From Army Ranger to Farmer: Shay Foulk’s Lessons in Leadership and Agriculture
Balancing Service, Soil, and Success: Lessons from Shay Foulk
Agriculture has always been more than just growing crops—it’s about stewardship, leadership, and innovation. Few embody this balance better than Shay Foulk, a fifth-generation farmer, U.S. Army Ranger veteran, agronomist, consultant, and podcaster. In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, Shay shares how his diverse experiences—from Northeast Iowa farm fields to military deployments—shaped his mission to help farm families thrive.
From Northeast Iowa to the 75th Ranger Regiment
Shay’s roots are deeply tied to the land. Raised on a family farm in Northeast Iowa, he pursued agronomy at Iowa State University, building a foundation in soil science and crop management. After graduation, he took a different path—serving five years with the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, one of the most elite units in the military. That time instilled discipline, leadership, and resilience, qualities he now applies daily in agriculture.
Today, Shay continues to serve in the Illinois National Guard while managing Foulk Farms and co-operating Monier Seed, a seed cleaning and packaging business. His story demonstrates how military service and farming share a common thread: teamwork, precision, and long-term strategy.
Conservation-Minded Farming for Profitability
At the heart of Shay’s mission is sustainability. He champions conservation-minded practices that protect soil health while improving farm profitability. Techniques such as:
Cover crops to reduce erosion and boost organic matter (USDA NRCS on cover crops)
Variable-rate fertilizer strategies to reduce input waste while maximizing yields (University of Illinois Extension)
Precision agriculture tools that bring data-driven efficiency to every acre (John Deere Precision Ag)
For Shay, the future of farming depends on innovation that respects both the bottom line and the land.
Consulting, Coaching, and Peer Groups
Beyond his own farm, Shay plays a vital role as a consultant and coach with Ag View Solutions. He helps farm families tackle challenges such as:
Profit and cash flow management
Equipment analysis and replacement planning
Succession planning for generational transitions
Peer group facilitation to build farmer-to-farmer support networks
His consulting emphasizes that farming is not just a lifestyle—it’s a business. Treating it that way is key to long-term success.
Reaching Farmers Through Podcasts
In addition to working the land and advising families, Shay co-hosts two influential podcasts:
Ag View Pitch – Timely market outlooks and farm business discussions.
19 Minutes with Chris Barron – Short-form episodes that deliver practical insights in under 20 minutes.
Like Farm4Profit, these platforms offer education, connection, and transparency in agriculture—reminders that podcasts are now as important as field days or farm shows for farmer-to-farmer learning.
Lessons from Shay Foulk
Listeners to this episode will walk away with:
Sustainable farm practices that improve soil health and profitability
Business-first strategies to manage farms like resilient enterprises
Inspiration for balancing roles as a farmer, veteran, consultant, and family man
Connection opportunities through podcasts and peer groups
Shay’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and service. His journey proves that modern agriculture requires more than strong hands—it demands vision, adaptability, and a willingness to share knowledge.
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