AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, named Cody Erman Technician of the Year on March 3 in Hesston, Kansas. The award recognizes North American AGCO technicians for their diagnostic and maintenance abilities, dedication to continuous learning, and customer service skills. Erman, of Hanlon Ag Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, was awarded the 2022 title and a $5,000 grand prize after a three-day, hands-on competition against five other finalists nominated by AGCO dealerships across the US and Canada.

“Congratulations to Cody Erman and all our finalists for a tremendous inaugural Technician of the Year competition,” said Ash Alt, Manager of Technical Training, North America.  “We founded this event to celebrate the dedicated technicians who help keep our farmers up and running. Each of our finalists exemplify the skills and values that Technician of the Year celebrates, and our farmers and dealers are fortunate to have these professionals’ services.”

AGCO’s vision is to be farmers’ most trusted partner for industry-leading, smart farming solutions.  Our brands’ leading technology requires the skills of highly trained professionals to maximize uptime and productivity. AGCO works closely with its dealership network and regional educational institutions to identify, encourage, and equip talented technicians. The Technician of the Year competition and a new associate degree program at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, are recent examples of these focused efforts.

“I’m honored to receive this award, and I also congratulate the other finalists,” said Erman. “It was an honor just to be nominated and getting to know the others and engaging in some fun competition with them was a thrill. I’m excited to take the award back home and share this story because I wouldn’t be here without my colleagues and our customers!”

Participants in the competition engaged in challenging events that tested their critical thinking, product knowledge, and deep mechanical and technical expertise. The contestants were presented with six “real-world” diagnostic scenarios and were measured on their ability to accurately diagnose the issue, make the necessary repair, and provide an exceptional, farmer-first customer experience. The 2023 event focused on Fendt® wheeled tractors; organizers plan to expand future events to include AGCO’s other brands and product types. Nominations for the 2023 competition will open in October and will be submitted by AGCO dealerships across North America.

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