Plow and Pencil

Building Trust in Land & Legacy: Heck + HitchPin

In this episode, HitchPin’s Jess Smith sits down with Brian Pine from Heck, based in Lawrence, KS, to talk about his deep roots in farming, the transition into agricultural real estate, and the unique story behind the Black Hat Ranch listing. Together, they cover themes of family legacy, land as both an emotional and financial asset and how technology is reshaping agriculture and real estate. 02:19 – Staying Connected to Agriculture Brian explains how family farming ties and his passion for helping farmers keep him connected to the ag community. 04:03 – A Career Beyond Farming After facing challenges leaving farming, Brian became a consultant, supporting producers with budgets, acquisitions and financial planning—later blending that expertise with real estate. 06:01 – Why Real Estate? Brian discusses his calling to real estate as a way to serve farm families, help them navigate emotional land transitions and bring his experience to guide generational decisions. 09:51 – Generational Land & Urban Pressure Jess and Brian reflect on the emotional weight of selling multi-generational farmland, especially with the pressures of urban expansion and land subdivision. 13:21 – Discovering HitchPin Brian recalls hearing HitchPin’s founder, Trevor, speak in 2019 and how shared values, tech innovation and Kansas roots inspired a partnership. 17:39 – The Role of Digital Tools in Ag Brian highlights how tools like HitchPin speed up transactions, provide security, and connect producers with services and equipment, creating opportunities for all sizes of ag businesses. 22:32 – The Black Hat Ranch Story Brian gives a detailed overview of Black Hat Ranch in Douglas County—363 contiguous acres with dramatic elevation, Clinton Lake views, wildlife corridors and access to 75 miles of horse trails. 26:28 – Who is the Ideal Buyer? Potential buyers include hunters, ranchers, horse enthusiasts, outfitters and those seeking personal retreats—with strong interest given its proximity to Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City. 32:38 – The First Auction for Heck Real Estate Brian shares excitement about hosting Heck’s first independent auction (partnered with Gavel Roads), calling it a “drinking from the firehose” learning experience but a powerful milestone. 37:48 – Real Estate Trends in Agriculture Discussion of post-COVID demand for rural living, investor interest in ag land and the challenges younger farmers face breaking into the market. 44:39 – Advice for Land Buyers Brian advises prospective buyers to set clear priorities, establish budgets early and choose an agent they can truly trust when navigating the complexities of rural real estate. Featured Listing: Black Hat Ranch * Location: Douglas County, KS * Size: 363 contiguous acres * Highlights: Clinton Lake views, horse trail access, hunting and ranching potential * Auction Date: October 7 at 11 AM (hybrid: online + in-person at Venue 1235, Lawrence, KS) * LINK: https://www.hitchpin.com/for-sale/product/real-estate/kansas/12853

How Dan Rasure is Building a Business from the Ground Up—Literally

Most people don’t start a business with worms. But most people aren’t Dan Rasure.  Dan is the founder of Fed N Happy, a company focused on helping farmers, ranchers, and gardeners build better soil through natural, regenerative products like worm castings and compost. What started as a curiosity about improving land and reducing waste has grown into a full-fledged business—and it’s changing the way we think about ag inputs.  I got the chance to sit down with Dan for an episode of the Plow and Pencil Podcast, and what he shared was more than a story—it was a wake-up call for anyone in ag who’s been throwing away valuable resources without even realizing it.  How It Started: A Curiosity Turned Business  Dan didn’t grow up thinking about worms. He just saw a problem and started asking how to solve it.  He built a process to convert waste into premium worm castings—a natural fertilizer packed with nutrients that improves soil health without chemical inputs.  But Dan didn’t stop there.  Why Worm Castings Matter  If you’ve never used worm castings, you’re not alone. But once you do, you’ll discover things about your soil you never knew.  Worm castings:  * Help plants absorb nutrients better    * Improve water retention in soil    * Boost natural microbial activity    * Add long-lasting fertility without burning crops    Dan believes in feeding the soil, not just the plants—and that starts with high-quality inputs like compost and castings that don’t just disappear after one rain.  He even developed a “teabag” version of worm castings that customers can brew into compost tea and put straight onto crops.   From Waste to Wealth—For More Than Just Him  One of the things I admire most about Dan is how much he wants others to benefit too. His goal is to show producers how this can work for them.  Dan lists his products right on HitchPin, where customers looking for soil-building fertilizers can find exactly what they need. And for farmers or ranchers who want to learn what is possible on their ground, he’s more than willing to help.  HitchPin + Fed N Happy = A Smarter Way to Sell  HitchPin was built to support businesses like Dan’s—innovators who see value in every part of their operation. Whether you're selling livestock, equipment, feed, or worm castings, HitchPin makes it easy to connect with buyers and grow your bottom line.  Opportunity Awaits  “Don’t overlook what’s under your feet.”  There’s opportunity in your operation. If you’re ready to try something new, learn more about soil health, or just see what’s possible outside of practices you’ve been using, this episode is worth a listen.

