits of a farmer that I have a great relationship are the ones that start off as “cold” and “hard to get to know”. After a while it turns into you are almost a family member after you break down the walls and show that you want them to be profitable with you not you making profit from them. I like to be face to face - and don’t like texting. I want to hear your voice – the tone or confidence/worry. What can I do to make your day better?They don’t dismiss early – The worst traits of most Farmers is they always have a reason why it’s not time to buy in the first minute of a conversation without the question even being brought up.  Our time is just as valuable as yours.Andrew Klein @SmartBarnOhio (Owner of Smart Barn – wireless sensors Dayton OH)First off, be nice and treat others like you want them to treat you. You’d be surprised (or maybe not surprised?) how often I’ve been mistreated on the first phone call. When I’m working with a potential customer, I always treat them kindly. But man does it get tougher if they treat me like garbage. And honestly, I avoid new business from people who are assholes, go find another asshole who wants to help you, I've got plenty of work and I'd rather work with people who like me. Second, don’t treat me like a highway robber. My prices are my prices, and while there’s some room for negotiation, I’m giving you the best deal I can afford already. If you genuinely can’t afford my product, or don’t see the value then please let’s do each other a solid and just walk away.Finally, communication! Tell me your concerns, thoughts, gripes, things you like, in a calm, adult way, and I guarantee we can figure out a win-win. I can help a lot better if we’re communicating. Honestly I always go above and beyond and think most sales people do, but if you follow the golden rule its way more likely your salesperson is going to go way above and beyond!ME (Tanner)-Aren’t afraid to tell me “NO”. – saves me time, effort, and worry if you just fill me in.  It won’t hurt my feelings, I am a professional that gets told “No” a lot.Schedule the meetings when they can. -I have more clients than just one, so my favorite ones call to schedule an apt, or if its last minute at least call to let me know they are comingMeals and Beverages not necessary, but it is a perk.  For the same reasons like to bring food the field and treat my clients to lunch.  It leaves a lasting impression. (in laws cooked lunch for mechanic)YOU (David)-Leave Online reviews – You help make me look good and ill work extra hard to make you look goodTrust me. -I will work hard and in your best interest for you.  It does me no good to hold information that would benefit you until a later time.  When I learn something I will tell you.ChallengeFigure it out, are you doing these or do you have areas to improve?  The next time you “want something” from your sales person, try using one or multiple of the suggestions.  Then let us know how it turned out! @Farm4profitllcConference UpdateIt’s on for December 4, 2020!

How to become the best customer for your salesperson<ul><li>Introduction<ul><li>Like, Rate, Review, Share (@farm4profitllc)<ul><li>Read Review “Really enjoy the variety here and the information is enlightening” – RR</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Listener feedback and questions = Contributed to <a href="mailto:farm4profitllc@gmail.com">farm4profitllc@gmail.com</a><ul><li>Who do you know that we could talk to about their successes in growing their farming operation? – Listener feedback question on how to get bigger and growing a farming operation.  Get better first then get bigger.</li></ul></li><li>What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback<ul><li>Ale Frick - @Engineer_Farmer (Lake Creek Texas, from Central Europe, degree in mechanical engineering)</li><li>What is working on your farm that you feel is helping contribute to high profitability, more efficiencies, margin management, or any other positive momentum?<ul><li>Tandem grain carts, custom made planter, wheat drill, metal fabricating.</li></ul></li><li>Is this a mentality/mindset, hobby, training, luck?</li><li>Advice to on how to get started others who could see a few changes like this making a big difference on their farm?</li></ul></li></ul> <ul><li>Main Topic: What if your salesperson disliked spending time with you as much as you disliked them coming around? Could the way you behave, react, or think help the relationships you have with sales people?<ul><li>We aren’t insinuating that you don’t like all the sales people that you deal with, but we all know there are some that are better than others.  How about we flip the script?! Do sales people like all their customers?</li><li>What could you be doing as the customer to make you their favorite customer to do business with?<ul><li>What happens when you are the favorite?<ul><li>First to get a call?</li><li>Late night, odd hour service?</li><li>Discounts?</li><li>Honest advice?<ul><li>Could any of those make you more profitable?</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Episode #1 was titled Traits of Top Performing Farmers.  We didn’t include being a good customer, but maybe we should have.  We reached out to sales professionals and sales un-professionals around our networks and came up with some common traits of their favorite customers.  If you don’t have these traits and feel like you aren’t getting the service you deserve, maybe there are some changes that need to be made?</li><li>Matt McCune @ksufearless (farmer &amp; sales agronomist in Hays, KS &amp; storm chaser)<ul><li>Return every phone call.  –and timely!</li><li>Reduce lying, better to just not lie.  – helps get to the reason behind needing the answer</li><li>Aren’t offended by “20 questions” -  I will ask a ton of questions to find a way to do whatever they need, but sometimes I need more information to get them the answer.</li><li>Are honest about delivery time frames/windows - When a farmer calls me and asks be to deliver something, I ask "when do you need this by", and quite often they will say "oh, tomorrow or the next day".  When I first started I would drop everything and go running to them; which impresses them, but was sometimes unnecessary due to their scheduling or caused a logistics issue on their farm.</li><li>Realistically understand the importance of their needs - I will answer my phone ANYTIME. If it’s something that can wait until business hours please do, but I have guys call me just to talk life at 9 pm, and I am there for them.  This game is 90% mental.  Be there for your customers</li><li>Respect the efforts of going above and beyond. - I have been known to deliver product at stupid odd hours.  One night a customer called me, said he didn’t realize he was low on glyphosate.  I arranged to take him a shuttle at midnight, so that i could also be spraying at first light. He was delighted and it worked out.</li></ul></li><li>Mitch Giese @mitch_giese  (John Deere Salesman, Sheldon, IA and farm kid.)<ul><li>Ones who treat me as their peer.  They share information willingly because they know that the more I know about them and their business, the better I can understand their goals and make recommendations accordingly.  </li><li>Include me in their Advisory Team - They trust me to provide advice that is in their best interest.  </li><li>Understand my sales position is my JOB - They allow me to make a reasonable profit because they know that sustainability of the industries supporting them is vital to their own survival and pays them back in the long run.  </li><li>Aren’t confrontational - They don’t make business transactions needlessly confrontational.  They sometimes buy elsewhere if I can’t offer what they need or someone else’s offering is more attractive, but they treat me respectfully when they do. </li></ul></li><li>Todd Sampson @td_sampson (Insurance agent with Midwest Insurance, Nevada IA) <ul><li>There needs to be an openness with your sales person - so they know what is important to you.  Being able to articulate the goals of the farm today and the long-term plan of the farm’s future helps the professional have a better idea of what they can do to help make that a reality.</li><li>Are open to suggestions and implement them: - Most companies will have a risk management meeting with the clients on occasion to make sure the processes and procedures to reduce risk are in place.  Contracts, employee handbooks, safety checklists, etc. are all ways that farmers and ag business companies can reduce their exposure to claims.</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Kacee Bohle @ConservisKacee (Regional manager for Conservis, traveler &amp; Ag Lover)<ul><li>Be open minded to new things in agriculture, like technology. There are so many farmers who were successful in their prime years ago that are still thinking "this is what I have done and it worked and so I am going to keep doing that", which is not keeping them competitive.  </li><li>Have a plan to change:  we know that it takes time to implement change, and those clients that understand there needs to be a plan, goals, and a timeline of implementation as well as reflection are usually more successful than those that assume things will just magically work over night.</li></ul></li><li>Bodie @Bkitch1Bodie (Regional Business Director for Next Level Ag, central Indiana)<ul><li>1.) Personable and beyond business – are just as interested in learning about me and my goals as I am about them and their goals</li><li>2.) Engaged and challenging- they aren’t argumentative they are just eager to learn, but also don’t let me slide by with a poor or lazy answer.</li><li>3.) Genuine in what they do and say. – being straight forward and truthful</li></ul></li><li>Conrad @SmithAgConrad (West Central Illinois, Sales Manager Smith Agri-Service)<ul><li>You can’t communicate with me enough.  If that means you need call me 3 times a day or text me 10 times a day to keep me abreast of what’s happening then do it.  My ability to plan &amp; make efficient decision is predicated on how well the producer communicates with me. Many failures occur simply because of a breakdown in communication”.</li><li>Transparency which goes hand in hand with communication right? Their expectations based on the service level they pay for should match what I can deliver. Things work well when I’ve earned a producers trust to the point where we can sit down and take an honest look at yield history, market prices, expenses &amp; make a decisions that fit the farm.  </li></ul></li><li>Tom Hadley @TomHadley55  (Territory Manager for Gerinhoff heads – Southeast IA)<ul><li>Treat me like a family member - My favorite traits of a farmer that I have a great relationship are the ones that start off as “cold” and “hard to get to know”. After a while it turns into you are almost a family member after you break down the walls and show that you want them to be profitable with you not you making profit from them. </li><li>I like to be face to face - and don’t like texting. I want to hear your voice – the tone or confidence/worry. What can I do to make your day better?</li><li>They don’t dismiss early – The worst traits of most Farmers is they always have a reason why it’s not time to buy in the first minute of a conversation without the question even being brought up.  Our time is just as valuable as yours.</li></ul></li><li>Andrew Klein @SmartBarnOhio (Owner of Smart Barn – wireless sensors Dayton OH)<ul><li>First off, be nice and treat others like you want them to treat you. You’d be surprised (or maybe not surprised?) how often I’ve been mistreated on the first phone call. When I’m working with a potential customer, I always treat them kindly. But man does it get tougher if they treat me like garbage. And honestly, I avoid new business from people who are assholes, go find another asshole who wants to help you, I've got plenty of work and I'd rather work with people who like me. </li><li>Second, don’t treat me like a highway robber. My prices are my prices, and while there’s some room for negotiation, I’m giving you the best deal I can afford already. If you genuinely can’t afford my product, or don’t see the value then please let’s do each other a solid and just walk away.</li><li>Finally, communication! Tell me your concerns, thoughts, gripes, things you like, in a calm, adult way, and I guarantee we can figure out a win-win. I can help a lot better if we’re communicating. Honestly I always go above and beyond and think most sales people do, but if you follow the golden rule its way more likely your salesperson is going to go way above and beyond!</li></ul></li><li>ME (Tanner)-<ul><li>Aren’t afraid to tell me “NO”. – saves me time, effort, and worry if you just fill me in.  It won’t hurt my feelings, I am a professional that gets told “No” a lot.</li><li>Schedule the meetings when they can. -I have more clients than just one, so my favorite ones call to schedule an apt, or if its last minute at least call to let me know they are coming</li><li>Meals and Beverages not necessary, but it is a perk.  For the same reasons like to bring food the field and treat my clients to lunch.  It leaves a lasting impression. (in laws cooked lunch for mechanic)</li></ul></li><li>YOU (David)-<ul><li>Leave Online reviews – You help make me look good and ill work extra hard to make you look good</li><li>Trust me. -I will work hard and in your best interest for you.  It does me no good to hold information that would benefit you until a later time.  When I learn something I will tell you.</li></ul></li><li>Challenge<ul><li>Figure it out, are you doing these or do you have areas to improve?  The next time you “want something” from your sales person, try using one or multiple of the suggestions.  Then let us know how it turned out! @Farm4profitllc</li></ul></li><li>Conference Update<ul><li>It’s on for December 4, 2020!</li></ul></li></ul>

