On Life and Land

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.

The Gathering of the Green is one of the premier events for vintage John Deere collectors, restoration enthusiasts, and agricultural history fans — and this year's theme, "An American Original," celebrates the legacy of one of farming's most iconic brands.

Host David Jones sits down with Ken Reese, one of the founders of the Gathering of the Green, to explore how the event began, why it continues to grow, and what makes it a must-attend experience for collectors and rural history lovers alike.

🌾 In this episode, you'll hear about: • The origins and mission of The Gathering of the Green • What makes John Deere restoration culture so enduring • Behind-the-scenes stories from the event's founders • Highlights including rare parts vendors, restoration workshops, farm and factory tours, and memorabilia sessions • Why this biennial gathering feels like a reunion for the agricultural community

Whether you're restoring a tractor, fascinated by rural heritage, or simply love stories of American innovation, this episode offers insight, nostalgia, and inspiration from the heart of farm country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.