Illinois Farmer Utilizes Two-Way Radios for Harvest
A Southern Illinois farmer utilized Midland's two-way radios for the first time this harvest season.
She shared how the two-way radios made an impact on the farm this fall.
ABOUT THE FARM
Kayla Cowell’s family has been farming for ages.
“Farming has gone back in our family since we came to America so it’s been generations on generations. However, I’m technically second generation because my dad did start his own farm.”
It was this year Cowell and her brother got their first 50 acres to farm. For her, farming is all about watching the entire process come together.
“I just love being able to plant the seed, watch it grow, do what it takes to make it successful, and reap that harvest physically; mentally; every way. It is a beautiful process even through the chaos and negative that can come with this way of life. It’s what keeps me going. The process and life cycle is so beautiful.”
Cowell says her family runs a mid-size operation in the area where they farm corn, soybeans, and wheat.
She runs other businesses like excavating on the side to keep the ball rolling throughout the year.
“It’s chaos. It’s a little hectic at times, but you just have to have your ducks in a row and know that things are going to change at any second.”
TWO-WAY RADIOS ON THE FARM
This harvest was the first time Cowell and her family began using two-way radios on the farm. Her brother and dad wanted to use the radios for ease of communication.
“It was their idea to get these because we use cellphones to communicate. You’d make a phone call, it would last 10 seconds, they’d hang up and call back whoever they were talking to. It made tensions higher than they needed to be.”
The family use the MXT115AGVP3 MicroMobile® Farm Tractor Bundle and X-Talker T71VP3 Two-Way Radio. Cowell said it was a seamless integration into their operation.
“The radios are clear and easy to use. I’m not good with radios and I know how to use them.”
They plan to add to their two-way radios use as they had a positive impact on harvest season.
“The radios for sure have improved efficiency. It’s just quick communication to figure out where everyone is and where everyone needs to be.”
NOVEMBER ON THE FARM
Cowell said fall is always the busiest time of year on the farm.
November is no exception.
“We’ll be cutting our double-crop soybeans and finishing up harvest, doing some fall tillage. It’s just full of maintenance, cleaning everything, and getting it put away. We’re making decisions for next year already with seed purchases, chemical planning, and other projects that you just have to get done.”