The Best Customers Make the Most Profit

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/natural-tips-sleepiness11 Tips on How to Stay Awake NaturallyBy Camille Peri With more and more of us getting less and less sleep, it’s tempting to reach for a Red Bull, Coffee or Bang when we feel sleepy in the field. But consuming caffeine to combat sleepiness can lead to a vicious cycle.How can you stay awake naturally? Try some of these 11 jitter-free tips to take the edge off sleepiness.1. Get Up and Move Around to Feel AwakeCalifornia State University, Long Beach, studied whether people were more energized by eating a candy bar or taking a brisk 10-minute walk. The 10-minute walk increased energy for two hours. That’s because walking pumps oxygen through your veins, brain, and muscles.2. Take a Nap to Take the Edge Off Sleepiness“Nap between five and 25 minutes,” says Barry Krakow, MD, author of Sound Sleep, Sound Mind Napping on the job can be touchy. “If you can’t nap, even resting quietly with your eyes closed for 10 minutes or so will help3. Give Your Eyes a Break to Avoid FatigueContinuous fixation on a computer screen can cause eyestrain and worsen sleepiness and fatigue. Look away from the screen for a few minutes periodically to relax your eyes.4. Eat a Healthy Snack to Boost EnergySugary snacks give you a quick energy boost followed by the sugar “lows,” when low blood sugar produces mental fogginess and lethargy. Snacks such as these will provide better overall energy in the long run:Peanut butter on a whole wheat cracker or celery sticksYogurt and a handful or nuts or fresh fruitBaby carrots with a low-fat cream cheese dip5. Start a Conversation to Wake Up Your MindIf you’re fading fast, engaging in conversation can get your mind moving again. “Talk to a colleague about a business idea, politics, or religion,” says Krakow, medical director of Maimonides Sleep Arts and Sciences, Ltd. in Albuquerque, N.M. “It’s a very strong behavioral stimulator -- especially when it’s a conversation about politics.”6. Turn Up the Lights to Ease FatigueEnvironments with dim lighting aggravate fatigue. Studies have shown that exposure to bright light can reduce sleepiness and increase alertness. Try increasing the intensity of your light source at work.7. Take a Breather to Feel AlertDeep breathing raises blood oxygen levels in the body. This slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation, ultimately aiding mental performance and energy.The idea of deep-breathing exercises is to inhale to the abdomen, not the chest. You can do them at your desk. Sitting up straight, try this exercise up to 10 times:With one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other on your chest, inhale deeply through your nose and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.Breathe out through lips pursed as if you were whistling. You can use the hand on your belly to help push air out.Another technique, called stimulating breath, is used in yoga for a quick energy boost and increased alertness: Inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose, keeping your mouth closed but relaxed. Make your in-and-out breaths short -- do about three of each cycle in a second. Then breathe normally. You can do this for up to 15 seconds the first time and then add on five seconds each time after until you reach a minute.8. If You’re Driving, Pull Over When Sleepy“Driving while sleepy is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol,” says Siebern. Common tricks such as opening the windows and turning on loud music won’t keep you awake for very long behind the wheel. “Have someone else drive or pull off the road and take a nap until you’re no longer sleepy,” Siebern says.If you’re on an extended trip, change drivers often. Stop at least every two hours to take a walk and get some fresh air.9. Switch Tasks to Stimulate Your MindIn 2004 Finnish researchers who studied people working 12-hour night shifts found that monotonous work is as harmful as sleep loss for alertness. Switch to more engaging work responsibilities when you feel yourself nodding off. 10. Drink Water to Prevent TirednessDehydration can cause fatigue. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as fruits and vegetables.11. Exercise to Increase Energy and Reduce FatigueIn an analysis of 70 studies involving more than 6,800 people, University of Georgia researchers found that exercise was more effective in increasing energy and reducing daytime fatigue than some medications used to treat sleep problems. Regular exercise also improves quality of sleep.Try to exercise 30 minutes a day. If you decide to exercise hard some days, your energy level may drop for a bit and then surge for a few hours. Eating a meal that contains both protein and carbohydrates within two hours after a heavy workout will lessen the initial energy loss. Be sure to finish your workout a few hours before bedtime so you are not energized when you try to sleep.

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/natural-tips-sleepiness" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/natural-tips-sleepiness</a>11 Tips on How to Stay Awake NaturallyBy Camille Peri With more and more of us getting less and less <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/default.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sleep</a>, it’s tempting to reach for a Red Bull, Coffee or Bang when we feel sleepy in the field. But consuming <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/caffeine-myths-and-facts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">caffeine</a> to combat sleepiness can lead to a vicious cycle.How can you stay awake naturally? Try some of these 11 jitter-free tips to take the edge off sleepiness.1. Get Up and Move Around to Feel AwakeCalifornia State University, Long Beach, studied whether people were more energized by eating a candy bar or taking a brisk 10-minute walk. The 10-minute walk increased energy for two hours. That’s because walking pumps oxygen through your veins, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/brain/picture-of-the-brain" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">brain</a>, and muscles.2. Take a Nap to Take the Edge Off Sleepiness“Nap between five and 25 minutes,” says Barry Krakow, MD, author of Sound Sleep, Sound Mind Napping on the job can be touchy. “If you can’t nap, even resting quietly with your <a href="https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/picture-of-the-eyes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eyes</a> closed for 10 minutes or so will help3. Give Your Eyes a Break to Avoid FatigueContinuous fixation on a computer screen can cause eyestrain and worsen sleepiness and <a href="https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/why-so-tired-10-causes-fatigue" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fatigue</a>. Look away from the screen for a few minutes periodically to relax your <a href="https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-eye-conditions-overview" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">eyes</a>.4. Eat a Healthy Snack to Boost EnergySugary snacks give you a quick energy boost followed by the sugar “lows,” when <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-hypoglycemia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">low blood sugar</a> produces mental fogginess and lethargy. Snacks such as these will provide better overall energy in the long run:Peanut butter on a whole wheat cracker or celery sticksYogurt and a handful or nuts or fresh fruitBaby carrots with a low-fat cream cheese dip5. Start a Conversation to Wake Up Your MindIf you’re fading fast, engaging in conversation can get your mind moving again. “Talk to a colleague about a business idea, politics, or religion,” says Krakow, medical director of Maimonides Sleep Arts and Sciences, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/webmd/consumer_assets/controlled_content/healthwise/nord/growth_hormone_insensitivity_nord_nord821.xml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ltd</a>. in Albuquerque, N.M. “It’s a very strong behavioral stimulator -- especially when it’s a conversation about politics.”6. Turn Up the Lights to Ease FatigueEnvironments with dim lighting aggravate <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/ss/slideshow-fatigue-causes-and-remedies" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fatigue</a>. Studies have shown that exposure to bright light can reduce sleepiness and increase alertness. Try increasing the intensity of your light source at work.7. Take a Breather to Feel AlertDeep breathing raises <a href="https://www.webmd.com/heart/anatomy-picture-of-blood" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blood</a> oxygen levels in the body. This slows your <a href="https://www.webmd.com/webmd/consumer_assets/controlled_content/healthwise/medicaltest/pulse_measurement_medicaltest_hw233473.xml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">heart rate</a>, lowers <a href="https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/diastolic-and-systolic-blood-pressure-know-your-numbers" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">blood pressure</a>, and improves circulation, ultimately aiding mental performance and energy.The idea of deep-breathing exercises is to inhale to the <a href="https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-abdomen" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">abdomen</a>, not the chest. You can do them at your desk. Sitting up straight, try this <a href="https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/default.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">exercise</a> up to 10 times:With one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other on your chest, inhale deeply through your nose and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.Breathe out through lips pursed as if you were whistling. You can use the hand on your belly to help push air out.Another technique, called stimulating breath, is used in <a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/the-health-benefits-of-yoga" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">yoga</a> for a quick energy boost and increased alertness: Inhale and exhale rapidly through your nose, keeping your <a href="https://www.webmd.com/webmd/consumer_assets/controlled_content/healthwise/multimedia/anatomy_of_the_mouth_multimedia_tp12512.xml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">mouth</a> closed but relaxed. Make your in-and-out breaths short -- do about three of each cycle in a second. Then breathe normally. You can do this for up to 15 seconds the first time and then add on five seconds each time after until you reach a minute.8. If You’re Driving, Pull Over When Sleepy“Driving while sleepy is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol,” says Siebern. Common tricks such as opening the windows and turning on loud music won’t keep you awake for very long behind the wheel. “Have someone else drive or pull off the road and take a nap until you’re no longer sleepy,” Siebern says.If you’re on an extended trip, change drivers often. Stop at least every two hours to take a walk and get some fresh air.9. Switch Tasks to Stimulate Your MindIn 2004 Finnish researchers who studied people working 12-hour night shifts found that monotonous work is as harmful as sleep loss for alertness. Switch to more engaging work responsibilities when you feel yourself nodding off. 10. Drink Water to Prevent Tiredness<a href="https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dehydration-adults" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dehydration</a> can cause <a href="https://www.webmd.com/women/rm-quiz-fatigue-something-else" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fatigue</a>. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in water such as <a href="https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/ss/slideshow-exotic-fruits" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fruits and vegetables</a>.11. Exercise to Increase Energy and Reduce FatigueIn an analysis of 70 studies involving more than 6,800 people, University of Georgia researchers found that <a href="https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/slideshow-7-most-effective-exercises" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">exercise</a> was more effective in increasing energy and reducing daytime <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/video/breus-always-tired" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fatigue</a> than some <a href="https://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">medications</a> used to treat sleep problems. Regular exercise also improves quality of sleep.Try to exercise 30 minutes a day. If you decide to exercise hard some days, your energy level may drop for a bit and then surge for a few hours. Eating a meal that contains both protein and carbohydrates within two hours after a heavy workout will lessen the initial energy loss. Be sure to finish your workout a few hours before <a href="https://www.webmd.com/parenting/raising-fit-kids/recharge/video/solving-bedtime-battles" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bedtime</a> so you are not energized when you try to sleep.

11 Tips on How to Stay Awake Naturally

Successful Farming10 Trendy Tech Gifts for FarmersX-CAP RECHARGEABLE LIGHTED HAT This one-size-fits-most knit hat is designed to keep you warm while the four LEDs with 120 lumens of light help guide you in the dark. Simply push the light in to turn it on. Choose from three different intensity levels to get just the right amount of light. The X-Cap’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for four hours on a full charge and easily charges via USB. When the light is in the hat, a cover over the USB port keeps it protected. When it’s time to wash your hat, simply pop the light out. It’s $25 at thegrommet.com.Timberland Men’s Touchscreen GlovesWhen you’re searching for a good pair of touchscreen gloves, finding the right combination of warmth, dexterity, and grip can be a challenge. The Timberland Ribbed-Knit Wool-Blend Gloves are a nice solution. These well-made gloves aren’t bulky, yet they offer the warmth needed in colder weather. Features include touchscreen-friendly fingertips and a textured palm for extra grip. The range in price from $12 to $30 at amazon.com. CUJOBillions of connected devices are increasingly exposed to virtual threats. Traditional security solutions are outdated since cybercriminals create new ways to reach into your home every day. CUJO is a smart firewall that keeps your connected home safe. From smartphones to laptops, CUJO secures all devices against hacks and web threats. An added bonus is that it lets you control what your kids access online to help keep them safe. CUJO is around $85.Aquatune and 2-in-1 CableThe Aquatune 5712 is a go-anywhere speaker that easily syncs via Bluetooth or the in-line cable with your devices. When fully charged, it can play up to 12 hours depending on volume. Charge time is about one to two hours. With its signature All Weather Sound technology, you can stream your tunes in the harshest environments because it’s weatherproof, shockproof, and dustproof. It’s $39.99 at shopyatra.com.Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder CaseThe Pathfinder Series Cases feature composite construction with an armor shell and impact-resistant soft core. Each case is equipped with scratch-resistant skid pads and screen surround for maximum device protection. It meets military drop-test standards and is available in rust, black, and white. Price ranges from $34.95 to $39.95 at urbanarmorgear.com. Belkin Road RockStarCharging is no longer limited to the front seat. The Belkin Road Rockstar with four USB ports actually has two ports up front. A 6-foot cable extends into the back seat, so passengers can attach to the hub that offers two more USB ports. It also clips to the backseat car pocket. It’s $39.99 at belkin.com.Milwaukee TICKThe Milwaukee TICK is a Bluetooth-enabled device that lets you track tools and equipment. It is designed to survive water, cold, mud, dust, and more. Simply sync the TICK with Milwaukee’s ONE-KEY app and you’re ready to start tracking. Tool records and locations are updated when any device with the ONE-KEY app comes within 100 feet of the TICK . . . and the app doesn’t have to be open for this to happen. Users can also manage all of their tools through the app’s Simplified Tool and Equipment Management features. These features allow users to assign and store detailed information for all of their tools and equipment. The TICK is powered by a coin cell battery that provides over one year of run time. One TICK is $19, a four-pack is $99, and a 10-pack is $179. Milwaukee Ultimate Jobsite BackpackThe Ultimate Jobsite Backpack is designed for ultimate durability, protection, and storage. It features a durable hard molded base and rugged metal zippers, plus 48 total pockets including two hard-shell pockets designed to protect electronics and equipment from impact. A padded and breathable load-bearing harness evenly distributes the weight for comfort. It’s $119 at milwaukeetool.com.Retro Classic KeyboardInspired by vintage typewriters and crafted with ultramodern features, the Azio Retro Classic is a nice mix of past, present, and future. A backlit mechanical keyboard with round key caps that evoke nostalgia of yesteryear complemented with a durable zinc-alloy frame and a sumptuous genuine leather surface. It’s $189.99 at aziocorp.com.SpotOn Digital Soil Compaction MeterCreated for farmers and agronomists, the SpotOn digital soil compaction meter automatically displays the maximum compaction value when the probe is extracted from the soil. The probe has a usable length of 30 inches and the stainless steel shaft is marked every 4 inches for easy depth reference. Compaction levels are shown with a green (0 to 200), yellow (200 to 300) or red (300+) code. The company says the meter is accurate within 15 psi. It’s made in the U.S.A. and is $419 with a one-year warranty. 

