On Life and Land

John Deere
  • 4.9 (52)
  • Business News
  • Updated Monthly

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. Jul 7

    How Agriculture Shaped the American Identity | Neil Dahlstrom on Farming, Culture & History

    What does farming reveal about who Americans are? 🇺🇸 From the nation's founding to today, agriculture has done more than feed the country—it has shaped the American identity itself. At the birth of the United States, roughly 90% of Americans earned their living through farming. Today, even when counting the entire agriculture and food system, that figure is closer to 10%. So what changed—and what hasn't? In this episode, we explore how agriculture continues to influence the way Americans see themselves through history, culture, art and myth. From the iconic cowboy to Grant Wood's American Gothic, we examine why farming remains one of the country's most enduring symbols, even as fewer people work the land. Joining us is Neil Dahlstrom, author, historian and archivist for Deere & Company, who shares insights into the deep connections between American agriculture, rural culture, John Deere, and the nation's evolving identity. In this episode, you'll learn: 🌾 How agriculture helped shape the American character 🇺🇸 Why farming remains central to the U.S. identity despite urbanization 🎨 The cultural significance of icons like American Gothic and the American cowboy 📚 How history, literature and art have shaped perceptions of agriculture 🚜 Why agriculture still matters to every American—not just farmers Whether you work in agriculture, love history, or are curious about the forces that shaped the United States, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on one of America's oldest and most influential industries. Guest: Neil Dahlstrom, Author & Archivist, Deere & Company 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.

  2. Jun 16

    Farm Succession Planning Explained: The First Steps Every Farm Family Should Take, Part II

    🚜 Not sure where to start with farm succession planning? You're not alone. Many farm families know they need a succession plan, but the process can feel overwhelming, emotional, and difficult to begin. In the second installment of this 2-part episode of On Life & Land, we continue our conversation with Lance Woodbury, farm succession planning expert and partner at Pinion Global, to break down the practical first steps every farm family can take to begin planning for the future. You'll learn: Why so many families delay succession planning The biggest risks of waiting too long How to start productive family conversations The logical first steps for creating a transition plan Ways to protect both family relationships and the farm business Whether you're preparing the next generation to take over or simply beginning to explore your options, this episode offers actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence. 🌱 Listen now to learn how a thoughtful succession plan can help preserve your family's legacy and position your operation for long-term success. Learn more at LanceWoodbury.com 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.

  3. Jun 2

    Farm Succession Planning Explained: The First Steps Every Farm Family Should Take

    🚜 Not sure where to start with farm succession planning? You're not alone. Many farm families know they need a succession plan, but the process can feel overwhelming, emotional, and difficult to begin. In the first installment of this 2-part episode of On Life & Land, we sit down with Lance Woodbury, farm succession planning expert and partner at Pinion Global, to break down the practical first steps every farm family can take to begin planning for the future. You'll learn: Why so many families delay succession planning The biggest risks of waiting too long How to start productive family conversations The logical first steps for creating a transition plan Ways to protect both family relationships and the farm business Whether you're preparing the next generation to take over or simply beginning to explore your options, this episode offers actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence. 🌱 Listen now to learn how a thoughtful succession plan can help preserve your family's legacy and position your operation for long-term success. Learn more at LanceWoodbury.com 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.

  4. May 19

    AI for Agriculture: Not Just a Search Engine

    AI is transforming agriculture faster than ever — but are farmers using it to its full potential? 🌱🤖 In this episode, you'll learn practical ways foundational AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can improve farm operations, decision-making, communication, and crop management. Nick Horob, founder of Harvest Profit, joins Brian Kohlmann, director of AI and emerging technologies at Bader Rutter, to explore how artificial intelligence is becoming a real-world tool for modern agriculture — not just another search engine. Listeners will learn: ✅ How AI can streamline on-farm workflows ✅ Prompting tips for better AI results ✅ Which AI tools work best for agriculture applications ✅ How AI can assist with difficult conversations and business decisions Whether you're a 10,000-acre row crop farmer, 500-head seedstock operation, or 5-acre market garden grower, this episode offers practical insights into using generative AI in agriculture today. 🎙 Featuring: Nick Horob — Founder, Harvest Profit Brian Kohlmann — Director of AI & Emerging Technologies, Bader Rutter 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.

