On Life and Land

Why do we feel such powerful connections to the places we call home? And what is it about the American West that captures our imagination and shapes our sense of who we are?    In this episode, we speak with Dr. Mark Fiege, retired professor of history and western American studies, about the profound relationship between people and place. We explore how our attachments to particular landscapes develop, whether farmers and ranchers experience a deeper connection to the land, and how the geography of the American West continues to influence our understanding of ourselves as a nation.   Join us for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of place, our relationship with the land and the enduring influence of the American West on the American identity.   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.

When cattle get through a fence and damage a neighbor's crops, who's responsible — the livestock owner or the landowner? The answer can depend on where you live. Fence laws, livestock liability and property-boundary rules vary widely across the country and can even differ from one county to the next. In this episode, University of Maryland Professor Paul Goeringer, an agricultural law expert, explains some of the most common — and confusing — types of farm fence laws. We explore how open-range and closed-range concepts work, who may be responsible for maintaining a boundary fence, and what can happen when escaped livestock damage neighboring property. Along the way, we look at how fence laws reflect the relationships, responsibilities and unwritten expectations that have long shaped rural communities. If you own land, raise livestock, farm next to livestock or simply want to better understand rural property rights and agricultural law, this episode offers a practical introduction to what may be riding on that fence line. 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.

What does it take to grow the flawless turf beneath a backyard, ballfield or stadium? Missouri turf farmer Shawn Helt takes us behind the scenes of sod farming and sports turf production, explaining how professional growers establish, maintain and harvest high-quality turf for residential landscapes and athletic fields. Along the way, we get to know the man behind the grass. Helt is also a former amateur race car driver and an avid collector of motorsports memorabilia, vintage signs and unusual pieces of Americana—including an old tour bus once used by country music legend Waylon Jennings. In this episode, discover how a turf farm works, what separates exceptional sod from ordinary grass, and how farming, craftsmanship and an eclectic collection of hobbies all come together in one Missouri operation. Based on "Grass Roots," originally published in the March 2026 issue of The Furrow. 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.

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.

🚜 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.

🚜 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.