Successful Farming10 Trendy Tech Gifts for Farmers<ul><li>X-CAP RECHARGEABLE LIGHTED HAT </li></ul>This one-size-fits-most knit hat is designed to keep you warm while the four LEDs with 120 lumens of light help guide you in the dark. Simply push the light in to turn it on. Choose from three different intensity levels to get just the right amount of light. The X-Cap’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for four hours on a full charge and easily charges via USB. When the light is in the hat, a cover over the USB port keeps it protected. When it’s time to wash your hat, simply pop the light out. It’s $25 at <a href="https://www.thegrommet.com/x-cap-usb-charging-head-lamp-cap" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">thegrommet.com</a>.<h2>Timberland Men’s Touchscreen Gloves</h2>When you’re searching for a good pair of touchscreen gloves, finding the right combination of warmth, dexterity, and grip can be a challenge. The Timberland Ribbed-Knit Wool-Blend Gloves are a nice solution. These well-made gloves aren’t bulky, yet they offer the warmth needed in colder weather. Features include touchscreen-friendly fingertips and a textured palm for extra grip. The range in price from $12 to $30 at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Timberland-Ribbed-Touchscreen-Technology-Medium/dp/B00WH4NXLA/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">amazon.com</a>. <h2>CUJO</h2>Billions of connected devices are increasingly exposed to virtual threats. Traditional security solutions are outdated since cybercriminals create new ways to reach into your home every day. CUJO is a smart firewall that keeps your connected home safe. From smartphones to laptops, CUJO secures all devices against hacks and web threats. An added bonus is that it lets you control what your kids access online to help keep them safe. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSEX7PT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CUJO is around $85.</a><h2>Aquatune and 2-in-1 Cable</h2>The Aquatune 5712 is a go-anywhere speaker that easily syncs via Bluetooth or the in-line cable with your devices. When fully charged, it can play up to 12 hours depending on volume. Charge time is about one to two hours. With its signature All Weather Sound technology, you can stream your tunes in the harshest environments because it’s weatherproof, shockproof, and dustproof. It’s $39.99 at <a href="https://www.shopyatra.com/collections/yatra-audio/products/aquatune-5712" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">shopyatra.com</a>.<h2>Urban Armor Gear Pathfinder Case</h2>The Pathfinder Series Cases feature composite construction with an armor shell and impact-resistant soft core. Each case is equipped with scratch-resistant skid pads and screen surround for maximum device protection. It meets military drop-test standards and is available in rust, black, and white. Price ranges from $34.95 to $39.95 at <a href="https://urbanarmorgear.com/collections/pathfinder" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">urbanarmorgear.com</a>. <h2>Belkin Road RockStar</h2>Charging is no longer limited to the front seat. The Belkin Road Rockstar with four USB ports actually has two ports up front. A 6-foot cable extends into the back seat, so passengers can attach to the hub that offers two more USB ports. It also clips to the backseat car pocket. It’s $39.99 at <a href="http://www.belkin.com/us/F8M935/p/P-F8M935/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">belkin.com</a>.<h2>Milwaukee TICK</h2><a href="https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/48-21-2000" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Milwaukee TICK</a> is a Bluetooth-enabled device that lets you track tools and equipment. It is designed to survive water, cold, mud, dust, and more. Simply sync the TICK with Milwaukee’s ONE-KEY app and you’re ready to start tracking. Tool records and locations are updated when any device with the ONE-KEY app comes within 100 feet of the TICK . . . and the app doesn’t have to be open for this to happen. Users can also manage all of their tools through the app’s Simplified Tool and Equipment Management features. These features allow users to assign and store detailed information for all of their tools and equipment. The TICK is powered by a coin cell battery that provides over one year of run time. One TICK is $19, a four-pack is $99, and a 10-pack is $179. <h2>Milwaukee Ultimate Jobsite Backpack</h2>The Ultimate Jobsite Backpack is designed for ultimate durability, protection, and storage. It features a durable hard molded base and rugged metal zippers, plus 48 total pockets including two hard-shell pockets designed to protect electronics and equipment from impact. A padded and breathable load-bearing harness evenly distributes the weight for comfort. It’s $119 at <a href="https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Storage-Solutions/Soft-Storage/Backpacks/48-22-8201" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">milwaukeetool.com.</a><h2>Retro Classic Keyboard</h2>Inspired by vintage typewriters and crafted with ultramodern features, the Azio Retro Classic is a nice mix of past, present, and future. A backlit mechanical keyboard with round key caps that evoke nostalgia of yesteryear complemented with a durable zinc-alloy frame and a sumptuous genuine leather surface. It’s $189.99 at <a href="https://aziocorp.com/products/retro-classic-usb?variant=10731924488235" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">aziocorp.com.</a><h2>SpotOn Digital Soil Compaction Meter</h2>Created for farmers and agronomists, the <a href="https://innoquestinc.com/product/spoton-digital-compaction-meter/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SpotOn digital soil compaction meter</a> automatically displays the maximum compaction value when the probe is extracted from the soil. The probe has a usable length of 30 inches and the stainless steel shaft is marked every 4 inches for easy depth reference. Compaction levels are shown with a green (0 to 200), yellow (200 to 300) or red (300+) code. The company says the meter is accurate within 15 psi. It’s made in the U.S.A. and is $419 with a one-year warranty.

Top 10 Gifts for Tech Savvy Farmers

Landon Friesen @landon707 on Twitter •	What is your cost of production? o	This isn’t unique to farming.  It is important in all types of businesses. 	Coors light has to know what they have in each 12 pack otherwise they won’t be around to make more. 	Just like in our introduction…..If you aren’t farming for profit you won’t be farming for long o	If someone asked you break even how accurate will your answer be? 	Your number needs to be flexible and include all expenses supported by the farm. (family living) 	It will start off abstract or a wild ass guess •	Early predictions will be estimates as all parts can change •	Fuel, time, extra passes, interest hikes, sales, hired labor 	Change the information as it becomes fact is key.  It will seem like less work throughout the year if you make more little changes rather than sitting down for hours.  Especially during the busy growing season.  Some of the top producers we talk with have scheduled time each week to focus on this part. •	After you lock in inputs •	After you make field passes •	After you make grain sales 	Make you more confident in your sales •	Early season sales are made to be above the rough target or sell into an overall profit model. •	Later in the processes you can be more accurate in recording the margins generated from sales •	Again, be careful chasing the peaks in the markets.  Remember farmers never go out of business selling for a profit 	Will help with acquisition/expansion scenarios •	Time to upgrade combines? •	Should I rent that extra 160 acres? •	Can I buy the land from my land lord? 	Effects some of your costs of production •	 your interest rates – detail pays •	Negotiations with land lords and sales people •	Summarize o	Having the knowledge of what your breakeven is can make you a more confident producer.  Livestock to crops one really should know what they can sell the finished product for to cover expenses and make profit.  This allows a producer to be more confident in making quick decisions which could result in higher levels of profit.  Get detailed and keep it updated throughout the year.  Don’t be afraid to share it with others to help catch areas that may be overlooked. •	Challenge o	Where are you keeping your breakeven information now?  Are you prepared to say yes when the crush plant or processing plant calls with a cash bid? How could you make sure your information is more accurate or more detailed?  Who else knows what your breakeven is? Take time to focus on the answers to those questions to help drive you to be a more profitable farmer. •	Conference Update https://www.farm4profit.com/uploads/8/6/6/6/86663378/farm4profit_farm_business_award.pdf https://www.harvestprofit.com/

Landon Friesen @landon707 on Twitter •	What is your cost of production? o	This isn’t unique to farming. It is important in all types of businesses. 	Coors light has to know what they have in each 12 pack otherwise they won’t be around to make more. 	Just like in our introduction…..If you aren’t farming for profit you won’t be farming for long o	If someone asked you break even how accurate will your answer be? 	Your number needs to be flexible and include all expenses supported by the farm. (family living) 	It will start off abstract or a wild ass guess •	Early predictions will be estimates as all parts can change •	Fuel, time, extra passes, interest hikes, sales, hired labor 	Change the information as it becomes fact is key. It will seem like less work throughout the year if you make more little changes rather than sitting down for hours. Especially during the busy growing season. Some of the top producers we talk with have scheduled time each week to focus on this part. •	After you lock in inputs •	After you make field passes •	After you make grain sales 	Make you more confident in your sales •	Early season sales are made to be above the rough target or sell into an overall profit model. •	Later in the processes you can be more accurate in recording the margins generated from sales •	Again, be careful chasing the peaks in the markets. Remember farmers never go out of business selling for a profit 	Will help with acquisition/expansion scenarios •	Time to upgrade combines? •	Should I rent that extra 160 acres? •	Can I buy the land from my land lord? 	Effects some of your costs of production •	 your interest rates – detail pays •	Negotiations with land lords and sales people •	Summarize o	Having the knowledge of what your breakeven is can make you a more confident producer. Livestock to crops one really should know what they can sell the finished product for to cover expenses and make profit. This allows a producer to be more confident in making quick decisions which could result in higher levels of profit. Get detailed and keep it updated throughout the year. Don’t be afraid to share it with others to help catch areas that may be overlooked. •	Challenge o	Where are you keeping your breakeven information now? Are you prepared to say yes when the crush plant or processing plant calls with a cash bid? How could you make sure your information is more accurate or more detailed? Who else knows what your breakeven is? Take time to focus on the answers to those questions to help drive you to be a more profitable farmer. •	Conference Update <a href="https://www.farm4profit.com/uploads/8/6/6/6/86663378/farm4profit_farm_business_award.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.farm4profit.com/uploads/8/6/6/6/86663378/farm4profit_farm_business_award.pdf</a> <a href="https://www.harvestprofit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.harvestprofit.com/</a>

The Power of Knowing Your Breakeven

Take a screenshot of your favorite farming song and share it with us.  @farm4profitllc or farm4profitllc@gmail.comhttps://theboot.com/top-country-songs-about-farming/10"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy"Kenny ChesneyLand-lovin' lyrics: "She thinks my tractor's sexy / It really turns her on / She's always starin' at me / While I'm chuggin' along."Chesney has clearly found the woman who's right for him: She's into farmer's tans, loves John Deere tractors and appreciates well-tilled soil. Hold on tight to that one, sir!9"Farm to Fame"Joey + RoryLand-lovin' lyrics: "He went from rags to riches / Farm to fame / From diggin' ditches / To carving out a name."Technically, this song is about getting away from farm life -- specifically, about a country singer who spent every weekend away from the farm playing gigs until a big shot from Nashville discovered him. Still, the song's lyrics admit that it's often "rags to riches to rags again," so our hero may be trading those gigs for rigs soon.8"Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs?"Tom T. HallLand-lovin' lyrics: "Four hundred hogs, they just standin' out there / My wife can't feed 'em, and the neighbors don't care / They can't get out and roam like my old huntin' dogs / Here I am in this dang bed, and who's gonna feed them hogs?"Who, indeed. The narrator of this song tells the story of a man who woke up in a hospital bed in a "medicated fog" and is only concerned about who will feed his hogs -- who's going to keep his livelihood alive, really. In the end, the man is miraculously healed and gets back to his farm -- and thank goodness. Four hundred hogs is a lot of potential bacon (figuratively and literally)!7"A Man on a Tractor"Rodney AtkinsLand-lovin' lyrics: "His work was laid out there before him / In rows of green, his whole life was revealed / Oh, what I wouldn't give if I could just live / Like a man on a tractor with a dog in a field."Atkins is singing a classic "the grass is always greener" scenario: He's feeling jealous of a "man on a tractor with a dog in a field," until his wife wisely points out, "There's more than one way" to be that man -- by finding contentment wherever you are.6"Where Corn Don't Grow"Waylon JenningsLand-lovin' lyrics: "But hard times are real / There's dusty fields no matter where you go / You may change your mind / 'Cause the weeds are high where corn don't grow."This song features a conversation between a teen boy and his farmer father. While looking out over the father's fields, the boy asks him if he's ever dreamed of a life "where corn don't grow." At the risk of giving too much away, the teenager soon finds out that there's a lot about life that he doesn't understand.5"Amarillo Sky"Jason AldeanLand-lovin' lyrics: "On his knees every night / He prays, 'Please let my crops and children grow' / 'Cause that's all he's ever known."Farmers are so often at the mercy of the elements: Will there be enough rain? Will a hail storm destroy the crops? This song is about a farmer living through that tension, working hard every day while praying that his "dreams [don't] run dry / Underneath this Amarillo sky."4"Rain Is a Good Thing"Luke BryanLand-lovin' lyrics: "My daddy spent his life lookin' up at the sky / He'd cuss, kick the dust, sayin', 'Son, it's way too dry' / It clouds up in the city, the weatherman complains / But where I come from, rain is a good thing."Bryan is one of country's preeminent farm boys: He grew up on a peanut farm, and he's well-known for his annual Farm Tour. So when he sings that "rain is a good thing," we should probably believe him.3"Last of a Dying Breed"Neal McCoyLand-lovin' lyrics: "With a house on a hill and a pond in the fields / Surrounded by a mess of corn rows / Makes a livin' from his labor / With credit to the Maker / He's somebody everybody knows."This song is the ultimate ode to the farmer, from the "overall wearers, farmer-tan tearers" to the "cake pan lickers, ripe tomato pickers, hay balers loadin' trailers in the fall." However, the tune has a somber undertone, as McCoy worries that these men and women may be the "last of a dying breed" ... but until that time, he's here to celebrate them.2"Farmer's Blues"Merle Haggard and Marty StuartLand-lovin' lyrics: "Who'll buy my wheat? / Who'll buy my corn / To feed my babies when they're born? / Seeds and dirt / A prayer for rain / That, I can use."This classic by Haggard and Stuart doesn't sugarcoat farming life; instead, it focuses on the hard realities of being a farmer, from bad weather to the difficulty of getting a loan to the fear that no one will buy their crops. The song offers no easy answers; it's simply an accurate depiction of the difficulty of farm life.1"Where the Green Grass Grows"Tim McGrawLand-lovin' lyrics: "I'm gonna live where the green grass grows / Watch my corn pop up in rows / Every night be tucked in close to you."This song is a celebration of farm life and love: loving the land, loving your occupation, loving a woman and loving the work of raising corn and babies. Farm life is tough, but a song like this makes it seem worth it.https://www.fastline.com/frontpage/2010/03/31/top-10-songs-about-farming/Milk Cow Blues, Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys version– This one has been done by several artists including The King- Elvis, Willie Nelson, and The King of Country- George Strait.Big Green Tractor, Jason Aldean (Video)- Whether you are a fan of green tractors or not, this is a recent hit that has quickly become a favorite.Down on the Farm, Tim McGraw (Video)- This song has very little to do with actual farming, but the tune is catchy and you kind of can’t help but sing along.Cloud of Dust, Brad Paisley- Farmers probably know better than anyone how important rain is. When there is a lack of rain, times get tough. Hopefully you won’t need it this year, but maybe this song can help you through those times.International Harvester, Craig Morgan (Video)– For all of you that aren’t fans of the big green tractors, maybe this one is more your style?Also reminds us to be friendly to those slow moving farm vehicles.Rain on a Scarecrow, John Mellencamp (Video)- This song details the life of a farmer struggling to just get by and how much things have changed over several generations. , If you haven’t heard it, it’s a must listen.Shadows of a Heartland, Bobby Pinson- A simple song about life in the country and on the farm.Thank God I’m a Country Boy, John Denver (Audio)- We think this one is pretty self explanatory.Daddy Won’t Sell The Farm, Montgomery Gentry- No Matter what, despite the struggles…. Daddy won’t sell the farm.And of course we couldn’t have a farming song list without this one… She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy, Kenny Chesney

