Plow and Pencil

Building Better Solutions for Farmers: How One Fabricator is Innovating Agriculture

Farming comes with plenty of challenges, and sometimes, the right equipment just doesn’t exist—yet. That’s where EJ Swihart of Swihart Solutions in Enterprise, Kansas steps in. His business is built around one goal: helping farmers work more efficiently by designing and fabricating the tools they need. 
From Small Repairs to Big Ideas 
EJ started Swihart Solutions as a small fabrication shop, but his vision went beyond just fixing broken equipment. Unlike most shops that tackle one project at a time, EJ looks for ways to solve problems on a larger scale. If one farmer needs a fix, chances are others do too. That’s why he focuses on creating products that help as many farmers as possible. 
His work spans everything from mobile welding jobs to designing custom equipment solutions. Whether it’s repairing machinery, improving existing tools, or engineering completely new products, EJ’s team is always ready to take on a challenge. 
The Birth of the Terrace King 
One of EJ’s biggest success stories is the Terrace King, a tool designed to help planters navigate terraces more efficiently. The idea came from a fellow farmer struggling with uneven planting due to his 24-row planter skipping over terraces. EJ took a look at the problem, built a prototype, and quickly realized that this wasn’t just a one-farm issue—it was an industry-wide challenge. 
After refining the design, word started to spread. What began as a simple fix for one farmer has now been installed on over 80 planters across multiple states. Farmers at trade shows and through HitchPin are seeing firsthand how the Terrace King improves planting accuracy, reduces skips, and increases yields. 
Challenges in the Ag Equipment World 
Like any business in agriculture, Swihart Solutions faces its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest? Marketing and visibility. 
“Building something great is only half the battle,” EJ explains. “Getting it in front of the right people is the real challenge.” 
That’s where HitchPin comes in. With HitchPin’s online marketplace, EJ can list his products in a place where farmers are actively searching for solutions. Unlike a general website that can get lost in the online noise, HitchPin focuses exclusively on agriculture—putting Swihart Solutions directly in front of the people who need it most. 
What You’ll Find in the Swihart Solutions Storefront 
Right now, Swihart Solutions’ HitchPin storefront features: 
Terrace King Kits for John Deere, Case, and Agco planters 
Narrow Profile Weight Brackets to reduce planter overhang and prevent accidents 
Custom Air Seeder Weight Brackets to improve balance and performance 
Everything EJ builds is designed to make farming easier and more efficient. And thanks to HitchPin, those solutions are now just a few clicks away for farmers across the country. 
A Bright Future for Ag Innovation 
Despite the challenges, EJ is optimistic about where agriculture is headed. He believes that as farms become more efficient, innovation will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. 
“We’ve created some of our own challenges by becoming so good at what we do,” EJ says. “But that just means we have to keep innovating.” 
With a commitment to problem-solving, a deep understanding of what farmers need, and a growing customer base through HitchPin, Swihart Solutions is proving that the right tools can make all the difference. 
Find Swihart Solutions on HitchPin 
If you’re looking for innovative equipment solutions, check out Swihart Solutions on HitchPin. Whether you need a Terrace King Kit or a custom fabrication project, EJ and his team are ready to help. Visit their storefront today to learn more! 

Let's Talk Fertilizer with Elm Dirt

On this episode of Plow and Pencil, Emilie at HitchPin got ahold of Lauren and Matt from Elm Dirt to discuss their innovative fertilizer business. 
Lauren Cain is CEO and Founder of Elm Dirt. She and her husband Matt started Elm Dirt in January 2020 and started their operation on their dining room table.  Elm Dirt is located outside of Kansas City, Missouri and they sell Red Wiggler worms, their castings, plant fertilizer, and more. Due to COVID-19, they started selling their worms and castings online and they have “been selling like hotcakes.” In 2021, they expanded their operation and moved to a warehouse.
While their business started out focusing on gardeners and houseplants, they have been rapidly expanding into the production agriculture industry. The fertilizer is unique in that it doesn’t just supply nutrients, it also builds soil health, increases soil microbes, and increases drought tolerance. Because of this, less amendment is required over time and yields increase.
Lauren and Matt took components from Korean natural farming, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture to form their business. All of their products are organic and can be used on a small scale in your home garden and lawn or on a bigger scale in your crop fields and hay fields or pastures. Their products can be purchased on HitchPin in their storefront at www.hitchpin.com/elmdirt!
If you are interested in learning more about Elm Dirt, join us Friday May 5th, 2023 at 12 PM Central for a Lunch and Learn where you can hear more about their products, ask Lauren and Matt questions, and dive deeper into how their products work and how they can be incorporated into your operation.
Click here to sign up for the webinar!
To learn more about Elm Dirt, follow them on social media at @elmdirt on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok or visit their website at elmdirt.com
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HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

HitchPin's Newest Launch: Storefronts

In this episode of Plow and Pencil, I chatted with our very own Bryce McPhail to hear about HitchPin’s newest feature.
In this episode you’ll hear:
About HitchPin Storefronts.
The tools and resources that are available to help you get your Storefront set up.
The importance of Storefronts and how it will make buying and selling easier on HitchPin.
Rate, Review, and Follow!
HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

