On Life and Land

John Deere
  • 4.9 (52)
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

If you like the stories from John Deere's The Furrow and Homestead magazines, you'll love "On Life and Land." Every two weeks, we'll take a deeper dive into stories from agriculture, rural life, history, art...if it has a connection to the land, we'll talk about it in "On Life and Land." Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode!

  1. 1D AGO

    The California Water Wars: Owens Valley, Los Angeles & the Fight for Farm Water

    How did a thriving farming valley lose its water — and what does it still mean for California agriculture today? In this episode, we explore the history, conflict, and lasting impact of the California Water Wars. The story of Owens Valley and the city of Los Angeles is one of the most controversial chapters in American water history — a clash between urban growth, rural livelihoods, and the struggle over one of the West's most precious resources. Host David Jones speaks with Dan Keppen, counselor to the Family Farm Alliance and a longtime expert on California water policy, to unpack how the California Water Wars began, why they still matter, and what they reveal about water rights, agriculture, and government power today. 🌾 In this episode, you'll learn: • The history behind the Owens Valley water diversion • How Los Angeles reshaped California's water landscape • Why water rights remain central to California agriculture • The lasting political, legal, and cultural consequences of the conflict • How past decisions still influence modern debates over farming and water policy This episode offers historical perspective and thoughtful context on an issue that continues to shape the future of the American West. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    43 min

  2. FEB 3

    The Legendary John Deere 4020: How One Tractor Changed Farming Forever

    Some machines do a job. Others change a generation. The John Deere 4020 didn't just work the land — it became part of farm families, memories, and livelihoods. Decades after production ended, these tractors are still starting at dawn and heading back to the field. So what made the 4020 different? We sit down with Chris Boyens from John Deere Heritage Marketing to trace the story behind the iron — the engineering breakthroughs, the farmer loyalty, and the quiet reliability that turned a tractor into an icon. In this episode, you'll hear: 🌾 How the 4020 changed everything for row-crop farmers 🔧 Which features made it feel years ahead of its time ❤️ Why owners refuse to sell them, and why collectors love them If you've ever smelled diesel at sunrise or watched the dust roll behind a field cultivator, this one's going to feel like home. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    32 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    John Deere | Inside Christmas Tree Farming: Katie Knapp on "The Boughs That Bind" & Ag Storytelling

    In this season-closing episode, award-winning ag journalist and photographer Katie Knapp shares the behind-the-scenes world of Christmas tree farming featured in her latest story for The Furrow magazine, "The Boughs That Bind." Katie—fresh off travels with the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists—breaks down the realities most of us never see: 15-year planning horizons, shifting consumer trends, labor challenges, shearing by hand, and the families preserving farmland in rapidly developing regions. She also reflects on her path as both Writer of the Year and Photographer of the Year for the Ag Communicators Network, and what fuels her passion for human-centered ag storytelling. If you love stories from rural America, specialty crops, or the people who keep agriculture moving, this episode will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the trees that make the holidays bright. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    30 min

  4. 11/18/2025

    Dave Underwood: How John Deere Supports Veterans' Success

    What happens after service ends? In this inspiring conversation, John Deere Global Executive Recruiter and Governance Lead Dave Underwood, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, shares how Deere is opening doors for veterans through its dedicated military hiring programs. Dave also talks about building a strong veterans' support network in and around the Quad Cities Area, and offers practical advice for veterans navigating the transition to civilian careers. Whether you're a veteran, employer, or ally, you'll learn how purpose-driven hiring and community connection can make a lasting impact. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    29 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    John Deere | Sowing the Seeds of Service: Lessons from FFA

    Over the course of nearly 100 years, Future Farmers of America has given millions of members the tools they've used to build careers in agriculture and agribusiness, education, research, even sports and entertainment. In this episode of John Deere's On Life and Land podcast, FFA alum and Territory Manager Abrah Wright talks about her journey from FFA blue to John Deere green. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    41 min

  6. 10/21/2025

    John Deere | The Path Forward for U.S. Corn

    High yields, low prices, shifting demand – it's been a strange and unsettling few years for U.S. corn growers. In this episode of John Deere's On Life and Land, we speak with Neil Caskey, CEO of the National Corn Growers Association, on a wide range of rapid-fire topics, including the record-setting 2025 crop, new export markets, and the future of nationwide, year-round E15. On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    35 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    John Deere | Agriculture Around The Word with Steve Werblow

    Steve Werblow, field editor for John Deere's The Furrow magazine and president of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists, has seen agriculture on six continents. In this episode, we chat with Steve about telling ag's story on a global scale, about foreign perceptions of U.S. agriculture, and about some of his favorite moments during his international travels.   On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    42 min

  8. 09/16/2025

    John Deere and U.S. Manufacturing

    From Missouri to Tennessee to North Carolina to Iowa, John Deere plans to invest nearly $20 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the next ten years. In this episode, we chat with Jon Chase, Vice President, Turf & Utility Business Unit, to learn more about the investment and expansion plans, and about the impacts on local communities.  On Life & Land is produced for John Deere by Bader Rutter and is hosted by David Jones, former editor of John Deere's The Furrow magazine. Recording, mixing and mastering services are provided by RecWest Studio, and our music is by Dale May.

    31 min
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Trailers

4.9
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

If you like the stories from John Deere's The Furrow and Homestead magazines, you'll love "On Life and Land." Every two weeks, we'll take a deeper dive into stories from agriculture, rural life, history, art...if it has a connection to the land, we'll talk about it in "On Life and Land." Subscribe today so you don't miss an episode!

Information

  • Creator
    John Deere
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2018
  • Show Website
    On Life and Land

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