Built to Last: How M3 Welding & Fabrication Is Supporting Show Barns Across the U.S.

Some of the best ag businesses start with a simple idea and a whole lot of grit. That’s the case for M3 Welding & Fabrication, a custom manufacturing shop in Alma, Kansas, run by Hunter and Stephanie Maike. What started as a hobby in high school ag shop has turned into a growing business that’s now delivering show pens and barn equipment across the country.  From Side Hustle to Full-Time Shop  Hunter’s passion for welding grew early, but it wasn’t until a large order came through that he and Stephanie made the decision to go all in. They launched M3 Welding & Fabrication three years ago and haven’t looked back. Every piece is custom-built to the buyer’s specs—from goat and hog pens to hay feeders and wash racks.  Hunter handles fabrication. Stephanie balances the books. Together, they’re raising three young kids while running the business and managing a full-time town job.  100% Custom, Built for Real Life  Every barn is different, and M3 doesn’t do one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a family with a backyard 4-H project or a county fairgrounds outfitting a full barn, Hunter walks each customer through:  * What space they have  * What animals they’re housing  * Whether the setup needs to be portable or permanent  * How to make their investment last  They’ve built hay feeders that shrink with each bite, trailer setups for portable pens, and low-profile fronts without overhead bars. If you can dream it, Hunter can probably build it.  Serving Families, Fairs & More  M3 Welding & Fabrication serves both individual show families and larger customers like fairgrounds. Most of their work actually comes from outside Kansas. Deliveries double as family trips, with Stephanie joking that their "vacations" are usually hauling custom equipment.  Hunter and Stephanie also offer flexible pricing options to make their equipment more accessible—especially for youth exhibitors and 4-H groups. They understand the ag world because they live it.  Meeting Growth Challenges Head-On  Like many small ag businesses, the Maikes have faced hurdles as they’ve grown. From managing timelines to balancing family life and order volume, it’s a constant juggle.  One big win? Partnering with HitchPin to offer Instant Invoicing. Before HitchPin, checks in the mail could delay orders for weeks. Now, payments are fast, easy, and secure.  “It saves us time, builds trust with customers, and lets us get started on projects sooner,” Stephanie shared.  Where to Find M3 Welding & Fabrication  You can explore their current listings and get in touch by visiting their HitchPin storefront: HitchPin.com/M3WeldingFabrication  From rabbit pens to show hog panels to heavy-duty hay spears, if it belongs in a barn and needs to last, M3 can make it happen. And they'll treat you like family while doing it.  If you’re ready to take your show barn or livestock setup to the next level, M3 Welding & Fabrication is a name you can trust—built from the ground up by folks who know ag.

