On The Tailgate

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...

In this episode of On The Tailgate, we’re joined by WADE Inc’s Director of Service, Sean Stubbs, and HR Director, Ben Hargett, to dig into the details of the John Deere Tech Program. From cost (spoiler: it’s free) to curriculum, career outlook, and how to get started, they cover everything you need to know about this powerful pathway into a high-demand career. You'll learn what it takes to get in,...

In this episode of  On The Tailgate , IntelliFarm Director John Marshall and Western Region Manager Matt Smith join us to break down one of the most exciting innovations in agriculture: the See & Spray sprayer. We walk through how the technology works in today’s operations and then venture into what the future could hold—from expanded capabilities to potential game-changing applications still...

In this episode of  On The Tailgate , we sit down with WADE Inc’s Director of Service, Sean Stubbs, and Machine Health Specialist, Hayden Kitchings, to explore the power of John Deere’s Connected Support. They break down the real-world benefits of having your equipment JDLink-enabled—from remote diagnostics that help technicians get machines back up and running faster, to proactive service that re...

In this episode of On The Tailgate, we’re joined by Mr. Litton, former President and CEO of WADE INC, for Part 2 of our deep dive into the company's rich history. We focus on the formative years—from its founding in 1909 through the 1950s—exploring the early trials, tough decisions, and pivotal moments that shaped WADE Hardware into what it is today. Mr. Litton shares insight into how John Deere r...

In this episode of  On The Tailgate , we’re diving into all things lawn, garden, and landscaping with Certified Crop Advisor Robert Loper. Robert shares his go-to strategies for keeping his yard and garden in peak condition—from grass types and landscaping ideas to fertilizer programs and weed control. We also cover fruit trees, tomato growing tips, squash and potato techniques, and more. Packed w...

In this episode of On The Tailgate, we sit down with the team behind our new drone division, Total Reach Drone Solutions. Born out of the growing demand for aerial application in areas where planes aren’t a great fit, this fully FAA and Mississippi-certified crew breaks down what it takes to run a cutting-edge drone spraying operation. From DJI AGRAS T50s and XAG P150s to Topnotch Drone Trailers,...

In this episode of  On The Tailgate , we sit down with ag influencers Rootin Riggs and Timber Solutions to dig into the world of agricultural content creation. From how they got their start in social media to the gear they use and the strategies that keep them relevant, this episode is packed with insight for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes of ag influencing. Whether you're a farmer loo...

Who’s On The Tailgate? In this kickoff episode, we’re pulling back the curtain and introducing the voices behind the mic. When we’re not talking shop on the podcast, we’re full-time team members at Wade Inc.—and we break down exactly what we do day-to-day and how that shaped our idea for this show. From boots-on-the-ground experience to digital content creation, each of us brings a different persp...