Recruiting and preparing the next generation of precision farming professionals is no simple task. Precision farming experts Calvin Knotts, Redline Equipment, Archbold, Ohio, and Karl Huebner, Hutson, Inc., Mayfield, Ky., share their tips and tricks for finding those up-and-coming precision farming professionals in their midst.
Finding the next generation of precision farming specialists is a challenge that almost 40% of dealers reported was among their most important issues in the Precision Farming Dealer 2015 Benchmark Study. First, dealers must identify the traits they’re looking for in potential candidates for their fast-paced, rapidly evolving precision farming departments. Then, they face the challenge of actually finding these recruits.
The first step to structuring a successful and productive precision farming internship program is to establish what the goals are for both the dealership and the intern.
Both Adam Gittins and Jason Pennycook say it’s impossible to do too much promotion of the program and the various services that are offered. Mailers and postcards, one-on-one conversations, presentations and placing it on to each and every quote generated are advised.
We’ve been busy over here in the Technology Corner preparing for the 10th annual Precision Farming Dealer Summit, taking place Jan. 6-7 in downtown Louisville, Ky. Skip Klinefelter, CEO of Ag Technology Solutions Group in Greenville, Ill., will be one of several speakers sharing their unfiltered perspective on the state of precision ag.
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.