In the vast fields of Texas, staying connected is just as important as tending the crops.

For farmer Greg Westerfeld, reliable communication is the backbone of his operation. With workers spread across acres of farmland, cell service isn’t always an option.

That’s where GMRS two-way radios come in. Greg has found that these powerful radios keep his team in sync, improve efficiency, and enhance safety—rain or shine.

Greg shares his firsthand experience using GMRS radios on the farm, detailing how they’ve transformed his daily operations and why they’re a game-changer for modern agriculture.

About Westerfeld

Greg Westerfeld is a third-generation farmer, carrying on a family legacy that spans decades.

His farm, located just outside of Waco, Texas, is home to fields of wheat, corn, and cotton—crops that have sustained both his family and the local community for years. Farming isn’t just his livelihood; it’s his passion.

"I've been farming since I was a baby," Greg says, reflecting on a lifetime spent in the fields. "I took over my dad's operation in 1990. It's me and three others running this farm, including my son." For Greg, farming is more than just a job—it’s a way of life.

One of the things he values most about running his own operation is the freedom it provides. "I can do what I want to do. It's my own job. I'm self-employed," he says. But beyond the independence, he finds true satisfaction in watching his crops thrive season after season. "I just love growing crops and seeing them grow."

When asked which crop is his favorite, Greg laughs, admitting that his preference is purely financial. "I don't really have a best crop, but I do rotate them. I have about the same amount of wheat, corn, and cotton each year. There are none that are favorites. They are geared to make money!" His practical mindset reflects the realities of modern farming—balancing tradition with the economics of agriculture.

With years of experience under his belt, Greg is happy to share advice for those just starting out in the industry. "My advice is to know what your costs are going into a crop," he says. "You also need to try to get the best equipment that you can, but that also comes with a cost. You have to really watch all of that and be smart about it."

Farming is full of challenges, from unpredictable weather to fluctuating market prices, but Greg's knowledge and adaptability have kept his operation running smoothly. 

GMRS Two-Way Radios on the Farm

Westerfeld found Midland about 4 years ago.

"We started off with Midland's MXT115s, the 15-Watt MicroMobiles. Now, in most pieces of equipment, we have the MXT500, the 50-Watt MicroMobiles."

He made the power upgrade because his farm is spread out and he needs to be able to easily reach each end of the farm.

"I went to the 50 Watts because I'm kind of spread out. I have a 35-mile radius. From my shop to Lorena it's about 35 miles, even without a repeater these radios allow me to talk back and forth."

He has an MXT500 MicroMobile® GMRS 50-Watt Two-Way Radio - MXT500 in every single piece of equipment on the farm.

"They are very clear and we can get 30+ miles out of them without a repeater. That's why I like them."

Coordinating his team across his sprawling farm is key. That's why having instant, push-to-talk communication is a must.

"These GMRS two-way radios are great because we can communicate without having to get on the phone. A lot of the communication is short, 2-second communication so it's just easier to get on the radio. Those short communications are really important."

Not to mention, he can reach the entire farm at once.

"It's nice to be able to instantly reach everyone at once. Everyone on the farm that has a radio on them can hear the message."

While safety is a big factor for why he employs GMRS two-way radios, it's all about ensuring everyone is on the same page.

"It helps me keep my employees on track with what we need to do. We have them in the combine, the grain cart, cotton stripper, whatever we have, there's a radio in it."

He specifically sought out GMRS two-way radios.

"I love that they are not a CB radio. You don't hear chatter and static all day long."

Influencing His Family

Todd Westerfeld, Greg's nephew is one of Midland's agriculture partners, often sharing his love for GMRS two-way radios on social media. 

Greg says it was him that got Todd into GMRS two-way radios.

"I heard about Midland and I wanted two-way radios. I am just not social media savvy like him!"

That first year, he bought 6-8 Midland GMRS two-way radios for myself, 6 radios for Todd, and 4 for his neighbor down the road. 

"These radios are great!"

March on the Farm

Because Greg’s farm is located in Texas, planting season starts earlier than on farms in the Midwest. The warm climate allows him to get a jump on his planting schedule, giving him a unique advantage when it comes to crop management.

"We've already been planting corn and are beginning to plant cotton," Greg shares.

The early start gives him and his team the time needed to ensure each crop is carefully tended to, ensuring a solid foundation for the months ahead.

As planting season ramps up, Greg and his crew are busy preparing their equipment. "It’s all about getting everything in top shape for the upcoming season," he explains. Keeping the machinery in optimal condition is crucial for maximizing efficiency in the field, and Greg’s team spends significant time ensuring everything is ready before they head out to plant.