When you think of farming, you might picture wide-open fields, the smell of fresh soil, and maybe a tractor or two. But David Cogen, a popular social media tech influencer known as TheUnlockr, is peeling back the curtain on what it really takes to cultivate those crops.

From Influencer to Farmer

This year, Cogen teamed up with John Deere for a firsthand experience of the farming world, diving into everything from tilling the soil to harvesting corn, and he’s eager to share what he learned along the way.

“What motivated me to take on this farming challenge? Well, over the past few years, I’ve visited several farms with John Deere and learned a lot about what it takes to run one,” David shared. “Most people don’t understand what goes into farming. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. It’s a story I wanted to tell.”

Welcome to Cogen’s Farm

David had his own 20-acre land just outside of Des Moines, Iowa. His job was to plant, grow, and harvest corn.

As he stepped into the role of a farmer, he quickly discovered that the reality of farming extends far beyond the physical labor. “Going into this challenge, I was focused on what farmers do in the field: tilling, planting, spraying, and harvesting. But I didn’t realize how many decisions farmers make before they even get to the field.”

One of the biggest challenges he faced was adapting to unpredictable weather. “We had a lot of rain in the spring, which pushed my planting date back almost a month. It felt like we were constantly changing our plans,” David recalled.

Despite the hurdles, David found that using John Deere’s technology revolutionized his perspective on farming. “I can’t imagine how people farmed before this tech was available. AutoTrac™ is a such a fundamental part of farming! I don’t know how anyone planted seeds in straight lines without it,” he laughed. And when it came to harvesting, he was particularly impressed with Machine Sync. “It makes unloading so much easier. I can control the grain cart from the combine!”

Digging Deeper

Throughout the process, David relied heavily on a team of advisors from Deere, emphasizing that farming is never a solo endeavor. “I learned that people never farm alone. I had an amazing team, and we were always making adjustments based on changing conditions,” he noted.

His experience also shattered preconceived notions about the agriculture industry. “I’m in awe of the amount work that goes into farming. The business side of farming is mind-blowing,” he reflected. “The margins in farming are so small, and there are so many variables that impact the bottom line. It’s a really challenging business.”

In the end, David hopes to shed light on the realities of farming. “I want my audience to really understand what it’s like to farm. We have a vague idea of what goes into it, but it’s much more complex than most people realize,” he said.