Agriculture Technology Podcast

The newest John Deere combine updates for 2026 are here, bringing even more precision and automation to the field. In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer sits down with Bergen Nelson, Go-to-Market Manager at John Deere, to break down the most exciting updates coming to model year 2026 combines. They also revisit key changes introduced in 2025 and explain how farmers can access these technologies through upgrades. In this episode: • Recap of model year 2025 combine upgrades • 2026 John Deere combine updates & new features • Predictive Ground Speed Automation: terrain sensing, weed detection & crop compatibility • New harvesting logistics tech: Auto Unload & Grain Harvest Weight Sharing • How to upgrade your current combine • Digital tools to prep for Harvest 2025

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

Tractor technology has come a long way in the past 20 years — and it’s evolving faster than ever. In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer is joined by Brian Verkuehlen of RDO Equipment Co. to discuss how John Deere tractors are becoming more versatile to meet autonomy and precision agriculture. Once used solely for tillage and planting, John Deere tractors have transformed into advanced, multi-purpose machines. Tony and Brian dive into the impact of emerging technologies, the shift toward electrification and how farmers can strategically plan for the future of their operations. This episode covers: • How tractor roles have evolved from specialized to multi-functional • The impact of AutoTrac, AutoPath and autonomy • Why horsepower needs are increasing and what that means for your fleet • The shift from hydraulics to electric power in implements • Flexible technology integration with G5 displays, EVT transmissions and off-board power • Choosing between wheels, two-track and four-track configurations • Why long-term planning is essential for equipment investments

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

Want to cut fertilizer costs without sacrificing yield? In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer unpacks John Deere’s ExactRate and ExactShot fertilizer systems to help you decide which makes sense for your operation. He breaks down how each system works, the types of fertilizer applications they support and how to choose between the two. Whether you’re upgrading your current planter or buying new, understanding the differences between ExactRate and ExactShot can help you make a more informed investment. Topics We Cover: Key differences between ExactRate and ExactShot Fertilizer use and potential input savings Application types each system supports (in-furrow, 2x2 and high-rate) Planter compatibility and upgrade options

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

From full planter rebuilds to simple meter swaps, John Deere’s 2026 Precision Upgrades offer more ways than ever for farmers to bring the latest technology to the equipment they already own. In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer sits down with Taryn Fischels, Product Marketing Manager at John Deere, to explore the new Model Year 2026 Precision Upgrade Kits for planters and air seeders.These upgrades are designed with flexibility in mind — whether you’re running a newer machine that just needs a meter update or an older unit ready for a complete overhaul. Taryn shares how each kit is built to meet farmers where they’re at, helping them stay current with evolving planting and seeding technology to improve performance and profitability. Topics We Cover: - What Precision Upgrade Kits are - Newly rebranded Ultimate Planter Upgrade for full planter transformations- Meter-Only Upgrades for MaxEmerge 5e and ExactEmerge - The 1910 Accurate Meter Upgrade for air seedersWhether you’re ready to refresh your planter or fine-tune your air seeder, this conversation covers everything you need to know about John Deere’s 2026 precision upgrades.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

The new John Deere HSD series is built for speed, reliability and the future of farming — allowing growers to prep their farms for autonomous tillage and cover 400 acres a day. In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer sits down with Kory Ross, Group Product Marketing Manager at John Deere, to discuss upgrades to the 2680H tillage tool. From stronger frames and improved residue flow to plug-and-play autonomy features, the HSD lineup delivers major advancements for large-scale operations. Learn about size options, horsepower requirements and what makes these tools a smart investment for 2026 and beyond. What’s covered in this episode: How the HSD builds on the 2680H’s field performance Structural upgrades for durability and easy maintenance Crop flow improvements and size flexibility Autonomy-ready features designed for John Deere’s future equipment Tool and tractor pairing guidance For more information, visit JohnDeere.com or reach out to your local RDO Equipment Co. store

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2025

From spot spraying to navigating tough terrain, UAVs are proving to be extremely beneficial to the ag industry. Join host Tony Kramer in this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast as he sits down with Ross Florhaug, a UAV applicator from North Dakota. Ross shares his journey with UAVs, insights on the best UAVs for agriculture and the challenges and successes of using UAVs in farming. Curious about why customers would prefer UAV aerial applications over traditional methods? Ross discusses the benefits, including greater availability when crop dusters are busy, safer navigation around obstacles like highline wires and trees and chemical savings through efficient mapping. Whether you're passionate about agriculture or just appreciate the newest technology, don't miss this insightful episode on how UAVs are making a difference in precision agriculture. 