Take a screenshot of your favorite farming song and share it with us.  @farm4profitllc or farm4profitllc@gmail.com<a href="https://theboot.com/top-country-songs-about-farming/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://theboot.com/top-country-songs-about-farming/</a><ul><li>10"She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/kenny-chesney/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kenny Chesney</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "She thinks my tractor's sexy / It really turns her on / She's always starin' at me / While I'm chuggin' along."Chesney has clearly found the woman who's right for him: She's into farmer's tans, loves John Deere tractors and appreciates well-tilled soil. Hold on tight to that one, sir!<ul><li>9"Farm to Fame"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/joey-and-rory/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Joey + Rory</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "He went from rags to riches / Farm to fame / From diggin' ditches / To carving out a name."Technically, this song is about getting away from farm life -- specifically, about a country singer who spent every weekend away from the farm playing gigs until a big shot from Nashville discovered him. Still, the song's lyrics admit that it's often "rags to riches to rags again," so our hero may be trading those gigs for rigs soon.<ul><li>8"Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs?"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/tom-t-hall/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tom T. Hall</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "Four hundred hogs, they just standin' out there / My wife can't feed 'em, and the neighbors don't care / They can't get out and roam like my old huntin' dogs / Here I am in this dang bed, and who's gonna feed them hogs?"Who, indeed. The narrator of this song tells the story of a man who woke up in a hospital bed in a "medicated fog" and is only concerned about who will feed his hogs -- who's going to keep his livelihood alive, really. In the end, the man is miraculously healed and gets back to his farm -- and thank goodness. Four hundred hogs is a lot of potential bacon (figuratively and literally)!<ul><li>7"A Man on a Tractor"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/rodney-atkins/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rodney Atkins</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "His work was laid out there before him / In rows of green, his whole life was revealed / Oh, what I wouldn't give if I could just live / Like a man on a tractor with a dog in a field."Atkins is singing a classic "the grass is always greener" scenario: He's feeling jealous of a "man on a tractor with a dog in a field," until his wife wisely points out, "There's more than one way" to be that man -- by finding contentment wherever you are.<ul><li>6"Where Corn Don't Grow"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/waylon-jennings/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Waylon Jennings</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "But hard times are real / There's dusty fields no matter where you go / You may change your mind / 'Cause the weeds are high where corn don't grow."This song features a conversation between a teen boy and his farmer father. While looking out over the father's fields, the boy asks him if he's ever dreamed of a life "where corn don't grow." At the risk of giving too much away, the teenager soon finds out that there's a lot about life that he doesn't understand.<ul><li>5"Amarillo Sky"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/jason-aldean/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Aldean</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "On his knees every night / He prays, 'Please let my crops and children grow' / 'Cause that's all he's ever known."Farmers are so often at the mercy of the elements: Will there be enough rain? Will a hail storm destroy the crops? This song is about a farmer living through that tension, working hard every day while praying that his "dreams [don't] run dry / Underneath this Amarillo sky."<ul><li>4"Rain Is a Good Thing"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/luke-bryan/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Luke Bryan</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "My daddy spent his life lookin' up at the sky / He'd cuss, kick the dust, sayin', 'Son, it's way too dry' / It clouds up in the city, the weatherman complains / But where I come from, rain is a good thing."Bryan is one of country's preeminent farm boys: He grew up on a peanut farm, and he's well-known for his annual Farm Tour. So when he sings that "rain is a good thing," we should probably believe him.<ul><li>3"Last of a Dying Breed"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/neal-mccoy/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Neal McCoy</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "With a house on a hill and a pond in the fields / Surrounded by a mess of corn rows / Makes a livin' from his labor / With credit to the Maker / He's somebody everybody knows."This song is the ultimate ode to the farmer, from the "overall wearers, farmer-tan tearers" to the "cake pan lickers, ripe tomato pickers, hay balers loadin' trailers in the fall." However, the tune has a somber undertone, as McCoy worries that these men and women may be the "last of a dying breed" ... but until that time, he's here to celebrate them.<ul><li>2"Farmer's Blues"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/merle-haggard/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "Who'll buy my wheat? / Who'll buy my corn / To feed my babies when they're born? / Seeds and dirt / A prayer for rain / That, I can use."This classic by Haggard and <a href="https://theboot.com/tags/marty-stuart/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stuart</a> doesn't sugarcoat farming life; instead, it focuses on the hard realities of being a farmer, from bad weather to the difficulty of getting a loan to the fear that no one will buy their crops. The song offers no easy answers; it's simply an accurate depiction of the difficulty of farm life.<ul><li>1"Where the Green Grass Grows"</li></ul><a href="https://theboot.com/tags/tim-mcgraw/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim McGraw</a>Land-lovin' lyrics: "I'm gonna live where the green grass grows / Watch my corn pop up in rows / Every night be tucked in close to you."This song is a celebration of farm life and love: loving the land, loving your occupation, loving a woman and loving the work of raising corn and babies. Farm life is tough, but a song like this makes it seem worth it.<a href="https://www.fastline.com/frontpage/2010/03/31/top-10-songs-about-farming/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fastline.com/frontpage/2010/03/31/top-10-songs-about-farming/</a><a href="http://www.pcdon.com/-BobWills_MilkCowBlues.wav" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milk Cow Blues, Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys version</a>– This one has been done by several artists including The King- Elvis, Willie Nelson, and The King of Country- George Strait.<a href="http://www.cmt.com/videos/jason-aldean/412883/big-green-tractor.jhtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Big Green Tractor, Jason Aldean (Video)- </a>Whether you are a fan of green tractors or not, this is a recent hit that has quickly become a favorite.<a href="http://www.cmt.com/videos/tim-mcgraw/26533/down-on-the-farm.jhtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Down on the Farm, Tim McGraw (Video)- </a>This song has very little to do with actual farming, but the tune is catchy and you kind of can’t help but sing along.<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/paisley-brad/cloud-of-dust-7454.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cloud of Dust, Brad Paisley-</a> Farmers probably know better than anyone how important rain is. When there is a lack of rain, times get tough. Hopefully you won’t need it this year, but maybe this song can help you through those times.<a href="http://www.cmt.com/videos/craig-morgan/170788/international-harvester.jhtml" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">International Harvester, Craig Morgan (Video)</a>– For all of you that aren’t fans of the big green tractors, maybe this one is more your style?Also reminds us to be friendly to those slow moving farm vehicles.<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Iy2Jw4DVk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rain on a Scarecrow, John Mellencamp (Video)- </a>This song details the life of a farmer struggling to just get by and how much things have changed over several generations. , If you haven’t heard it, it’s a must listen.<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/pinson-bobby/shadows-of-the-heartland-16007.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shadows of a Heartland, Bobby Pinson- </a>A simple song about life in the country and on the farm.<a href="http://s0.ilike.com/play#John+Denver:Thank+God+I'm+A+Country+Boy:42555:s310164.8081971.13272112.0.1.47%2Cstd_bedbd274ef6ebb55e6552e8c25de4427" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thank God I’m a Country Boy, John Denver (Audio)-</a> We think this one is pretty self explanatory.<a href="http://www.cowboylyrics.com/lyrics/montgomery-gentry/daddy-wont-sell-the-farm-7252.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daddy Won’t Sell The Farm, Montgomery Gentry- </a>No Matter what, despite the struggles…. Daddy won’t sell the farm.And of course we couldn’t have a farming song list without this one… <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWu4aynBK7E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy, Kenny Chesney</a>

Top List of Songs About Farming

Understanding The Hemp Industry and It’s Effects on Profit.IntroductionSubscribe, Rate, Review, Follow, ShareText 515.207.9640 / E-mail farm4profitllc@gmail.comAnswer questionsWhat’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback - Tim Couser, Central IowaCommodity groups, video messaging, staying in shape.It’s not a waste of time if you uncover something valuable-What could hemp do for the industry and your farm.Please introduce yourself, your background with hemp, and your company’s role in the process…..Jeffery Yarosz CEO of www.flura.comWas the 2018 FarmBill a turning point for the hemp industry? Why?Yes, federally legalized the growing.What is hemp grown commercially used for?Nuetrasuticals, paper, plastic, CBD, grainsWhat rate is the hemp acres growing?  Is there demand to help support the growth?Infrastructure is neededWhat is the best climate to grow hemp in?Plants will be bred to be grown in all climatesWhen grown do you have to use precautions like security fencing, monitoring, etc….?the power of communication is key.Up until lately this process has been very manual including the labor from many people.  What is the industry doing to make the process more automated?Flura is focusing on seed genetics and mechanizing the process.Half of our listener base is from Iowa.  Is this something farmers in Iowa could look at growing? Yes, toughest part will be getting the final product to market.What would the outlet be for sale?Dried down and shippedWhat is the best way for a farmer who has interest in learning more go about doing that?visit www.flura.comWe’ve heard of the expertise being tribal, is it hard to farmers to gain knowledge?Buy seed by the pound/bushel/unit?Where do you buy it?  Buy it by the pound.  www.flura.com is one sourceSell the grown product by the pound/bundle/unit? Where do you sell it?Our podcast is based on profitability.  How can or has growing hemp as a commercial product helped farmers achieve higher levels of profitability?What are the numbers roughly for costs to grow and revenue per acrerevenue could be up to $30/lbs sold and an acre can grow 8000 lbs of materialCould these prices be tempered as interest spreads for growing the crop?certainlyFor the listener who doesn’t believe in this market as a viable crop, what would you say to them?try itFor the listener who is excited to continue learning more and give this crop a try, what would you say to them?Summarize ChallengeWhat Next?Submit questions and topic suggestions

Understanding The Hemp Industry and It’s Effects on Profit.<ul><li>Introduction<ul><li>Subscribe, Rate, Review, Follow, Share</li><li>Text 515.207.9640 / E-mail farm4profitllc@gmail.com</li></ul></li><li>Answer questions</li><li>What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback - Tim Couser, Central Iowa<ul><li>Commodity groups, video messaging, staying in shape.</li></ul></li><li>It’s not a waste of time if you uncover something valuable-What could hemp do for the industry and your farm.<ul><li>Please introduce yourself, your background with hemp, and your company’s role in the process…..<ul><li>Jeffery Yarosz CEO of <a href="http://www.flura.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.flura.com</a></li></ul></li><li>Was the 2018 FarmBill a turning point for the hemp industry? Why?<ul><li>Yes, federally legalized the growing.</li></ul></li><li>What is hemp grown commercially used for?<ul><li>Nuetrasuticals, paper, plastic, CBD, grains</li></ul></li><li>What rate is the hemp acres growing?  Is there demand to help support the growth?<ul><li>Infrastructure is needed</li></ul></li><li>What is the best climate to grow hemp in?<ul><li>Plants will be bred to be grown in all climates</li></ul></li><li>When grown do you have to use precautions like security fencing, monitoring, etc….?<ul><li>the power of communication is key.</li></ul></li><li>Up until lately this process has been very manual including the labor from many people.  What is the industry doing to make the process more automated?<ul><li>Flura is focusing on seed genetics and mechanizing the process.</li></ul></li><li>Half of our listener base is from Iowa.  Is this something farmers in Iowa could look at growing? <ul><li>Yes, toughest part will be getting the final product to market.</li></ul></li><li>What would the outlet be for sale?<ul><li>Dried down and shipped</li></ul></li><li>What is the best way for a farmer who has interest in learning more go about doing that?<ul><li>visit <a href="http://www.flura.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.flura.com</a></li></ul></li><li>We’ve heard of the expertise being tribal, is it hard to farmers to gain knowledge?</li><li>Buy seed by the pound/bushel/unit?<ul><li>Where do you buy it?  <ul><li>Buy it by the pound.  <a href="http://www.flura.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.flura.com</a> is one source</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Sell the grown product by the pound/bundle/unit? <ul><li>Where do you sell it?</li></ul></li><li>Our podcast is based on profitability.  How can or has growing hemp as a commercial product helped farmers achieve higher levels of profitability?</li><li>What are the numbers roughly for costs to grow and revenue per acre<ul><li>revenue could be up to $30/lbs sold and an acre can grow 8000 lbs of material</li></ul></li><li>Could these prices be tempered as interest spreads for growing the crop?<ul><li>certainly</li></ul></li><li>For the listener who doesn’t believe in this market as a viable crop, what would you say to them?<ul><li>try it</li></ul></li><li>For the listener who is excited to continue learning more and give this crop a try, what would you say to them?</li></ul></li><li>Summarize<ul><li> </li></ul></li><li>Challenge<ul><li>What Next?</li></ul></li><li>Submit questions and topic suggestions</li></ul>

What Could Growing Hemp Do For Your Profitability?

