In the midst of a downturn in the agricultural economy, precision farming dealers are finding that the once lush landscape for technology sales is changing, as customers become more discerning with their immediate on-farm expenditures.
Having shadowed several precision farming specialists from multi-store farm equipment dealerships for this series, I’ve come to appreciate the layered responsibilities that come with selling and supporting the technology of a major agricultural brand.
With precision farming equipment capturing more data than ever, dealers are faced with the need to build a comprehensive strategy to keep that information safe and private.
For ambitious dealers, the collection, processing and analysis of precision farming data has shown significant promise as an added revenue source. But even for those who are less inclined to directly pursue this area of precision business, at least minimal handling of customers’ data is virtually unavoidable.
Kevin Butt, Professor of Agriculture, Ellsworth Community College, Iowa Falls, Iowa: “The biggest thing is for the companies to just be themselves. This is who we are. Don’t try to oversell yourself or make the dealership into something it’s not. Then students or graduates know exactly what they’re getting into and they’re not being promised things you can’t actually offer.
Turning raw precision numbers into actionable information helps Illinois strip-tillers Dan and Trent Sanderson save money on inputs and increase efficiency.
While many farmers collect field data, one of the ongoing challenges is knowing what to do with it. This is something Dan Sanderson, his son, Trent and their family have made priority to improve management of their 2,000-acre corn, soybean and wheat operation near Clare, Ill.
For precision specialists, managing obsolete or aging inventory is becoming an increasingly perilous task. The best strategy lies in striking an equitable balance. But what does this look like? Precision Farming Dealer caught up with several precision managers and specialists to solicit advice on how to best manage obsolete or aging inventory.
Precision farming has emerged as a vital industry within agriculture and one that may very well hold the long-term keys to higher yields with greater conservation. Along with all of the excitement and buzz this industry generates comes a steady flow of investment dollars from companies keen on developing their own precision farming capabilities to ensure their continued relevance and competitive edge in agribusiness.
In the midst of a downturn in the agricultural economy, precision farming dealers are finding that the once lush landscape for technology sales is changing, as customers become more discerning with their immediate on-farm expenditures.
With precision farming equipment capturing more data than ever, dealers are faced with the need to build a comprehensive strategy to keep that information safe and private.
For ambitious dealers, the collection, processing and analysis of precision farming data has shown significant promise as an added revenue source. But even for those who are less inclined to directly pursue this area of precision business, at least minimal handling of customers’ data is virtually unavoidable.
Having shadowed several precision farming specialists from multi-store farm equipment dealerships for this series, I’ve come to appreciate the layered responsibilities that come with selling and supporting the technology of a major agricultural brand.
For this installment, I wanted to experience how an independent precision dealer navigates the landmines and celebrated the successes of an anything but typical workday on the cusp of planting season. So I made the 6 hour journey from southeastern Wisconsin to Reese, Mich., in mid-April where I rendezvoused with Mike Houghtaling, president of Precision & Concise Agricultural Solutions (P&C Ag Solutions).
Lance Formwalt, who leads the Equipment Dealer practice group at Seigfreid Bingham in Kansas City, Mo., shares tips and tactics dealers can utilize to protect themselves and their customers from precision data disasters, along with what to expect in the future. [To view any of our webinar replays, you must be logged in with a free user account.]
Verdant Robotics showed off its new Sharpshooter at the FIRA Conference a few weeks ago. Dubbed the only robotic precision application system that aims before it shoots, Sharpshooter uses Bullseye Aim & Apply Technology.
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.