How Retevis Repeaters and Handheld Radios Improve Efficiency on Modern Farms

Farmers across the country are turning to Retevis two-way radios and repeaters to optimize operations during busy seasons like planting and harvest. We spoke with Michael Harris, a farm manager at Greenfield Farms in Texas, about how the Retevis RT97S repeater and NR30S handheld radios have transformed communication across their expansive operation.

From Ranching to Row Crops

Harris grew up working with livestock but later transitioned into large-scale crop farming. After studying agricultural management and gaining hands-on experience with farm machinery, he joined Greenfield Farms in 2015. What keeps him passionate? The fast-paced nature of farming—one day he's checking irrigation systems, the next he's coordinating a harvest crew.

Reliable Communication, Higher Productivity

“In farming, time is everything,” Harris explains. “The faster we plant, the better our crop establishment before summer heat.” Effective communication is critical when managing crews over hundreds of acres. Cell phone signals often drop in rural areas, and shouting over tractor engines isn't practical.

Why the Retevis RT97S Repeater and NR30S Radios Are Essential?

Harris was introduced to two-way radios during his ranching days and knew they’d be a game-changer for crop farming. However, the farm’s large acreage meant handheld radios alone weren’t enough. After researching reliable options, he invested in the Retevis RT97S repeater for extended coverage:

• Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater – Expands radio range across vast fields and rolling terrain

• Retevis NR30S Handheld Radios – Long-range communication, IP67 waterproof, and AI noise reduction for crystal-clear audio in noisy environments

Installing the RT97S mobile repeater on a 50-ft grain silo provided seamless communication across the entire farm, ensuring no dead zones. “With the repeater, we can coordinate harvest runs, fertilizer applications, and equipment repairs without losing signal between fields,” Harris explains.

Retevis RT97S GMRS Repeater Kit with Four Pack NR30S Handheld Radios

The NR30S handheld radios paired with the RT97S portable repeater made daily tasks much smoother.

• Long Range & 8 Repeater Channels: Extends coverage for teams working in different parts of the farm.

• IP67 Waterproof: “Last week, I dropped one in a puddle while checking irrigation—it still worked perfectly.”

• 2800mAh Battery & Type-C Charging: Long battery life keeps the crew connected all day, with fast and convenient charging.

• AI Noise Reduction & One-Key Group Call: Filters out tractor noise and wind, allowing instant group communication without repeating instructions.

• LCD Display for Easy Operation: Even new farmhands can quickly learn how to use it.

“When fixing a baler, one worker stayed in the cab while another handled the repairs. Instead of running back and forth, we used radios. It cut our downtime in half,” says Harris.

Gearing Up for a Productive Season

After facing unpredictable weather last year, the farm is now focusing on soil preparation, fertilizer application, and irrigation planning before planting begins. Harris and his crew rely on Retevis RT97S and NR30S radios to stay connected, increase efficiency, and reduce costly delays.

“The dry spells were tough,” Harris admits. “But with the Retevis RT97S repeater, we’ve eliminated miscommunication. Faster decisions lead to more efficient farming and healthier crops.”

For farms looking for reliable, long-range communication, the Retevis RT97S repeater and NR30S radios are the perfect combination. As Harris puts it: “Clear communication keeps the operation moving—no delays, no guesswork.”

Introducing the 25W Waterproof RT97L Repeater: Even More Power for Greater Range

25W RT97L GMRS Repeater

In addition to the RT97S, we also offer the RT97L waterproof repeater, a new addition to our GMRS repeater lineup. Designed for even greater coverage, the RT97L offers:

• Powerful 25W Output: The RT97L repeater provides a stronger signal with its 25W output, allowing for expanded communication range over longer distances.
• IP66 Waterproof: Built with ruggedness in mind, the RT97L is IP66-rated waterproof, making it a perfect solution for outdoor use in all weather conditions.
• Expanded Coverage: With its higher power and robust construction, the RT97L is ideal for even larger areas such as farms, construction sites, and remote locations that require maximum signal range.

GMRS Repeater Kit for Sale:

RT97S GMRS Repeater Kit with Four Pack NR30S Handheld Radio: https://www.retevis.com/retevis-nr30s-radio-with-rt97s-repeater-gmrs-long-distance-communication-solutions-us

RT97S GMRS Repeater: https://www.retevis.com/rt97s-full-duplex-portable-gmrs-repeater-us