From Kansas Roots to National Reach: How Bathurst & Sons is Growing with Purpose

When I sat down with Jeff Bathurst of Bathurst & Sons LLC, I didn’t just hear a farm story—I heard a legacy. Five generations of hard work, hay, and heart. Based in Abilene, Kansas, Jeff and his family grow crops like sunflowers, milo, soybeans, corn, wheat, and alfalfa hay, while also raising cattle and kids (six of them, to be exact).  Jeff jokes that their farm motto could be "raising quality crops, kids, and cattle," and honestly, it fits.  A Deep Family Legacy  The Bathurst family has been in Dickinson County for generations, starting with Jeff’s great-grandfather who once ran a general store in the small town of Talmage. Over time, they shifted from teaching to farming full-time, and now Jeff, his dad, and their kids are carrying it forward.  His brother once worked alongside them too, before following a calling to become a missionary in Malawi. It’s clear the Bathursts are a family rooted in both faith and hard work.  Adapting to a Changing Ag Economy  Over the years, the Bathursts have watched the ag landscape shift around them. When Jeff first started, most of their hay went to local dairies. Today, those dairies are gone, and most of their product is shipped out of state. That shift pushed them to think bigger, finding new ways to reach customers and keep the operation moving.  "It used to be all local," Jeff said. "Now, we’re shipping hay all over the country."  That change hasn’t been easy. Between droughts, inflation, and shifting markets, keeping the farm running has taken more than grit. It’s taken adaptability. Jeff brought in H-2A workers from South Africa to help during the busiest seasons, and he’s taken on the role of project manager—keeping equipment running, managing cattle, and planning ahead for the crew.  The Good Stuff  Ask Jeff what he loves most about farming and you’ll hear it plain as day:  * Watching baby calves play before turn-out  * Seeing a harvest go off without a hitch  * Running equipment alongside his kids  The moments are small, but they stick. And they’re what keep folks like Jeff going.  Marketing in a Modern World  Jeff’s not afraid to admit that marketing can be tough. He still sells a lot through local elevators, but he’s always watching for better bids, better margins, and more meaningful connections. And that’s where HitchPin comes in.  Jeff grew up with Trevor McKeeman, HitchPin’s founder, and decided to give the platform a try as a way to list hay and connect with buyers beyond his local circle. Today, you can find alfalfa and dairy hay on his HitchPin storefront, with the ability to arrange shipping nationwide.  "The broader your market, the better," Jeff told me. "And there’s no broader market than the internet."  Why This Work Matters  For Jeff, success isn’t about massive expansion. It’s about keeping the farm strong enough to hand off to the next generation.  "I want the farm financially sound, so if one of the kids wants to come back, they can."  In a time where many family farms are folding under pressure, that’s no small thing. And tools like HitchPin are helping make it possible. By creating an online storefront, Jeff is expanding his reach, building trust, and giving buyers an easier way to connect.  You can check out what Bathurst & Sons LLC has listed by visiting HitchPin.com and searching their name. If you need quality hay and want to buy from a family that treats the land and its people with care, you’ll be glad you did.

Filling the Gap: How Kaw River Ag Solutions is Helping Kansas Farmers Build Better Soils

When I sat down with Brandon Cowley, owner of Kaw River Ag Solutions, I could tell right away he was someone who doesn’t just talk about supporting farmers—he shows up and gets to work. After 24 years in ag retail and co-op management, Brandon saw a gap in the market and took a leap to do something about it.  And it’s paying off faster than he expected.  A Business Built on Relationships  Brandon and his wife launched Kaw River Ag Solutions out of Wamego, Kansas. They provide custom spray application, fertilizers, biologicals, and soil additives that help local producers grow better crops and build healthier soils.  Brandon started with realistic goals, but the need for better, personalized service helped his business grow three times faster than expected. It turns out, when people know you, trust you, and can count on you to pick up the phone, they want to work with you.  Why Local Service Still Matters  In a region where co-ops and national companies dominate, Brandon’s independent approach brings something a lot of folks were missing: flexibility, price transparency, and personal attention. He’s not trying to out-scale anyone—he’s simply meeting people where they are.  Many producers today aren’t looking for patronage down the line. They want a fair price up front, service when they need it, and someone who understands their ground. Brandon knows that because he’s lived it.  He’s also willing to pivot. He’s adjusted his product line, sourced new options when needed, and focused on what his customers actually want—not just what’s been done before.  Smart Growth with a Steady Hand  Kaw River Ag started with herbicides and biologicals, but quickly grew into liquid fertilizer as demand rolled in. That meant new tanks, more equipment, and higher overhead—but Brandon planned ahead. He keeps his equipment costs tight, his service pricing steady, and his product margins reasonable.  “If I’m making money on the machine running through the field, I’m going to cut my margin on the product,” he told me. “That’s how I help my customers stay profitable, too.”  And that’s why so many local farmers are supporting him in return—some even offering their own labor or equipment to help keep things moving.  HitchPin as a Time-Saving Tool  With everything on his plate, Brandon admits he hasn’t used his HitchPin storefront to its full potential yet—but the idea is already working for him. HitchPin gives him a trusted place to list proprietary products, and a path to reach customers without always needing to hit the phones or schedule extra meetings.  As his wife steps more into the business, they plan to expand their listings and take full advantage of the platform. For a business that’s growing this fast, HitchPin offers a digital support system that’s easy to use, and built with agriculture in mind.  Get Connected with Kaw River Ag Solutions  If you’re in northeast Kansas and looking for a local partner who understands what’s really happening in your fields, check out Brandon’s storefront at HitchPin.com/Kaw River Ag Solutions.  He may be busy, but he’s not too busy to make sure the job gets done right—and in today’s ag economy, that’s exactly what folks are looking for.