  5. May 5

    Ag and the High Plains Aquifer: Managing Water Use in Midwest Agriculture

    The High Plains Aquifer plays a critical role in supporting U.S. agriculture—but how is it changing over time? In this episode, we speak with Dr. James Butler, senior hydrologist at the University of Kansas, to examine current trends in aquifer levels, the factors influencing water use, and what the data tells us about long-term sustainability. 💧 In this episode, we explore: Key drivers behind High Plains Aquifer depletion The relationship between irrigation practices and groundwater levels Regional differences in water availability across the Midwest Ongoing research and strategies to improve water efficiency What sustainable water management could look like moving forward This episode offers a data-driven look at groundwater management, agricultural sustainability, and resource planning—valuable for producers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of food systems.

  6. Apr 21

    How Ottumwa Revitalized Main Street: Rural Economic Development Success

    Can a small rural town reinvent itself—and actually thrive? Ottumwa, Iowa proves the answer is yes. 🌱 In this episode, we sit down with Kris Patrick, Director of Main Street Ottumwa, to unpack how a decade-long revitalization effort transformed a struggling downtown into a vibrant hub for businesses, residents, and community life. You'll discover: 🏛️ How historic preservation fuels economic growth 🏘️ The role of housing development in rural revitalization 🌳 Why investing in public spaces drives long-term success 📈 A proven Main Street model other rural communities can replicate Whether you're a city planner, economic developer, or community leader, this episode offers actionable insights into rural development strategy, downtown revitalization, and small-town growth. 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.

  7. Apr 7

    Range Creek Secrets: A Lost Fremont Civilization & Utah's Hidden Archaeology

    What if an entire ancient civilization was hiding in plain sight—until 2002? Range Creek is one of North America's best-preserved archaeological discoveries… and most people have never heard of it. In this episode, we uncover the astonishing story behind Range Creek, Utah—a remote canyon that protected a vast Fremont Native American site for centuries. From intricate rock art to intact granaries filled with ancient grain, this discovery reshaped what we know about early civilizations in the American West. You'll hear directly from Dr. Shannon Boomgarden, field station director, and Corinne Springer, field station manager, as they reveal: 🏺 Who the Fremont people were and how they lived 🧭 Why Range Creek remained untouched for so long 🔍 What archaeologists are still discovering today 🌄 How the site is being preserved for future generations Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, Native American history, or hidden discoveries, this episode offers a rare look into a truly untouched past. 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.

  8. Mar 17

    John Deere | Starting a Farm with Greenhouses: A Low-Cost Path for Beginning Farmers

    Can you start farming without land or a family farm? Yes—and greenhouses might be the key. In this episode, we explore greenhouse and nursery production as one of the more accessible entry points into agriculture. For aspiring farmers who didn't grow up on a farm and don't have inherited land, controlled-environment agriculture can offer a lower-cost, scalable way to get started. 🌱 What you'll learn in this episode: • Why greenhouse and nursery production can be a practical starting point for new farmers • The economics of small-scale greenhouse operations  • How beginners can enter the ornamental, and nursery plant markets • The skills, infrastructure, and mindset required to succeed in controlled-environment agriculture • Lessons from an industry insider working with national turf and ornamental producers Our guest is Broch Martindale, nursery producer and national strategic accounts manager for Corteva Agriscience, who brings us firsthand insight into nursery and greenhouse production, plant markets, and the opportunities available to beginning farmers. Whether you're dreaming about farming, exploring urban agriculture, or looking for low-capital agriculture business ideas, this conversation offers a realistic look at how new growers can find their way into the industry. 🌿 Topics include: greenhouse farming, nursery production, controlled-environment agriculture, beginning farmer strategies, and ornamental plant markets.

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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
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2018
  • Show Website
    On Life and Land

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