The Farmer Tan Podcast

Merry Midwest Traditions: A Farmer Tan Christmas

Pull up a chair in the cozy, slightly messy Farmer Tan studio for a Christmas Spectacular packed with hometown warmth, honest laughs, and the little moments that make the season real.
From frozen strawberries and busted shop jeans to suet pudding, volcano cookies, and the timeless debate over Hallmark movies vs. classic Christmas specials, this episode reads like a lived-in holiday letter. They riff on everything: the quirks of seasonal decorating, the chaos of multiple family gatherings, the musical milestones that define their Christmas playlists, and the rival theories about how stockings should hang (toe left? toe right?).
Whether you’re a lights-on-all-night maximalist or a “let’s escape to a cabin” minimalizer, this episode carries the scent of pine, coffee, and nostalgia. It’s a warm, funny, and genuine look at how rural families stitch together traditions — messy, heartfelt, and perfectly imperfect — as they gear up for one of the busiest, sweetest times of the year.

Farm Troubles & Holiday Catch-Up — Tires, Calves, and Cinnamon Rolls

Welcome to the Feed Store Studio as the hosts return from a long break to spin a warm, candid episode about small‑town farm life. Between harvest fog, frozen water tanks, tractor tires, and the comedy of moving calves down the highway, they stitch together a season’s worth of misadventures with dry humor and real‑life detail.
On the way they cover family Thanksgiving antics, the surprise joys of millet and windrow grazing, and the humble satisfaction of fixing what’s broken — from vaporizers to flat tires. They also escape to Lincoln for holiday shopping, debate the merits of restaurant steaks and crème brûlée, and trade stories about old catalog foods, ice cream, and the holiday beverages that warm the soul.
This episode is a tapestry of stories — roadside improv, farm repairs, neighborly banter, and the comforting, messy rhythm of rural life — told with the relaxed, teasing warmth that makes you feel like you're sitting at the end of the table listening in.

Belts, Bugs & Baling: An October Field Report

Step into a harvest evening where family life and farm work collide: junior high cross country meets fullback practices, a newborn who refuses rules, and the familiar rush of wet corn lines. The hosts weave laughter and fatigue into a human story of juggling kids, church, and the relentless rhythm of October.Then the work takes center stage — soybean hay swathed too damp, crimper belts smoking, a baler that’s earned its reputation, and an all‑out sprint that turned into 188 bales in three hours. Between cranky equipment, puddled fields and sticky flies, the episode unspools the gritty, funny, and stubborn realities of making hay and running harvest lines.Along the way they dig into nostalgia for old tractors, a thought experiment about re‑issued classics, and the everyday choices that keep a farm moving. Tune in for candid stories, hard lessons, and a reminder that harvest is as much about people as it is about crops.

From The Swather to the Dominican: Grit, Gospel and Grain on Farmer Tan

It’s an early fall evening at the Farmer Tan table: The swather was shut down, coffee is warm, and a towering guest pulls up a chair. The conversation drifts from farm and ranch updates to Ayden’s mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Listeners follow along as they haul wheelbarrows of dirt, deliver groceries to families, and witness a small church’s life-changing build.
Between laughter about pickup whistles and stories about high school football, the episode delivers honest, human moments: hands-on work, quiet prayers beneath mountain skies, and the gravity of a community coming together. Tune in for boots-on-the-ground storytelling, the kind of neighborhood wisdom that makes you smile, think, and maybe call a friend to see how they’re really doing.

That one about the 90s

In this captivating episode, we take a nostalgic leap back to the days of junior high, reminiscing about everything from jelly shoes to the elusive Trapper Keeper. Join us as we weave through the past, sharing stories of awkward adolescence and the thrill of new school supplies, with a humorous dive into past fashion trends, slang, and the undeniable influence of the 90s culture on today’s world.
Special guest Kaitlyn Clark, a seasoned educator, brings a unique perspective on how these past influences shape the current educational landscape. She shares her experiences in the classroom, offering insights into how students today differ from those in the 90s, and how the essence of education has evolved over the decades. We explore the balance between traditional teaching methods and modern technology-driven strategies, highlighting the continuous journey of teaching and learning.
Whether you're in the classroom today or reminiscing about your school days, this episode promises a blend of laughter, insight, and a nod to the ever-changing narrative of education and youth culture.

Revving Up the Engines: Midwestern Phrases, Odd Sayings, and Farm Updates

Join us for an entertaining ride through the heart of the Midwest, as we rev up the engines and explore the quirks of farm life and culture. In this engaging episode, Jake, Jared, and special guest Tanner dive into the world of rural sayings, their meanings, and how these phrases shape everyday interactions in farm country.
From tackling the mechanics of fixing hay equipment to navigating the unexpected twists of county fairs and stormy weather, this narrative unfolds with humor and insight. Discover the stories behind popular phrases and sayings that make up the rich tapestry of Midwestern life. Whether you're a farmer, a city dweller, or just curious about country sayings, this episode delivers a refreshing and insightful perspective.
So buckle up for a journey through the fields, filled with laughter, anecdotes, and a slice of farm wisdom. This is storytelling at its finest, straight from the barn door to your ears. Let's turn up the volume and embrace the adventure of rural America!

From Farming Tales to Military Stories: A Nebraska Road Trip

Join Jake and his co-host Jared as they embark on a road trip to Atkinson, Nebraska, where they catch up with college buddy Greg Rentschler and explore the realities of farming in the Great Plains.  In this episode the boys discuss the thrills and spills of rural life including family antics, clutch failures, and the intricacies of crop scouting.
 

A Short Farmer: Shoutout to one of our favorite podcasts ever.

Some friendly food truck banter, and a shoutout to one of our favorite podcasts ever.

"Roadblocks and Reality TV"

From the mundane to the extraordinary, the boys share candid stories about farm life, from the unexpected hurdles with road maintenance and tractor troubles, to the exhilarating plans of dirt biking and fireworks as summer sets in. 
As they delve into family tales, Jake recounts his son’s full-throttle approach to fishing and how it parallels the hustle and bustling skies of Fourth of July celebrations. Meanwhile, Jared muses over the ups and downs of farming decisions that didn't quite land as hoped, offering insight with a humorous twist. Sprinkle in some reality show ideas, and you've got a mix of laughs, lessons, and lively conversation. 
Whether you’re tuning in from the cab of a combine or the comfort of your home, prepare for a spirited discussion that captures the essence of life in the country, with all its colorful characters and memorable experiences. Don’t miss out on the relatable tales where grit meets humor, and tradition meets innovation. 

The All-Nighter: From Farm Updates to Socks, Snakes, and Spiders.

Join Jake, Jared, and Steve as they pull an all-nighter, this dynamic trio dives into a plethora of topics, from the nitty-gritty of calf branding and dry pastures to the finer points of tractor pulling and everything in between.
Steve Ackerman, the other guest and half of Ackerley Diesel, shares insights into the world of seed management and tractor pulling adventures. As they catch up, the conversation flows seamlessly from serious discussions on irrigation issues and crop management to light-hearted debates about the practicality of Birkenstocks versus cowboy boots.