2026 special guests
Adam Byrne serves as the Technical Service Manager at FMC, covering Michigan, Ohio, and a significant portion of Indiana. He has 25 years of experience in field research programs at Michigan State University. Adam earned his Master’s in Entomology, focusing on resistance development to neonicotinoid insecticides by the Colorado potato beetle, all while managing the vegetable entomology field trials looking at pests in potatoes, asparagus, celery, carrots, and more. Transitioning to Dr. Martin Chilvers’ Field Crops Pathology program, he spent 10 years coordinating field research on disease management across various crops including corn, soybean, dry bean, and wheat.
Andrea is a fifth-generation farmer and entrepreneur from southwest Minnesota. She originally planned to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, but plans changed and she found herself back home on the family farm unexpectedly. The family runs a commercial cow/calf herd, a feedlot, and farms corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Farming is her first love, but sharing agriculture with the world is the next one. From speaking at events around the country to running her online fitness groups as a certified personal trainer to sharing ‘day in the life’ agriculture content online to bridge the gap between consumers and producers, it’s all part of the beautiful chaos you’ll get when you connect with her.
Beet Farmin Mitch is a sixth-generation farmer from North Dakota’s Red River Valley, where he farms alongside his father, uncle, and two older brothers. Their family operation grows a diverse mix of crops, including sugar beets, wheat, sunflowers, corn, soybeans, and several varieties of dry edible beans. Known for creating content on his YouTube channel and social media platforms that is educational, entertaining, and family-friendly, he has built a loyal audience by showcasing the people, equipment, and practices that drive today’s farming operations. Mitch’s passion for agriculture and commitment to sharing its story are reflected in his personal motto: “Faith, Family, Farming.”
Bobbi Thury is known for asset protection planning. She is a board-certified Estate Planning Law Specialist by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils as well as an Accredited Estate Planner®. She has been recognized in Great Plains Super Lawyers where only 5% of attorneys in South Dakota earn Super Lawyers® status and recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of trusts and estates. Bobbi is also the first Board-Certified Elder Law Attorney in South Dakota certified by the National Elder Law Foundation. Bobbi has gone through the educational process of the Certified Value Growth Advisors and Certified Exit Planner Advisors for family and privately held businesses on increasing business value and succession planning.
Brian Hefty and Darren Hefty are lifelong farmers and agronomists who are focused on how to help you increase yields, make more money on the farm, and leave the land and environment in better condition for future generations. They are the hosts of Ag PhD TV, the number one agronomy show in the U.S., which has aired a brand new episode every week for more than 28 years. The brothers also host Ag PhD Daily, which airs live on RFD-TV and SiriusXM 147 at 2 pm Central each weekday. Darren and Brian manage Hefty Seed Company, as well, which is the 7th largest ag chem retailer and the 8th largest seed retailer in the U.S. Brian is a father of 3, a Christian, and despite his wife Jenny’s suggestion to give it up already, a long-suffering Minnesota Vikings fan. Darren and his wife Shelley have 6 kids. Don’t let his love of farming fool you. It’s always going to be faith, family, and then farming for Darren.
Bridgette Readel finds fun ways to talk about farming everyday! She’s a farm kid extraordinaire and passionate agronomist. Although she intended to teach high school ag, Bridgette is now busy teaching adults in regards to production agriculture and truly enjoys sharing the bright and positive message of ag in North Dakota. Bridgette is the owner of Lilac Lane Media, partner in the AgMafia and the Ag Director for WDAY radio/Flag Family Media.
Calli Williams resides near Letcher, SD with her husband Tate and two sons, Jack and Tommy, where they own and operate TW Angus.
Calli’s passion for livestock started at a young age as she showed cattle in 4-H and FFA. Calli’s fire for promoting the beef industry was lit when she was named the South Dakota Beef Ambassador. Calli later promoted the beef industry to a new audience when she competed at Miss South Dakota. Calli was named Miss Congeniality and competed with a platform of, “Be BOLD and ZIP into a healthy lifestyle with BEEF.” Calli later completed an internship with Zoetis, and two internships with the Certified Angus Beef brand in Wooster, Ohio.
TW Angus hosts an online production sale the first weekend in March. Calli coordinates the marketing and deliveries for their direct-to-consumer retail beef business, TW Angus Beef.
Calli works full-time as a Livestock Field Representative with the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, has been involved with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, and is a graduate of the 2025 Young Cattlemen’s Conference. Calli is also a member of the 2025 NCBA Trailblazer team.
Calli enjoys promoting the beef industry on a local and national level. Calli has promoted the beef industry on CNN This Morning, USA Today, the Associated Press and was recently invited to the Great American Agriculture Celebration at the White House.
Carlene Sarvas joined Bayer CropScience Inc. in 2024 as Customer Sales & Solutions Agronomist following the acquisition of Camelina germplasm and variety intellectual property from Smart Earth Camelina. Prior to Bayer, Carlene spent 14 years as the Production Lead at Smart Earth Camelina. Carlene holds a diploma in Biotechnology from SIAST Kelsey Institute and recently completed the Agronomy Certification from Olds College. Growing up on a farm and now living on an acreage west of Saskatoon, SK Canada, she has a deep, personal connection with producers and a broad wealth of experience in both the technical and practical aspects of agriculture. Her extensive background and expertise with Camelina positions her as a key contributor to advancing the role of Camelina in the biofuel industry.
Carson, known as the 6th Gen Farmer, is a dedicated agricultural professional embarking on an independent farming journey after branching out from his family’s multi-generational operation. While not a “new” or “beginning” farmer in the traditional sense, Carson is deeply committed to sharing the challenges and triumphs of building a farm from the ground up. His passion lies in discussing all things farming, including equipment, technology, and the evolving landscape of modern agriculture.
