Nels farms corn and soybeans in Iowa, including seed beans for major companies, while running a diverse lineup of equipment and managing challenges like field fires, weather swings, and land access as a next-generation farmer. He shares what it was like returning to the family operation, starting on his own acres, and building a farm business one decision at a time.

We also dive into:

Why he started sharing farm life on social media in 2019

How simple things like rain gauge updates connect farmers and non-farmers alike

What it’s like raising kids who actively help on the farm

Lessons learned from Iowa Corn’s I-LEAD program and international trade missions

Why community involvement — fire department, PTO, Lions Club — still matters in rural America

The reality of farming through tough seasons, including multiple field fires in one year

This conversation is a reminder that farming isn’t just about acres and yields — it’s about people, perspective, and showing the real side of agriculture.

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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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In this What’s Working in Ag segment, we highlight a growing trend we’re seeing across agriculture heading into 2026: farmers investing in skills instead of opinions.

Agris Academy is hosting a 2026 Winter Workshop on Merchandising and Futures Risk Management on February 19th in Baltic, South Dakota, with both in-person and online options available. What makes this workshop stand out is what it doesn’t promise.

This session focuses on:

Teaching real merchandising skills farmers can use immediately

Sharing practical “tricks of the trade” from professional risk managers

Helping producers build repeatable systems, not one-off trades

Creating skills that become a permanent asset to a farm or business

What it won’t do:

Predict market direction

Push trading strategies

React to daily headlines

In a year where volatility, tight margins, and uncertainty continue to dominate agriculture, farmers are realizing that better decisions come from better understanding — not better guesses.

This short segment explains why educational workshops like this are gaining momentum, why farmers are choosing to attend in person, and how developing merchandising discipline can change how farms manage risk long-term.

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/

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

Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw

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In this episode of Farm4Profit, we’re joined by Ken Ripley, AVP of Regional Sales for FMH’s Northwest region and a farmer himself in southern Minnesota. Ken brings decades of experience from both John Deere and crop insurance, helping producers understand how to build smarter protection strategies.

We break down:

The current financial environment farmers are facing

How crop insurance, FSA programs, and disaster relief work together

What’s changed under the new USDA and RMA leadership

Key updates to ARC/PLC, base acres, reference prices, and SCO flexibility

New and expanded area coverage options like ECO, SCO, and MCO

Enhancements to the Beginning Farmer/Rancher program

Disaster programs like SDRP Phase 2 and the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program

Why precision data is becoming critical for reporting, claims, and audits

Ken also shares practical advice for navigating these decisions without getting overwhelmed — including why working closely with a trusted crop insurance agent can help producers avoid missed opportunities.

With so many changes heading into 2026, this episode helps farmers step back, understand the big picture, and make intentional decisions that protect profitability.

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/

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

Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc

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