we welcome Ethan Branscum, a farmland investment leader with a deep background in ag finance, to explore the growing intersection of agriculture and alternative investment. As Partner and Director of Farmland Investments at Sower Farmland Fund and Legacy Farmland Fund, Ethan helps manage a portfolio of properties that connect farmland owners with investors—all while prioritizing legacy, flexibility, and profitability.

Ethan shares his personal path from his upbringing and education at the University of Arkansas to over a decade in ag finance and credit. He breaks down the mission behind Legacy Farmland Fund: giving landowners a new path to transition their asset without selling out their identity. Listeners will get a refresh on how Legacy enables contributors to trade farmland for ownership shares—maintaining long-term exposure to farmland returns, gaining liquidity, and relieving themselves from day-to-day operations.

We dive into today’s land investment landscape, exploring what investors are looking for, how farmland compares to other asset classes, and which U.S. regions are catching the most interest. Ethan also unpacks how technology and data are changing the way land is valued, managed, and selected for investment.

For farmers, this episode provides guidance on what makes a strong farmer-investor partnership, what Ethan looks for in operators, and how Sower supports profitability and growth from the ground up. He offers candid advice for producers considering leasing versus owning, and shares examples of farmer success stories made possible through Sower’s model.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

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We step into the world of premium winegrowing with two of Sonoma County’s most respected vineyard leaders.

First, we hear from Jake Terrell, Director of Vineyards at St. Francis Winery, who shares how his viticulture background and years managing vineyards like Monte Rosso have shaped his approach to sustainable farming. Jake outlines how timing, precision, and green practices drive quality grape production. He also discusses his role in revising the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices, showcasing his leadership in building a more environmentally conscious wine industry.

Then, we’re joined by Glenn Proctor of Puccioni Ranch & Vineyards, whose winemaking heritage dates back to 1904. Glenn gives us a rare look at the art of letting the vineyard speak for itself, drawing on a century of family knowledge and old-vine farming. We also explore his broader experience in the wine industry — from leadership roles at Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) and Sterling, to becoming a partner at The Ciatti Company, the world’s largest grape and bulk wine brokerage.

Together, Jake and Glenn reflect on the evolution of the wine business, how sustainability and tradition are converging, and what the future holds for vineyard operations amid changing climate, consumer demand, and labor dynamics.

Listeners will walk away with an appreciation for what it means to farm for flavor, legacy, and longevity — and how lessons from the vineyard apply to agriculture across the board.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

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Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) with Gunther Kreps of AgXplore. As farmers look for new ways to protect yield and stretch every input dollar, PGRs are rising to the top of the conversation — but what exactly are they, and how do they work?

Gunther kicks things off with a clear breakdown of the science behind PGRs — from naturally occurring hormones like auxins and gibberellins to advanced synthetic formulations used in modern ag. We explore how PGRs stimulate or suppress specific plant responses, helping crops manage stress, increase tillering, strengthen stalks, improve root mass, and ultimately perform better under pressure.

The conversation gets practical as Gunther shares when and how to apply PGRs, which crops respond best, and how to maximize synergy by tank-mixing with fungicides, foliar feeds, or herbicides. He also addresses timing, weather influence, and why not all PGRs are created equal — pointing out the key signs of a high-quality product versus one that might just be snake oil.

We then dive into the evolving PGR landscape, including advancements in targeted formulations, compatibility with precision ag, and what’s on the horizon — like AI-powered prescriptions and biostimulant hybrids.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

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Ron Geis, a Nebraska native turned proud Iowan, who’s spent decades advancing agriculture in multiple ways — from working in crop protection with Corteva Agriscience, to helping run a family cow-calf operation, to mentoring the next generation of ag leaders.

Ron reflects on growing up on a dairy farm and how those early mornings and hard lessons shaped his outlook on life and work. He shares what it’s been like to witness — and contribute to — the evolution of crop protection technology throughout his career. His background in agricultural education also shines through, offering insight into how he communicates with growers and supports Corteva’s mission across Iowa and beyond.

But it’s not all business — we get to know Ron on a personal level, too. He opens up about working alongside his wife on their cattle operation, camping adventures in their “hotel on wheels,” and the joy his grandchildren bring to his life. Ron even shares what advice he’d pass along to young people considering a career in agriculture.

As always, we wrap up with a fun either/or round, and Ron leaves us with thoughtful advice as we all look ahead to the 2025 season.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Scott Berden from U.S. Sugar and Brad Rucks from Everglades Equipment Group.

Scott leads the precision ag program for over 255,000 acres of production at U.S. Sugar, where the company grows sugarcane, citrus, and vegetables across five counties. He manages a fleet of 350+ precision-equipped vehicles and oversees everything from GPS land leveling to real-time logistics and RTK networks. His collaboration with Everglades Equipment Group and John Deere has helped U.S. Sugar remain at the forefront of ag tech, including new autonomous solutions, smart equipment, and farm-wide Wi-Fi.