Chad grew up in a small farming community in Northwest Missouri. He graduated with a B.S. from Oklahoma State University, M.S. from the University of Missouri, and M.B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Chad joined Monsanto in 1998 and has since held various positions in Research & Development, Marketing, Sales, Strategy, Operations, and Account Management. With the growth of digital agriculture, Chad worked with FieldView & digitally powered new business models in various roles with The Climate Corporation and Bayer Commercial from 2014 to 2025. Due to the growing global demand for biofuels and Bayer’s investments in oilseed crops, he moved into his current role as the Biofuels Crop Innovation & Commercial Lead in 2025, living in St. Louis, MO with his wife, Brooke, daughter, Morgan, and son, Cole.
Chad Henderson is a fifth-generation farmer from Madison, Alabama, and helps lead Henderson Farms—more than 7,000 acres of dryland and irrigated corn, soybeans, wheat, and double-crop soybeans. A longtime National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) yield-contest competitor (since 2001), he has earned multiple category wins and holds Alabama’s corn-yield record, with contest yields as high as 404 bushels per acre. He also co-founded XtremeAg, a network where progressive farmers share strategies to improve performance. Through Full Circle Ag Solutions (Madison, AL), Chad speaks and provides education for both farm and non-farm audiences, emphasizing modern efficiency, responsible stewardship, and agriculture’s role in daily life.
As Director of Product Management, Chad Kimmelshue leads the development, launch, and lifecycle of Pivot Bio’s next-generation foundational nitrogen technology for modern crop nutrition programs. His work spans product strategy, application, field performance, go-to-market development, supply planning, and manufacturing, helping deliver solutions that work alongside growers’ existing fertility programs to provide greater control, consistency, and ROI to nitrogen management. Chad joined Pivot Bio as a Seed Treatment Agronomist and later progressed to Scientist, where he led the company’s Product Success Center and helped advance Pivot Bio’s on-seed application technologies while working closely with research, product development, and commercial teams to bring new innovations from concept to the field. Prior to joining Pivot Bio, he spent three years with Bayer CropScience focused on the production, formulation, and field evaluation of biological seed treatments. Chad earned a B.S. in Biology from California Lutheran University before completing an M.S. and Ph.D. in Agronomy, with a focus on Crop Production Physiology and Seed Science, at Iowa State University. Originally from northern California, he grew up on his family’s almond and walnut farm, where he developed a passion for crop science and sustainable agriculture. Based in Iowa City, Iowa, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Hailey, and is an avid golfer.
Raised on a grain farm in southern Illinois, Chad Wissel grew up producing corn, soybeans, and wheat before earning a degree in Agricultural Business from Murray State University. After spending six years in the seed industry, he began specializing in plant growth hormones in 2003. Today, he works with agricultural retailers across the United States, Mexico, and Asia, providing training and developing crop-specific plant growth hormone programs tailored to diverse geographies, production systems, and crop needs.
Chris Sherman is a dedicated advocate for cybersecurity on the farm. With deep agricultural roots and a sharp, tech savvy mindset, he tackles this growing national security threat head on.
After a career in ag construction and manufacturing, Chris saw a serious gap: farms were rapidly adopting new technology, but with little to no protection from cyber threats. Today, agriculture ranks among the top 10 most targeted industries for cyberattacks in the U.S. As the founder of Tech Support Farm, a cybersecurity firm built specifically for farmers and agribusinesses, Chris delivers practical, real-world solutions that fit the realities of rural operations.
He believes the future of farming depends on securing the systems that power it, and he’s on a mission to bring the cybersecurity conversation to every farm table in America.
Clayton is the founder and owner of Atlas Ag, a multi-media production company that produces its live show, Atlas Ag News. Clayton also farms heritage grains in North Central Iowa and is heavily focused on providing thought leadership and new ways of thinking within the industry.
After years of fine-tuning and implementing precision ag data management and equipment utilization on his farm, Clint began to realize that soil health, and the biological processes that occur in soil, are some of the most important drivers of profitable crop production. He and his team adopted the principles of regenerative farming and work with both hybrid biological and organic operations. Clint has over a decade of experience in agronomy and farm management, focused on delivering practical, data-driven solutions. He leads business development at Calibrated Agronomy, supports dealers and team members, and helps drive product strategy, partnerships, and in-season management solutions that improve performance in the field.
Cole Sonne is a 4th generation farmer who works with his dad and uncle raising cattle and growing corn, soybeans, and forage. They show farm life 3 days a week on their YouTube Channel @Sonnefarms to over 320,000 subscribers.
With more than 14 years of counseling experience, Colette Tolley works with clients of all ages and is committed to finding the therapeutic approach that best fits each individual’s needs. Her training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Functional Family Therapy (FFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). A lifelong learner, she holds a Master of Science in Counseling and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from South Dakota State University, along with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Special Education from Dakota State University. Her diverse educational background and broad clinical experience allow her to connect with a wide variety of clients and help them achieve meaningful growth.
Connor Sible is a research assistant professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, where he also earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. His research program is focused on corn and soybean production systems and optimizing the interactions between products and practices to improve grain yields. His work categorizes biological/biostimulant products and identifies where, how, and why they work to improve fertilizer use efficiency and yields. He also uses agronomic inputs and various methods of crop residue management to enhance nutrient release and improve soil nutrient supply. He has regularly presented his research findings at local and regional field days, and as an invited speaker at university extension conferences, national trade-show events, and international conferences. He is originally from Byron, IL, which is located in the north central region of the state. When not in the fields, you can find him walking his dogs, or rather, them taking him for a walk!
Hillebo is a proud farmer at Hillebo Family Farms in Polk City, IA. In addition, Corey is the CTO & co-host of the Farm4Profit Podcast and Farm4Profit Media.
Dan Luepkes owns and operates Luepkes Enterprises in Chana, Illinois. A fifth-generation farmer, Dan grew up on a 200-acre dairy farm and has built his operation by transforming challenging, low-productivity sandy soils into productive farmland. Many in agriculture know Dan best for his work on Corn Warriors and now Top Crop, where he shares his passion for helping farmers maximize productivity.A strong advocate for soil health, Dan believes sustainable, high-yield farming starts with healthy soils, proper nutrient management, and feeding soil biology. His dedication has earned him ten consecutive first-place finishes in the Illinois NCGA contest, along with numerous other top finishes in state and national yield competitions. Dan’s mission is simple: leave the land in better condition than he found it, or as he likes to say, “Turn trash into cash.”
