Versatile may technically be considered a shortline in the farm equipment industry, but Quincy Tractor does not view it that way. “Let’s stop calling it a shortline,” says Zach Carlson, operations manager of the fourth-generation family dealership. “Versatile’s not a shortline. It’s a major brand.”
Operating a farming operation isn’t what it used to be and neither is the equipment. Whether it’s livestock or row crops, agriculture has become an increasingly sophisticated enterprise.
A look at the products and/or market segments that dealers have found profitable during the last 3 years shows the dichotomy of today’s markets for farm machinery retailers.
It was 1946 when Howard Hills decided to build a shortline dealership in the heart of North Dakota’s Red River Valley. Scott Hill says his father, John, took over after and he and his two brothers (Dave and Mike), are at the helm of Hills Inc. today. A couple of Dave’s sons are working their way into the family business as its fourth generation.
J.R. Harris says even after his dad had passed in 1990, the decision to keep his namesake for the family business, J.O. Harris Sales, was one that didn’t take much discussion. Today, J.R.’s son, Jay, is the third generation heading the shortline dealership in Alexander, Ill.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we take a look at how the flooding in Texas will impact the ag industry and check in with some dealers in the region.
Since 1980, A&I Products has become a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of aftermarket replacement parts for the agricultural, turf, and industrial equipment markets. A&I Products' experience and expertise has greatly contributed to the company's reputation as a top supplier of quality, reasonably priced parts. Founded with roots as a small machine shop and repair facility, the company made the transition by manufacturing new parts to replace those that were identified as commonly needing repair. Throughout the 1980s, the company quickly garnered a reputation for offering quality parts at a reasonable price.
Built on 90 years of expertise, Yetter Farm Equipment leads the agriculture industry in designing effective and innovative equipment for residue management, seedbed preparation, precision fertilizer placement, harvest attachments, strip-tillage, and more.
At Machinery Scope, we believe you deserve the best risk management solutions for your investments in heavy equipment. Since 2013, we have been proud to offer extended warranty, appraisals, and inspections. Machinery Scope is a family-owned business built on our experience in farming and equipment dealerships. We understand your business and provide a personalized and professional level of customer service. Machinery Scope has built a strong warranty product with our customers in mind, offering the same professional level of service from the time you get a quote, through the processing of a claim.