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

Join Tony Kramer, host of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, as he sits down with Jake L. and Derrick R. from RDO Equipment Co. to discuss the transformative power of John Deere Connected Support at RDO Equipment Co. Learn how telematics and proactive solutions are revolutionizing machine health and maintenance for operators and owners, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity for their farming and construction businesses. Hear first-hand about success stories, expert insights and the future of connected machines in agriculture and beyond. Listen now to learn more about RDO Connected Support and how it can benefit your operation.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, John Deere's Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Jahmy Hindman, speaks live from the Grand Farm Innovation Campus. Jahmy shares his vision for the future of farming, discussing groundbreaking technologies like See & Spray and autonomous tractors. He dives into the challenges of feeding a growing global population, the evolution of agricultural technology, the role of connectivity and AI in modern farming and more! Join us for an engaging discussion with John Deere’s CTO on how technology is shaping the future of farming.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

Join host Tony Kramer in this special episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, recorded live at the Future of Farming event at the Grand Farm Innovation Campus. Dive deep into See & Spray technology with industry experts from John Deere, Blue River Technology, Mid-Kansas Co-op and RDO Equipment Co.Our panel of guests includes:Lee Johnson: See & Spray Architecture and Integration Lead at John DeereEmily Paris: Product Manager at Blue River TechnologyNick Mazouch: Agronomy Manager at Mid-Kansas Co-opJared Billadeau: Grower from North DakotaMark Dorn: Corporate Business Sales Manager at RDO Equipment CompanyKaty Hill: Product Manager for Application Technologies at RDO Equipment CompanyDiscover the evolution of See & Spray technology from its early prototypes to its current state. Gain insights on software and camera detection technology, results from 2024 trials and perspectives from growers. Hear expert perspectives on the significant chemical savings, yield increases and future potential that See & Spray offers. Don't miss this informative discussion on the advancements and impact of See & Spray technology in modern agriculture!

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

Join host Tony Kramer on the Agriculture Technology Podcast as he sits down with Michael Porter, Go-to-Market Manager for Large Tractors and Tillage at John Deere, to explore John Deere's revolutionary autonomous tillage solution. In this episode, they discuss how this cutting-edge technology can enhance farming operations by increasing efficiency and productivity. Michael explains the benefits for farmers, from small operations to large-scale farms, including reallocating labor, optimizing time management and reducing operational costs. He details how the autonomous tractor technology works, including the necessary equipment and preparation steps. They also cover the compatibility of existing John Deere tractors and tillage tools with the autonomous solution and highlight future developments and new autonomy-ready tools. Ready to hear about the future of farming? Stay tuned to learn all about John Deere's new autonomous tractor technology.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2025

Join Agriculture Technology Podcast host Tony Kramer as he sits down with Andrew S. from RDO Australia to explore cutting-edge digital solutions transforming the agriculture industry.  In this episode, Andrew shares his journey from farming to working with John Deere's Precision Ag team. He discusses advancements in cotton tracking technology, best management practices in cotton and sugarcane farming and collaboration with ag retailers to support growers and enhance data utilization.  Learn about the Grain Research Development Corporation's Grain Automate project and how it aims to prepare growers for future autonomy in farming. 

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2025

In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer sits down with Joel Kaczynski, a Technology Solutions Manager at RDO Equipment Co., to dive into John Deere's new license model for technology. With over 20 years of experience at RDO, Joel explains John Deere’s transition from traditional activations and subscriptions to the new license model, which includes permanent, time-based and use-based licenses. This new model aims to provide more flexibility and better align costs with actual usage, making it easier for farmers to adopt advanced technologies. Tony and Joel cover the differences between permanent, time-based and use-based licenses, practical advice for farmers on choosing the right license model and more. John Deere also provides a sneak-peak at the Licenses Tool at the end of the episode. Whether you're a long-time John Deere user or new to their technology, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed decisions for your farming operation.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

Join host Tony Kramer in this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast as he sits down with Stephen Frahm, Business Development Manager Crop Care at RDO Equipment Australia. They dive into the unique planting and seeding solutions in Australian agriculture, discussing everything from moisture conservation techniques to the importance of controlled traffic farming.  Stephen shares insights on custom equipment builds, the integration of Monosem solutions, and the latest John Deere technologies, including SurePoint Ag's bidirectional downforce and liquid row monitoring. Discover how Australian growers are leveraging these solutions to enhance their operations and achieve better crop yields. 

