Hog Pens to Microphones: Darren Hefty Building Up Farmers
If you’re in the agriculture world, chances are you’ve heard the name Darren Hefty. A South Dakota farmer, co-host of Ag PhD TV and Radio, and one of the most respected voices in ag business, Darren’s influence stretches far beyond the fields of Baltic, SD. In this powerful Farm4Profit podcast episode, we dive deep into Darren’s remarkable journey — one that blends service, innovation, and education into a story every farmer and ag business leader can learn from.
🌱 A Legacy Built from the Ground Up
Darren takes us back to his roots — literally — on his family’s farm in South Dakota. He started working in their farrow-to-finish hog operation at just 7 years old, made auction decisions alongside his dad by age 10, and was managing hired help by 13. These early responsibilities sparked not just a passion for agriculture but also a mindset of leadership, accountability, and long-term vision.
Alongside his brother Brian Hefty and their father, Darren helped build Hefty Seed Company into the 7th largest crop production firm and the 9th largest seed retailer in the U.S. With 50+ locations across 12 states, Hefty Seed continues to provide high-yield solutions and expert agronomic advice to farmers nationwide.
🎓 Serving Farmers Through Innovation and Education
At the heart of Darren’s mission is farmer-first education. That’s the foundation of Ag PhD, a multimedia platform that delivers trusted agronomy advice through television, radio, and online content. In this episode, Darren shares how the Ag PhD brand isn’t just about science — it’s about empowering farmers to make better decisions, increase profitability, and take control of their operations.
And if you haven’t marked your calendar yet, don’t miss the Ag PhD Field Day on July 31 in Baltic, South Dakota — one of the largest private field days in the nation. This year's event will be streaming live on AcresTV, making it easier than ever to join in from wherever you farm.
🎥 Deep Link: Watch Ag PhD Field Day on AcresTV
🔥 Real-World Lessons, Straight from the Farm
This is more than a business success story — it’s a front-row seat to decades of agricultural transformation, told by someone who’s lived every step. Darren opens up about:
The growing pains and wins of scaling a family farm into a national brand
The importance of hiring well and leading with trust
Why farmers need to embrace technology and innovation without losing sight of tradition
How to stay grounded while managing risk, relationships, and rapid growth
Whether you’re knee-deep in planting season or analyzing your next agribusiness move, Darren Hefty’s story is packed with practical takeaways and timeless inspiration.
🎧 Don’t Miss the Episode!
📌 Listen now: Farm4Profit Podcast – Darren Hefty Interview
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From one farmer to another, this is the episode you’ll be talking about all season. 🌾💼
