On The Tailgate

On The Tailgate has Mississippi Secretary of State, Michael Watson, as its special guest on this week's episode.

Frank Kimmel is the guest of this episode of "On the Tailgate". Kimmel shares his extensive experience in aviation including some risky adventures.

Frank Kimmel shares his extensive experience in aviation on this episode of "On the Tailgate".

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Ballard for an interesting conversation about  black bears in Mississippi . We talk about the history and presence of black bears in the state, where they’re being spotted, their behavior and habitat, and what their return could mean for Mississippi’s wildlife and outdoor communities. Anthony shares his knowledge and experiences as we explore these fascina...

We sit down with Mark Yeager, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Red Land Cotton, to talk about turning cotton grown on his Alabama farm into a vertically integrated, American-made textile brand. We cover Mark's journey, taking control of the value chain, the importance of U.S. cotton and manufacturing, and why the growing microplastics conversation could create a major opportunity for natural fibers.

In this episode, our IntelliFarm team breaks down some of the latest advancements in John Deere technology, including Gen 2 See & Spray, new combine automation with PGSA and HSA, and one of the biggest developments yet: John Deere autonomous tractors are now operating right here in Mississippi. We talk about what these technologies actually mean for growers, how they’re changing the way we far...

Join us as we sit down with Hank Reichle, President and CEO of Staplcotn, to discuss the future of the U.S. cotton industry. From cotton legislation in Washington and the market outlook to buying American-grown cotton, microplastics, and cotton's role in strengthening rural economies, Hank shares how global forces are shaping one of America's most important crops and what potentially lies...

Back by popular demand, Wade Inc. Agronomist Robert Loper returns to  On the Tailgate! After a great response to last year’s Lawn & Garden episode, we decided to continue the conversation. Robert shares practical advice on lawns, landscaping, trees, and more, helping homeowners avoid common mistakes and make smarter decisions in the yard. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just trying to ke...

Season 2 is here! Before we welcome this season's guests, the crew gets together to catch up on everything that's happened since Season 1. We recap some of our favorite moments, talk about updates to the studio, share a few life changes, including growing families, and give a preview of what's in store for the next season On the Tailgate.

On this episode of  On the Tailgate , we sit down with Jeff Horn, General Manager of WADE, Inc.'s Tunica location, to talk about his incredible transformation from 350 pounds to a 185-pound, two-time Ironman finisher. We discuss the mindset, habits, and discipline that fueled his journey, the challenges he overcame along the way, and how those same principles continue to shape his leadership, care...

On this episode of  On the Tailgate , we’re talking pumpkins — and not just any pumpkins. Two-time state record holder  Danny Ware  joins us to share how he turns a handful of seeds into jaw-dropping, record-setting giants. From early spring planting to the final weigh-in, Danny walks us through the patience, precision, and pure passion behind his championship pumpkins and shares the secrets behin...

On this episode of  On the Tailgate , we’re hanging out with  Rex Curtis , better known as John Deere’s  Chief Tractor Officer . You’ve seen him on TikTok showing off the latest green and yellow tech — now he’s on the tailgate talking about how those videos came to be, the stories behind the scenes, and what it’s like bringing John Deere’s world to life online. From viral tractors to behind-the-le...

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith joins us On The Tailgate to talk about the farm bill’s impact, how potential bridge funding helps in the meantime, and where tariffs fit into the mix. We also touch briefly on the shutdown drama in D.C. — and her sights set on 2026.

On this episode of  On the Tailgate , we sit down with Cuz Strickland of Mossy Oak to talk all things outdoors. From the roots of Mossy Oak to the importance of food plots and land stewardship, Cuz shares his passion for conservation and how it ties into a lifetime of hunting. Along the way, he brings us classic hunting stories, lessons from the field, and a perspective only he can deliver. Pull u...

In this episode, we sit down with  Frank Brumfield , Chairman and CEO of FSB Companies, to trace his remarkable journey from the fields of the Mississippi Delta to the fast-paced floors of the Chicago Board of Trade. Frank shares stories of growing up on a farm, his leap into the world of high finance, and how he turned that success into significant investments back home. We dive into his deep tie...

We’re joined by Douglas Scarboro, Senior Vice President of the Memphis Branch of the St. Louis Fed, to discuss how the Federal Reserve gathers local input to shape national policy. From agriculture to community sentiment, Scarboro explains how information flows from small towns in Mississippi to Memphis, St. Louis, and ultimately D.C.—plus the events and outreach efforts the Fed uses to stay conne...

In this episode of  On the Tailgate , we sit down with Gary Schaefer from InnerPlant, a company that’s redefining what it means to listen to your crops. Gary walks us through how InnerPlant is using living sensors—actual plants that can communicate stress, disease, or nutrient deficiencies in real time. That’s right, soybeans that signal when they’re under pressure, long before the human eye can s...

In this episode, we dive into the Work Planner tool in the John Deere Operations Center. We break down how Work Planner helps you streamline field operations by pre-planning jobs, assigning machines, and syncing tasks directly to in-cab displays. Learn how it improves efficiency, reduces downtime, and keeps your team aligned from field to field. Whether you’re managing one machine or an entire fle...

John Patridge of Four Farms Partnership joins the show to talk about their operation, the unique steps he’s taking to boost efficiency,  the impressive accuracy and speed of his new ExactEmerge Planter PUK, and the love/hate relationship he has with his Salesman, Caleb Whites.  He also shares his focus on detail and his vision for autonomous farming.  You won’t want to miss this insightful convers...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Setup tab in John Deere Operations Center—one of the most important (and overlooked) tools to get your season started right. From setting up client/farm/field info to managing equipment profiles, boundaries, products, and prescriptions, we break down how to get your data clean and your machines ready to roll. Whether you're new to the platform or just...

In this episode, we explore how John Deere is helping farmers stay ahead with powerful upgrades—especially through PUKs, or Precision Update Kits. These kits bring new life to existing equipment by adding the latest hardware and software enhancements without needing a full machine replacement. From improved automation and precision ag features to advanced connectivity and machine monitoring, PUKs...

In this episode, we dive into the  Analyze  page of the John Deere Operations Center—your go-to dashboard for turning raw field data into clear, actionable insights. Learn how to track performance, compare field results, and make confident decisions backed by data. Whether you're optimizing inputs or planning for next season, we’ll show you how to make the most of the  Analyze  tools. Plus, he...

In Part 2 of our series on the John Deere Operations Center, we go beyond the basics and focus on turning data into actionable decisions. Learn how to use the platform to plan, monitor, and analyze your farming activities throughout the season. We’ll cover real-world examples of how growers are using it to improve efficiency, reduce input costs, and boost yields. Plus, the IntelliFarm team shares...

In this episode, we explore the John Deere Operations Center—a powerful tool to manage your entire farm operation. From equipment tracking to agronomic insights, we break down what it can do and how to make the most of it. Plus, hear how our IntelliFarm team can help you get started and succeed.

In this episode, we sit down with our very own IT Director, Mike Hanson—but we're not talking tech. Mike shares his fascinating side hobby as a hot air balloon pilot. From competing in international balloon races to giving rides at local festivals, Mike's passion has taken him to incredible heights—literally. We dive into what it takes to fly a balloon, the community behind the sport, and some of...