From The Field

In this month's From the Field Market Update , we break down four major developments impacting agriculture as harvest season moves forward. We discuss the latest farmer sentiment data from Purdue University, where rising input costs continue to pressure profitability and influence investment decisions. We also take a look at the newest autonomy, AI, and precision farming solutions unveiled at...

In this episode of From the Field , Kodiak Schears chats with farmer, regional sales manager, and Efficient Farming creator Jayden Scherer to discuss where equipment truly delivers value on the farm. The episode also takes listeners to the Farm Progress Show, where the latest innovations in agriculture were on display. Highlights include new planter and tractor releases, advancements in precision...

In this market update, we look at why grain markets have strengthened heading into harvest, providing producers with more opportunities than they had earlier this year. Improved farmer sentiment suggests growing confidence in the ag economy. At the same time, Farm Progress Show showcased the latest advances in precision agriculture, with new equipment from Massey Ferguson and Fendt focused on impr...

In Episode 8 of the From the Field podcast, Kodiak Schears meets with Greg Peterson, better known as Machinery Pete, to discuss his journey from a small-town Minnesota upbringing to becoming one of agriculture's most trusted voices on equipment values and auction trends. Greg shares how he launched Machinery Pete in 1989 after recognizing the value of auction price data and gradually built the bra...

This August Market Update highlights key developments affecting agriculture, including new USDA initiatives announced at Minnesota FarmFest that provide greater flexibility through improved data collection, crop insurance payment extensions, and enhanced prevented planting coverage. The update also recognizes AGCO's 2025 North American Technician of the Year, shares current AGCO and STIHL prom...

In Episode 7 of From the Field , you'll hear from Ziegler Ag's General Manager of Used Equipment, Ben Friedhoff, to discuss equipment valuation, market trends, and what buyers should look for when shopping for quality used machinery. Ben shares lessons from nearly three decades in the auction and equipment industry, along with tips for maximizing trade-in value and navigating today's u...

In this month's Ag Market Update, we review the latest developments impacting agriculture, including the USDA's expansion of the "Product of USA" program, key findings from the June 2026 Purdue Ag Economy Barometer, and current grain market trends. Learn why farmers remain cautious about profitability and major investments, how they're evaluating AI and precision agriculture...

In Episode 6 of the From the Field Podcast , Kodiak Schears visits with Aaron from Acres of Iowa , a farming content creator with more than 63,000 TikTok followers and 2.3 million likes. Aaron shares how his family's multi-generational Iowa farm manages manure application to improve crop production, discusses the equipment and technology involved in modern agriculture, and reflects on the less...

Catch the June ag market update with host Kodiak Schears! This episode covers the latest USDA crop progress, corn and soybean prices, tightening profit margins, and energy costs. Plus, find out how to enter the year-long sweepstakes to win a custom Carhartt jacket. Sources: “ADM Grain Cash Bids – Minnesota.” FarmBucks , FarmBucks, June 2026, https://farmbucks.com/grain-prices/adm/minnesota . “Crop...

In this episode you'll hear from Ziegler's Regional Manager of Eastern Iowa, Newt Lingenfelter. He will share practical, in-field insights on how growers can evaluate crop performance during the summer months, with a strong focus on identifying nitrogen deficiencies and understanding hidden yield losses caused by compaction, application errors, and equipment limitations.

In this episode of From the Field , Kodiak Schears sits down with former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway at his farm to talk about his roots in rural South Dakota, his journey to the NFL, and how farm life shaped his work ethic and leadership. Chad shares insights on football, family, and life after the game—plus advice for the next generation of farm kids. The episode also includes a q...

In this episode of From the Field , Kodiak chats with Todd Hess, Precision Ag Technology Manager at Ziegler, to share practical spring planting tips and a look at where precision tech is headed. We'll talk about how updates from Precision Planting, Starlink, and Ziegler will change the landscape of farming in the years to come. It’s a must-listen for growers looking to maximize efficiency, red...

Episode 2 of the From the Field Podcast breaks down 2026 market trends, including tight crop margins, shifting acreage projections, and strong livestock performance, before highlighting Ziegler Ag’s annual Ag Tech Wars competition with interviews from this year’s top technicians in Wilmer and St. Cloud. Podcast host, Kodiak Schears, also spotlights the new Great Gleaner Giveaway, a March parts‑sav...

We’re launching with an unbelievable story: the Ziegler‑rebuild Challenger MT‑865C—nicknamed “Terror”—engineered to operate in the extreme conditions of Antarctica. I spoke with the technicians behind the project to talk through custom modifications, challenges, and what it takes to build a tractor capable of handling -70°F temperatures. The episode also covers a February market snapshot, a last c...