The Benefit of Providing Benefits – Growers Edge and HR Interviews Like, rate, review, share, and find us on social media!What’s working for Ag – Growers Edge  www.growersedge.comIntroduce the guest.  Dan Cosgrove the CEO of Growers Edge which provides data-driven fintech solutions for the ag industryBefore joining Growers Edge in 2019, Cosgrove served as the global leader of corporate development and licensing at Corteva Agriscience. During his time at DuPont Pioneer (now part of Corteva Agriscience), he served as the vice president of business development and held various legal roles, including chief patent counsel and IP group leader. Early in his career, he was a lawyer focused on patent litigation as a partner at Zarley, McKee, Thomte, Voorhees &amp; Sease.Growers Edge Financial, Inc. puts grower profits first by delivering grower income assurance through data-driven financial technology products, solutions and tools for the agricultural sector. Empowering farmers to adopt new technologies to increase profitability, Growers Edge solves the financial gaps of farmers by changing how agricultural inputs and services are sold, allowing them to capture more value and improve profits. Led by a proven team of crop management leaders and backed by top agtech investors, the company is headquartered in Johnston, Iowa.What got my attention was the back of your company’s business cards.  The top corner says “Where farmers’ profits are first”. What does that mean to Growers Edge and you?You have an app that is free to use.  Can you share what that app can accomplish for a farmer?Cash grain bidsLive market alerts &amp; newsBin level trackingWeather forecastsWhere is Growers Edge headed next?Innovative financial solutionsGrain and insurance integrationFinancingSolutions for AgribusinessesIncome AssuranceChanging the way farmers buy productsMain Topic -What are benefits worth to you and your farm? Introduce the guest.  Talk about accomplishments, the qualifications, any events they may have coming up, products they pedal, and how to get in contact with them.Why would paying attention to benefits packages or providing benefits at all be something a farm operator should be considering as a factor of whole farm profitability?Typically how many hours per week must one work to get access to company benefits?  Each business can determine benefit eligibility requirements from how many hours worked constitute eligibility to what group employees it if offered to.   ACA requirements state that employees who work 30 hours a week or 130 hours a month are considered full-time for health insurance.Can part time workers receive benefits? Yes- if the employers elects to offer it.  It can be the same rate as FT or a higher rateHow much does a health insurance premium cost? (whole cost not employee share). will all vary depending upon deductible level, HMO vs. PPO, or full-insured vs. self-insured.Individual-$400.-$500Married-$800.-$1000Family-$1000-$1700How much does a dental/vision insurance premium cost? (whole cost not employee share) Dental                                   VisionIndividual            $40                                         $7-10Married                $75                                         $15-$20Family                   $105                                       $22-$26What structures are common in the work place for percentage covered by employer versus that of the employee?What have you noticed to be the most valuable “fringe” benefit to employees outside of health insurance and PTO?  Ie: health &amp; wellness, cell phone reimbursement, etc…..  Each survey states something different but what I have found to be most consistent is Retirement benefits and flexible work schedules.What are good resources for someone who is looking at providing their employees with benefits and don’t know where to start?  Google is a wonderful thing a quick search can answer a lot of questions.  Benefits brokers can help provide information and provide expertise on different benefit options.  If we are talking to farmers I am not sure if Farm Bureau offers some of these resources or not.  Possibly FBN can help.What have you seen employers doing to gain a competitive advantage when hiring employees? Higher wages, signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, paid maternity or paternity leave, professional development, student loan assistance, wellness programs, work from home, flexible work hours, on-site gym, etc.. The sky is limit hear based upon the size of the wallet of the company.Are you aware of group benefits programs for those who are self-employed?401 K contributions; explain the power of compounding interestAsk your employees what they need to get from you to make them never leave! If you are looking at providing a sign on bonus, how should you go about setting the amount?What are things even out there that are considered “benefits”?Work vehicles, child care, legal insurance, health insurance, retirement contributions, fitness incentive, charitable contribution matches, 529 plan matches, volunteer time off, over-time/double-time, employee referral bonus, new business commission, accident free bonuses, apparel, bereavement, paternity and maternity leave, beverages &amp; snacks, …….SummarizeWhat are the ways you could use benefits to attract or retain a higher quality of help?  What could your farm do to use benefits to increase its profitability? Could you work for benefits and have part-time help for low wage work?ChallengeLet’s break our spending down on a monthly basis. Then take it over an annual income.  Are we comfortable with this or are there some things we could change in structure?Conference UpdateSubmit questions and topic suggestions

The Benefit of Providing Benefits – Growers Edge and HR Interviews <ul><li>Like, rate, review, share, and find us on social media!</li><li>What’s working for Ag – Growers Edge  <a href="http://www.growersedge.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.growersedge.com</a><ul><li>Introduce the guest.  Dan Cosgrove the CEO of Growers Edge which provides data-driven fintech solutions for the ag industry<ul><li>Before joining Growers Edge in 2019, Cosgrove served as the global leader of corporate development and licensing at Corteva Agriscience. During his time at DuPont Pioneer (now part of Corteva Agriscience), he served as the vice president of business development and held various legal roles, including chief patent counsel and IP group leader. Early in his career, he was a lawyer focused on patent litigation as a partner at Zarley, McKee, Thomte, Voorhees &amp; Sease.</li><li>Growers Edge Financial, Inc. puts grower profits first by delivering grower income assurance through data-driven financial technology products, solutions and tools for the agricultural sector. Empowering farmers to adopt new technologies to increase profitability, Growers Edge solves the financial gaps of farmers by changing how agricultural inputs and services are sold, allowing them to capture more value and improve profits. Led by a proven team of crop management leaders and backed by top agtech investors, the company is headquartered in Johnston, Iowa.</li></ul></li><li>What got my attention was the back of your company’s business cards.  The top corner says “Where farmers’ profits are first”. What does that mean to Growers Edge and you?</li><li>You have an app that is free to use.  Can you share what that app can accomplish for a farmer?<ul><li>Cash grain bids</li><li>Live market alerts &amp; news</li><li>Bin level tracking</li><li>Weather forecasts</li></ul></li><li>Where is Growers Edge headed next?<ul><li>Innovative financial solutions<ul><li>Grain and insurance integration</li><li>Financing</li></ul></li><li>Solutions for Agribusinesses<ul><li>Income Assurance<ul><li>Changing the way farmers buy products</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Main Topic -What are benefits worth to you and your farm?<ul><li> Introduce the guest.  Talk about accomplishments, the qualifications, any events they may have coming up, products they pedal, and how to get in contact with them.</li></ul></li><li>Why would paying attention to benefits packages or providing benefits at all be something a farm operator should be considering as a factor of whole farm profitability?</li><li>Typically how many hours per week must one work to get access to company benefits?  Each business can determine benefit eligibility requirements from how many hours worked constitute eligibility to what group employees it if offered to.   ACA requirements state that employees who work 30 hours a week or 130 hours a month are considered full-time for health insurance.<ul><li>Can part time workers receive benefits? Yes- if the employers elects to offer it.  It can be the same rate as FT or a higher rate</li></ul></li><li>How much does a health insurance premium cost? (whole cost not employee share). will all vary depending upon deductible level, HMO vs. PPO, or full-insured vs. self-insured.<ul><li>Individual-$400.-$500</li><li>Married-$800.-$1000</li><li>Family-$1000-$1700</li></ul></li><li>How much does a dental/vision insurance premium cost? (whole cost not employee share) Dental                                   Vision<ul><li>Individual            $40                                         $7-10</li><li>Married                $75                                         $15-$20</li><li>Family                   $105                                       $22-$26</li></ul></li><li>What structures are common in the work place for percentage covered by employer versus that of the employee?</li><li>What have you noticed to be the most valuable “fringe” benefit to employees outside of health insurance and PTO?  Ie: health &amp; wellness, cell phone reimbursement, etc…..  Each survey states something different but what I have found to be most consistent is Retirement benefits and flexible work schedules.</li><li>What are good resources for someone who is looking at providing their employees with benefits and don’t know where to start?  Google is a wonderful thing a quick search can answer a lot of questions.  Benefits brokers can help provide information and provide expertise on different benefit options.  If we are talking to farmers I am not sure if Farm Bureau offers some of these resources or not.  Possibly FBN can help.</li><li>What have you seen employers doing to gain a competitive advantage when hiring employees? Higher wages, signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, paid family leave, paid maternity or paternity leave, professional development, student loan assistance, wellness programs, work from home, flexible work hours, on-site gym, etc.. The sky is limit hear based upon the size of the wallet of the company.</li><li>Are you aware of group benefits programs for those who are self-employed?</li><li>401 K contributions; explain the power of compounding interest</li><li>Ask your employees what they need to get from you to make them never leave! </li><li>If you are looking at providing a sign on bonus, how should you go about setting the amount?</li><li>What are things even out there that are considered “benefits”?<ul><li>Work vehicles, child care, legal insurance, health insurance, retirement contributions, fitness incentive, charitable contribution matches, 529 plan matches, volunteer time off, over-time/double-time, employee referral bonus, new business commission, accident free bonuses, apparel, bereavement, paternity and maternity leave, beverages &amp; snacks, …….</li></ul></li><li>Summarize<ul><li>What are the ways you could use benefits to attract or retain a higher quality of help?  What could your farm do to use benefits to increase its profitability? Could you work for benefits and have part-time help for low wage work?</li></ul></li><li>Challenge<ul><li>Let’s break our spending down on a monthly basis. Then take it over an annual income.  Are we comfortable with this or are there some things we could change in structure?</li></ul></li><li>Conference Update</li><li>Submit questions and topic suggestions</li></ul>

The Benefit of Providing Benefits

This list is from INC.Com. Written by David Finkel a professional business coach. Here is a quick list of the simple things you can do to increase your company's gross and operating profit margins.   Speed up your design cycle (Decision Making).  This can allow you to accomplish more tasks in half the time, potentially increasing your profits over 30 percent. The faster you can make a decision the more efficient your team can become. Eliminate tasks and activities that don't add value to the company or customer.  Every dollar you save by eliminating the cost of things that don't add value to your company drops directly to your bottom line. Increase pricing.  If you bill hourly, review your billing rates and push them higher.  If you charge per product, look for ways you can command a higher price.  Could you bundle more value into a package?  Improve your marketing and sales scripting to effectively sell at a higher price?  Or could you just boldly increase your pricing?  Most farms/businesses set their prices when their business was first launched, and since they were so hungry for business, they set pricing levels low. Over time, the business likely only made nominal increases to pricing every few years, but rarely did the owner ever sit down and fundamentally rethink his or her pricing model. Well take a close look at your pricing now. Regularly review your administrative and operational staff levels closely.  Let your revenues grow faster than you’re hiring. If you have underutilized staff create methods of task that can add to your bottom line. Shorten your sales cycle.  How can you close your sale faster?  This will decrease your sales cost per transaction and free up a lot of hidden cash flow that previously was locked up in your sales staff. – biggest ones are early season discounts, interest expenses, and product condition. Increase the dollar value of every sales transaction.  Ask, How can I get each customer transaction to be for a larger dollar amount?"  What upsells, cross sells, or resales could you strategically implement?  What package offers could you test and introduce? Do the trucking yourself Manage quality (in the meat, grains, etc) Deliver to final destination Deliver on their schedule Beware the steep cost of attrition/retention. Customer retention is a strategic expense if spent wisely.  How can you increase your customer retention? Landlords Private Meat Sales Grain Merchandisers Employees Feed your winning sales people more leads (even if that means you starve your lower performing sales people of leads.)  This is not a time to be "fair", but to be strategic.  If every lead you give to John is worth $2,100 and every lead you give to Sarah is worth $3,200, then you've got to take this into account when you divide  leads. Be transparent about this and let it be a spark to help John learn how to increase his own dollar value per company lead given to him. Think of this with employees. If one employee is better at a task, give them the option for overtime and send the others home. More worth your money. 9. Strategically map out systems. Look for ways to educate your staff on the ideal use of their time with your product or service. 10. Shift a cost from a fixed to a variable expense to give yourself greater flexibility.  This is a way to protect your cash flow.  It is extremely important for unproven tactics and strategies.  Flex leases, variable rate loans (inverted now), basis contracts. 11. Shift a cost from a variable to a fixed where the value is proven.  Make this shift only when you can negotiate a substantial price savings by doing so. Fertilizer, seed, insurance, interest rates (now) 12. Consistently look for ways to lower your fixed overhead.  Scrutinize your base expenses to eliminate non-strategic expenses that just don't add value to the company or to the customer. 13. Negotiate hard.  Take the time to plan out your negotiation strategically.  Create competition for your dollars.  Create a list of concessions you want, with extras for you to trade off.  Research the market to better understand the best deal you can expect.  Even hire an experienced negotiator to help you make the purchase on the best price and terms you can.  If the asset you're buying for your business is large enough, the ROI on your negotiation work can be immense. 14. Get clear on all the costs of inventory: cost of capital; storage; insurance; etc.  This will help you make informed stocking levels. – placing insurance premium equivalents into a reserve account can add up over the years and create a pool of income generating self-insurance. 15. Set optimal inventory levels and stick to them.  Constantly be on the lookout for ways to safely reduce your inventory levels.  If you have inventory you're unlikely to sell, scrap or donate it so that you can free up the space and write off the inventory.

