The $1M Farm Diversification Escape: How One Iowa Farm Stays Viable w/Matt Kroul

Welcome to Barn Talk. Today, we’re excited to bring you a conversation that truly celebrates the grit, diversity, and heart of Iowa agriculture. Our guest is Matt Kroul—an Iowa farm kid turned University of Iowa football standout, NFL lineman, and now a passionate advocate for the future of the family farm. Matt sits down with Tork and Sawyer to share his incredible journey—from growing up surrounded by livestock, sports, and hard work, to the highs and grind of college and professional football, and ultimately, returning home to join the next generation guiding his family’s operation. But this isn’t your typical row crop farm—Kroul Farms is a model of real diversification: from 1200 acres of pastures, row crops, greenhouses, vegetables, and pumpkins, to retail firewood, a CSA program, and direct-to-consumer beef. We’ll dive into the creative, sometimes chaotic realities of running a truly diversified farm, the challenges and rewards of working with family, and what it means to build a legacy while raising young kids with strong values. Matt speaks candidly about transition planning, the pressures facing small farmers, and the mindset shifts needed to keep agriculture thriving for the next generation. Plus, we’ll get honest about balancing relentless work, family time, and what really keeps a rural community strong. Whether you’re passionate about AG, family businesses, or just love a good comeback story, this episode is packed with laughs, hard-earned wisdom, and memorable moments. Get ready to meet one of Iowa’s most down-to-earth and forward-thinking farmers—you’ll definitely want to check out everything the Kroul family is doing. Let’s get started! Shop Farmer Grade 👇🏻 https://farmergrade.com/  SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ➱ https://bit.ly/3a7r3nR   SUBSCRIBE TO THIS’LL DO FARM ➱ https://bit.ly/2X8g45c   LISTEN ON: SPOTIFY ➱ https://open.spotify.com/show/3icVr4KWq4eUDl7Oy60YMY  APPLE ➱ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/barn-talk/id1574395049 Follow Behind The Scenes👇🏻 ● This’ll Do Farm Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/30KPBNk   ● Barn Talk TikTok ➱ https://bit.ly/3qciekS   ● Sawyer’s Instagram  ➱ https://bit.ly/3BtX0n4   ● Tork’s Instagram ➱ https://bit.ly/3LGZJxS    00:00 "Authentic Agricultural Storytelling" 09:33 Joining Rex's Team as Free Agent 14:53 "Doyle's Impact on Player Development" 16:19 Football's Mental and Physical Grind 22:30 Streamlining Family Farm Operations 29:55 "Featured on Farms of America" 33:55 "Creative Competitive Restaurant Sourcing" 36:58 Farm Equipment Upgrade Journey 44:50 "Cattle and Pumpkins Enhance Agritourism" 49:14 Egg Price Complaints and Nutritional Value 53:51 "Farm Staff and H2A Program" 01:00:16 Plan Future: Have Tough Conversations 01:06:58 Transition Challenges in Family Farming 01:11:32 Coaching: Balancing Life and Leadership 01:13:56 "Summer Routine Shift" 01:21:45 Competing Land Prices Challenge Farmers 01:25:47 Competitive Spirit and Community Impact 01:32:10 "Mentorship and Family Work Ethic" 01:36:48 Guiding Kids in Peer Pressure 01:42:15 Smartphone Addiction: Modern-Day Drug 01:46:59 "Check Out Matt's Ventures" ------------------------------- ⚠NO FINANCIAL ADVICE / DISCLAIMER⚠  The Information discussed and shared on Barn Talk is provided for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or success for any particular purpose. The Information on this podcast and provided from or through our content is general in nature and is no... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices