As 2024 has come to a close, we’re reflecting on the innovations, strategies, and success stories that shaped the precision farming landscape this past year. From groundbreaking technology launches to dealer success stories and expert advice, Precision Farming Dealer has been your trusted source for the latest in ag tech and equipment trends.

In this roundup, we’ve curated the most-read articles, most-viewed videos, most listed-to podcasts and other top content that resonated with our readers throughout the year. Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve or revisit key moments, these highlights capture the pulse of precision farming in 2024.


Most Read Staff Blogs 

The Difference Between New Holland & Case IH’s New Combines
By: Ben Thorpe
February 23, 2024

While Case IH’s new AF11 combine drew massive attention at the National Farm Machinery Show, tight security and locked panels kept curious onlookers at bay. In contrast, New Holland welcomed a deep dive into its CR11 – the AF11’s twin – offering full access and detailed insights. This difference in manufacturer transparency left Case IH’s audience in the dark while New Holland’s open approach gave a comprehensive look at what’s next for combine technology.

UPDATED: What Happened to John Deere’s Ag Spray Drone?
By: Ben Thorpe
Updated April 24, 2024

Once a promising collaboration with Volocopter, John Deere’s large ag spray drone has faded into obscurity since its 2019 debut. While the 30-foot prototype showcased innovation and scale, Deere’s silence since early 2020 leaves the industry wondering if the project has been shelved. The potential impact of Deere entering the spray drone market could have mirrored their historic no-till innovations, legitimizing the tech for growers. For now, the drone remains a memory – but if it resurfaces, it could reshape agricultural drone adoption overnight.

Deere Dealer: 'Believe None of What You Hear & Half of What You See'
By: Mike Lessiter
September 18, 2024

In August Monticello, Ill., farmer Jake Lieb filmed the conclusion of his meeting with a corporate AHW director. During that gathering, he was informed that AHW was ripping up a multi-unit deal purchase order (P.O.) for spring 2025 delivery that was inked just 2 months before. This video spurred widespread industry discussion and debate. Adding to the conversation, Another Deere dealer reached out to editor and publisher Mike Lessiter, to share their perspective and offer additional insights into the situation.

FAA Violation in Florida Serves as Cautionary Tale for Drone Dealer
By: Noah Newman
July 11, 2024

A large drone dealer in Florida allegedly violated several FAA regulations in a case that serves as a harsh reminder to be up to speed on rules and required paperwork before flying drones or hosting clinics

'All Hands on Deck': What One Manufacturer is Doing to Solve Technician Shortage 
By: Noah Newman
May 21, 2024

As our editorial team gathered intel from the 100 biggest dealerships in the U.S. and Canada, many CEOs and managers identified technicians as their greatest employment area of need for 2024. Caterpillar manager Griffin Reome highlights the company’s initiatives to achieve their ambitious goal of hiring 40,000 new technicians within two years.


Most Read Guest Blogs 

15 Things I've Learned in 15 Years of Work at Precision Planting
By: Bryce Baker
May 30, 2024

Over 15 years at Precision Planting, now Marketing Director Bryce Baker has gained valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and company culture. From hiring for potential to embracing failure and celebrating uniqueness, his reflection offers insights on growth, innovation, and focusing on what truly matters.

Customer Checklist: What to Consider When Buying a Smart Sprayer
Source: Trimble
February 1, 2024

Spraying systems are an essential part of modern farming. And thanks to recent technology advancements, smart spraying systems have revolutionized the farming sector, promising precision, efficiency and considerable cost savings. The next step is making sure you choose the right system for your farming operation. In this blog from Trimble, examines 8 top considerations to help you make the best choice.

Why DJI Ban from Congress Under NDAA Was No Surprise to the LiDAR PROs Team
By: Douglas Spotted Eagle
July 12, 2024

The Senate’s move to ban DJI drones from the NDAA highlights growing national security concerns. Sundance Media Group and The LiDAR Pros anticipated this shift, pivoting since 2017 to offer compliant, secure UAS solutions.By diversifying technologies and partnering with NATO-aligned manufacturers, they’ve stayed ahead of regulatory changes. As the Countering CCP Drones Act progresses, the industry faces major impacts, underscoring the need for adaptable and compliant drone technology.

Applying Elon Musk's Engineering Principles to Autonomous Farm Machinery
By: Colin Hurd
April 24, 2024

As startups and major OEMs alike strive to innovate and scale, the roadmap laid out by Elon Musk for rocket engineering offers some insightful guidelines, particularly for those venturing into autonomous farm machinery.

Using Ag Data to Win a Legal Case
By: Todd Janzen
February 9, 2024

Todd Janzen, an attorney at Janzen Agricultural Law LLC, explains how ag data was key in demonstrating years of periodic and partial flooding on farm fields during a court case for the Houin family farm. He writes,"We not think of ag data as having an evidentiary value in court, but I cannot imagine a case about crop damages without it."We not think of ag data as having an evidentiary value in court, but I cannot imagine a case about crop damages without it."


Most Read Feature Articles 

First Customer Contact Builds Trust & Strong Relationships
By: Dan Crummet
February 1, 2024

Dan Crummet spends a Day in the Cab with integrated solutions consultant at P&K Equipment Landon McGarrah as he serves the Deere dealer's growing customer base as 'first responder' to precision and digital service calls

12th Annual Precision Award Program Honors Top North American Dealer
By: Noah Newman
January 31, 2024

The 2024 recipient of Precision Farming Dealer’s 12th annual Most Valuable Dealership award is HTS Ag, founded in 1995 with 4 locations across Iowa.