This list is from <a href="http://INC.Com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">INC.Com</a>. Written by David Finkel a professional business coach. Here is a quick list of the simple things you can do to increase your company's gross and operating profit margins.  <ol> <li>Speed up your design cycle (Decision Making).  This can allow you to accomplish more tasks in half the time, potentially increasing your profits over 30 percent. The faster you can make a decision the more efficient your team can become.</li> <li>Eliminate tasks and activities that don't add value to the company or customer.  Every dollar you save by eliminating the cost of things that don't add value to your company drops directly to your bottom line.</li> <li>Increase pricing.  If you bill hourly, review your billing rates and push them higher.  If you charge per product, look for ways you can command a higher price.  Could you bundle more value into a package?  Improve your marketing and sales scripting to effectively sell at a higher price?  Or could you just boldly increase your pricing?  Most farms/businesses set their prices when their business was first launched, and since they were so hungry for business, they set pricing levels low. Over time, the business likely only made nominal increases to pricing every few years, but rarely did the owner ever sit down and fundamentally rethink his or her pricing model. Well take a close look at your pricing now.</li> <li>Regularly review your administrative and operational staff levels closely.  Let your revenues grow faster than you’re hiring. If you have underutilized staff create methods of task that can add to your bottom line.</li> <li>Shorten your sales cycle.  How can you close your sale faster?  This will decrease your sales cost per transaction and free up a lot of hidden cash flow that previously was locked up in your sales staff. – biggest ones are early season discounts, interest expenses, and product condition.</li> <li>Increase the dollar value of every sales transaction.  Ask, How can I get each customer transaction to be for a larger dollar amount?"  What upsells, cross sells, or resales could you strategically implement?  What package offers could you test and introduce?</li> <li>Do the trucking yourself</li> <li>Manage quality (in the meat, grains, etc)</li> <li>Deliver to final destination</li> <li>Deliver on their schedule</li> <li>Beware the steep cost of attrition/retention. Customer retention is a strategic expense if spent wisely.  How can you increase your customer retention?</li> <li>Landlords</li> <li>Private Meat Sales</li> <li>Grain Merchandisers</li> <li>Employees</li> <li>Feed your winning sales people more leads (even if that means you starve your lower performing sales people of leads.)  This is not a time to be "fair", but to be strategic.  If every lead you give to John is worth $2,100 and every lead you give to Sarah is worth $3,200, then you've got to take this into account when you divide</li> </ol> leads. Be transparent about this and let it be a spark to help John learn how to increase his own dollar value per company lead given to him. Think of this with employees. If one employee is better at a task, give them the option for overtime and send the others home. More worth your money. 9. Strategically map out systems. Look for ways to educate your staff on the ideal use of their time with your product or service. 10. Shift a cost from a fixed to a variable expense to give yourself greater flexibility.  This is a way to protect your cash flow.  It is extremely important for unproven tactics and strategies.  Flex leases, variable rate loans (inverted now), basis contracts. 11. Shift a cost from a variable to a fixed where the value is proven.  Make this shift only when you can negotiate a substantial price savings by doing so. Fertilizer, seed, insurance, interest rates (now) 12. Consistently look for ways to lower your fixed overhead.  Scrutinize your base expenses to eliminate non-strategic expenses that just don't add value to the company or to the customer. 13. Negotiate hard.  Take the time to plan out your negotiation strategically.  Create competition for your dollars.  Create a list of concessions you want, with extras for you to trade off.  Research the market to better understand the best deal you can expect.  Even hire an experienced negotiator to help you make the purchase on the best price and terms you can.  If the asset you're buying for your business is large enough, the ROI on your negotiation work can be immense. 14. Get clear on all the costs of inventory: cost of capital; storage; insurance; etc.  This will help you make informed stocking levels. – placing insurance premium equivalents into a reserve account can add up over the years and create a pool of income generating self-insurance. 15. Set optimal inventory levels and stick to them.  Constantly be on the lookout for ways to safely reduce your inventory levels.  If you have inventory you're unlikely to sell, scrap or donate it so that you can free up the space and write off the inventory.

15 Ways to Make Your Farm More Profitable

Please Like, Share, ReviewWhat’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedbackContribute through www.farm4profit.com or farm4profitllc@gmail.com Featuring Joel Lange – Lange Farms . https://www.facebook.com/lange.farmshttp://www.smart-ag.com/ for automated grain cart infohttps://constantcanopy.com/ for Jason Mauck - KeyNote SpeakerHow much effect does having a positive outlook on life have on farm profitability?A technique I learned that can help with developing a new habit I learned from another podcast.  Taking care of a house plant. I know as farmers you help grow and raise all kinds of plants and animals, but focusing energy on a specific house or office plant helps build a habit.  The habit for today is having a positive mind set. I struggle with this at times.Pick out a plant, not a cactus, and plant it properly in a pot indoors.  Place it in a fairly high traffic area so you have to walk by it. Make a mental note each time you walk buy it to have a better attitude or see the positive in things.  Each time you water it, fertilize it, or rotate it for sunlight be thinking about the good side of the problems you are facing.Why is this important?Attitude is contagious.  If you have family or employees around you more than likely they are observing your perception and attitude.  Create the culture of your employees embracing challenges and tackling them.Solve the challenges proactively before they become large challenges.  This makes them seem less daunting and less negative.Don’t be afraid of future problems, reframe the thinking to anticipate where problems may be coming from.  (bearings, tires, over sleeping employees, etc…)If you don’t know, be vulnerable.  Ask for help before the challenge gets out of hand.  Surround yourself with experts who will be honest with you and treat you fairly. Problems are inevitable – don’t let them take you by surprise.  Start small and grow.  Spilled drink, late employee, flat tire, self-repairable breakdown, and so onUse them as teaching moments.  You, employees, children, team“The Seeing Eye” – training program for guide dogs and the vision impaired.  “Seeing Eye has taught me to walk tall, raise my face, without fear, to the sun, wind, and rain.  They have taught me to trust in myself.”Focus on you goals – not so much on the journey thereEach task or action is a step towards the goal and we learn from each one.Take a step back – we’ve heard this cliché, but some of the most successful business owners and farmers thrive by taking a look at a problem from a step back.  Embrace it and see the opportunities to better a process, grow an employee or yourself, and get closer to the goal.SummarizeThe people around you will work harder with you and for you if your attitude towards challenges becomes one of growth.  Work hard to anticipate and expect problems to happen. When they do take care of them calmly with a thought out process.  Work to make the experience a learning opportunity and move towards the goals your farm has in place.ChallengeStart with yourself.  Do I over react? Am I easily angered or always negative?  What is something I could work on first? Buy that plant and begin framing your mind up into one that seeing the positive side of things.  Next, identify a regular occurring problem that you can practice with. (Flat tires, late reports, supplies being out) Then, work on graduating up to solving the problems before they happen!Conference UpdateSubmit questions and topic suggestions

<ul><li>Please Like, Share, Review</li><li>What’s working for Ag – listener or farmer feedback</li><li>Contribute through <a href="http://www.farm4profit.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.farm4profit.com</a> or farm4profitllc@gmail.com <ul><li>Featuring Joel Lange – Lange Farms . <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lange.farms" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/lange.farms</a></li><li><a href="http://www.smart-ag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.smart-ag.com/ </a>for automated grain cart info</li><li><a href="https://constantcanopy.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://constantcanopy.com/ </a>for Jason Mauck - KeyNote Speaker</li></ul></li><li>How much effect does having a positive outlook on life have on farm profitability?<ul><li>A technique I learned that can help with developing a new habit I learned from another podcast.  Taking care of a house plant. I know as farmers you help grow and raise all kinds of plants and animals, but focusing energy on a specific house or office plant helps build a habit.  The habit for today is having a positive mind set. I struggle with this at times.<ul><li>Pick out a plant, not a cactus, and plant it properly in a pot indoors.  Place it in a fairly high traffic area so you have to walk by it. Make a mental note each time you walk buy it to have a better attitude or see the positive in things.  Each time you water it, fertilize it, or rotate it for sunlight be thinking about the good side of the problems you are facing.</li></ul></li><li>Why is this important?<ul><li>Attitude is contagious.  If you have family or employees around you more than likely they are observing your perception and attitude.  <ul><li>Create the culture of your employees embracing challenges and tackling them.</li></ul></li><li>Solve the challenges proactively before they become large challenges.  This makes them seem less daunting and less negative.<ul><li>Don’t be afraid of future problems, reframe the thinking to anticipate where problems may be coming from.  (bearings, tires, over sleeping employees, etc…)</li></ul></li><li>If you don’t know, be vulnerable.  Ask for help before the challenge gets out of hand.  Surround yourself with experts who will be honest with you and treat you fairly.</li><li> Problems are inevitable – don’t let them take you by surprise.  </li><li>Start small and grow.  Spilled drink, late employee, flat tire, self-repairable breakdown, and so on</li><li>Use them as teaching moments.  You, employees, children, team</li><li>“The Seeing Eye” – training program for guide dogs and the vision impaired.  “Seeing Eye has taught me to walk tall, raise my face, without fear, to the sun, wind, and rain.  They have taught me to trust in myself.”</li></ul></li><li>Focus on you goals – not so much on the journey there<ul><li>Each task or action is a step towards the goal and we learn from each one.</li><li>Take a step back – we’ve heard this cliché, but some of the most successful business owners and farmers thrive by taking a look at a problem from a step back.  Embrace it and see the opportunities to better a process, grow an employee or yourself, and get closer to the goal.</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Summarize<ul><li>The people around you will work harder with you and for you if your attitude towards challenges becomes one of growth.  Work hard to anticipate and expect problems to happen. When they do take care of them calmly with a thought out process.  Work to make the experience a learning opportunity and move towards the goals your farm has in place.</li></ul></li><li>Challenge<ul><li>Start with yourself.  Do I over react? Am I easily angered or always negative?  What is something I could work on first? Buy that plant and begin framing your mind up into one that seeing the positive side of things.  Next, identify a regular occurring problem that you can practice with. (Flat tires, late reports, supplies being out) Then, work on graduating up to solving the problems before they happen!</li></ul></li><li>Conference Update</li><li>Submit questions and topic suggestions</li></ul>

Profit More from a Positive Mindset

8 Ways to Increase Farm Profitability December 5, 2016 Nick HorobFarm Finance&lt;https://www.harvestprofit.com/blog/tags/farm-finance#categories&gt;As we’ve mentioned numerous times, we like to talk about actionable ideas that you can implement in your operation.Here’s a list of eight things that you can do to strengthen your operation for 2017 and beyond.8 - Meet With Your Local Grain MerchandisersMost grain merchandisers I know are a wealth of local market knowledge.  Most are willing and enjoy sharing this information with their farmer suppliers. Here are a few things to ask them about.  *   Inquire about local basis patterns. Basis follows certain local patterns and grain merchandisers can identify certain times of the year for you to target your basis “sales”.  *   Ask them how they manage their spreads. This is an intermediate/advanced topic that many producers should learn more about. Futures spreads play a large role in the P&amp;L of a commercial grain facility. You owe to yourself to learn about them.   *   Ask what you’d need to do to be the producer they call when they really need bushels.  You want to be the person they call when they are filling a train, a short sale, etc. Ask them what it would take to be that producer for them.Schedule a meeting with your local merchandisers this winter.7 - Study Your 2019 Split TestsMost successful producers I know conduct split tests throughout the growing season.  It’s your job to sit down with anyone involved in your agronomy decisions (including sales people) to evaluate and learn from your tests.As you likely know, every growing season is different.  You don’t want to completely change your plan from year-to-year based on results that were based solely on a year-specific weather issue.  You should try to identify trends in your tests from year-to-year rather than making a rash decision (eg. to completely throw out a company’s seed).“If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” You’ve measured it, now learn from it and improve it!Also, I’d be completely open and share your results with neighbors and peers.  Knowledge is going to spread regardless so why not learn as much as possible as soon as you can.6 - Don’t Buy Shit You Don’t NeedNo explanation needed! That includes stuff from us. If you don’t think we’ll add value to your farm, certainly don’t buy our course or software.5 - Shop Your Chemical PlanResistant weeds are costing producers a lot of money these days. They need to be dealt with but it’s my opinion that some producers are scared into buying an A+ mode of action (A+ = expensive!) when a B-quality mode of action (or generic) will work just fine.My recommendation is to solicit a bunch of advice this winter on what chemical plans are working best in your area with a focus on both effectiveness and cost-efficiency.4 - Set SMART Long-Term GoalsIn a business with as much uncertainty as in farming, it is difficult to make confident decisions. During good times, it’s easy to think that they are here to stay and vice versa (today!).These goals can include anything but they should follow the S.M.A.R.T guidelines below.  *   S - Specific  *   M - Measurable  *   A - Attainable  *   R - Relevant  *   T - Time-basedBecoming a better grain marketer is a good goal in theory but it’s not a SMART goal as it’s very hard to measure and it’s not time-based.Having more working capital is another good goal in theory but it’s not a SMART goal as it’s not specific or time-based.Write down your goals and track them! Our favorite old friend, a spreadsheet, is great for simple goal tracking.3 - Send Personalized Letters to All of Your LandlordsMost landlords love to hear from their tenants. They also want to hear how the growing season went on their farm this year.I’d send two personalized letters to your landlords every year.  One in the summer and one in the winter.Include details relevant to their farms, such as:  *   Dates  *   Pictures  *   Details of Improvements  *   Suggestions of Improvements  *   Yield maps  *   Fertility tests  *   Thoughts on the current ag markets  *   Flex rent hints  *   You get the point….You should be using these letters as an opportunity to solidify your business relationship while building and strengthening a personal relationship.Landlords typically don’t give you a lot of advanced notice when they are looking for a new tenant. If they do, they likely already “have one foot out the door.” Spend a few hours a couple times per year building a relationship with them.The key here is to be consistent with your communication. If you promise regular newsletters but fail to deliver, you’re doing more harm than good. If you start, keep it up!2 - Build and/or Update Your Balance SheetThis is very relevant to setting SMART goals. You owe it to your operation to have an easy-to-use balance sheet in place so you can track your goals and evaluate finance/risk management decisions.At the end of the day, your farm’s balance sheet is a no-BS view of your farm’s finances. You should know it backwards and forwards.Don’t rely on the bank to do this for you. You should be in a position to bring a completed balance sheet to your bank with “ownership” (understanding) of every line item.Most of you are likely already doing this but it’s important. So keep it up!Before #1, sign up for our free e-mail newsletter below if you haven’t already.1 - Have a “Living and Breathing” Farm BudgetI’ve thoroughly reviewed the financials of farms raising crops on 1+ million acres.The #1 trait I’ve seen in the most financially successful operations is the ability to make unemotional, numbers-based farm business and risk management decisions.It’s true that grain markets don’t care about one producer’s cost of production or balance sheet, but….…..it’s our opinion that farming is more profitable and productive (and fun!) for proactive, numbers-focused operations.