Daren Mueller is a professor and extension plant pathologist at Iowa State University. He is also the coordinator of the Iowa State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Daren’s main research interests involve understanding the biology and management of field crop diseases. Daren is co-director of the North Central IPM Center and the Crop Protection Network.
Brian Hefty and Darren Hefty are lifelong farmers and agronomists who are focused on how to help you increase yields, make more money on the farm, and leave the land and environment in better condition for future generations. They are the hosts of Ag PhD TV, the number one agronomy show in the U.S., which has aired a brand new episode every week for more than 28 years. The brothers also host Ag PhD Daily, which airs live on RFD-TV and SiriusXM 147 at 2 pm Central each weekday. Darren and Brian manage Hefty Seed Company, as well, which is the 7th largest ag chem retailer and the 8th largest seed retailer in the U.S. Brian is a father of 3, a Christian, and despite his wife Jenny’s suggestion to give it up already, a long-suffering Minnesota Vikings fan. Darren and his wife Shelley have 6 kids. Don’t let his love of farming fool you. It’s always going to be faith, family, and then farming for Darren.
David Whitaker, known as “The Land Guy,” is a seasoned auctioneer and real estate professional with deep roots in agriculture. He and his wife, Ann, founded Whitaker Marketing Group, specializing in farmland and fundraising auctions. David’s credentials include graduation from the Missouri Auction School and a real estate license obtained in 2010. He is actively involved in organizations like the Realtor Land Institute and the National Auctioneers Association. As the current President of the Iowa Auctioneers Association, David brings a wealth of knowledge to the Farm4Profit Podcast. His engaging presence and expertise in land sales provide valuable insights to listeners. David resides on his family farm near Ames, Iowa, with Ann and their two sons, Colton and Caleb.
Emerson King is an 18-year-old farmer from western Kentucky who is helping lead the next generation of agriculture while sharing his journey with a growing online audience. His family’s farming operation began in 2011 when his father started with just 20 acres, two older tractors, and a planter with a tree growing through it. Through determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn, the operation has expanded to 550 acres, all located within a half mile of the home farm. Passionate about both farming and content creation, Emerson’s goal is to continue growing the family operation while building his social media presence, ultimately turning his passion for agriculture into a full-time career. Emerson understands that success in both farming and social media comes with uncertainty. Rather than making bold promises, he focuses on doing his best in every situation, adapting to challenges, and never giving up. Looking back on the past several years, he is grateful for the growth and lessons he has experienced along the way. While he hopes to continue expanding both his farm and his business, Emerson credits his faith for keeping him grounded. “I focus on doing the best job I possibly can each day and trust the Lord with the rest. Growth will come in His timing, and my job is to stay faithful, work hard, and keep moving forward.” Emerson’s story can be followed on Adventures of Farmer King on AcresTV.
Emily Sharkey is not your typical farm wife from Illinois. After homeschooling their 4 kids, she saw an opportunity to turn her husband’s brand into a media company.
Emily is currently the executive producer of SharkFarmer Sirius XM show and SharkFarmer Weekend Edition. In addition, Emily is producer of “A Shot of Ag” on PBS (going national this summer) and producer of SharkFarmer TV on RFD-TV. She is also an inspirational keynote speaker, and booking agent for her and her husband as they travel the country.
Frank started with Bayer a little over 20 years ago in Germany. He spent time in Germany and France before joining the North American product management organization in 2014, initially focusing on the fruit & vegetable specialty crop portfolio. After managing the corn & soybean selective herbicide portfolio for 4 years, Frank joined the soybean product management team in 2021 and has been leading the Vyconic launch efforts ever since.
Stratman, a native of northeast Nebraska, grew up on a diversified grain (corn, soybeans, oats, barley, alfalfa) and livestock (swine, cattle, poultry) farm. He is still an active part in agronomy and production in family operations. Stratman received his B.S. in Agronomy in 1990 and M.S. in Weed Science in 1992, both from the University of Nebraska. In the past 30 years with FMC in Nebraska, he spent six as Field Biologist in Product Development working to develop new actives & products including bifenthrin, sulfentrazone, carfentrazone, clomazone. Four years were in a dual role of Product Development / Regulatory and Sales Support Agronomist. Fourteen years were spent as Technical Service Agronomist working in the High Plains region of NE, KS, CO, OK, WY, and SD. Since 2018, Stratman has been the Regional Technical Agronomy Manager for the Heartland Region (Midwest & N. Plains) of FMC North America Crop. In his current role, he manages FMC’s Technical Service Agronomists, working closely with Sales teams to provide agronomic advice and recommendations to help growers achieve the highest possible satisfaction and utility with FMC crop protection products on their farms. He coordinates with Marketing, Communications, Regulatory, and Manufacturing with education, promotion, troubleshooting, and stewardship. Stratman says, “I try to focus on ensuring FMC understands the production side of farming and in turn be a credible resource for growers for agronomic issues to make them better at what they do.”
Spoor is a first-generation farmer from northeast Missouri and the owner of Spoor Farms near Laddonia. Gavin began farming in 2017 at just 18 years old when he was given the opportunity to cash rent six acres. What started as a small row crop operation has grown steadily over the years, including the addition of a popcorn enterprise that now ships products nationwide. Alongside his fiancée, Grayce Emmick, Gavin shares daily farm life and agricultural education from their operations in Missouri and Kentucky through social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, where he is known as @thepopcornfarmer.
Glenn Herz is the field research lead with Ag PhD. Glenn has been part of the Ag PhD team for 13 years and is involved with many of the operations in the company, such as overseeing all research plots, Field Day plots, and testing of biologicals and naturals products. In addition, Glenn is instrumental in assembling the national lineup of Hefty Brand Corn and Soybeans. Glenn grew up on a farm in North Dakota where his family still farms. Glenn and his wife, Karla, live in Sioux Falls and have two daughters, Kaitlyn and Morgan. In his spare time, Glenn loves spending time with his grandsons, Thomas and Brooks. Glenn is an avid UND hockey fan and enjoys all the trips with family and friends to Grand Forks to cheer on his North Dakota team. Glenn is a great educator and is always willing to share his knowledge with others.
