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

Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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