8 Ways to Increase Farm Profitability  December 5, 2016 Nick Horob Farm Finance&lt;<a href="https://www.harvestprofit.com/blog/tags/farm-finance#categories" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.harvestprofit.com/blog/tags/farm-finance#categories</a>&gt; As we’ve mentioned numerous times, we like to talk about actionable ideas that you can implement in your operation. Here’s a list of eight things that you can do to strengthen your operation for 2017 and beyond. 8 - Meet With Your Local Grain Merchandisers Most grain merchandisers I know are a wealth of local market knowledge.  Most are willing and enjoy sharing this information with their farmer suppliers. Here are a few things to ask them about.   *   Inquire about local basis patterns. Basis follows certain local patterns and grain merchandisers can identify certain times of the year for you to target your basis “sales”.   *   Ask them how they manage their spreads. This is an intermediate/advanced topic that many producers should learn more about. Futures spreads play a large role in the P&amp;L of a commercial grain facility. You owe to yourself to learn about them.    *   Ask what you’d need to do to be the producer they call when they really need bushels.  You want to be the person they call when they are filling a train, a short sale, etc. Ask them what it would take to be that producer for them. Schedule a meeting with your local merchandisers this winter. 7 - Study Your 2019 Split Tests Most successful producers I know conduct split tests throughout the growing season.  It’s your job to sit down with anyone involved in your agronomy decisions (including sales people) to evaluate and learn from your tests. As you likely know, every growing season is different.  You don’t want to completely change your plan from year-to-year based on results that were based solely on a year-specific weather issue.  You should try to identify trends in your tests from year-to-year rather than making a rash decision (eg. to completely throw out a company’s seed). “If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” You’ve measured it, now learn from it and improve it! Also, I’d be completely open and share your results with neighbors and peers.  Knowledge is going to spread regardless so why not learn as much as possible as soon as you can. 6 - Don’t Buy Shit You Don’t Need No explanation needed! That includes stuff from us. If you don’t think we’ll add value to your farm, certainly don’t buy our course or software. 5 - Shop Your Chemical Plan Resistant weeds are costing producers a lot of money these days. They need to be dealt with but it’s my opinion that some producers are scared into buying an A+ mode of action (A+ = expensive!) when a B-quality mode of action (or generic) will work just fine. My recommendation is to solicit a bunch of advice this winter on what chemical plans are working best in your area with a focus on both effectiveness and cost-efficiency. 4 - Set SMART Long-Term Goals In a business with as much uncertainty as in farming, it is difficult to make confident decisions. During good times, it’s easy to think that they are here to stay and vice versa (today!). These goals can include anything but they should follow the S.M.A.R.T guidelines below.   *   S - Specific   *   M - Measurable   *   A - Attainable   *   R - Relevant   *   T - Time-based Becoming a better grain marketer is a good goal in theory but it’s not a SMART goal as it’s very hard to measure and it’s not time-based. Having more working capital is another good goal in theory but it’s not a SMART goal as it’s not specific or time-based. Write down your goals and track them! Our favorite old friend, a spreadsheet, is great for simple goal tracking. 3 - Send Personalized Letters to All of Your Landlords Most landlords love to hear from their tenants. They also want to hear how the growing season went on their farm this year. I’d send two personalized letters to your landlords every year.  One in the summer and one in the winter. Include details relevant to their farms, such as:   *   Dates   *   Pictures   *   Details of Improvements   *   Suggestions of Improvements   *   Yield maps   *   Fertility tests   *   Thoughts on the current ag markets   *   Flex rent hints   *   You get the point…. You should be using these letters as an opportunity to solidify your business relationship while building and strengthening a personal relationship. Landlords typically don’t give you a lot of advanced notice when they are looking for a new tenant. If they do, they likely already “have one foot out the door.” Spend a few hours a couple times per year building a relationship with them. The key here is to be consistent with your communication. If you promise regular newsletters but fail to deliver, you’re doing more harm than good. If you start, keep it up! 2 - Build and/or Update Your Balance Sheet This is very relevant to setting SMART goals. You owe it to your operation to have an easy-to-use balance sheet in place so you can track your goals and evaluate finance/risk management decisions. At the end of the day, your farm’s balance sheet is a no-BS view of your farm’s finances. You should know it backwards and forwards. Don’t rely on the bank to do this for you. You should be in a position to bring a completed balance sheet to your bank with “ownership” (understanding) of every line item. Most of you are likely already doing this but it’s important. So keep it up! Before #1, sign up for our free e-mail newsletter below if you haven’t already. 1 - Have a “Living and Breathing” Farm Budget I’ve thoroughly reviewed the financials of farms raising crops on 1+ million acres. The #1 trait I’ve seen in the most financially successful operations is the ability to make unemotional, numbers-based farm business and risk management decisions. It’s true that grain markets don’t care about one producer’s cost of production or balance sheet, but…. …..it’s our opinion that farming is more profitable and productive (and fun!) for proactive, numbers-focused operations.

8 Ways to Increase Farm Profitability

Agriculture and a decade of changehttps://www.keyc.com/2020/01/01/agriculture-decade-change/?outputType=ampBy Alison Durheim | December 31, 2019 at 6:41 PM CST - Updated December 31 at 7:59 PMMachine Linking – Autonomy auto steer on tractors and combines that were really pretty new at the beginning of the decade (2002) and now they’re pretty much standard procedures out there and now those advancements continue with combine automation, automatic grain carts, and synced machinesGenetic improvement in crops and livestock also took the stage during the decade from rate of gains, to stand ability, and production potential.I don’t think most people realize that 40 percent of our 'ag’ exports were going to three countries, China, Mexico and Canada until the last couple years when we have trade issues with all three of those countries at the same time, and we definitely saw the impact it had on our grain and livestock markets,” said Thiesse.  However, we’ve opened up trade lanes with other countries until relationships repairWhile most markets saw continuous fluctuation in prices and cost of production throughout the decade, a new industry made leaps and bounds thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.“Hemp has been something that, beginning of the decade was kind of a nasty word in most people’s mind, but by the end of the decade it’s now viewed as an alternative crop,” said Thiesse.Minimal tillage methods and the inclusion of cover crops have grown throughout the decade as farmers look to be stewards of the land and earth’s natural resources, and with trade talks and agreements rounding out the year, the decade is ending on a high note.The first iPad was released on April 3, 2010; the most recent iPad models are the seventh-generation iPad, released on September 25, 2019;In December 2015 the FAA announced that all UAVs weighing more than 250 grams flown for any purpose must be registered with the FAA and in December 2019, the FAA proposed a ruling requiring all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to be equipped with a devise to identify them The advancements of row crop farming practices moving to high-speedHigh Speed tillage with discs and vertical tillagePlantingHorsePowerLivestock production monitoringFeed rations – automationAnimal ID cameras for habit learningHealth and wellbeingProduct sourcement – labeling

Agriculture and a decade of change<a href="https://www.keyc.com/2020/01/01/agriculture-decade-change/?outputType=amp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.keyc.com/2020/01/01/agriculture-decade-change/?outputType=amp</a>By <a href="https://www.keyc.com/authors/alison-durheim/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alison Durheim</a> | December 31, 2019 at 6:41 PM CST - Updated December 31 at 7:59 PM<ol><li>Machine Linking – Autonomy <ol><li>auto steer on tractors and combines that were really pretty new at the beginning of the decade (2002) and now they’re pretty much standard procedures out there and now those advancements continue with combine automation, automatic grain carts, and synced machines</li></ol></li><li>Genetic improvement in crops and livestock also took the stage during the decade from rate of gains, to stand ability, and production potential.</li><li>I don’t think most people realize that 40 percent of our 'ag’ exports were going to three countries, China, Mexico and Canada until the last couple years when we have trade issues with all three of those countries at the same time, and we definitely saw the impact it had on our grain and livestock markets,” said Thiesse.  However, we’ve opened up trade lanes with other countries until relationships repair</li><li>While most markets saw continuous fluctuation in prices and cost of production throughout the decade, a new industry made leaps and bounds thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.“Hemp has been something that, beginning of the decade was kind of a nasty word in most people’s mind, but by the end of the decade it’s now viewed as an alternative crop,” said Thiesse.</li><li>Minimal tillage methods and the inclusion of cover crops have grown throughout the decade as farmers look to be stewards of the land and earth’s natural resources, and with trade talks and agreements rounding out the year, the decade is ending on a high note.</li><li>The first iPad was released on April 3, 2010; the most recent iPad models are the seventh-generation iPad, released on September 25, 2019;</li><li>In December 2015 the FAA announced that all UAVs weighing more than 250 grams flown for any purpose must be registered with the FAA and in December 2019, the FAA proposed a ruling requiring all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to be equipped with a devise to identify them </li><li>The advancements of row crop farming practices moving to high-speed<ol><li>High Speed tillage with discs and vertical tillage</li><li>Planting</li><li>HorsePower</li></ol></li><li>Livestock production monitoring<ol><li>Feed rations – automation</li><li>Animal ID cameras for habit learning</li><li>Health and wellbeing</li><li>Product sourcement – labeling</li></ol></li></ol>

9 Advancements to Agriculture in the Last Decade

https://smallfarmnation.com/rules-for-starting-a-successful-farm-business/ Small Farm Nation – Get Growing They have a podcast and this list is from their 11 Farm Business Rules episode So, it seems that more and more people share the dream of running a sustainable family farm. Now, these guidelines, which they call 11 Business Rules for Starting/Running a Family Farm, Farm Rule #1 – Your Farm is a Business, Not a Hobby Most likely farming is in your DNA and you know it’s a farming business, not a weekend hobby. But, remember if you aren’t farming for profit you won’t be farming for long. If you want a hobby, that’s fine. That’s called a homestead, if anything, and you can look elsewhere for whatever income you want. But here’s the thing. If you want the farm to produce your income, it’s a business. Rule #2 – Nail Down Your Competitive Advantage If the business is easy to get into for you, it’s easy for someone else to do the same. There are a number of ways you can gain an advantage regardless of what specific farming strategy you choose. Then, have a strategic reason for every farm enterprise you operate, and every farm decision you make. If your motive is profit, and it should be because this is a business, right, then you have to assess what the most profitable farm enterprise is for you and your market. If it did nothing positive for our bottom line, think about removing the enterprise Just make sure you can answer this simple question. Are you ready?. Here it comes: my farm’s defensible competitive advantage is ___________________________ Rule #3 – Select the Best “Go to Market” Strategy Before You Start If you have something to sell, there’s a lot of ways to sell it, right? who are you going to sell to and how are you going to reach them? You have to define your go to market plan Rule #4 – Avoid Debt at (Almost) All Costs So, I say almost, because debt can be used intelligently to gain leverage. But that doesn’t mean most people use debt intelligently. Balance sheets are divided into assets and liabilities.  Assets-good, liabilities-bad, right? Because that’s something you owe But would I use debt to buy a tractor to make my farm life easier? Because I can’t quantify the income I’ll generate as a result of that purchase to service that debt. So no way. I’ll get that tractor when I can afford to buy it. With cash. There’s enough to worry about in farming. Design your farm business to run without debt so you don’t add that level of stress. Rule #5 – Bridge the Gap Between What the Land Needs and What the Market Needs This is both a business and an ecological rule Rule #6 – Balance Profit With Passion Okay, so we’re talking about a business, right? Not a hobby. So the point is, measure everything that affects profit. You absolutely need to know your cost of production, down to the nickel. What does it cost you, ALL IN, to produce that product Rule #7 – Understand the Full Impact a Farm Business Does Have on Your Family Employees need direction which means someone’s in charge. That means there will inevitably be disputes and disagreements. The point I’m making is that there is no separation between work and home life on the farm.  It is ALL farm life. All the time. Rule #8 – Know the Difference Between Profit Margins and Cash Flow If running a business is new to you, this next statement may sound strange. But there are lots of ways a profitable business can go out of business. Or file for bankruptcy. There have been plenty of businesses that had attractive profit MARGINS but poor cash flow management. And they went bankrupt, because they couldn’t come up with the cash to service the debt. And, there have been even more companies that grew too fast, so they went under. CASH IS KING Rule #9 – Protect Your Ass-ets I’m not a CPA or lawyer so I’m not giving legal advice. See your experts for that. But, in any business, you gotta protect your personal assets, especially in this litigious society. And, beyond legal structure, get the right insurance to protect you. Rule #10 – Quit Your Day Job Close the door behind you, burn the bridge and quit your day job. If you want to have a successful farm business—or any business—get rid of your crutches. Go out and do it. Rule #11 – Start Marketing Before You Start Farming I mean, how can you start marketing before you start farming? Start selling part of your (insured) crop before you grow it.  Giving yourself 2-3 marketing seasons to catch great sales prices.

