Handheld Two-Way Radios Bring Efficiency and Safety to Farm

Midland partner, Carlie Kannegiesser started using Midland's handheld two-way radios on her farm, improving both efficiency and safety.

She shares her journey to becoming a full-time farmer and how the handhelds are making a difference.

Becoming a Farmer

Kannegiesser wasn't always a farmer.

"I grew up in South Dakota in a town so I literally knew nothing about farming growing up. I just happened to marry a farmer so with that comes learning the ropes.”

She even earned a medical degree, spending 3 years working in that specific field, but eventually she found her way to the farm full time.

"About 4 years ago, I decided that my happy place was on the farm. I've been out here full time since with the guys. I just love every minute of it."

Now, she's content spending her days on the farm with her husband.

"There was just a part of me that realized I didn’t really want to work for a boss, 9 to 5 for the rest of my life. I just felt like my calling was something more than that. That wasn’t confirmed until I was full time out here, but I just don’t feel like I’m coming to work everyday. I found my happy when I got out here.”

They farm corn and soybeans in West Central Minnesota. 

When not farming, they're running their truck and trail repair and sales business.

A Love for AG Education

Kannegiesser says her favorite part of farming is that there's always something new.

"I'm never done learning. It's like everyday something new comes up and I'm sure for the guys they're still learning too. It blows my mind how uneducated people are that just are never around the farm. It's just cool to see all the work that's put in, understanding more about just every aspect.

It's what encouraged her to share her experiences on social media.

"I think my main motive on social media at first was just to tell other women, ‘You can do this, just jump in, ask the questions, you’re totally capable of doing anything that a man is doing.’” Now, I still like to do that, but I also like to educate the whole population on what’s going on. There’s a big gap between farmers and consumers, that’s for sure.”

Handheld Two-Way Radios on the Farm

Two-way radios have long been part of the Kannegiesser operation. However, they started using Midland’s two-way radios in 2025. They use the T71 X-Talker® FRS Walkie Talkie 2-Pack Pink – T71PNK.

“Two-way radios are a saving grace. We needed handhelds. That was really, really helpful.”

“It’s so nice to not have to use your cell phone to call someone. You can have your hands free when someone else is trying to talk to you.”

While Kannegiesser notes that the handheld two-way radios will improve safety on the farm, she’s looking forward to the convenience they bring.

“Communication is key. Right now we don’t have a ton of that when we’re outside working. We have a big place here and it’s going to be nice to not have to walk all the way across the yard to find someone or have to be on your cell phone all the time. You can just carry your radio on you, strap it on your pocket and just communicate that way.”

In the long run, saving time saves money on any farm.

June on the Farm

During the month of June, the farm is still busy.

It’s the peak of growing season so Kannegiesser and her husband will be doing a lot of spraying and getting out in the field to look at crops, ensuring everything is going as planned.