Grayce Emmick is an eighth-generation row crop farmer at Emmick Farms in Lewisport, Kentucky. Known as “Farmer Grayce” on social media, she shares daily life on the farm, including grain hauling, harvesting, and other aspects of agriculture. Alongside her fiancé, Gavin Spoor, she showcases their farming operations in Kentucky and Missouri across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where they have built a large and engaged following. Their relationship and life in agriculture have also been featured on AcresTV’s series, Dirt Poor.
Jack Gjesvold, also known as @timber.solutions, was born and raised in Madison, Alabama. At 19 years old, he launched a media company with a mission to tell the stories of farmers and agriculture. Jack works with farmers and agricultural businesses across the country, helping them share their operations, experiences, and impact with a wider audience. Through his content, he provides an authentic look at life on the farm—from explaining different sectors of agriculture to showcasing equipment and practices in the field. Passionate about agricultural storytelling and education, Jack is committed to bridging the gap between producers and consumers. His work helps people better understand modern farming and the vital role farmers play in bringing food from the field to the table.
James Paterson is a co-founder of AgroTech USA and leads its sales and marketing. Most of the phosphorus growers pay for never reaches the crop — within days, the majority locks up in the soil. James and his partners founded AgroTech to change that. Its flagship, NutriCharge, uses patented threshold-inhibition chemistry to keep phosphorus plant-available longer and to unlock the legacy phosphorus already banked in the soil. The technology is backed by 430+ field and greenhouse trials across 18+ crops and 8 countries, plus independent EU certification.
A skip-generation row-crop farmer in south central Minnesota, James Pieper also works as a social media content creator, known to his audience as @allaboutfarming. Although raised in the suburbs, after college James moved 250 miles to revive his family’s legacy farming operation. Around the same time, he began sharing his journey and the day-to-day realities of the farming business online. Today, James farms alongside his wife, Sarita, and their daughter, Hazel, raising corn, soybeans, and sweet corn for a local canning factory. Through his social media platforms, James aims to provide educational entertainment by giving people an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what happens on their southern Minnesota farm.
Jayna Voss is a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, she is an Accredited Estate Planner® awarded by the National Associate of Estate Planners & Councils; she has an AV Preeminent® peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell; has been recognized in Great Plains Super Lawyers where only 5% of attorneys in South Dakota earn Super Lawyers® status; and she is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in the field of trusts and estates. Jayna has gone through the educational process of the certified value growth advisors and certified exit planner advisors for competently advising family and privately held businesses on increasing business value and succession planning.
Raised in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, Jesse Gagner has been serving the agricultural industry since 2015. His career began with owning and operating a seed sales business before advancing to Agronomy Manager at a local cooperative. Today, he is an Agronomist with Hefty Seed Company, where he is dedicated to helping growers maximize their success through trusted agronomic solutions. Jesse and his wife are proud parents of three children. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family while camping, hunting, and fishing, embracing the outdoor lifestyle that has shaped his values.
As Head of Commercial Agronomy at Pivot Bio, Joe Olson leads the team responsible for translating product performance into on-farm success. He oversees efforts to support customers through local demos, in-season field visits, and education around best management practices. His team plays a key role in helping farmers get the most from Pivot Bio’s products through tailored nitrogen strategies and strong agronomic guidance.
Joe brings more than 15 years of experience spanning agronomic research, retail agronomy, and commercial leadership. Since joining Pivot Bio, he has progressed from Commercial Agronomist to Regional Commercial Agronomy Lead, supporting agronomists across the Western Corn Belt and helping growers maximize performance across diverse production environments. Prior to Pivot Bio, Joe held agronomy and research leadership roles with WinField United, where he led field research programs, developed fertility and nitrogen management strategies, and worked directly with growers and retail partners to deliver practical agronomic solutions. A North Dakota native, Joe comes from a multi-generational farming family with roots that trace back to the homesteading era. His passion for agriculture is grounded in both science and firsthand experience, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s farmers. Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Dakota State University and is based in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he enjoys spending time with his wife, Kori, and pursuing his favorite outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing.
Joe Schefers is the Agronomy Solutions Lead for Bayer Crop Science in the Northern Plains. He leads a team of 14 Technical Agronomists, 3 Product Agronomy Specialists and 3 Agronomic Solutions Managers. The team is responsible for local agronomic service, product management, and technology development. He has been with Bayer for 23 years in several agronomic and sales roles.
Joseph Schott, known as @TractorGuy on social media, has built a following of more than 350,000 people on TikTok through his passion for agriculture and farm equipment. Best known for his enthusiasm for classic John Deere machinery and ether-powered demonstrations, Joseph shares content that has attracted a loyal audience of farming and equipment enthusiasts. Through his videos, he offers an entertaining look at the equipment and experiences that fuel his passion for agriculture, connecting with viewers who share an appreciation for farming and rural life.
Kayla Wieczorek is a first-generation female farmer, content creator, motivational speaker, and the voice behind Chronicles of Kayla. Alongside her husband, Jason, she operates Wieczorek Farms in Perry, Missouri, where they focus on producing premium small square hay bales and managing a cow-calf cattle operation. After leaving a successful career in finance, Kayla traded the DOW Market for hay fields and now shares the realities of agriculture, faith, family, and rural life with audiences across the country. Through her storytelling, speaking engagements, and digital platforms, she encourages others to pursue their dreams, embrace resilience, and celebrate the legacy of American agriculture. In 2025, Wieczorek Farms produced more than 65,000 small square bales, continuing to grow by one windrow – and one story – at a time.
