Farmer Shares Why GMRS Are the Best Radios for the Farm

Midland agriculture partner, Austin Debusk spoke with Midland about his life-long passion for farming and why GMRS two-way radios are the best radios for the farm. 

Why the Best Radios for the Farm Matter

For Austin Debusk, farming isn't just a job, it's a way of life. Working on a farm in southeast Kansas, Debusk is part of a dedicated team that keeps a multi-faceted operation running. 

From corn and soybeans to wheat and cattle, the demands are constant and the work is hard, but it's work he genuinely loves. 

When the long days and organized chaos of harvest season roll around, Debusk knows one thing is essential: reliable communication. That's why he trusts GMRS two-way radios. In fact, for farmers like him, finding the best radios for the farm can make all the difference. 

Four-State Farming and a Lifelong Passion

Austin Debusk works just miles from where Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas meet-a region often referred to as the "four-state area." This unique position puts him in the heart of rural America, where farming isn't just prevalent, it's generational. 

"I've been around farming basically my whole life," Debusk says. "My grandpa on my mom's side was a second-generation farmer until he passed away last fall. I helped him growing up as a kid."

After high school, Debusk attended trade school, but eventually found himself pulled back into agriculture. A visit to see his brother working on a custom wheat harvest crew turned into an unexpected job when the team found themselves short handed. From there, he spent two summers working harvests on various farms. 

The Allure of Equipment

While farming requires long hours and knowledge of everything from crop rotation to weather patterns, Debusk is most at home behind the wheel of a combine or tractor.

"Running the equipment is definitely my favorite part," he says. "There's something about being in control of that machinery, watching the crops come in, and seeing the results of all your hard work. That's when it all comes together."

Yet, he's quick to point out that the job isn't as simple as it may seem.

"There are people out there that think farmers just sit in a tractor all day long and that GPS does all the work. But there's so much more to it- planning, logistics, repairs, weather. It's harder and there is more work to it than people realize."

Communication is Key- Especially at Harvest

When the field is buzzing with activity- combines cutting through corn, tractors hauling grain carts, semis loading and moving- timing and communication can make or break a day. Debusk knows this firsthand.

"The most we use two-way radios is in the harvest because it's organized chaos," he explains. "There's multiple pieces of machinery, they're all near each other. Two-way radios allow for quick communication that you can just reach up and grab while you're in the combine. You're not distracted by a cell phone. You're not looking through contacts or dialing. You just push and talk."

Over the years, Debusk has worked on numerous farming operations and tried out a wide range of communication tools. But when it comes to performance and reliability, he always comes back to Midland's two-way radios.

Why Midland Makes the Best Radios for the Farm

Whether he's using a handheld or one of Midland's high-powered MicroMobiles®, Debusk has become a loyal fan of the brand- and for good reason.

"I love the powerful MicroMobiles. Those are my favorite because of the range and there's also less feedback," he says, referring to the MXT500 MicroMobile GMRS 50-Watt Two-Way Radio in particular. 

In wide-open farm country, cell service can be spotty, and even in areas with decent coverage, it's not always the safest or most convenient option. Two-way radios fill that gap by providing instant communication across long distances, with no dialing, dropped calls, or data concerns. 

The MXT500 stands out as a true powerhouse with its maximum-legal 50 Watts of transmitting power. For large-scale operations that require communicating between several machines over expansive fields, this radio keeps teams in sync without interruption. Plus, it's simple to install, durable enough for tough environments, and crystal clear even during high-noise moments in the cab.

When evaluating the best radios for the farm, range, reliability, and ease of use are critical factors. Midland's radios tick all those boxes- and Debusk would know, having tested them through multiple harvests and daily farm operations. 

A Growing Season and a Growing Legacy

As the summer heat builds in Kansas, August signals the final push before harvest begins.

"It's been a bit tough of a year with all the rain, but we should have everything sprayed," Debusk shares. "We do have some cattle, so we'll be baling hay and mowing before corn harvest starts."

By late August and into September, things pick up quickly. Corn harvest kicks off, and from there, it's a race against the clock- and the weather to bring in the crops. That's when radios become truly indispensable. 

"You don't have time to mess around with anything else. Radios just work. You can coordinate without taking your hands off the wheel."

Beyond the technical aspects of farming, Debusk's story is also about returning to his roots. Over the next year, he and his brother plan to return to their family land- the same farm their grandfather once worked- to carry on a legacy that stretches back generations. 

Connecting the Past and Future with the Right Tools

For Debusk and many other farmers like him, the work is about more than yield reports or market trends. It's about connection- to the land, to family, and to each other. In the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of modern agriculture, tools like Midland's two-way radios play a crucial role in keeping that connection strong.

As farms expand in acreage and complexity, the need for seamless communication only grows. Whether you're running a large-scale operation with dozens of employees or managing a family-owned farm with just a few hands the right communication tools can transform your daily workflow. You'll reduce downtime, increase safety, and ensure that every moving part is coordinated- especially during those critical harvest windows. 

So, when you're looking for the best radios for the farm, take a page from Debusk's book: invest in gear that works as hard as you do. Midland's GMRS radios- especially the MXT500 offer durability, unmatched range, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your team is always just a push of a button away. 

Find the Best Radios for the Farm

Looking for the best radios for the farm?

Explore Midland's full line of MicroMobile and handheld GMRS radios designed specifically for rural operations, harvest crews, and agricultural professionals.

Stay safe, stay connected, and keep your farm running smoothly- no matter what the season brings.