I've never been one for the annual Black Friday shopping mayhem that attracts bargain hunters like moths to the commercial flame. But a couple years ago, I was convinced that we needed a new laptop computer, and what better time to purchase one than on the day when prices are seemingly at their lowest.
There is ongoing movement toward more efficient, and ideally more profitable, remote support options. Throughout the last several months, dealers I’ve had the chance to visit have cited telematics as a high priority to increase precision service revenue and performance in the future.
As custom harvesters make their way across the U.S. and Canada this summer, I keep wondering what happens to all that yield data these machines are collecting.
Roaming the sultry grounds of the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill., last week, the mood among attendees and vendors appeared to be largely optimistic, despite most precision companies acknowledging that sales have slumped since last year’s event.
I’ve never been one to delay in paying a bill. But that’s not to say there haven’t been a few close calls, which required at least an explanation. Sometimes, it’s a simple misunderstanding or computer glitch and fortunately, I’ve never been on the receiving end of an uncomfortable collection call.
The old adage 'talk is cheap' doesn't necessarily apply to precision farming business these days. In fact, a lack of conversation is costing dealerships potential revenue, at a time when it's needed most.
A recent post by Greg "Machinery Pete" Peterson got me thinking that increasing values on used tractors might be reflecting a different trend — is it possible the rise in used machinery prices is a sign of farmer backlash against new technology?
As precision farming practices continue to infiltrate more farms overall, technology is an essential part of strip-tillers' operations. Talking with farm equipment dealers, several have cited strip-till products as an emerging opportunity to complement sales of GPS systems and RTK subscriptions.
Today, many farmers are introduced to precision agriculture through their equipment dealer. When someone purchases a Case IH tractor, it comes with a Trimble GPS system. If they buy a John Deere tractor, it comes with a Deere system. Regardless, farmers are told that each requires a separate network to access the necessary RTK corrections.
In September, I will be cutting the last electronic check for our family sedan, after what has seemed like an eternity of monthly payments. Thankfully, the car should outlive the term of the loan (knock on wood) and provide transport to many a baseball practice or weekend getaway in the future.
Last week, I shadowed Dave Thompson in Amboy, Ill. He’s a precision farming specialist with Case IH dealer Johnson Tractor. He tells me most of his customers were done with harvest by the middle of October.
The college offers an associate degree in Applied Science in Agriculture (60 credit hours). Students enrolled in this program may specialize in precision farming technology by selecting up to 15 credit hours in this area and agriculture business, sales and agronomy.
The college offers an AAS in Precision Agriculture and customized precision ag- related training for agricultural producers, insurance underwriters, equipment dealer and agricultural cooperative employees and others.
Offering training on Ag Leader, Trimble, Reichhardt, Norac and Integris Systems in twice yearly customer training events (spring/fall). Also offering individual training opportunities on any HTS Ag products and SMS software, year round.