Interview with Tanner Winterhof, Farmhand and Farm4Profit Podcast Co-Host

Tanner Winterhof is one of the founding co-hosts of the Farm4Profit podcast, a leading agriculture podcast that explores a wide range of topics and features interviews with top professionals, all aimed at helping farmers and farm professionals increase their profits.

Born and raised on a row-crop and swine farm in Iowa, Tanner initially pursued a career in finance. Over more than a decade, he worked in various banking roles, from loan officer to commercial banker, gaining a thorough understanding of the financial challenges facing those in the farming industry.

Realizing the need for more profound, meaningful community engagement to foster innovation within the industry, Tanner launched Farm4Profit. Today, the podcast boasts over 350,000 dedicated listeners and has produced 350 episodes, which have been downloaded over 1.7 million times in total.

Tell us a bit about what you do.

Absolutely. Farm4Profit is a passion project I started, with the idea being to create a platform for people in the agricultural sector to access valuable insights and resources. We offer practical advice and actionable strategies that can directly impact farm operations and contribute to long-term profitability, and it’s now one of the top ag podcasts in the country.

Our podcast covers a wide array of topics relevant to modern farming practices. We discuss everything from financial management techniques to innovative agronomy methods and effective marketing strategies, and our overall goal is to provide a comprehensive resource for farmers and farm hands at every stage of their journey. We try to bring on a broad range of guests (industry experts, successful farmers, innovative entrepreneurs) so we can offer a well-rounded perspective that not only helps with the challenges but also hopefully shows new opportunities for innovation in the ag sector.

What gave you the idea for (what you do/your company)? how did it start?

The idea for Farm4Profit actually stemmed from a combination of my experiences as both a farmhand and as someone who spent many years in finance. During my time in banking, I had the opportunity to work closely with farmers and agricultural businesses, and I saw firsthand the challenges they faced in managing their finances and navigating the complexities of the industry. At the same time, I also recognized a lack of accessible and tailored resources for farmers to improve their financial literacy and business management skills. That’s when it clicked for me. I wanted to create a platform that not only addressed these challenges but also provided a space for farmers to come together, share knowledge, and learn from one another.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

You know, there are a lot of things I love about what I do, but if I had to pick just one favorite thing it would have to be the sense of connection and community. Whether it’s through farming, podcasting, or community involvement, I love the opportunities I get to connect with fellow farmers and industry professionals, share experiences, and learn from one another. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of a passionate and dedicated community where we can support each other through challenges and celebrate our successes. We also recently renovated an old convenience store and turned it into our podcasting headquarters, and we’re able to also support up-and-coming creators in the area by renting out the space while we aren’t using it. Being able to offer mentorship in that capacity is also something I’m really looking forward to in the future.

What are your keys to making yourself productive?

For me, productivity boils down to a few key principles. First and foremost, I believe in setting clear goals and priorities. Having a clear sense of what I want to achieve has helped me stay focused and motivated. Life’s too short to simply drift along; you’ve got to pause and reflect on your aspirations. That way, you’ll have a true north to guide your decisions.

Effective time management is another biggie. With a packed schedule, making the most of my time is crucial. I’m a firm believer in leveraging tools and systems to stay organized and on track. Google Sheets is my go-to tool, and we also recently implemented the CRM tool Monday.com to help drive growth and it’s been a success. That said, what works for me might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It’s all about trial and error to discover what works best for you.

Tell us one long-term goal in your career.

Looking down the road, my goal is to have a real impact on the agricultural community and beyond. I’m focused on expanding our platform to become an even better resource for farmers seeking info, inspiration, and a sense of community. It’s not just about sharing useful stuff; I want us to spark conversations about key topics like ag policy, new tech, and smart farming methods.

Now that I’ve got some experience under my belt as a podcaster, I’m also excited about the idea of mentoring other creators who want to be prominent on social channels, video, and maybe even their own podcasts. It’d be great to see our brand grow into a hub for multiple podcasts. That’s one of the paths we’re thinking about for expanding in the future, maybe even evolving into a production company.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?

 You know, one of the biggest lessons I’ve picked up along the way is the importance of consistency. Keeping a regular posting schedule is like gold. It’s what keeps your audience coming back for more. Whether you’re dropping episodes every week, every other week, or once a month, sticking to that schedule is key. It’s all about making sure your listeners know when to expect new stuff from you. Keeping things consistent in terms of the level of quality and the format you use also gives your audience a familiar and enjoyable listening experience.

That being said, consistency isn’t just for podcasting, it’s a big deal in any career. Whether you’re farming, running your own business, or doing something else entirely, consistency is the secret sauce for reaching your goals. It’s all about showing up day in and day out, even when things get tough, and sticking to your plan with grit and determination. Consistency is what keeps the wheels turning, earns you credibility, and builds trust with your audience, clients, or coworkers.

What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in your field?

If you’re thinking about diving into podcasting, my advice is to start with something you’re really passionate about. Find a topic that gets you amped up, and once you’ve found it dive in headfirst. Do your research, soak up as much info as you can, and start brainstorming ideas for your podcast. Don’t worry if it feels a bit overwhelming at first, we’ve all been there. Just remember what I said before (consistency is key) and remember that podcasting is all about having fun and sharing your passion with the world. When you’re genuinely excited about what you’re talking about, it’s infectious. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your content and draw people in.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I love to golf, so whenever I find myself with a weekend morning free I try to get out to the green. It’s almost meditative, the quietness of everything combined with the concentration you have to give to each swing. Bourbon tasting is a hobby I wish I had more time for. I would love to visit distilleries and do tastings more often than I do, but for now I like to pick up a new bottle whenever I can and try them at home. Honestly though, nothing beats hanging out with my family. I dedicate most of my free time to making sure I’m getting quality time with them, like I volunteer every season to coach their softball and basketball teams. It takes up a decent chunk of my time during the week, but kids grow up so fast, I just want to savor as much of it as I can. 

Name a few influential books you’ve read and/or websites you keep up with that you’d recommend to readers.

Sure thing! A few books that have had a big impact on me are ‘The Lean Startup’ by Eric Ries, ‘Start with Why’ by Simon Sinek, and ‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins. These books offer valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and business strategy that have helped shape my approach to farming and podcasting. As for websites, I like to keep up with the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal regularly, and of course I’m always keeping an eye on industry-specific forums and communities to stay connected with fellow farmers and entrepreneurs. AgWeb.com is pretty seminal within the agricultural industry.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell him to embrace failure as part of the learning process. I’d encourage him to trust his instincts more and not be swayed by the opinions of others. I’d teach him the importance of work-life balance and remind him to prioritize his well-being and relationships alongside his career aspirations. Maybe most importantly though, I’d tell him to enjoy the journey and not to be so hard on himself. Life has a way of working itself out in the end.