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer sits down with Scott Schumacher, General Manager of Construction Technology at RDO Equipment Co. in Grand Forks, ND, to discuss the groundbreaking John Deere Path technology, Deere’s newest precision mapping solution for snow removal operators.

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2025

Join RDO Equipment Co.’s Agronomist and Podcast Host, Tony Kramer, as he reviews the top 5 episodes of the Ag Tech Podcast from 2024. In this episode, Tony recaps expert insights from the Millennial Farmer and RDO’s founder Ron Offutt, along with the latest John Deere product launches and technologies, including Precision Upgrade Kits and the John Deere Operations Center. Watch to see how these insights, product launches and new technologies have shaped the ag tech landscape this year.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

This year, the Ag Tech Podcast has covered John Deere precision upgrade kits (PUKs) for planters, sprayers and combines. To round out our year on precision upgrades, Tony sits down with Clint Chaffer, Product Marketing Lead for Precision Upgrades at John Deere, to talk about the origin of PUKs. Starting with planters, the technology footprint of precision upgrades broadened across each season. Chaffer gives us insight into how growers can retrofit older equipment with PUKs, allowing farmers to save money and learn at their own pace. The approach is simple: meet customers where they are on their technology journey and do what makes sense for their operation. Listen to what sparked the ideas, how they evolved from machine to machine and what Chaffer sees for the future of PUKs.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2024

Tony Kramer is joined by Bill Edmondson, RDO’s UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Product Manager to discuss drone solutions. He shares how early on, the team worked diligently to understand the capabilities of UAV products, ensuring that whether you’re working with crops in the field or on a construction job site, there are a variety of solutions these products can provide. But that’s not all — RDOai offers a variety of additional advantages to help customers achieve the best results, which are highlighted throughout this episode.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2024

Getting more done in less time — it's something we all dream of, especially in the field. Lucky for us, John Deere had the same goal in mind when creating and redesigning some of their latest tillage tools. In this episode of the Agriculture Technology podcast, Tyler Z., tillage technology product manager at RDO, joins Tony to introduce Deere's first coulter chisel tillage implement, the CC Series, as well as the redesigned Minimum Tillage (MT) series. Tyler walks us through the highlights, differences, benefits and more of both the CC Series and the MT Series.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2024

Harvest has kicked off in many places of the country, which means it’s only fitting for today’s Agriculture Technology podcast topic: precision upgrades for your combine. In this episode, host Tony Kramer is joined by Wyatt Johnson, Precision Ag Product Specialist out of the RDO store in Webster, SD. They give a detailed description of how these upgrades could help your farm.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2024

Precision upgrade kits (PUKs) take your sprayer to the next level. How? Mike L., one of RDO Equipment Co.’s Precision Ag Product Specialists has the answers.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

Welcome to the milestone 200th episode of the Agriculture Technology podcast. Today, Ron Offutt, founder of RDO Equipment Co. joins host Tony Kramer to reflect on the past 60 years of agriculture and look to the future.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

Ready to choose your planting adventure? Colin Artz, a 20-plus-year ag industry veteran, discusses John Deere's planter Precision Upgrade Kits (PUKs) with Podcast Host and Planting Technology Product Manager Tony Kramer. Artz explains that farmers can select the improvements they’d like — planter speed, seed planting quality or input savings with ExactShot technology. Listen to learn how farmers can customize their PUKs to fit their current planter.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

From Precision Agriculture Essentials Kits and new C-Series Air Carts to the highly anticipated S7 and X9 combines, Podcast Host and Planting Technology Manager Tony Kramer gets the scoop on the latest equipment and technology solutions from John Deere Go-to-Market Managers. during this year’s Commodity Classic. Discover key features of these John Deere products, their development and how they will work in the field.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2024

