As farmers increasingly adopt precision farming technology, it's no secret that there's a tremendous business opportunity for precision farming dealers. However, that opportunity will require a big investment in providing technical support, especially for non-technical customers.
Bruce and Adam Blonde are adopting precision farming systems one step at a time on their 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans near Litchfield, Mich. Three years ago, the father-son farming team started with a Trimble EZ-Steer assisted steering system, first using it for chisel plowing, then adapting it for spraying and planting.
Unprecedented commodity prices that have led to a sustained demand for agricultural equipment over the past 4 years have resulted in two types of regrettable sales techniques. First, because many end-users are flush with cash, many sales people in turn believe they can be successful by just sitting in the dealership and waiting for their next victim to waltz through the door. Unfortunately, this has proven true in many instances. This does not build lasting relationships and will not survive the next downturn, and neither will the sales personnel who engage in such selling techniques.
One of the frequent observations I'll hear from precision farming dealers is that customers rarely utilize the full potential of their technology after purchase.
When partners Ryan Speer and Steve Jacob started adopting precision farming technology at Jacob Farms near Halstead, Kan., in 2002, they immediately appreciated the assistance of their precision farming dealer.
During dealership visits, it's always educational to get a guided tour of the business and learn about recent enhancements, whether it's a new product line, building updates or staff additions.
When farmers trade equipment, they often take a few steps ahead in technology and productivity. For Jason Starnes and his father, Kim, they ended up taking a step backward when they upgraded to a newer combine.
Many farm equipment dealers with precision farming interests consider auto-steer to be the entry point for customers who want to utilize technology. In many cases, those systems are now standard features on new tractors rolling off the assembly line. The tangible benefits of auto-steer are easily proven through reduced operator fatigue and the ability to maintain a straight path though the fields.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at President Trump's tariff reduction on ag equipment, the latest dealer sales forecasts, and how high input costs are keeping farmer sentiment down.
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.