Brad, a veteran in the Integrated Solutions department at Everglades, works closely with producers of sugarcane and specialty crops. He brings his knowledge of John Deere’s latest technologies — including JDLink, embedded efficiency tools, and landforming software — to help farmers get the most out of their machines. From optimizing fertilizer application to introducing automation, Brad ensures customers can compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Together, they unpack the power of strategic partnerships, the evolution of modern farming, and what lies ahead in the next 5 to 10 years — including autonomous tractors and smarter machine-to-machine communication. This is a can’t-miss conversation for any grower, ag tech enthusiast, or agribusiness leader looking to better understand how scale, data, and innovation come together in the field.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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

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Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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In this episode, we go behind the scenes with two Ag Leader team members who are also active farmers — Evan Boderman and Chad Stensrud. Evan works in product management at Ag Leader, while Chad manages territory sales and support in Minnesota. But when they’re not helping other growers, they’re back on their own farms, using the very same Ag Leader tools they help develop and support.

Evan and Chad share their farming backgrounds, the challenges of managing dual careers, and what makes their farm operations unique. They also reveal how Ag Leader’s suite of precision ag products — from guidance systems to yield monitoring — help them be more efficient, accurate, and productive on their own acres.

You’ll hear real-world examples of how their time in the field shapes their work at Ag Leader. Whether it’s identifying a needed product update or pushing for better support tools, their dual roles allow them to bring authentic feedback to the innovation process.

The conversation also dives into Ag Leader’s core values — being Made in America, delivering reliable, high-quality tech, and offering top-tier service and support. Chad and Evan reflect on what it means to be part of a company that lives those values, both as employees and as customers.

Finally, we lighten the mood with a fun rapid fire round covering their favorite equipment, go-to cab snacks, and essential Ag Leader tools.

If you’ve ever wondered whether ag tech companies truly understand what farmers need — this episode will show you that at Ag Leader, the people building the tools are also the people using them.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Jesse Bounds — a farmer, hay exporter, trucking company owner, business coach, and content creator from Eugene, Oregon. Jesse’s story is one of grit, growth, and generosity. From his early days working on a grass seed farm at 16 after his parents divorced, to buying his first baler in high school, Jesse’s entrepreneurial journey is both inspiring and deeply practical.

We dive into the origin and expansion of Jesse Bounds Trucking, where every truck — including his iconic refurbished 1986 Peterbilt 259 shoot hood — is painted in classic Peterbilt orange. Jesse shares the story of restoring that first truck with a close friend who recently passed, a moment that shaped his approach to business and legacy.

His flagship venture, Bounds Hay Company, now includes massive storage barns, a hay bale press, hay squeezes, and a 110-foot scale — exporting hay daily to Korea and Japan. From farming and baling to international shipping logistics, Jesse breaks down the systems that keep the operation running 24/6.

He’s also the founder of Ten Four Coaching, a business training platform with workshops like Baler School and a Finance Workshop for entrepreneurs dealing with financial stress. Jesse provides listeners with practical, tactical strategies to identify growth opportunities, break through business plateaus, focus on revenue-driving activities, and craft a long-term vision.

As a bonus, we touch on Bounds Coffee, Jesse’s small-town coffee shop serving smoothies, espresso, and Lotus drinks in Junction City, Oregon — a reminder that passion projects and business can go hand in hand.

Whether you're a farmer, trucker, business owner, or dreamer, Jesse’s top five actionable tips and stories from the field offer a roadmap to turning hustle into success — with no excuses and no shortcuts.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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Darren Hefty — South Dakota farmer, co-host of Ag PhD TV and Radio, and a respected leader in both agriculture and ag business. With a legacy rooted in service, innovation, and education, Darren shares the powerful story of how he, his brother Brian, and their father built Hefty Seed Company into the 7th largest crop production firm and the 9th largest seed retailer in the U.S., now operating across 50 locations in 12 states.

Darren walks us through his early days on the farm, starting at just 7 years old in the farrow-to-finish hog operation, making auction decisions with his dad at 10, and managing hired help by age 13. His passion for agriculture was matched by an early sense of responsibility — a trait that continues to define his leadership today..

You’ll also hear about the upcoming Ag PhD Field Day on July 31 in Baltic, South Dakota, now available for streaming on AcresTV, and why the mission of Ag PhD remains focused on serving farmers first.

Whether you’re a farmer, ag business owner, or just someone looking to learn from one of the industry's most experienced and grounded voices, this episode is full of real-world perspective, ag innovation, and leadership lessons you won’t want to miss.

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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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Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

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