Zach Johnson, the Millennial Farmer creator on YouTube, returns to the podcast to discuss farming technology adoption and its effect on efficiency and profitability with Podcast Host and Planting Technology Product Manager Tony Kramer. As a 5th generation farmer, Johnson first spoke with Kramer during episode 86 when he started to promote agriculture and share his day-to-day experiences. Johnson and Kramer talk about precision upgrade kits on planters, including ExactRate™ Liquid Fertilizer System and ExactShot. Johnson shares his experience with these precision solutions and the John Deere Operations Center™ — as he monitors the planter's progress and performance through his app, providing peace of mind.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2024

Planting Technology Product Manager and Podcast Host Tony Kramer discuss John Deere Operations Center™ and its applications for small grains growers with John Deere’s Go-to-Market Manager, Ryan Stien. John Deere’s recent partnership announcement with SpaceX increases service to rural areas, and Stien, who focuses on digital products, says increased connectivity will revolutionize accurate data collection. Stein and Kramer emphasize field boundaries as a foundational step to automate data collection for planting times, locations, and crop varieties. With this database of information later, small grain farmers can discern where and when they may need to apply nutrients or fertilizer. Listen to learn how the Operations Center – a no-cost solution – empowers small grain farmers to make informed operational decisions during each growing season.

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2024

Product Manager of Planting Technology and Podcast Host Tony Kramer sits down with turf and utility professionals, RDO Account Manager Alex Mitchell and Josh West, Owner of JT Lawn Services & Landscaping. West has over a quarter of a century of experience in lawn care, landscaping and snow removal. He has grown his business from one machine to multiple machines equipped with technology, all powered by an expert team. Mitchell shares West’s growth through optimizing his operation with John Deere Operations Center ™. Once considered a Farm Management System, many turf and utility business owners like West have discovered the Operations Center’s ability to manage daily operations. Listen to learn how turf and utility fleet managers use John Deere Operations Center ™ to monitor equipment performance and optimize business decisions.

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2024

RDO Equipment Co.’s Agronomist and Podcast Host, Tony Kramer, sits down with RDO’s Technology Solutions Manager, Joel Kaczynski, to review the 2023 growing seasons. With decades of precision ag technology experience, Kramer and Kaczynski highlight equipment, like ExactShot™, and software tools, like Data Sync, that benefited growers in 2023. Hear what they’ve learned, and how these tools work, and how growers discern insights from their year-end review. Listen to this episode to reflect on the last 12 months of precision ag technology equipment and software.

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2023

RDO Agronomist and Podcast Host Tony Kramer sits down with Precision Ag Technology Product Specialist Jesse Santillan to take a closer look at John Deere’s Large Square Baler’s evolution. They discuss the technological advancements that help farmers to make bales of precise weights and sizes. Listen to this episode to learn how Large Square Baler's integrated machine control and monitoring technology helps farmers unlock potential through data-driven decisions.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2023

In this episode, Tony discusses everything about John Deere’s Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters with Product Manager Jason Artz. Discover how these machines have become more user-friendly and improved harvesting through sensors and data collection.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2023

In this special episode recorded at Field Technology Days this Fall, Tony speaks with Jared Roelofs, Product Specialist at RDO Equipment Co., about the latest precision ag capabilities for guidance displays. They dive deep into guidance displays' history, G5 Displays' updated features and their effect on any operation. Still hungry for Agriculture Technology Podcast Episodes? Check out an in-the-cab video of this episode on RDO’s YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/SNzQgns1nMk Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2023

Data Sync eliminates time spent creating and transferring setup files between John Deere Operations Center™ and the latest John Deere Displays. Your data can automatically sync to your in cab display or mobile device. In this episode, Tony talks to Jakson Lane, Product Specialist in Precision Ag Technology, on what type of data you can sync, the hardware requirements, and how Data Sync can benefit your operation.

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2023

John Deere's Smart Apply Intelligent Control System uses LiDAR to fluctuate its spray to give you the right rate, at the right place, at the right time. RDO Agronomists Tony Kramer and Erin Hightower take a deep dive into the application and benefits of this system. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2023

Technology advancements are growing exponentially. In this episode, Tony sits down with Adam Gilbertson, Senior VP of Technology at RDO Equipment Co., to get his insight on the benefits of technology. From early adoption to data integration, technology is important for both ag and construction. Automation, machine learning and artificial intelligence are beginning to make their presence known across multiple industries. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2023

Spring has sprung! RDO Agronomist Tony Kramer and special guest Erin Hightower take us through planting season 2023 in the Northwest, Southwest and Midwest. While all regions have different challenges heading into this season, they're here to explain how using data analytics with a precision agriculture strategy can help any operation's efficiency. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2023

With more than 180 episodes and 8 years of production, we are back with new episodes to kick off Spring 2023. You'll hear about precision agriculture, the latest in machine technology, how data analytics can help your production and so much more. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2023

In this episode, Tony covers the newly released ExactShot technology from John Deere. Working with high-speed planters, this technology takes the approach of fertilizing each plant, not the entire field, helping reduce fertilizer costs and run-off.

