Zach Hefty and returning fan-favorite Tony Reed join the Farm4Fun Podcast to preview Ag PhD Field Day, one of agriculture's premier educational events. The conversation covers what makes the event unique, the challenges of the 2026 growing season, new agronomy research, and why thousands of farmers make the trip to South Dakota every summer.
In this Farm4Fun episode, Zach Hefty and multi-time Farm4Profit favorite Tony Reed return to the show to preview the upcoming Ag PhD Field Day while sharing honest updates on one of the most challenging growing seasons many farmers have experienced.
The conversation begins with spring planting struggles, including Tony's incredible 15-plus inches of rainfall, multiple rounds of replanting, and fields ranging from freshly planted corn to chest-high corn—all within the same operation. Meanwhile, Zach discusses the opposite challenge in South Dakota: dry conditions and hoping for timely rains before Field Day.
The discussion then shifts to Ag PhD Field Day and what has made it one of agriculture's biggest educational experiences.
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The episode also includes plenty of laughs as the crew discusses anniversary gifts, old farm trucks, Cameo videos, Beater with a Heater, weather forecasting, and Tony Reed's legendary podcast appearances.