<a href="https://smallfarmnation.com/rules-for-starting-a-successful-farm-business/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://smallfarmnation.com/rules-for-starting-a-successful-farm-business/</a> Small Farm Nation – Get Growing They have a podcast and this list is from their 11 Farm Business Rules episode So, it seems that more and more people share the dream of running a sustainable family farm. Now, these guidelines, which they call 11 Business Rules for Starting/Running a Family Farm, Farm Rule #1 – Your Farm is a Business, Not a Hobby Most likely farming is in your DNA and you know it’s a farming business, not a weekend hobby. But, remember if you aren’t farming for profit you won’t be farming for long. If you want a hobby, that’s fine. That’s called a homestead, if anything, and you can look elsewhere for whatever income you want. But here’s the thing. If you want the farm to produce your income, it’s a business. Rule #2 – Nail Down Your Competitive Advantage If the business is easy to get into for you, it’s easy for someone else to do the same. There are a number of ways you can gain an advantage regardless of what specific farming strategy you choose. Then, have a strategic reason for every farm enterprise you operate, and every farm decision you make. If your motive is profit, and it should be because this is a business, right, then you have to assess what the most profitable farm enterprise is for you and your market. If it did nothing positive for our bottom line, think about removing the enterprise Just make sure you can answer this simple question. Are you ready?. Here it comes: my farm’s defensible competitive advantage is ___________________________ Rule #3 – Select the Best “Go to Market” Strategy Before You Start If you have something to sell, there’s a lot of ways to sell it, right? who are you going to sell to and how are you going to reach them? You have to define your go to market plan Rule #4 – Avoid Debt at (Almost) All Costs So, I say almost, because debt can be used intelligently to gain leverage. But that doesn’t mean most people use debt intelligently. Balance sheets are divided into assets and liabilities. Assets-good, liabilities-bad, right? Because that’s something you owe But would I use debt to buy a tractor to make my farm life easier? Because I can’t quantify the income I’ll generate as a result of that purchase to service that debt. So no way. I’ll get that tractor when I can afford to buy it. With cash. There’s enough to worry about in farming. Design your farm business to run without debt so you don’t add that level of stress. Rule #5 – Bridge the Gap Between What the Land Needs and What the Market Needs This is both a business and an ecological rule Rule #6 – Balance Profit With Passion Okay, so we’re talking about a business, right? Not a hobby. So the point is, measure everything that affects profit. You absolutely need to know your cost of production, down to the nickel. What does it cost you, ALL IN, to produce that product Rule #7 – Understand the Full Impact a Farm Business Does Have on Your Family Employees need direction which means someone’s in charge. That means there will inevitably be disputes and disagreements. The point I’m making is that there is no separation between work and home life on the farm. It is ALL farm life. All the time. Rule #8 – Know the Difference Between Profit Margins and Cash Flow If running a business is new to you, this next statement may sound strange. But there are lots of ways a profitable business can go out of business. Or file for bankruptcy. There have been plenty of businesses that had attractive profit MARGINS but poor cash flow management. And they went bankrupt, because they couldn’t come up with the cash to service the debt. And, there have been even more companies that grew too fast, so they went under. CASH IS KING Rule #9 – Protect Your Ass-ets I’m not a CPA or lawyer so I’m not giving legal advice. See your experts for that. But, in any business, you gotta protect your personal assets, especially in this litigious society. And, beyond legal structure, get the right insurance to protect you. Rule #10 – Quit Your Day Job Close the door behind you, burn the bridge and quit your day job. If you want to have a successful farm business—or any business—get rid of your crutches. Go out and do it. Rule #11 – Start Marketing Before You Start Farming I mean, how can you start marketing before you start farming? Start selling part of your (insured) crop before you grow it. Giving yourself 2-3 marketing seasons to catch great sales prices.

11 Rules of a Successful Farm Business

Understanding Crop InsuranceIntroductionWhat’s happening – Steve Johnson ARC-PLC Update RECAP FROM EPISODE #11 Reminder that Steve Johnson is a Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Has his Ph.D., Vocational Education, Colorado State University, M.S., Agricultural Education/Economics ,B.S., Agricultural Education, Iowa State University and the resident expert on all things Farm Bill.  I’d say maybe 20% to 30% of farmers have figured out ARC/PLC Decisions and are heading to the FSA office. About 50% will do what their neighbors are doing. I think the other 20% to 30% will wait until the deadline (March 2020) and see if it’s extended or just default into whatever they signed up the past 5 years (ARC-CO).Steve’s observations:Always start the ARC/PLC decision with the effective reference prices of $3.70/bu corn and $8.40/bu soybeans.  Will the MYA national cash price for the 2019 and 2020 crop years be below those prices?Use WASDE for 2019 and FAPRI for 2020 MYA national cash prices (see spreadsheet). Please link this Farm Bill Information where we’ve placed the ARC/PLC Payment Estimator, PLC Yield Update Tool and 4 videos if you missed the 80+ public meetings. &lt;https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html&gt;  I attached a Marshall County farm for a couple crop insurance agents on Friday, Jan. 17th. If a farmer would plug in their own numbers, they can see the interaction of national cash price and county yields.Steve’s assumptions: Thus the low corn prices in 2020 will pull more farmers to the 2-year PLC election, assuming normal county yields. Expect USDA to increase 2020 corn planted acres 2 to 4 million acres at the Feb. 20th Ag Outlook Conference which should lower the 2020 cash price projection below $3.70/bu.Since there likely won't be any PLC payments for soybeans in 2019 and 2020, ARC-CO is the overwhelming choice. Farmers will chose ARC-CO on most all soybean base acres because the projected cash price was not below $8.40/bushel I 2019 or 2020.Since most Iowa farmers will take PLC on corn base acres, they might be interested in pricing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) for 2020. To buy SCO, the crop on that farm needs to have elected and enrolled in PLC.  SCO is a county-based revenue product can be added on to the traditional Revenue Protection product. It’s subsidized at 65% federal subsidy that make a relative “inexpensive way” to buy up to 86% total coverage.  There are some drawbacks on SCO:No indemnity payment until June following harvest.You might have yield losses on your farm, but not the county.No prevented planting benefits with SCO.SCO could fit well on seed corn acres since farmers typically buy low levels of coverage.Using Crop Insurance to where it is more than just an expense to your farm.  It doesn’t have to be “just what we have always done……”Guest Blair Brody, Sales Executive for HUB International Limited in Mason City, Iowa.Blair please share with our listeners your background, experience, and a little about HUB International Limited.Could you layout a few of the basic differences in the types of crop insurance available? The basic crop insurance product is government regulated, so what makes each provider different?Are there added coverages?  Could you explain the buy up options?Other products available?What area do you service clients in?For most of your clients (depicted area) what have you been suggesting their product mix look like?What are you most successful clients doing differently than others? With insurance choices….On their farm in general…For the listener out there who has just always doing the same thing or is early on in their farming careers what pieces of advice would you have for them?What would you share with the listener who believes insurance is just a waste of money, throwing premium down the drain?What is your take on achieving self-insurance? What does it take to get there?What are some questions our listeners should be asking their agents this year? Do you have any remaining advice or information you’d like to share with our listeners? Please remind us of the deadlines as they apply to the 2020 growing season for crop insurance.Submit questions and topic suggestionsOur next episode is focusing on being a good customer.  If you have any good stories to share with us about when you feel you were a good or great customer please let us know.  Farm4profitllc@gmail.comLike, Rate, Review, and Share!

Understanding Crop Insurance<ul><li>Introduction</li><li>What’s happening – Steve Johnson ARC-PLC Update RECAP FROM EPISODE #11 Reminder that Steve Johnson is a Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Has his Ph.D., Vocational Education, Colorado State University, M.S., Agricultural Education/Economics ,B.S., Agricultural Education, Iowa State University and the resident expert on all things Farm Bill.  <ul><li>I’d say maybe 20% to 30% of farmers have figured out ARC/PLC Decisions and are heading to the FSA office. About 50% will do what their neighbors are doing. I think the other 20% to 30% will wait until the deadline (March 2020) and see if it’s extended or just default into whatever they signed up the past 5 years (ARC-CO).</li></ul></li><li>Steve’s observations:<ul><li>Always start the ARC/PLC decision with the effective reference prices of $3.70/bu corn and $8.40/bu soybeans.  Will the MYA national cash price for the 2019 and 2020 crop years be below those prices?<ul><li>Use WASDE for 2019 and FAPRI for 2020 MYA national cash prices (see spreadsheet). Please link this Farm Bill Information where we’ve placed the ARC/PLC Payment Estimator, PLC Yield Update Tool and 4 videos if you missed the 80+ public meetings. &lt;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/farmbill.html</a>&gt;  I attached a Marshall County farm for a couple crop insurance agents on Friday, Jan. 17th. If a farmer would plug in their own numbers, they can see the interaction of national cash price and county yields.</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Steve’s assumptions: <ul><li>Thus the low corn prices in 2020 will pull more farmers to the 2-year PLC election, assuming normal county yields. Expect USDA to increase 2020 corn planted acres 2 to 4 million acres at the Feb. 20th Ag Outlook Conference which should lower the 2020 cash price projection below $3.70/bu.</li><li>Since there likely won't be any PLC payments for soybeans in 2019 and 2020, ARC-CO is the overwhelming choice. Farmers will chose ARC-CO on most all soybean base acres because the projected cash price was not below $8.40/bushel I 2019 or 2020.</li><li>Since most Iowa farmers will take PLC on corn base acres, they might be interested in pricing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) for 2020. To buy SCO, the crop on that farm needs to have elected and enrolled in PLC.  SCO is a county-based revenue product can be added on to the traditional Revenue Protection product. It’s subsidized at 65% federal subsidy that make a relative “inexpensive way” to buy up to 86% total coverage.  <ul><li>There are some drawbacks on SCO:</li><li>No indemnity payment until June following harvest.</li><li>You might have yield losses on your farm, but not the county.</li><li>No prevented planting benefits with SCO.</li><li>SCO could fit well on seed corn acres since farmers typically buy low levels of coverage.</li></ul></li></ul></li><li>Using Crop Insurance to where it is more than just an expense to your farm.  It doesn’t have to be “just what we have always done……”<ul><li>Guest Blair Brody, Sales Executive for HUB International Limited in Mason City, Iowa.<ul><li>Blair please share with our listeners your background, experience, and a little about HUB International Limited.</li></ul></li><li>Could you layout a few of the basic differences in the types of crop insurance available?</li><li> The basic crop insurance product is government regulated, so what makes each provider different?<ul><li>Are there added coverages?  </li><li>Could you explain the buy up options?</li><li>Other products available?</li></ul></li><li>What area do you service clients in?<ul><li>For most of your clients (depicted area) what have you been suggesting their product mix look like?</li></ul></li><li>What are you most successful clients doing differently than others? <ul><li>With insurance choices….</li><li>On their farm in general…</li></ul></li><li>For the listener out there who has just always doing the same thing or is early on in their farming careers what pieces of advice would you have for them?</li><li>What would you share with the listener who believes insurance is just a waste of money, throwing premium down the drain?</li><li>What is your take on achieving self-insurance? <ul><li>What does it take to get there?</li></ul></li><li>What are some questions our listeners should be asking their agents this year?</li><li> Do you have any remaining advice or information you’d like to share with our listeners?</li><li> Please remind us of the deadlines as they apply to the 2020 growing season for crop insurance.</li></ul></li><li>Submit questions and topic suggestions<ul><li>Our next episode is focusing on being a good customer.  If you have any good stories to share with us about when you feel you were a good or great customer please let us know.  <a href="mailto:Farm4profitllc@gmail.com">Farm4profitllc@gmail.com</a></li><li>Like, Rate, Review, and Share!</li></ul></li></ul>

Protecting Your Profit With Crop Insurance

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