Leap Forward

Hosted by Riesterer & Schnell

Technology

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Episodes

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell. We are a progressive John Deere dealer with multiple locations throughout Wisconsin. Take the next step and leap forward with us as we embark into the world of technological advancements.

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31 recent

October 22, 2026Episode 1012 min

Inside the Cab of the John Deere X9 1000 with Bacon Farms

What’s it like putting a John Deere X9 1000 to work for the first season? In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell, Mark Bacon of Bacon Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin joins Tim Duel from Riesterer & Schnell for a conversation straight from the combine cab during corn harvest. Mark shares his firsthand experience transitioning from John Deere S700 Series combines to the X9 1000 and running it with a 16-row C16F folding corn head equipped with RowMax chopping stalk rolls. He and Tim talk about the differences Mark has noticed in the cab and throughout the machine, along with capacity, ease of operation and his experience moving from a 12-row to a 16-row corn head. They also dive into technology Mark is putting to use during harvest, including the Gen 5 display, AutoUnload, Machine Sync and Harvest Settings Automation. Hear what Mark has learned during his first season in the X9 1000 and how the machine and its technology are performing in the field. Equipment Featured: https://www.rands.com/new-equipment/agriculture/harvesting-equipment/x-series-combines/x9-1000 ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

September 30, 2026Episode 912 min

The All-New John Deere F9 Forage Harvester: Technology, Power & Feed Quality

In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell, Beau, Trevor and Todd take the podcast to the field in Northeast Wisconsin, where the all-new John Deere F9 forage harvester is hard at work chopping corn silage. They dive into what’s new with the F8 and F9, including increased power and capacity, operator comfort and technology like AutoPath, Ground Speed Automation, Active Fill, ProTouch Harvest and Machine Sync. They also discuss how John Deere Operations Center, Equipment Mobile and HarvestLab are helping producers stay connected to their equipment and monitor valuable harvest information. From getting more done during long days in the field to maintaining consistent cut, kernel processing and high-quality feed, hear how the latest John Deere technology is changing the forage harvest experience. Learn More Here: https://www.rands.com/new-equipment/agriculture/hay-and-forage/self-propelled-forage-harvesters ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

August 18, 2026Episode 816 min

How AutoPath is Changing Application Accuracy

In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell , host Nate Soltvedt visits with Technology Product Specialist Wyatt Davidson in Central Wisconsin to explore how John Deere AutoPath is helping growers and applicators improve accuracy, efficiency, and crop protection. The two discuss how AutoPath differs from traditional AB guidance lines by documenting the exact location of every planted row and carrying that data through future field operations. From navigating hills, waterways, and curved headlands to reducing crop damage during spraying and fungicide applications, AutoPath is helping operators stay on the intended path all season long. Nate and Wyatt also cover: How AutoPath improves sprayer performance in challenging field conditions The advantages of integrating AutoPath with turn automation Why applicators are confidently running higher speeds through tall corn The role of RTK accuracy and Operations Center connectivity Real-world customer feedback and adoption experiences How AutoPath benefits both farmers and custom operators Whether you're applying fungicide, harvesting corn, or looking to maximize efficiency across every field pass, this episode provides valuable insight into one of John Deere's most impactful guidance technologies. ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

July 22, 2026Episode 713 min

High-Density Baling: Introducing the New John Deere V452M Round Baler

In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell, host Todd Vogel sits down with Regional Sales Manager Marty Wilfert to take a closer look at the all-new John Deere V452M Round Baler . They discuss how this high-density baler is designed to help producers create tighter, heavier bales while improving efficiency in hay, straw, and silage operations. From the continuous belt design and advanced pickup system to automation features and simplified maintenance, Todd and Marty break down the key benefits of John's Deere's newest addition to the round baler lineup. Whether you're producing dry hay, straw, or baleage, this episode offers valuable insight into the technology and performance behind the V452M. Listen now and learn how the John Deere V452M is helping producers bale more efficiently and maximize productivity in the field. ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

June 29, 2026Episode 615 min

Simplifying Equipment Ownership with John Deere Equipment Mobile

In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell, host Wyatt Davidson is joined by Amanda Andruch from John Deere to explore how digital tools are transforming equipment ownership. Together, they dive into the value of the John Deere Equipment Mobile app and how it gives customers instant access to machine-specific information anytime, anywhere. From accessing operator’s manuals and maintenance schedules to ordering the correct parts with confidence, Equipment Mobile helps reduce downtime and simplify the ownership experience. Wyatt and Amanda discuss real-world scenarios, common customer challenges, and how the app supports both homeowners and professional operators alike. Whether you're managing a fleet or maintaining your property on the weekends, this episode highlights how Equipment Mobile paired with trusted dealership support from Riesterer & Schnell, can help you stay efficient, informed, and ready to work. Learn more about Equipment Mobile here: https://www.rands.com/blog/discover-the-power-of-equipment-mobile ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

