Behind the Scenes at the National Farm Machinery Show 2025

Each February, Louisville transforms into the epicenter of the farming industry as thousands of people gather for the National Farm Machinery Show—and this year, we were right in the thick of it. From podcasting with some of agriculture’s biggest voices to bourbon tastings, long dinners, and surprise encounters, NFMS 2025 was one for the books.

Our trip was packed from start to finish, filled with insightful conversations, new connections, and a few hilarious moments we won’t soon forget. If you weren’t able to make it this year, here’s an inside look at everything that went down in Louisville.

Hitting the Road & Setting Up in Louisville

We kicked off our journey from Iowa on Monday, February 10th, loaded up with podcast gear, a game plan, and enough caffeine to fuel us through the 7+ hour drive. Pulling into Louisville the next day, the buzz of the event was already in full swing.

Tuesday was all about getting set up and making sure everything ran smoothly for the busy week ahead. First on our list was securing recording locations—we had spots at both the Brandt and John Deere booths, giving us prime real estate to chat with some of the best in the industry.

With logistics locked in, we took a break from the hustle and headed to Old Forester Distillery for a tour. If you’ve never been, it’s an experience in itself—stepping inside, you’re hit with the deep, warm scent of aging bourbon, and the tour guides have a way of making the process feel like storytelling rather than just history. We got to see barrels being filled, learn about the brand’s impact on Kentucky bourbon culture, and, of course, taste a few samples.

That night, we gathered at Doc’s for an incredible dinner, surrounded by an all-star lineup of agriculture content creators and industry friends: Ethan Clarke, Farmer Grayce, Gavin Spoor, Emily Matzke, Dayne Jessup, the Ellsing Brothers, and more. These are the kind of people who make this industry special—hardworking, down-to-earth, and always up for a great conversation.

First Full Day of Podcasting & A Fun Surprise

Wednesday was game time. We hit the ground running with our first full day of podcast recordings, kicking things off at the Brandt booth. One of the best parts of NFMS is the sheer amount of knowledge in one place—every conversation feels like a deep dive into what’s happening in farming, from emerging technology to how real people are handling challenges in the field.

Midday, we made our way to the John Deere booth for one of our favorite moments of the trip. Decked out as security guards, we had the honor of escorting Zach Johnson, “The Millennial Farmer,” around the show floor—our official role as his security team. If you caught sight of us keeping a serious face while standing guard, now you know the inside joke. Zach is always game for a good laugh, and we were more than happy to play along.

That evening, we found ourselves in an unexpected but fascinating conversation with the owner and master distiller of Monks and a representative from the Archdiocese of Kentucky. You never know who you’ll meet at events like this, and this was one of those random but insightful encounters that stuck with us.

A Podcast Marathon & More Shenanigans

If Wednesday was busy, Thursday took things to another level.

We recorded five full podcast episodes, back-to-back, diving into everything from the future of precision agriculture to what it really takes to make it as a modern farmer on social media. The energy of the show floor was electric—thousands of people moving through, checking out the latest in farming technology, and swapping stories.

One of the day’s highlights was yet another hilarious moment with Zach Johnson. This time, we made it official—naming him the Chief YouTube Officer. We even had him sign some executive orders, which, let’s be honest, might not hold much legal weight but definitely made for a good laugh.

Later in the day, we had a great sit-down with Just a Jackson Thing and Tractor Guy, two voices in the industry who bring fresh perspectives and a great sense of humor.

After a long, productive day, we rewarded ourselves with an incredible dinner at a Brazilian steakhouse—and if you’ve ever been to one, you know it’s a full experience. The endless rotation of perfectly grilled meats, the warm cheesy bread, and the over-the-top tableside service were exactly what we needed.

But we weren’t done yet. The night continued at PBR Bar, where the drinks were flowing, the music was loud, and we let loose after a long day of work.

Wrapping Up & Heading Home

By Friday, it was time to start closing things down. We finished our last few interviews, packed up all of our gear in the pouring rain, and took one last lap around the show floor.

Before heading out, we bowled a few games and had a round of cocktails with the team—a great way to celebrate the end of an incredible week. There’s something about unwinding together after an event like this that makes all the hard work worth it.

The drive back to Iowa on Saturday was long and rainy, but the memories we took with us made it feel a little easier. Looking back, this trip was about more than just the show itself—it was about reconnecting with friends, making new connections, and capturing stories that matter to this industry.

There’s a reason NFMS is one of the biggest events in agriculture, and this year reminded us why. We already can’t wait to do it all again in 2026.