Prioritize Your Goals Worksheet &

Des Moines workshop registration links:

uncommonfarms.com/succession

Common Traits Webinar:

Common Traits Webinar Recording

Mike’s Linkedin profile:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedowney-farmraised?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BOARBPKDWRRehBWqC62Y0Gg%3D%3D

Michael C. “Mike” Downey

Farm Business Coach & Succession Planning Lead

(O): 618.372.7431 (M): 319.361.2409

Mike Downey of UnCommon Farms to talk all things succession planning. Mike shares how his own farm background inspired him to help other families navigate the often difficult but crucial process of transitioning the farm to the next generation. We explore the emotional and financial side of succession—covering everything from estate planning and business governance to family harmony and leadership development.

Mike also previews the 2025 Succession Workshop Series, including an in-person, full-day event in Des Moines on July 23rd, co-hosted with Paul Neiffer, The Farm CPA. He shares why it’s essential for farmers to have a plan, what common mistakes families make, and the simple tools that can jumpstart progress—like the “Prioritize Your Goals” worksheet.

We close with a discussion on legacy, communication, and the future of the family farm. If you've ever said, “We need to figure out succession—but don’t know where to start,” this episode is for you.

🧩 Bonus: Mike shares how a past guest inspired a listener to take action and bring in UnCommon Farms to help their own family. Succession is personal—and this episode proves it.

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Andrew, founder of Tulip Valley Farms—a vibrant, immersive flower farm in the heart of Washington’s Skagit Valley. But Andrew’s path to farming is anything but traditional. From his early career as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer to high-level roles at tech giants Amazon and Expedia, he’s built a career defined by bold pivots, community commitment, and strategic vision.

Raised in Mount Vernon, Andrew returned home after years in the corporate world to invest in his roots—literally. With a law degree, MBA, and master’s in organizational leadership, he leveraged his diverse background to launch Tulip Valley Farms, a business now recognized nationally for its experiential approach to floriculture and farm tourism.

He opens up about being colorblind and how he and his wife Holly—Tulip Valley’s self-appointed Chief Color Officer—have made it work. We also dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, including his removal as CEO from a previous tulip venture and how that setback ignited the vision for something even greater.

Andrew shares how Tulip Valley Farms blends agriculture, innovation, and storytelling to create authentic farm experiences—from U-pick tulip fields to hands-on events. With features in national media and honors from the World Tulip Summit, his farm is not just beautiful—it’s a blueprint for how agritourism can inspire, educate, and thrive.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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We dig into how Vytelle is changing the game in cattle production. Founded in 2015, Vytelle has grown into a global force in genetic improvement, recently being ranked as the #392 fastest-growing tech company in North America by Deloitte.

We begin by breaking down the basics of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and why hormone-free IVF offers cattle producers a more natural, lower-stress, and scalable alternative to traditional embryo programs. Through Vytelle ADVANCE, producers can collect eggs weekly—even from pregnant cows—leading to shorter generation intervals and more rapid genetic gain.

Next, we explore Vytelle INSIGHT, a powerful AI-powered platform that turns data into genetic decisions. Combined with Vytelle SENSE—their real-time feed intake and in-pen weight tracking system—INSIGHT helps identify the top-performing animals and guides smart, targeted mating decisions.

You’ll hear real-world stories from feedlots and seedstock operations using Vytelle to identify elite cattle, boost feed efficiency, and drive profitability. Whether you raise show cattle, run a dairy, or manage a cow-calf operation, Vytelle’s tools deliver practical advantages that make a difference.

We also discuss how these technologies are shaping the future of livestock genetics—making it more predictive, efficient, and sustainable. This is an episode for anyone looking to do more with less and take the guesswork out of herd improvement.

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/

Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen!

Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com

Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw

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