We’re joined by Matthias Kunerth—HiTech Farmer, a fifth-generation farmer from southwest Minnesota who is making waves online by blending his family’s farming legacy with cutting-edge agricultural technology.

Matthias farms corn and soybeans alongside his family, works as a sales rep for Dekalb and John Deere, and runs a drone operation. His passion for technology shines through in everything he does—whether it’s testing the latest GPS-guided equipment, exploring autonomous tractors, or showing how precision agriculture tools can boost efficiency and sustainability.

On social media, where he’s built a following of nearly 80,000 across platforms, Matthias highlights the contrast between how his dad and grandpa farmed and how technology is shaping his generation’s approach. His content ranges from time-lapse planting videos to behind-the-scenes drone spraying journeys, giving his audience a unique window into modern agriculture.

We dive into how Matthias finances his farm as a young producer, what tools and strategies he uses to keep his operation organized, and how his role as both a farmer and content creator allows him to promote agriculture to a broader audience. He also shares stories from working alongside his family, why showcasing generational differences matters, and what excites him most about the next wave of farm technology.

To keep things light, we close the episode with a round of “Start, Bench, Cut” where Matthias chooses between autonomous tractors, drone spraying, and GPS-guided planters—and reveals whether he’d rather film harvest with his grandpa or rebuild old equipment in the shop.

This episode blends nostalgia and innovation, offering listeners a look at how one young farmer is carrying tradition forward while embracing the tools that will define agriculture’s future.

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We’re joined by the CEOs of Des Moines Water Works and Central Iowa Water Works, who provide a utility perspective on what it takes to ensure clean, safe drinking water for over 600,000 residents. They explain what nitrate removal looks like in practice, why one winter alone cost more than $540,000, and how proposed new facilities could require investments of up to $183 million.

From the agricultural side, we explore the progress farmers have made in reducing erosion, improving nitrogen use efficiency (down from ~1.2 lbs per bushel in the 1990s to ~0.7 lbs or less today), and adopting conservation practices like no-till, cover crops, and prairie strips. We also look at the barriers—like cost, adoption rates, and weather extremes—that keep nitrate reductions from moving as fast as water utilities and regulators would like.

The conversation highlights the drivers of change, from climate volatility to increased corn production, and examines the broader economic context: agriculture still contributes over $53 billion to Iowa’s GDP and supports 1 in 5 jobs statewide. Any solutions must balance environmental protection with economic sustainability for farm families and rural communities.

Ultimately, this discussion is about bridging the divide. Both farmers and utilities are making major investments in infrastructure—whether that’s treatment plants or conservation practices. The question is: how do we build trust, share data, and create partnerships that deliver measurable water quality improvements while protecting Iowa’s agricultural economy and heritage?

This episode gives listeners a nuanced look at the nitrate issue beyond the headlines, showing how public health, environmental stewardship, and agricultural productivity can coexist with the right mix of science, collaboration, and leadership.

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We welcome back Brian Scott, the Indiana farmer behind The Farmer’s Life. Brian is a fourth-generation farmer raising corn, soybeans, popcorn, and wheat on his family’s 2,400-acre operation. Farming alongside his father and grandfather, Brian not only manages the day-to-day work of no-till practices, cover cropping, and seed production but also shares it with the world through his blog and growing social media platforms.

We talk about the evolution of his farm—from planting soybeans before corn and experimenting with cover crops across 25% of their acres each fall, to the anticipation of earning a centennial designation for his grandpa’s farm in 2028. Brian also shares how his Purdue Ag degree and openness to new agronomic practices have helped him continually adapt and improve his operation.

Beyond the farm, Brian has built a large online community through The Farmer’s Life blog and daily content on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Starting in 2011, his writing evolved into video and social storytelling, where he now connects with hundreds of thousands of people globally. He shares how projects like Cruisin’ with Corteva and conversations with followers have expanded his perspective on biotech, cover cropping, and farm transparency.

Listeners will also get a peek at Brian’s journey from working in retail management after college back to farming full time, his experience growing up outside the FFA/4-H path, and how music shaped his early years. Whether it’s managing soil health, using precision ag tools, or reflecting on the role of family legacy, Brian offers an honest look at what it really means to live “The Farmer’s Life.”

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In this Farm4Profit Podcast episode, we shift gears from our usual focus on succession planning to tackle another critical piece of the future: retirement planning. While we often think of retirement in the context of W-2 workers with 401(k)s and pensions, farmers, small business owners, and self-employed professionals face very different challenges.

Guest Levi Morrissey of Financial Architects, Inc. joins us to explain why retirement planning isn’t optional—and why it looks different for those who don’t fit the “traditional” mold. We explore the looming reality that two-thirds of Iowa farmland is owned by people over the age of 65, meaning a tidal wave of transitions is already reshaping small-town economies and family farms.

Key takeaways from our conversation include:

The psychology of retirement: How financial readiness and personal identity both play roles in deciding when (and how) to step back.

Farmers vs. W-2 workers: Why relying on land equity alone may not be enough, and how tax-advantaged accounts like SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and SIMPLE IRAs can provide real security.

Phased retirement strategies: Leasing land, crop-share agreements, or custom farming as ways to transition without walking away entirely.

Tax benefits for farmers: Including Iowa exemptions on retirement income for those who’ve materially participated in farming for 10+ years, as well as incentives for cash rent to beginning farmers.

The bigger picture: Retirement planning doesn’t just protect one family’s legacy—it sustains rural communities, preserves farmland, and strengthens the next generation of producers.

We wrap up by asking listeners to consider an important question: What does life after the farm—or after the business—look like for you? Retirement doesn’t have to mean loss of identity. With intentional planning, it can be the foundation for personal freedom, family security, and thriving rural communities.

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April Hemmes, a farmer, rancher, and ag leader whose influence spans from Franklin County, Iowa, to international policy discussions. April operates her family’s century farm—1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and pasture—while serving on an impressive list of boards and advisory councils, including the United Soybean Board, USDA Foreign Ag Service Ag Technical Advisory Council, and multiple Iowa ag organizations.

April’s story starts with a degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University and early work in banking, ag research, and policy. In 1993, she took over the family farm, transitioning from a farrow-to-finish hog and cattle operation to a highly productive, tech-driven grain farm. She’s never plowed her land, instead adopting no-till, buffer strips, wetlands, filter strips, and pollinator habitats to protect soil and water.

She also leads a women’s grain marketing group with economist Kelvin Leibold, empowering members to increase their farm incomes by $10,000 to $30,000 through smarter marketing strategies. Her leadership has earned her numerous honors, including Iowa Master Farmer, Monsanto’s Farm Mom of the Year, and induction into the FarmHer Hall of Fame.

In our conversation, April shares:

How she balances technology investments with a used machinery strategy.

Why conservation practices have been non-negotiable on her farm.

How serving in leadership roles at the state, national, and global level influences her farm decisions.

What she’s learned from 40 years of running a farm as both owner and operator.

Why building strong marketing skills is one of the best returns on investment for any farmer.

We also lighten things up with a rapid-fire “Would You Rather” segment—revealing whether April prefers harvest or planting, beef or pork, and if she’d rather talk to animals or speak every human language.

Whether you’re interested in leadership, conservation, technology, or marketing, this episode offers inspiration and practical takeaways from one of the most respected voices in agriculture.

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Negotiation happens every day in agriculture—whether you’re selling used equipment, renewing a land lease, or buying seed. But too often, farmers head into these conversations without a plan. On this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Attia Qureshi, an international negotiation consultant, educator, and farmer’s spouse, to learn how her Seven Elements of Effective Negotiation can transform the way you do business.

Attia begins by walking us through her framework—Interests, Options, Legitimacy, Communication, Relationship, Alternatives, and Commitment—and shows exactly how each applies to farm life. She shares why Relationship is the most overlooked element in ag negotiations, especially when working with the same buyers, suppliers, or landlords year after year.

We explore four common farm negotiation scenarios:

Private Sales & One-on-One Deals – Selling used equipment or buying livestock while using tactical empathy, anchoring, and mirroring to reach a fair price.

Value-Based Negotiation with Retailers – Moving the conversation from “lowest cost” to “best value” when working with seed and input suppliers.

Volume & Group Negotiation – Harnessing collective buying power without falling into the trap of misaligned goals.

Land Lease Agreements – Approaching tough talks in the fall, preserving relationships with absentee or long-time landlords, and handling “I’ve had a higher offer” moments without damaging trust.

Throughout the conversation, Attia blends professional insights with personal stories from life on the farm. She offers practical tips on reading non-verbal cues, understanding the power of timing, and defusing tension in high-stakes discussions.

We wrap up with Attia’s lightning-round favorites, from her go-to negotiation book to the biggest myth about negotiation. Whether you’re preparing for lease renegotiation season or just want to feel more confident in daily farm conversations, this episode delivers strategies you can put to work immediately.

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We start with Mike Doran—the Sale Manager who’s been at the helm of this event for years—offers an insider’s view of what it takes to make the Sale of Champions a success. From coordinating sponsors and buyers to ensuring the young exhibitors have their moment in the spotlight, Mike’s leadership has helped the IFAA grow its support from $50,000 in its first year to nearly $725,000 annually in livestock sales, scholarships, and awards.

Then, Joe Stien, a young leader who not only captured Reserve Grand Champion honors in the 2024 4-H Market Hog competition but also uses his platform, The Joe Show, to amplify youth voices in agriculture. Joe shares the grind behind the glamour, from early mornings in the barn to the adrenaline rush of the Sale of Champions, and how this event represents years of dedication from youth exhibitors across the state.

We also explore how the IFAA invests in the next generation through over $240,000 in scholarships each year, including the Winner’s Circle Scholarships for students pursuing ag degrees. With stories from the ring, the sale floor, and the scholarship stage, this episode highlights how tradition, community, and opportunity come together to create lifelong impact for Iowa’s ag youth.

Whether you’re a livestock exhibitor, a parent, a sponsor, or just a fan of the Iowa State Fair, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the dedication and teamwork that fuel the Sale of Champions.

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With nitrate levels making headlines again, Mike doesn’t shy away from addressing Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy and how his team is driving long-term improvements in water quality. He also explains the real impact of the Choose Iowa branding initiative, how export tracking actually works, and why the Iowa State Fair is one of the best tools for connecting everyday Iowans with agriculture.

We dig into hot-button topics like crop conditions, biosecurity in pork and beef, rural workforce development, and the significance of celebrating Century & Heritage Farms. Whether you’re a farmer, policymaker, or just someone who cares about Iowa’s land and legacy, this episode will give you a timely, no-spin look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Midwest agriculture.

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