Kelly is a sixth-generation farmer and nationally recognized regenerative agriculture leader based in Arion, Iowa. As owner of Garrett Land & Cattle, he manages more than 7,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and winter wheat and oversees 500 head of cattle in the challenging terrain of Iowa’s Loess Hills. Blending innovation with stewardship, Kelly operates a fully no-till system across every acre and integrates advanced soil health strategies including cover crops, rotational grazing, biological inputs, manure utilization, drip irrigation, and conservation fencing. His operation participates in the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program and incorporates precision technology to reduce nutrient runoff, nitrogen leaching, and fuel use while improving ROI. As owner/co-founder of XtremeAg, Kelly connects forward-thinking farmers across the United States to conduct trials, share real-world data, and improve profitability through innovation. Through initiatives including Calibrated Agronomy, Regenerative Roots Solutions, and XtremeAg’s Soil Health platform, he is helping scale regenerative practices nationwide.
Kelly has been farming full time alongside her husband, Matt, since 2011. Married in 2006, they have 3 children, Paige (29), Nate (24) and Carter(18). They also have one grandson, Colter.
Their farm has grown cotton continuously since 1882, and today they raise cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans, and canola. In 2015, they transitioned to regenerative practices, planting cover crops and utilizing chicken litter to improve soil health for future generations. Kelly and Matt’s efforts have earned numerous honors, including the Soil Conservation Award (2017) and being the first couple recognized with the High Cotton Award (2020). Their family was also featured on The American Farm on the History Channel in 2019 and in RFD-TV’s series Farms Of America (2025).
Before farming, Kelly spent 18 years in hospitality and restaurant management. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Kelly had no agricultural background.
Kelly also founded “Farmers Off The Farm,” a yearly vacation event that brings the ag community together to reconnect and recharge.
Kelly is passionate about educating those beyond the farm and they continue to grow their YouTube channel and social media presence to share their unique agriculture story.
As an independent consultant, Ken Ferrie directly oversees 90,000 acres through farmer clients. At the same time, he works with leading fertilizer dealers to provide agronomic direction for another 250,000 acres. Ferrie, who is Field Agronomist for Farm Journal magazine, puts in almost 150 test plots each year, testing everything from herbicides and varieties to planters and technology tools. Data gathered in the plot research helps fine-tune his systems approach to farming.
Kevin Matthews is a fourth-generation farmer from the Yadkin River Valley where he farms more than 5,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and sorghum. Kevin is known for pushing yield potential while keeping a strong focus on practical, real-world farming practices that work for growers across a wide range of environments. His operation is heavily focused on research and on-farm testing, with more than 400 acres dedicated each year to trials ranging from dryland production systems to center pivot and sub-surface drip irrigation. Kevin believes in learning by doing and using data from his own fields to improve efficiency, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
Kevin has achieved numerous corn and soybean yield records throughout his farming career. In soybeans, he has produced 100+ bushel yields more than 10 times, including eight consecutive years — a testament to his commitment to management, innovation, and consistency.
Whether he’s evaluating new production practices, irrigation strategies, or fertility programs, Kevin’s goal is simple: help farmers raise better crops and become more profitable while continuing to move agriculture forward for the next generation.
Kevin Scott serves as the Executive Director of the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the South Dakota Soybean Association.
A lifelong soybean and corn farmer from near Valley Springs, South Dakota, Kevin brings more than 45 years of farming experience and over two decades of leadership in the soybean industry. Throughout his career, he has been a dedicated advocate for agriculture, working to advance opportunities for soybean farmers at both the state and national levels.
Kevin’s leadership includes serving as President of the South Dakota Soybean Association and the American Soybean Association. During his time with ASA, he also served as secretary, vice president, and chairman. In addition, he has represented soybean growers through service on the U.S. Soybean Export Council Board, the Ag Rail Coalition, and as a liaison to the United Soybean Board.
Kevin and his wife, Jannell, have farmed together for more than four decades. Together, they are proud parents of six children and grandparents to six grandchildren.
Kevin has achieved numerous corn and soybean yield records throughout his farming career. In soybeans, he has produced 100+ bushel yields more than 10 times, including eight consecutive years — a testament to his commitment to management, innovation, and consistency.
Whether he’s evaluating new production practices, irrigation strategies, or fertility programs, Kevin’s goal is simple: help farmers raise better crops and become more profitable while continuing to move agriculture forward for the next generation.
Lauralee Eaton has been an Agronomist at Hefty Seed Company since 2022 and has worked with the VRAFY team since its inception. She is originally from a small acreage in Pine Island, Minnesota, where her family raised market goats and poultry. Throughout high school, Lauralee was heavily involved with 4-H and FFA and served as the State Reporter for Minnesota FFA. At South Dakota State University, she studied Agriculture Education with a minor in Agronomy.
Lee Lubbers, a farmer from Gregory, South Dakota, represents the spirit of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to agriculture. Growing up in the farming tradition, Lee’s journey began with humble beginnings, utilizing leftover scholarship money as the down payment for his first tractor and rent for 200 acres of land. Today, Lee oversees a vast farming operation covering over 17,000 acres of dryland, where he cultivates soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Despite his remarkable success, Lee remains grounded in his values, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and self-challenge in building an operation and legacy that the next generation can be proud of. Lee’s commitment to excellence and innovation has earned him recognition within the agricultural community, culminating in his receipt of the prestigious Top Producer of the Year award in 2014. This accolade serves as a testament to Lee’s tireless work ethic, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to advancing the agricultural industry. His determination to educate, Lubbers co-founded XtremeAg, a platform that serves as a hub for progressive farmers across the nation, facilitating the exchange of ideas and strategies to enhance agricultural practices. Two years later, dedicated to fostering the next generation of agricultural professionals, Lubbers founded the scholarship program, designed to support and empower individuals who are passionate about pursuing a higher education within the agricultural industry. With a focus on connecting with today’s youth, the scholarship provides not just financial assistance but also guidance, education, and support to assist them in planting their legacy in agriculture. Through his leadership and commitment to lifelong learning, Lee Lubbers exemplifies the qualities of a modern farmer who not only achieves success in his own right but also lays the foundation for future generations to thrive in the agricultural landscape. His story serves as an inspiration to farmers everywhere, reminding us of the importance of resilience, innovation, and dedication in achieving lasting success in agriculture.
