Machinery Pete stops in Dana, IN to interview Erin Holbert on the family farm she returned to a couple of years ago. From the cab of their John Deere 8420 tractor back in October 2019 Holbert created her own online clothing store, “Heart of the Midwest”, which has grown rapidly. Holbert proceeded in short order to build massive social media and Youtube followings, now with nearly 60,000 Youtube subscribers. Impressive American entrepreneurial spirit at work in the heartland.

Pete talks with his friend made on the auction trail years ago, Alan Hoskins, President of American Farm Mortgage & Financial Services. Pete and Alan talk about current challenges and opportunities in farm country, including tips and advice for young folks looking to get into farming, ag lending or any new career. Pete and Alan have an in depth talk about the Power of Listening.

Machinery Pete interviews Neil Dahlstrom, Manager of Archives and History for John Deere about his new book, “Tractor Wars – John Deere, Henry Ford, International Harvester and the Birth of American Agriculture.” Dahlstrom shares fascinating stories from the period 100+ years ago on the race for dominance and relevance in the burgeoning new American market for farm tractors. Pete also provides a recap of a November 6, 2021 farm retirement he filmed for his TV show in Keymar, MD….according to Pete “The Hottest Auction I’ve Seen in my 32 Years.”

Machinery Pete highlights the growing trend of consolidation in the farm auction industry and talks with Dan Sullivan and Allen Henslin about Sullivan Auctioneers (Illinois) recent acquisition of Henslin Auctions, Inc. of Minnesota. Pete also touches on consolidation in the farm equipment dealer sector.

Machinery Pete talks through the historic year 2021 has been in the farm equipment market, providing key examples that spotlight the trend of RISING used values and the why behind rising values. A tribute to Brice Volker at the end of the episode. Volker, from Auburn, Neb., passed away 10/2/21 at age 38 suddenly and unexpectedly. Volker was deeply connected in the farm equipment world online and in farm circles and in the auction industry.

Story of Easton Halverson of Claremont, IA - now two-time Grand Champion of Iowa State Fair Annual FFA Tractor Restoration Competition. Halverson just won the '21 competition with his beautiful 1966 Oliver 1950 FWA, which is now for sale to help pay for medical school for Easton: https://www.machinerypete.com/details/100-174-hp/1966/oliver/1950/20412162

He also took top honors in 2019 with his restored 1966 Oliver 1850 2WD.

Machinery Pete talks with 20-year-old ag Youtube star Carson Kahler who has nearly 11,000 subscribers to his "6th Gen Farmer" Youtube channel which he started 3 years ago. Kahler will be a Senior this Fall at South Dakota State University studying multiple Ag Programs and is a Sales intern this summer with C&B Operations at their Jackson, MN store location.

Machinery Pete gives an update on the farm equipment market (on fire) + cool story of an Illinois man working to start up a new Truck & Tractor Show in his hometown of Neponset, IL. The event is scheduled for June 26, 2021.

Machinery Pete talks with Thad Shively, Dir. of Pre-Owned Inventory for C&B Operations, a 37-store John Deere dealership with stores in MN, IA, SD, WY, MT and ID. Shively is retiring in April '21 after a lifetime in the farm equipment dealer biz. Thad and Pete talk about the current farm equipment market, trends and cycles over the decades, where the farm equipment has been and where it’s headed. Shively also shares his key takeaways/truths from 30+ years in the farm equipment biz and shares his advice to young folks hoping to work someday for a farm equipment dealership.

Machinery Pete shares his memories from, as well as the full interview he did 10 years ago this month (Feb. 2011) in Wyoming, IL with then 97-year-old Joe Colgan. Joe got into the farm equipment biz in 1933, went to work for John Deere in 1937 and became a John Deere dealer in 1947. Joe Colgan passed 4/28/15 at the age of 101, but his words of wisdom still hold true today.