June 8, 2026Episode 59 min

Growing a Lawn and Landscaping Business with John Deere

In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell , Nate Zeitler sits down with Jeremy from J&R Lawncare to talk about what it really takes to grow a successful lawn care and snow removal business. Jeremy shares his journey from running non-Deere equipment to building a dependable fleet featuring John Deere zero-turn mowers and compact tractors. Hear firsthand how the right equipment, strong dealer support, and tools like Equipment Mobile have helped him stay efficient, minimize downtime, and take on a wide range of work including mowing, cleanups, snow removal, and stump grinding. If you're in the landscaping industry or thinking about starting your own business, this episode delivers real-world insight on choosing the right equipment, maximizing productivity, and why reliability matters when your livelihood is on the line. ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

May 5, 2026Episode 49 min

Inside the New Leader NL7 with Section Control

In this episode, Application Specialist, Nate Soltvedt of Riesterer & Schnell sits down with Alex Sellner, Regional Sales Manager at New Leader, to take a closer look at the New Leader NL7 fertilizer spreader mounted on the John Deere 600R chassis. They break down what sets the NL7 apart—from its ability to spread up to 120 feet wide, increased throughput at higher speeds, and a redesigned stacked spinner system, to its twin rubber belt delivery, stainless steel construction, and low‑maintenance design. The conversation also covers section control, boundary management, and how the NL7 helps keep fertilizer where it belongs—inside the field—while matching today’s wider sprayer passes. If you’re a large‑acre grower looking to improve efficiency, reduce overlap, and run faster without sacrificing spread quality, this episode offers a practical, in‑field look at what the NL7 was built to deliver. ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

April 9, 2026Episode 314 min

Getting John Deere Parts Faster: Tools, Options, and Support That Improve Uptime

Getting the right John Deere part—fast—can make all the difference during the season. In this episode of the Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell podcast, Trevor Riesterer, Corporate Parts Manager, sits down with Marcus Fenske, Parts Manager at our Hortonville location, to break down how customers can get John Deere parts faster using today’s digital tools and support options. They discuss how Shop.Deere.com and Equipment Mobile help customers find accurate parts the first time, how JDLink-connected equipment improves maintenance planning, and how Riesterer & Schnell supports customers with OEM and aftermarket parts options. The conversation also covers after-hours John Deere parts support during critical windows like planting and harvest. If uptime matters to your operation, this episode shows how John Deere technology and experienced parts professionals work together to keep you moving. Shop.Deere.com: https://shop.deere.com/jdb2cstorefront/JohnDeereStore/en?cog-id=083724 Equipment Mobile: https://www.rands.com/blog/discover-the-power-of-equipment-mobile ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

March 2, 2026Episode 225 min

Pre‑Season Planter & Tillage Checks: Avoid Downtime This Spring

Spring planting success starts long before you enter the field. In this episode of Leap Forward with Riesterer & Schnell, the team breaks down the most important tillage and planter wear items to check before spring, helping you avoid in‑season downtime and protect yield potential. We begin with key tillage tool wear points—including shovels and disc blades—and what to look for as you pull equipment out of the shed. Then we shift focus to planter performance, walking step‑by‑step through critical components that impact seed depth, trench formation, singulation, and emergence consistency. Whether you’re running conventional tillage, minimal till, or no‑till, these preseason checks can help you plant with confidence, reduce breakdowns, and get every seed off to the right start. If you’re preparing your equipment for spring, this episode is a must‑listen. ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com

January 26, 2026Episode 140 min

Seeing Weeds Differently - Grower Experiences with John Deere See & Spray

What does John Deere See & Spray really look like in the field after the full 2025 season? In this episode of the Leap Forward Podcast , we sit down at Miller Farms in Pickett, Wisconsin, for honest feedback on targeted spraying technology. Ryan Miller of Miller Farms and Jackson Remer of Remer Farms share their first‑year experiences using See & Spray on corn and soybeans—covering sensitivity settings, chemical programs, real coverage percentages, and what surprised them most. The conversation dives into practical topics like managing speed and lighting conditions, using residuals with targeted spraying, fall burndown opportunities, tank management, and how no‑till versus tilled acres influenced results. Hosted by Tim Duel with Application Specialist Nate Soltvedt, this episode focuses on what worked, what they’d change next season, and why both growers would choose to run See & Spray again. If you’re evaluating precision spraying or wondering how to “see weeds differently” on your operation, this is a firsthand perspective worth hearing. ➡️ Let's Connect TikTok Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Why Riesterer & Schnell? Riesterer & Schnell, a progressive locally-owned John Deere dealership, has proudly been serving Wisconsin communities since 1931. Because you are committed to your land, we are determined to provide you with the very best in equipment and service. Our specialties are tractors, farm equipment, zero turns, riding lawn mowers, precision farming technology, parts and service. www.rands.com