Tanner Winterhof and the Rise of Agricultural Influencers: Merging Education and Entertainment for Farm Success
Digital platforms and agricultural influencers have completely changed how farming knowledge is shared. Traditionally, most farming education was passed down through generations or learned in formal settings such as universities and agricultural extension services.
These methods, while valuable, were often slow to evolve and difficult to access for many farmers, especially those in rural areas. However, the rise of digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts has broken down these barriers, allowing farming knowledge to be shared much more quickly and in a more engaging way.
This new way reaches a much larger audience and breaks down the barriers that used to limit access to important information.
This change is part of a bigger trend happening across industries, where expert-level knowledge is now available to anyone with an internet connection. In agriculture, this means that even farmers in remote areas can now learn from top experts and stay up to date with the latest techniques and technologies.
No longer limited by geography or expensive resources, this democratization of knowledge is empowering farmers of all ages and backgrounds to improve their practices, adopt new technologies, and modernize their operations in ways that were previously out of reach.
For many agricultural influencers, the goal isn’t just to become a source of information, but rather to create a space for shared learning. As Tanner Winterhof, co-host of the Farm4Profit podcast, describes it, the role of an influencer often develops naturally, driven by the desire to learn and share that knowledge with others.
“As an ‘agricultural influencer,’ it’s not a role I set out to achieve. I prefer the term content creator because it’s the content that drives influence. I’m not an expert in one particular area; instead, I build relationships and gather knowledge from various fields. My motivation was to learn more about agriculture and the people behind it, and through that, my audience grew as others found it interesting too.”
The Digital Transformation of Agriculture
Digital media platforms are changing the way farming knowledge is shared by making it more engaging and interactive. Farmers and enthusiasts can now easily access helpful tips and insights on their phones or computers, learning at their own speed and in ways that are relevant to their needs.
These platforms also let users connect directly with content creators and other viewers, making education a two-way conversation where people can ask questions and share their own experiences.
“I was more motivated to learn about agriculture as a whole and connect with the key people who help farmers make decisions. What I found interesting, others found interesting too, and that’s how my role developed,” said Winterhof of his journey into agricultural content creation.
His genuine curiosity and desire to learn come through in his content, which connects with audiences.
TikTok has also been especially effective in helping ag influencers reach younger audiences. Its short-form, dynamic videos allow influencers to break down complex topics into bite-sized lessons that are easy to understand.
They can demonstrate how to use new farming tools or explain sustainable practices in just 60 seconds, making it less intimidating for new farmers or curious viewers.
This fast-paced content works well for a generation that prefers quick, visually engaging information. Influencers like Tyler Froberg (@farmer.froberg) use humor and creativity to highlight the realities of farm life, making agriculture fun and relatable, while also spreading awareness about important issues in the industry.
Beyond just sharing content, these platforms have created lively digital communities for farmers and enthusiasts. Content creators are building spaces where people can connect, join discussions, and share their knowledge.
These communities encourage collaboration, with members offering solutions to challenges, giving advice, and learning from each other’s experiences.
Whether it’s through comments on YouTube videos or conversations sparked by podcasts, these online spaces are becoming valuable hubs for staying connected and informed.
Empowering Farmers Through Knowledge
Larger farming operations have historically had the advantage of being able to afford advanced farming equipment and resources, leaving smaller farms at a disadvantage.
With the rise of social media and digital content, valuable information about innovative farming techniques, technologies, and sustainable practices is accessible to all farmers, regardless of size.
This newfound access to knowledge is leveling the playing field, giving smaller farms the opportunity to adopt the same advanced techniques that were once reserved for large-scale operations, increasing their efficiency and profitability.
These platforms are also helping to reduce the isolation that many farmers in rural areas experience. Farming, especially in remote locations, can be lonely, with few opportunities to connect with others in the same field.
But through digital communities, farmers can now easily connect with both their peers and experts. Online spaces allow farmers to ask for advice, and collaborate on common challenges such as troubleshooting equipment or discussing new farming techniques.
Connecting farmers in this way is helping to build stronger connections and create a more collaborative farming community.
Bridging Generations in Farming
Farming has long relied on the passing down of knowledge through generations, creating a strong sense of tradition and continuity. While this has preserved valuable practices, it has also sometimes limited the space for new ideas and innovations.
The emphasis on “this is how it’s always been done” sometimes slowed the adoption of modern techniques and technologies that could improve efficiency.
Today, digital platforms are breaking down these barriers, giving farmers of all ages and backgrounds access to a wealth of new information.
Whether it’s learning about the latest technology or refining long-held techniques, farmers can now benefit from a wider pool of knowledge that’s more accessible than ever before.
This new access to information allows all farmers—whether seasoned professionals or those new to the field—to explore advancements that were once harder to reach.
They can now easily learn about precision farming tools, sustainable practices, and new crop management techniques, while still maintaining a connection to the traditional wisdom that has shaped farming for generations.
Agricultural influencers play a key role in this by creating content that blends the best of both worlds, sharing innovative practices alongside time-tested methods.
They help farmers make informed decisions that can result in better profitability, creating a more dynamic, forward-thinking farming community where tradition and innovation thrive together.
“For us, we focus on combining education and entertainment,” said Winterhof. “One of our core missions is to help farmers achieve higher profitability and run their farms more like businesses. Don’t just run it like your grandpa or dad did—run it like a business, so it’s sustainable for generations to come.”
The Bigger Picture
The farming sector has been ripe for this kind of shake-up. Influencers like Winterhof are bringing fresh ideas to the table and making it easier for others to access valuable information.
With platforms like Farm4Profit, they have created a space where practical advice on farming profitability and new technologies blends seamlessly with entertainment, making learning engaging and accessible.
“For me, it wasn’t about wanting to become an influencer,” said Winterhof. “I was motivated by a desire to learn more about agriculture. What I found interesting, others found interesting too, and that’s how the role developed.”
This authenticity has allowed agricultural influencers to build strong, loyal audiences, facilitating an exchange of ideas that is driving real change in the industry.
As farming continues to evolve in response to new challenges such as climate change, resource management, and food security, the Farm4Profit podcast and other such digital content creators will continue to play a large role in driving the conversation forward.
