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.

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

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

This episode of Farm4Profit is a double feature packed with timely information every farmer and ag business needs to hear.

As a reminder - visit DPAauctions.com and Farm4Profit listeners receive 0% listing fee for the first items sold through DPA!

We kick things off with Nick Helland from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, who walks us through a series of upcoming roundtable discussions taking place across Iowa. These conversations are designed to bring farmers and stakeholders together to talk about the issues that matter most — from conservation and carbon to trade and transportation. Nick explains how the feedback from these sessions will help shape Iowa Corn’s policy direction and strengthen the voice of agriculture at both the state and national level.

Then, we transition into a deep dive on the 2025 equipment market with Luke Stamp from DPA Auctions. We ask Luke the questions that are on every farmer's mind:

Are we seeing more or fewer sales compared to last year?

Is the market stronger or weaker?

What’s the current demand for new vs. used equipment?

Luke doesn’t hold back — he talks about who’s buying, who’s selling, and where the real opportunities are in 2025. We also uncover what makes certain sales stand out, the best advice for buyers and sellers, and how factors like interest rates, China relations, PUKs, and Farm Bill chatter could shift the landscape. If you're considering selling equipment or looking to buy in the months ahead, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

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

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/

In this episode, we visit with Orin Nusbaum from Nusbaum Farms in Bellfountain, Oregon — a grower, husband, father, and content creator who’s cultivating more than just crops. Orin gives us a glimpse into what life looks like on his diversified farm where he grows a variety of crops and provides fresh produce to local markets and his surrounding community.

We explore how the farm has evolved over time — including planting 10 acres of oats in fall 2022, a crop that may have been a first for the operation — and how he navigates the unpredictability of farming, like this past season’s surprise combine fire. Orin also shares how his family plays an active role on the farm: his wife, kids, and even the dog stay involved in everything from harvest to road trips to answering calls when things get busy.

Celebrating 20 years of marriage, Orin and his wife have built a life around faith, family, and farming. Their teamwork, especially during harvest and hay season, is something that truly sets Nusbaum Farms apart. We talk social media, small-town support, and why it’s so important to be present — both online and in the rows. If you love stories about families growing food, navigating challenges, and doing it all together, this episode is for you.

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

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/