Agriculture Technology Podcast

Tony Kramer joins RDO product specialists Jack Stetz and Jared Roelofs at Big Iron 2026 for a look at the model year 2027 X9 combine and new CommandX™, CommandX™ Plus and CommandX™ Pro controls for 8R, 8RT and 8RX tractors. See how technologies like Auto Unload, Predictive Ground Speed Automation and Harvest Settings Automation can reduce the number of tasks demanding an operator’s attention, along with the customization available through the new CommandX™ controls. Plus, get timely harvest reminders on calibrations, the John Deere Operations Center™, setup, harvest data and other ways to prepare your combine for the field.

John Deere is bringing E-Hydro™ technology to its 5E Utility Tractor lineup for model year 2027. In this episode of the Ag Tech Podcast, host Tony Kramer sits down with John Deere Go-to-Market Manager Mark Davey to discuss the latest updates to the 5E Series and what they mean for property owners, livestock producers and utility tractor operators.

Along with an overview of the 5E lineup, Mark explains John Deere's first-ever E-Hydro transmission in a utility tractor, including how it simplifies operation, improves loader work productivity and introduces new electronic features like LoadMatch™, SpeedMatch™ and cruise control.

The discussion also covers the new digital display, LED lighting package, operator comfort enhancements and when customers can expect the first model year 2027 tractors to arrive.

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Can a John Deere ethanol tractor run on corn-based fuel instead of diesel? In this episode of the Ag Tech Podcast, John Deere Power Systems Research Strategist Harold (Buddy) Kavalier explains the E98 ethanol tractor prototype and how it could help reduce dependence on diesel while eliminating DEF requirements.

John Deere has added a behemoth to its air cart lineup in model year 2027. In this episode, host Tony Kramer reviews the new John Deere C1100T Air Cart that was announced at Commodity Classic 2026.

Along with the latest equipment, Tony breaks down Deere’s modeling system for their air carts, their electronically controlled AccuRate™ metering systems and the precision upgrades that are available for your seeding solutions.

Whether it’s the efficiencies of Section Command Pro™ and calculating curve compensation, to the new calibration systems sent straight to your G5 display, the Ag Tech Podcast with RDO Equipment Co. wants you to know the latest and greatest when it comes to fertilizer application.

John Deere has announced major additions to its 2027 Precision Upgrade Kit (PUK) lineup, and in this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, Tony Kramer sits down with John Deere’s Kyle Barry to break it all down. From upgraded harvest automation for combines to expanded autonomy compatibility, this conversation highlights how growers can bring the latest John Deere technology to equipment they already own — without trading up.

John Deere just introduced its model year 2027 planter updates — and these changes go beyond a typical equipment refresh. In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, Tony Kramer talks with John Deere’s Stephen Schwartz to break down new features like including factory-installed FurrowVision, downforce automation, dual product liquid systems (ExactRate + ExactShot) and ExactDepth in-cab control. Together, these updates are designed to give operators more visibility into the furrow, more control from the cab and more precision across every pass.

What if you could see inside the furrow while planting — without ever leaving the cab? In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, Tony Kramer sits down with John Deere experts Stephen Schwartz and Jeff Spencer to discuss FurrowVision, John Deere’s planter technology designed to give farmers real-time visibility into what’s happening below the soil surface.

Host Tony Kramer sits down with Michael Porter, Go-To-Market Manager of Large Tractors and Tillage at John Deere, to break down the brand-new John Deere 8R and John Deere 8RX tractors. The new 440, 490 and 540 models were redesigned from the ground up with a larger frame, JD14 engine, EVT transmission and the ability to electrically power planters directly from the tractor. 

After two full seasons running John Deere See & Spray, North Dakota grower Jarred Billedeu joins Agriculture Technology Podcast host Tony Kramer to share what the technology actually delivered in the field. This episode goes beyond specs to break down how See & Spray fits into an active operation, what surprised Jarred most and what he’d tell other growers still on the fence.

The conversation also touches on ExactShot fertilizer technology and harvest automation, and how those tools are shaping day-to-day decisions across the operation

In this episode of the Agriculture Technology Podcast, host Tony Kramer sits down with Tyler Zima, Product Manager for Tillage and Autonomy at RDO Equipment Co., to break down John Deere’s autonomous tillage solution and what it actually looks like in the field today. After two years, four tillage seasons and more than 13,000 autonomous acres covered, Tony and Tyler share real-world insights from working directly with customers across multiple operations. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Which equipment is compatible with John Deere autonomous tillage • How Precision Upgrade Kits (PUKs) allow existing equipment to run autonomously • How autonomous tillage is operated using Ops Center Mobile • What happens when the machine encounters dust, water, objects or people • What RDO and our customers have learned after multiple seasons in the field • How autonomous tillage can improve flexibility and quality of life on the farm • Where autonomy is headed next and what customers should consider before adopting