Precision farming specialists tend to work with a certain independence and freedom — troubleshooting technology problems on a fluid timeline few others can solve.

Mixing and matching precision farming equipment and components can, in many cases, produce a superior system for some operations. On the other hand, compatibility issues with such systems have been known to create major headaches for precision farming technicians whose job it is to make them operate properly.

Putting together a precision farming service plan can be a messy process. What to include — and exclude — how to bill and of course, what to charge, are key decisions that need to be made prior to launching a package.

In an engaging session of the Summit, Matt Eldridge, director of aftermarket sales, Smith Implements, Greenfield, Ind., shared how their 5-store dealer group turned course and loaded up all its “precision chips” into traditional departments.

Dealers who’ve been doing precision for any period of time have seen how expectation problems, miscommunication and burnout can erode morale of what needs to be a highly performing team.

The first step to establishing a brand for your precision business is taking a look in the mirror and figuring out what exactly you are or what you want to be. You need to look at how you’re different from not just your neighbors but different regions, says Kevin Depies.

U.S. General George Patton’s famous quote, “A good plan implemented today is better than a perfect plan implemented tomorrow,” is sound advice for any farm equipment dealer.

Planning a precision legacy, overcoming the limitations of today’s equipment compatibility and stretching marketing dollars for maximum return were building blocks of the second Precision Farming Dealer Summit.