Madison Wozniak is a technical service manager for FMC, covering southern Illinois, southern Indiana and eastern Missouri where she is the technical expert on FMC’s herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide portfolio. In her position, Wozniak supports growers, retailers and FMC sales team members in these territories and coordinates research with university academics and third-party researchers.
Wozniak holds a PhD in Agronomy and Crop Science with an emphasis on Weed Science from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and completed her undergraduate at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale where she earned a B.S. in Crop Production and Management.
Marcel Kringe, Founder and CEO of Branvalt, is an agricultural engineering professional with over 20 years of experience. Raised on a family farm in Germany, he pursued a degree in Agricultural Engineering before expanding his knowledge through work and travel studies in Canada, Russia, and Brazil. After that, Marcel relocated to Manitoba, Canada to work as an agronomist for Cargill.
With a passion for innovation, Marcel left his corporate career to build Branvalt, a company focused on developing market-leading harvest efficiency tools and technology.
Today, Branvalt has grown into a global brand, with products sold in over 35 countries. Committed to advancing the industry, he continuously develops new solutions, ensuring Branvalt remains at the forefront of innovation. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at agricultural conferences worldwide.
Matt Coniglio serves as Vice President of Sales for Farm Progress, bringing more than 25 years of experience in agricultural media sales to his leadership role. Previously serving as Senior Director of Strategic Accounts, he has played a key role in driving revenue growth and delivering impactful results for clients across media and event sectors. Coniglio’s industry leadership includes serving as president of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) from 2016 to 2017, as well as contributing through board positions with the NAMA Foundation and National Ag Day. His deep-rooted commitment to the agricultural industry and proven track record in strategic sales leadership have made him a respected voice in agricultural marketing and media.
Matt is a 5th generation farmer from West Tennessee who raises 2,100 acres of cotton, corn, soybeans, wheat, and canola with his wife, Kelly. Twelve years ago, Matt completely changed their operation from focusing on high yields to concentrating on lower cost production, lower risk, and sustainable agriculture while still maintaining high yields. Matt has been recognized locally and nationally for his efforts in regenerative agriculture and sustainable production by utilizing high biomass cover crops, reduced synthetic inputs, and manure while continuing to test alternative methods to synthetic inputs. Matt and Kelly have worked tirelessly for many years to showcase their methods and educate about their farm on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Matt makes all his research and data freely available on their website.
Matt Jungmann serves as Events Director for Farm Progress, where he oversees all aspects of the Farm Progress Show, Husker Harvest Days, and the Organic Grower Summit. He began his career with the Farm Progress Show as a manager in 1995, traveling with the show through its annual moves among Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. Named National Events Manager in 2004, Jungmann brings nearly three decades of experience in agricultural event management and industry leadership. His expertise in coordinating large-scale agricultural exhibitions has made him a respected voice in connecting farmers, agribusiness professionals, and agricultural technology providers across North America. Jungmann resides and farms in Illinois with his wife and three children.
Matt Thompson is the Hefty Naturals Brand Manager based out of Baltic, SD. His primary role includes development, marketing, education, and overall management of the Hefty Naturals portfolio of products. He was formerly a chemical rep from FMC and is originally from central Illinois.
Michael Berry is a key account manager for UPL’s Natural Plant Protection business in North America, representing UPL — the global leader in sustainable agricultural solutions. In this role, Michael works closely with some of the largest companies in U.S. agriculture, identifying regionally unique farming practices and tailoring strategies to meet growers’ productivity needs. With nearly 30 years of experience in the agricultural industry, Michael has built a distinguished career dedicated to seeking out innovative technologies and solutions that advance farm productivity. He is widely recognized as a passionate champion for bio-innovation and grower success — bringing deep expertise, genuine enthusiasm, and a farmer-first mindset to everything he does.
Throughout his career, Michael has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to sustainable agriculture, helping growers across North America navigate an ever-evolving landscape with confidence and purpose. Michael currently resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his wife and two children.
From the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills, Natalie Kovarik is a 4th generation cattle rancher and social entrepreneur who shares her ranching and family-ing story online. She is the co-host of the top-ranked podcast, Discover Ag, as well at the YouTube series Discover Ag “On The Road.” Alongside her husband Luke, she owns and operates Kovarik Cattle Co, a registered black Angus operation in Central Nebraska. Through visual storytelling online, Natalie aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban counterparts, while empowering fellow producers to amplify their voices and further their legacy of agriculture for generations to come.
Natasha Schott, known as @TractorGal on social media, shares her passion for farm life with her growing online audience. From caring for cattle and chickens to spending time around tractors and the day-to-day activities of the farm, Natasha enjoys showcasing the rural lifestyle she loves. Natasha farms in the northwoods with her husband and their two boys.
Neil Denton is a seventh-generation farmer from Barlow, Kentucky, where he is raises his family while continuing a farming legacy that spans generations. At Atlas Ag, Neil grows corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, and canola, with a focus on continuous improvement and leaving the land better for the next generation. In addition to farming, Neil serves as President of the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association and is a member of the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board, where he works to advance and support agriculture across the state.
Nicolas is a fourth-generation Colorado native and the owner and operator of Gnarly Post Hops Farm. He holds a master’s degree in education for wine and fine spirits and consults on multiple aspects of the trade. When certified in 2015, Nicolas was one of only three Department of Higher Education Master Educators in the Wine and Spirits trade.
A three-tour U.S. Army veteran, Nicolas served in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan with the 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade. During his service with the 173rd, he was awarded a Combat Jump Star in Iraq and a Bronze Star with Combat Valor citation from Afghanistan.
Nolan Berg is the Director of Agronomy at Heads Up Plant Protectants, providing technical leadership to growers, agronomists, and retailers across the U.S. Midwest and Canadian Prairies. He specializes in soybean and corn disease management, with expertise in white mold, sudden death syndrome (SDS), and early-season diseases. Nolan leads the company’s on-farm research program across the company’s North American sales territory, translating field data into practical management recommendations. Nolan is passionate about delivering research-backed insights that help growers improve crop health, profitability, and long-term success.