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2023

Whether it be analyzing your data to help reduce costs on fertilizer application or communicating better with your partners or dealers, RDO Equipment Co. Agronomist expert Tony Kramer starts off Season 8 with a refresher on how on-farm research can help growers better optimize their operations.

Transcribed - Published: 5 January 2023

After a year of learning John Deere Operations Center, Machine Sync, See and Spray Ultimate and TruSet Tillage, Tony highlights the best hits from the year.

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2022

See what’s happening in your operation right now, plus learn from your performance over time through analyzing data in the John Deere Operations Center. Whether you are targeting a specific area or want a full report on certain crops, RDO Ag Expert Tony Kramer highlights how to use the Field Analyzer tool and its benefits for your operation. From tillage, to planting, to harvest, the data the operations center collects can help you make educated decisions year after year that save time, optimize yield, and maximize profits.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2022

RDO Ag Expert Tony Kramer introduces us to TruSet Active, available on 2024 models for tillage. TruSet Active can automatically make adjustments to depth with a sensor on its frame, which is an industry first. This tool, coupled with documenting the precise depth can improve precision and impact yield.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2022

In this episode, Tony covers the newly released ST series strip till applicators from John Deere. From nutrient application, to configurations, to tillage reduction, Tony gives us a broad overview of the benefits and options of this equipment. And to top it all off, we dig into the pros of pairing your strip till applicator with John Deere Precision Ag components. There are so many variations of equipment and technology to make strip till work for your operation.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2022

Whether it's custom harvesting, a business partner or your agronomist, sharing data has become essential to your operation's success and decisions moving forward. In this episode, Tony digs into how to customize and share data from John Deere Operations Center or any farm management information system. And in today's world, this can all be done without the hassle of passing off flash drives — in fact, all it takes is a simple click of a button.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2022

Fall is underway, and a lot of farmers are in the "hurry up and harvest" mode. But how can we ensure we are getting accurate readings of our yields across all machines? In this episode, Tony breaks down "Post-Harvest Calibration," its easy accessibility and the benefits if you have multiple combines or if something isn't quite matching up. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment.com/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2022

From applied downforce, to speed, to application, agronomic data has been benefitting operations since its emergence in the mid-1990s. In this episode, Tony takes us through the layers of documenting tillage passes and how it can potentially benefit planting and harvest.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2022

In this episode, we talk John Deere Machine Sync: the benefits, similarities and differences between versions, and how to utilize the automation. With bigger equipment in today's world, John Deere Machine Sync can assist in more ways than one on your operation. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2022

In this episode, we're going to be talking about a John Deere Combine feature called Remote View and Adjust - allowing you to remotely view and adjust a variety of combine settings for all the machines in your fleet. Visit www.rdoequipment.com/resources/podcasts to catch all episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 31 August 2022

In this episode, we will be talking about Tillage - but more specifically, we will discuss updates to the John Deere 2680H High-Performance Disk. Visit https://www.rdoequipment.com/resources/podcasts to catch all episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2022

Learn more about two new John Deere Operations Center connections: Climate FieldView Raven Slingshot. Visit https://www.rdoequipment.com/resources/podcasts to view show notes and all past episodes.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2022

Get prepared for this year's harvest with the latest episode from our team of experts. Tony breaks down the ins and outs of Variety Locator Files, and what you can do now to ensure success for #harvest22. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment.com/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2022

Episode 171 takes us through the John Deere Data Manager tool. From downloading the program off the John Deere Operations Center, to transferring files from a local drive, Tony takes us through the functionality of the John Deere Data Manager tool and the first steps to traditional data transfer. Get caught up on every episode on our website: www.rdoequipment.com/resources/podcasts

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2022