Eric Pratum sits down with Mike Wiles—YouTube’s Tractor Mike—to explore the future of rural America, small-scale farming, and compact tractor markets. Mike shares his extensive experience, beginning with his early days working an apple orchard, through his career managing farm equipment dealerships, to educating hundreds of thousands of people through his popular YouTube channel.

Mike discusses the growing interest in small-time farming and rural living, particularly among people leaving urban areas. He provides insights into the economic factors, market shifts, and demographic changes affecting this movement. The conversation also covers critical issues such as education gaps among new rural residents, safety in agriculture, and the need for innovation in equipment design and service delivery.

Topics Explored:

1. Mike’s journey: From radio farm director to YouTube tractor expert
2. The boom in small tractors during COVID and its aftermath
3. Why are more people moving from cities to rural properties?
4. Economic and demographic impacts on rural markets and farming
5. Future trends in compact tractor sales and equipment innovation
6. The importance of education and safety for new rural landowners
7. Challenges in agricultural service delivery and opportunities for innovation

Links:

• Visit Mike’s website: https://asktractormike.com
• Mike’s Tractor Caddy: https://asktractormike.com/product/tractor-caddy-tool-box/
• Tractor Mike’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TractorMike
• University of Missouri’s Food & Agricultural Policy Research Institute: https://fapri.missouri.edu

For more episodes, visit: https://unfoldingthought.com
Join the conversation by emailing Eric at: [email protected]