A Nebraska mechanic turned farmer, Steve Wacker, shares his experience on the farm, restoring old tractors, and how CB radios are out, GMRS two-way radios are the move for communication on the farm.
Meet Steve Wacker
Nestled in Northeast Nebraska, Steve Wacker hasn’t ever strayed far from home. In fact, he finds himself settled just a quarter mile away from where he was born and raised. Both his father and grandfather shared the same story.
“Our roots are kind of local here,” he said.
He’s been farming most of his life. However, he did work as a mechanic and service manager for a GM dealership for almost 18 years. While working in that industry, he began restoring old tractors, predominantly John Deeres since that’s what he farms with.
“I love a 4020, they're a beautiful tractor and not only that, they're very ergonomically correct. They're just they're just easy to operate. My girls can all jump up on one and run them and operate them. My soft spot for restoring is a 4020 John Deere.”
After leaving the dealership, he continued working on tractors and attained additional ground to rent for farming.
“Farming is just in my blood.”
On his farm, they’ve got a variety of things going on, no day is the same as the one before it. For him, farming is all about experiencing the day outdoors.
“What I probably love most about farming is you get up in the morning, you get to see the sun come up, and you get to see the sunset.”
Trading CB Radios for GMRS Two-Way Radios
Wacker began using two-way radios in the 90’s, primarily CBs.
“For the most part, they did what we wanted to do. What I liked about them is they were cheap and there was no yearly subscription, but what I didn’t like about them is they didn't have enough range.”
Knowing he needed to extend his range for communication across the entire farm, he began using Midland’s GMRS two-way radios about six or seven years ago.
“They were easy to install and I absolutely loved them, so a day or two later, I think I ordered two more. I got them put in the combine, grain cart, and a pick up.”
Wacker’s favorite time of year on the farm is harvest and that’s also when he finds himself using GMRS two-way radios the most. Because he has the radios, he can easily reach his cart operator, improving his efficiency on the farm.
Testing the new MXT115P PRO GMRS Two-Way Radio
He’s been using Midland’s MXT115P PRO 15-Watt MicroMobile® GMRS Radio.
“It’s got some really good new features like it’s IP767 waterproof and dustproof, but importantly the upgraded mic connector. I love how the mic feels in my hand.”
Some of the MXT115P PRO's most notable features include:
15 WATTS OF POWER
Triples the effective range of standard handheld radios.
8 REPEATER CHANNELS
Expands your communication reach using local GMRS repeaters.
NOAA WEATHER ALERTS
Instant 24/7 access to emergency weather updates.
EASY INSTALLATION
Flip-frame bracket and DC vehicle adapter included.
IMPRESSIVE GMRS TWO-WAY RADIO RANGE
15 Watts triples the power of traditional handheld radios
EASY INSTALLATION
Equipped with DC vehicle adapter for power
HEAVY-DUTY DESIGN
IP67 waterproof and dustproof for performance in every environment
PRE-PROGRAMMED PRIVACY CHANNELS
Eliminate unwanted chatter with 28 privacy channels
INTERCOM CAPABLE
Hands-free, in-vehicle communication for safety and efficiency
LARGE GROUP COMMUNICATION
PA functionality for clear, outward-facing communication
June on the Farm
Wacker planted during the month of May and he finds himself working in the shop everyday, no matter the time of year. Work on the farm in June depends on how Mother Nature is treating them.
“We will probably start fertilizing and doing some of those things. At that point, that's probably when I'll start using my MXT115P PRO in the side by side more- when I need to communicate with my side by side and one of my pickups operating at the same time.”
For Wacker, reliable communication isn’t just a convenience, it’s another tool that helps keep the farm running efficiently from sunrise to sunset.
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