Farming One Decision at a Time: Real Lessons from an Iowa Farmer
Farming today isn’t just about acres, yields, and equipment—it’s about adaptability, perspective, and the people willing to show up every day when conditions aren’t ideal. In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, we sit down with Nels, an Iowa corn and soybean farmer navigating the realities of modern agriculture as a next-generation producer.
Nels farms corn and soybeans across Iowa, including seed beans for major companies, while managing a diverse equipment lineup and real-world challenges like weather volatility, field fires, and access to land. He shares what it was like returning to the family operation, starting with acres of his own, and building a sustainable farm business one decision at a time.
This episode is a reminder that farming isn’t just about what you grow—it’s about how you grow, who you serve, and why authenticity still matters.
Building a Farm—and a Voice—at the Same Time
Nels began sharing his farm life on social media back in 2019, not with the goal of going viral, but simply to document what farming actually looks like. That decision opened the door to meaningful connections with both farmers and non-farmers alike.
We talk about:
Why he felt called to share real farm moments online
How everyday updates—like rain gauge readings—create trust and connection
Why transparency matters in an era of misinformation about agriculture
Sometimes the most powerful content isn’t flashy—it’s honest.
Raising Kids Who Grow Up in the Field
Farming is a family business, and for Nels, that includes raising kids who actively help on the farm. From riding along during fieldwork to learning responsibility at a young age, he shares how farm life shapes perspective, work ethic, and values.
This part of the conversation hits home for anyone balancing:
Family life and farm demands
Teaching the next generation without forcing a path
Passing down pride in agriculture, not pressure
Leadership, Trade, and Seeing Agriculture Bigger Than Home
Nels also reflects on lessons learned through Iowa Corn’s I-LEAD program, including international trade missions that expanded his understanding of agriculture’s global impact.
We dive into:
How leadership programs influence on-farm decision-making
Why global trade still matters at the local level
What farmers gain when they step outside their comfort zone
Perspective changes everything.
Community Still Matters in Rural America
Beyond the farm, Nels is deeply involved in his local community—serving on the fire department, PTO, and Lions Club. In an age of shrinking rural populations and stretched resources, he explains why showing up still matters.
This episode highlights:
The role farmers play beyond production
Why volunteerism keeps rural communities strong
How local involvement builds trust far beyond the farm gate
Farming Through the Hard Stuff
Not every season goes as planned. Nels opens up about farming through tough years—including one that saw multiple field fires—and how resilience is built long before crisis hits.
We discuss:
Managing stress during unpredictable seasons
Making decisions when there’s no perfect answer
Why farming success isn’t measured by one year
Final Takeaway
This conversation is a powerful reminder that agriculture is personal. It’s built on people, perspective, and a willingness to show the real side of farming—even when it’s messy.
If you care about the future of agriculture, rural communities, and honest storytelling, this is an episode worth your time.
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