Rachel Fishback, known to many as Iowa Farm Mama on social media, is the host of Pork Industry News and Pride of Pork on AcresTV and across digital platforms. A seventh-generation farmer raising corn and soybeans from southeast Iowa, Rachel farms corn and soybeans alongside her brother, Vinny. Raised on a family farm and no stranger to farm life, livestock construction sites and being in hog barns, she brings an authentic farm perspective to every story she tells. Through her work in agricultural media, Rachel is passionate about highlighting the people, businesses and innovations that drive the pork industry forward while celebrating the farmers and families who make it all possible.
Regan Bieber-Raile is a South Dakota grain farmer, content creator, and founder of The Cactus Brand, a western-inspired apparel company. She farms alongside her family and shares an authentic look at modern agriculture through her growing social media platforms. Through her content, Regan provides insight into the realities of farming, highlighting the challenges, decision-making, and day-to-day work that go into producing a crop. Her goal is to help consumers better understand agriculture while showcasing the people and stories behind the industry. In addition to farming, Regan has built The Cactus Brand into a successful business that reflects her passion for agriculture, western lifestyle, and entrepreneurship. She is committed to representing rural America with authenticity and encouraging others to pursue their goals through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether in the field, behind the camera, or running her business, Regan is dedicated to sharing the agricultural way of life and inspiring the next generation of farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Regan Heine grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm near Vermillion, South Dakota, where he developed a passion for agriculture and the role technology can play in improving farm management. He went on to earn a degree in Precision Agriculture from South Dakota State University, building a strong foundation in agronomy, data-driven decision-making, and agricultural technology.
Following graduation, Regan relocated to central Nebraska and worked as a Seed Corn Production Agronomist, coordinating field operations and implementing precision agriculture practices to improve planting, harvest efficiency, and overall seed production workflows. His experience managing large-scale field operations gave him valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities growers face every season.
Today, Regan serves as a Precision Agronomist at VRAFY, where he works closely with growers to develop fertility plans, optimize in-season management decisions, and leverage precision agriculture tools to improve long-term soil health and productivity. He is passionate about helping producers use data to build more efficient, profitable, and sustainable farming operations
Rob Fritz is a senior agronomist at Hefty Seed Company near Baltic, SD. He is also a field agronomist on the Hefty Naturals research team, concentrating on biology, fertilizer, soil, and plant interactions
Rob Sharkey is not your average 5th-generation Illinois grain farmer. Better known as the SharkFarmer, he is a risk-taker and out-of-the-box thinker who believes everyone has a story to tell. He encourages farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs to have the tough conversations that ensure their operations move forward. Through his authentic interview style and ability to tackle controversial issues, Sharkey shares the triumphs and struggles of the modern farmer and business owner in his shows on SiriusXM each weekday, as well as programs on PBS, AcresTV, and in 13 seasons and counting of SharkFarmer TV on RFD-TV. His unfiltered words resonate with 2.8 million weekly in North America and around the world.
Russell is a first-generation farmer in the foothills of Hickory, North Carolina, where he farms JRH Grain Farms, LLC. Russell is known as one of the most progressive young farmers in the country. Russell has been a featured producer in Top Producer Magazine, Furrow Magazine, and on RFD TV, Ag PhD, and National No-till Farmer for profitably farming by reducing fertilizer inputs and using soil health practices on cash crops . In 2017 he won the North Carolina Corn Yield contest, the first person to win in the state using regenerative practices. Russell’s operation focuses on maximizing profits and direct consumer marketing for all their products, including corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, pastures beef and pork. He is the co-founder of Regen Mills and Heritage Ground, co-owner of Soil Regen, LLC, and has partnered with Foothills Distillery producing the first bourbon in North Carolina since prohibition.
Ryan Kelly raises corn, oats, and soybeans, along with a small beef herd. Passionate about agricultural history and vintage farm equipment, he enjoys preserving and sharing the stories of the people and machines that helped shape modern farming. Ryan is also a strong advocate for independent agriculture, and as such, he is committed to supporting family farms and promoting a future where farmers can continue to thrive without excessive industry consolidation.
Sawyer is a visionary leader in Precision Agriculture, serving as the Technical Director of VRAFY, a company at the forefront of integrating technology with agricultural practices. He graduated from South Dakota State University before working with farmers all across the United States with a career dedicated to enhancing crop productivity. He spearheads initiatives that harness data-driven insights to empower farmers and optimize agricultural efficiency. Beyond the realm of precision farming, Sawyer treasures time spent with his wife and two young children, nurturing a passion for family adventures and fostering a love for the great outdoors.
Scott Hennen hails from the west central Minnesota community of Montevideo, where he grew up in a family radio business and began working on the air at age 12. He has worked at stations in Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and since 1984, North Dakota. Hennen is the grandson of corn farmers from Canby, Minnesota, and while he describes himself as a city kid, he has always valued his agricultural roots and the opportunity to learn from the men and women who feed the world.
Today, Hennen hosts What’s On Your Mind, one of the Upper Midwest’s leading talk radio programs, heard across four states and two Canadian provinces. As co-owner of Flag Family Media, he oversees 12 radio signals and associated digital platforms serving communities throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.
Over the years, Hennen has interviewed presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and President Donald J. Trump, along with hundreds of local, state, and national leaders. Yet he says the conversations he treasures most are with farmers, ranchers, and listeners who share their firsthand experiences. He considers America’s producers the best stewards of the land and has spent decades telling their stories and highlighting the innovation, resilience, and risk that define modern agriculture.
Dr. Sebe Brown is an Extension Field Crop Entomologist in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee stationed at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson, TN. His program focuses on integrated pest management, insecticide resistance, and insect control strategies for cotton, soybean, corn, wheat, sorghum, and pasture systems across the mid-South. Brown’s extension and research efforts emphasize applied field research and rapid delivery of recommendations to producers and agricultural professionals. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, secured competitive grant funding, and mentors graduate students. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, showing horses, and spending time with his wife and two children.
Haugen Family Farms is a family-run farm in northern Minnesota sharing real-life farm content across YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Their content features fieldwork, equipment, grain handling, farm projects, family moments, and behind-the-scenes looks at modern agriculture, including their current million-bushel bin site project.
Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Extension Specialist and Professor, joined the faculty in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in April 2005 after completing graduate degrees at the University of Arkansas and University of Illinois-Urbana. Her appointment is split between extension, research, and teaching, with statewide responsibility for diseases of corn and grain sorghum. Her extension programming activities include educating clientele about disease identification, prevention, and management. Historically, her program research projects focused on a broad range of topics, including plant parasitic nematodes of corn, bacterial leaf streak, Goss’s bacterial wilt and blight, crown rot, use of fungicides for disease control, and more recently on irrigation and tar spot interactions. During her time at UNL, she has delivered hundreds of invited presentations and was the 2022 recipient of the Mid-Career Award from the North Central Division of the American Phytopathological Society and is currently the John and Patty Wilson Professor of Plant Pathology. Tamra enjoys working much of the time from a home office on her husband’s family farm in northern Nebraska.
Tanner Winterhof has built his career intertwining his passion for farming with a dedication to business innovation in agriculture.
Born and bred on a swine and row-crop farm in Aurelia, Iowa, Tanner attended AIB College of Business in Des Moines where he earned a degree in business administration and financial services. He spent the next 15 years working in the banking sector, gaining financial insights and later applying them in farming operations.
Tanner advocates through the Farm4Profit podcast for the adoption of tech and data-driven strategies to improve efficiency and environmental stewardship, seeing them as key parts of his commitment to bring in new ideas and keep farming sustainable.
When he’s not knee-deep in work, he can often be found swinging clubs on the golf course or sipping on some new bourbons.
An eighth-generation farmer from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Temple Rhodes is the driving force behind Chestnut Manor Farms. His operation encompasses a diverse range of activities, including a no-till farming enterprise covering 3,000 acres of soybeans, 1,500 acres of corn, and 1,500 acres of wheat. In addition to crop production, Chestnut Manor Farms continues to run a background cattle operation. Temple Rhodes is a leading advocate for regenerative farming, navigating Maryland’s strict agricultural regulations through innovative, sustainable practices. He has adapted his nutrient management strategies to meet stringent fertilizer rules while boosting crop yields, replacing traditional front‑loaded fertilizer applications with a layered approach that incorporates biostimulants. His commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in his participation in the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program, which promotes applying fertilizer at the right source, rate, time, and place. This approach supports both farm productivity and environmental health, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay region. Through his leadership and relentless pursuit of innovation, Rhodes exemplifies the spirit of modern farming, embracing the challenges of the present while laying the groundwork for a sustainable and prosperous future for Chestnut Manor Farms and the broader agricultural community.
Tommy Grisafi is a Risk Advisor and Commodity Broker for AG Bull Trading. He is the owner of Ag Bull Media and the host of the Ag Bull podcast. Tommy became interested in managing risk in 1990 when he attended a class field trip to the Chicago Board of Trade in High School. Tommy became a recognized CBOT and CME group member on his 21st birthday and has maintained this status for 35 years. In his tenure with AG Bull Trading, Tommy has worked with customers across the corn belt, focusing on North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Red River Valley. Tommy is also a regular guest commentator for RFD-TV, U.S. Farm Report, and This Week in Agribusiness.
Tony Reed is a grain farmer from Illinois who has built a social media following of more than 600,000 people through his candid, no-nonsense perspective on agriculture. Known for telling it like it is, Reed isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics and challenge conventional thinking within the ag industry. In addition to farming, Tony hosts Off the Pavement on AcresTV and shares his insights through his farming podcast, available on all major streaming platforms. His content combines practical farming experience, industry commentary, and a straightforward approach that resonates with audiences both inside and outside of agriculture. Tony and his wife, Carolyn, live south of Decatur, Illinois, where they are raising their three children—Henry, Cora, and Josey—while continuing their family’s farming operation.
Dr. Tony White is currently the U.S. Soybean Technical Solutions Strategy Lead for Bayer Crop Science. In this role, Tony leads collaborations with commercial and R&D team members to continue delivering high quality soybean products to customers. Furthermore, he is responsible for implementing advanced insights and data analytics to make the best decisions possible for future soybean product advancement. Tony grew up on a grain and livestock farm in West Central Illinois. After school, he spent several years in the university system as an Extension Coordinator at Kansas State University before joining Monsanto in 2006 where he has held several positions in the commercial and R&D businesses within Bayer. Tony and his wife, Barb, have three sons – Kaleb, Gavin, and Ethan. In his free time, Tony enjoys cycling, working on his hobby farm, and participating in other family activities.
A proud South Dakota native, Travis Benson grew up on a grain and hog farm near Trent. Trained as a Farm Succession Coordinator through the International Farm Transition Network, Travis assists farm families in navigating the complex process of transitioning their farm business to a successor. Travis assists families in all aspects of estate and business succession planning. He develops plans that minimize tax liability and drafts trusts, wills, and business succession documents to implement such plans. Further, families who desire to take advantage of South Dakota’s favorable trust and asset protection laws seek his advice. His practice includes helping farmers, ranchers, and owners of closely held businesses. He has dedicated his professional life to helping individuals and families by listening, gathering information, and advising on a vast range of issues, including legal, fiscal, public policy, and family matters. Earlier in his career, he served as Legal Counsel, Lobbyist, and Director of the Office of Marriage, Family & Respect Life for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, collaborating closely with his wife Kelly, who is also an attorney at Bassford Remele. Travis is licensed to practice law in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
Zach Hefty is a fifth-generation farmer and the son of Brian Hefty. With a strong background in agronomy, Zach is passionate about educating others on farming through engaging, informative content on social media. As a certified spray drone pilot and agronomist, he brings practical, hands-on knowledge to topics like crop management and precision ag.
Zach graduated from Morningside University in 2023 with a degree in agri-business and agronomy, where he was also a member of the Mustangs baseball team. Today, he combines his farm background, agronomic training, and storytelling skills to connect with audiences both inside and outside of agriculture.
In the summer of 2025, Zach married Faith Hefty, marking an exciting new chapter in both his personal and professional life.