For Wisconsin farmer Becca Hilby, farming is more than just a job—it’s a way of life rooted in family and hard work. As spring unfolds, her farm buzzes with activity. With so much happening across their property, staying connected is essential. That’s where two-way radios come in.

Becca shared what makes farming so special to her, what’s keeping her busy in April, and how walkie talkies have become an indispensable tool for her family. 

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About Becca Hilby

Situated a few miles from the Iowa and Illinois borders is Becca Hilby’s Hazel Green, Wisconsin farm that she shares with her husband and three kids.

Crop wise, the Hilby family farms corn, soybeans, and hay. However, they’ve also got quite the animal operation running on their property.

“As far as animals, we raise steers, pigs, chickens. We’ve got some goats running around purely for entertainment purposes. We’ve got lots of barn cats and 3 kids."

Amidst the organized chaos of running a family farm, Hilby also works in sales.

First-generation farmer

Hilby is the first in her family to own a farm. 

"I am first generation. I didn't grow up on a farm. No one in my family really farms. I joined 4H when I was 9. We had a farmer come out and invite people to his farm to show cows. My brother and I thought that it sounded fun. We ended up doing it and it just sparked my love for agriculture."

While the farm has been in her husband's family for many generations, they both consider themselves first-generation farmers. She was always aware of how expensive and the amount of hard work running a farm comes with.

"I don't know if there was anything super unexpected. I think for me, maybe it was how easy it was to get attached to things. At the end of the day, I know why we're raising things. I know that we're able to provide food for our community and other people, but it still doesn't make it easier saying goodbye to your favorite animals."

It's also the animals that make the job special.

"I think my favorite part of it is bringing new babies into the world because when I was in dairy, I was the Calf Manager. That's the thing I miss the most about not being there everyday is seeing new life being born everyday. I always get giddy when we get new calves on the farm."

But beyond this,, seeing her kids on the farm is an unbeatable experience.

"I just love being able to raise the kids in this environment. They're able to appreciate everything that our family does- having fresh meat at the table and really allowing the kids to know where their food comes from."

Walkie talkies on the farm

The Hilby family began using two-way radios like walkie talkies about 4 years ago as their operation grew. 

"When it was just Joey and I, cell phones were ok for us to communicate, but as we had more people helping us out like Joey's dad and brother, and then with the kids getting older we're just trying to keep an eye on one another and make sure we're in good communication. That's kind of when cell phones aren't helpful anymore."

She found Midland on Instagram.

Now, the Hilby family uses the MXT115 MicroMobile® GMRS 15-Watt Two-Way Radio - MXT115 and the T71 X-Talker® FRS Walkie Talkie - T71VP3. 

"We use both. They all communicate really well together. It's really helpful."

Walkie talkies have allowed their operation to optimize efficiency. 

"Being able to utilize the two-way radios in the skid loader, the side by side, the tractor. No matter where we are, we're able to stay connected. It's a quicker and faster way to communicate."

With the kids now helping out and playng outdoors, two-way radios keep everyone in touch with instant, push-to-talk communication. 

"If we don't have eyes on the kids we can radio into them pretty easily. Sometimes when we're doing chores and stuff, they'll be playing on the farm in a different area. It's a peace of mind to be able to check in with them and know where they are.

Not to mention, walkie talkies add an extra ayer of safety, something priceless as a mom. 

"We don't have a ton of moving equipment on the farm because we are pretty small family farm. It still puts my mamma mind at ease when I know what the kids are doing and where they are." 

She recommends other farms add two-way radios like walkie talkies to their operation, noting that cell phones and hand gestures just don't get the job done. 

April on the farm

The month of April brings the Hilby Farm a time for preparation, both for their crops and the farmer's market side of the business. 

"We are working on getting the planter ready and hopefully we'll get out on the field. We've got some oat to plant pretty soon. Hopefully, we'll be able to plant beans and corn."

They'll begin hitting the farmers market in May, selling cuts of beef and pork, whole chickens, eggs, and then homemade beef tallow candles. 

"We are busy getting ready for all of that!"