Exploring the Hildebrand Farms Dairy

It’s National Dairy Month and we had the opportunity to take a moment to learn from a well-known name in dairy – Hildebrand Farms, of Junction City, Kansas. In this episode Melissa Reed shares with us more about what makes the Hildebrand Farms Dairy work in the evolving dairy industry.
Facebook: Hildebrand Farms Dairy
Website: https://www.hildebrandfarmsdairy.com/
In this episode you’ll hear:
Melissa discuss in detail about how the farm operates and what products they offer.
The struggles they experienced during Covid-19 and how they overcame these obstacles.
Melissa gives a behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for their dairy farm.
Rate, Review, and Follow!
HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
 
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

Marketing on a Marketplace with Lexi Wright and Growing HitchPin Profiles with Bryce McPhail

In this episode of Plow and Pencil, I had the pleasure of sitting down with two of my colleagues at HitchPin, Lexi Wright, and Bryce McPhail. Lexi and her husband farm outside of Manhattan with their four children while Lexi also owns Back Pocket Social Marketing.  Bryce is the Product Manager at HitchPin and has been with us almost a year. Bryce and his team have been hard at work making updates to HitchPin to provide an excellent user experience.
Find Lexi on Facebook and Instagram by searching for Lexi the Freelancer 
Find Bryce on Twitter and LinkedIn at: @bamcphail
In this episode you hear:
Lexi talks about the importance of marketing and why every business needs to have a marketing strategy.
How to use HitchPin as a marketing tool to benefit your farm, ranch, or business.
Bryce describes and explains the newest feature of HitchPin and what to be on the lookout for in the future for new updates.
Rate, Review, and Follow!
HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
 
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

Listening to Patients that Can't Speak and 43 Years of Veterinary Experience

In this episode, Dr. Hodes talks about his experiences being a veterinarian and shares some very unique stories from his years of treating and caring for his patients. Dr. Hodes has been a veterinarian for 43 years and has a mixed-animal veterinarian practice.  
In this episode you’ll hear:
Some of Dr. Hode’s favorite veterinary stories and some of his more challenging encounters.
Advice Dr. Hodes has for new or aspiring veterinarians.
Dr. Hodes talks about compassion fatigue. 
You can follow Hodes Veterinary Health Center on Facebook or Instagram or learn more on their website: hodesvhc.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

Stubborn Farm Families & Planning for Future Generations

Andy Junkin owns and operates Stubborn.farm, a consulting business that provides farming families with farm succession and operating their family farm business together. In this episode Andy shares his experiences and insight into what saves family farms and stubborn farm families.
You can follow Andy on Facebook or YouTube or learn more on his website: www.stubborn.farm
In this episode you’ll hear: 
What succession planning is and some of the problems farming families face
Ways to improve familial relationships on the farm.
The importance of mental and emotional health for farmers
Rate, Review, and Follow!
HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

Exploring a Direct-to-Consumer Beef Business

Wrenn and her husband Arturo Pacheco started their direct-to-consumer beef business, Pacheco Beef, LLC in 2021. We are excited to share Wrenn’s story with you about her business.
Find Wrenn on Instagram: @pachecobeef 
In this episode you’ll find: 
How Wrenn and her family came to Kansas and how their business got started.
The roles that Wrenn and Arturo take on in Pacheco Beef, LLC.
How their operation works and why they choose to open a direct-to-consumer business. 
We are grateful Wrenn took the time from her busy schedule to share her story with us. Enjoy the behind-the-scenes information on how Pacheco Beef, LLC operates and an opportunity to glimpse the passion that both Wrenn and Arturo have put into their business!
Rate, Review, and Follow!
HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

How Will Young People Advance the Agriculture Industry?

Youth are the future of our industry and we are excited to share Will Stroda’s story with you today. Will was the very first person to transact on HitchPin and is a perfect example of the next generation in agriculture.
In this episode you’ll find:
– Will’s story of how he got started in agriculture and how he continues to grow his operation.
– The plan Will is using for genetic improvement in his herd and how his job at Bluestem Embryo Transfer has influenced that
– Will’s experience in finding his path at K-State and his plans for the future. 
We are grateful to Will for taking the time to share his story and for being the very first HitchPin customer. We find it incredibly encouraging to hear how young people in the industry are preparing for their futures and leading when it comes to trying new technology and methods and hope you do too!
Rate, Review, and Follow!
HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!

13 Generations of Connecting People with Farming

Katherine, self-proclaimed “Cheif Minion to the Goats,” owns and runs her family’s small livestock farm in the metropolitan area of Central Ohio. Harrison Farm focuses on celebrations, animals, and teaching. The mission of the farm is to connect people with animals and farming. She raises primarily sheep, goats, and chickens. On her farm, she hosts numerous agritourism events including Goat Yoga, on-farm dinners, private events, and educational tours. 
In this episode you’ll find:
– the history of a 13 generation family farm
– the story behind the events hosted at Harrison Farms
– learn about the experience of goat yoga
– the challenges faced by farmers and agritourism business owners during COVID-19 and the unique solutions found to overcome them
– insight on the value of mentorship in agriculture
Find Katherine on Facebook at @harrisonfarm13 & on Instagram @fearlessfemalefarmer 
Learn more about Harrison Farms at Harrisonfarm13.com
Rate, Review, and Follow!
HitchPin.com
Use code PODCAST when you create your account and you’ll receive $100 in HitchPin credits that can be applied to your transaction fees!
 
The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Plow and Pencil podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of HitchPin nor it’s employees. This podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Enjoy!