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

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

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

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

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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

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

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

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Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen!

Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com

Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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

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

Defining Right to Repair:

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

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

What the Debate Is Really About:

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

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

What Equipment Manufacturers Support:

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

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

Training, best practices, and parts at authorized prices.

The Bigger Picture – People, Personalities, and Perspectives

Farmers’ Perspective:

Frustrations with downtime during critical seasons.

Stories of how delays in repair access have impacted operations.

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

Manufacturers’ Concerns:

Safety risks associated with untrained individuals performing repairs.

Cybersecurity risks and potential violations of emissions compliance.

Concerns about providing access to embedded proprietary software.

Trust and Collaboration:

The relationship between farmers, dealerships, and manufacturers.

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

Breaking Down Key Issues

Manufacturer concerns about ensuring proper repair and maintenance practices.

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

Cybersecurity Threats:

Potential vulnerabilities in connected equipment and broader networks.

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

Economic Impacts:

How Right to Repair regulations could disrupt current market dynamics.

Concerns from manufacturers about government-mandated repair provisions.

A Free Market vs. Regulation:

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

The balance between fostering competition and protecting innovation.

Where Do We Go From Here?

What Needs to Change:

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

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

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Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen!

Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com

Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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