Report: Technology Shaping Future of Ag Equipment Market
Source: Persistence Market Research
June 27, 2024

The agricultural equipment market is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing agricultural practices, and the need for increased efficiency and sustainability. This blog explores the current trends and innovations in the agricultural equipment sector and examines how they are shaping the future of farming. 

Precision Service Packages Increase Efficiency, Revenue & Family Time
By: Noah Newman
June 20, 2024

From educating customers to maximizing efficiency and minimizing burnout, service subscriptions can have multiple benefits for any dealership, regardless of size. Here’s a look at how big-, medium- and small-sized dealerships are building their “winning” subscriptions and packages.

Catching Timebombs & Building Credibility with Maintenance Visits
By: Noah Newman
June 27, 2024

During planting season pin the northwest corner of Illinois, Chad Baker hits the road for last-minute planter inspections and agrees to give us a peek behind the curtain during one of the busiest times of the year. The co-owner of Baker Precision Planter Works, an independent Precision Planting dealer in Orangeville, Ill., editor Noah Newman  a Warren, Ill., address and says, “Meet me here at 9 a.m.,” for another edition of Day in the Cab.


Most Read Web Articles 

Deere Highlights Software as a Service Tech at CES 2024s
By: Precision Farming Dealer
January 11, 2024

At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) John Deer had several precision tech solutions on display. Analysts at J.P. Morgan, in a Jan. 11. note to investors, gave their takeaways from their experience at the booth.

High Costs & Data Concerns Among Top Barriers to Precision Technology Adoption
By: Precision Farming Dealer
February 19, 2024

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a study that examines emerging precision agriculture technologies and precision agriculture technology adoption, federal programs providing support for precision agriculture, benefits and challenges of adopting and using precision agriculture technologies; and policy options that could address challenges or help enhance benefits of adopting and using precision agriculture technologies.

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: March 27, 2024
By: Precision Farming Dealer
March 27, 2024

Precision Farming Dealer's compiled their favorite content across the web from the week of March 27, 2024, including takeaways form the 2024 World Agri-Tech Summit, a dive into AGCO's biggest tech deals, and a discussion attempting to answer "What's the next hottest thing in precision ag?'

Precision Farming Dealer's Best of the Web: July 24, 2024
By: Precision Farming Dealer
July 24, 2024

The editors of Precision Farming dealer bring you another week of their favorite articles, social media posts, podcasts and videos from the week of July 24, 2024. Take a look at these highlights including 10 different guidance systems farmers should know about, new technology showcased at the Ag Tech Connect Conference, and discussion on how customers can take small steps with investing in precision upgrade kits.

Deere Dealer Brings Swiss Precision Sprayer to Idaho and Oregon Farmers
By: Precision Farming Dealer
Jume 7, 2024

Campbell tractor Co., a long-standing John Deere dealer since 1940,  partnered with Ecorobotix to introduce the ARA ultra-high precision sprayer to Idaho and Oregon.


2024 Webinar 

AI Strategies to Build Your Dealer Brain
November 19, 2024

CEO and Founder ofAGvisorPRO & visorPRO® Robert Saik moderates a panel of industry experts including John Schmeiser, Brock Moir, and Wilson Schultz as they discuss how to leverage the power of AI to drive efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction at your dealership. Learn concrete strategies to integrate AI into your daily operations, helping you stay ahead of the competition, giving you a competitive edge in the marketplace.


Most Viewed Videos 

Installing a New Gen 5 Plus Display
Feburary 9, 2024

Precision Farming Dealer’s Dan Crummett goes behind the scenes with P&K Equipment integrated solutions consultant Landon McGarrah as he installs a new Gen-5 Plus display for his customer’s 4830 John Deere sprayer.


Spring Madness: Precision Specialist Prepares Customers for Planting Season
May 14, 2024

Go behind the scenes with Chad Baker, co-owner of Baker Precision Planter Works in Orangeville, Ill., as he hits the road for on-farm visits and pre-season maintenance checkups. Baker helps a first-generation no-tiller prepare for planting season, and later runs into a couple big challenges with a customer’s new, high-speed, 24-row planter. 

The Biggest Precision Technology Adoption Barrier
December 2, 2024

Dave Thompson, precision specialist with Case IH dealer Johnson Tractor in Amboy, Ill., reveals the biggest thing standing in the way of more of his customers buying precision technology.

Inside HTS Ag’s Mobile Technology Trailer
January 30, 2024

HTS Ag general manager Adam Gittins takes us inside the dealership’s mobile technology trailer. The HTS team uses the trailer at trade shows, field days and community events at schools. 

What I Learned From My First Year as a Precision Specialist
December 2, 2024

Dave Thompson, precision specialist with Case IH dealer Johnson Tractor in Amboy, Ill., reflects on his new role with the dealership after spending several years in the shop as a technician.


Most Viewed Technology Corner Segments

360 Rain Boosts Yields by Over 65 Bushels Per Acre
February 9, 2024

In this edition of Technology Corner, we take a closer look at the 360 Rain unit from 360 Yield Center. This autonomous irrigation system goes beyond traditional watering by delivering manure, nitrogen, and micronutrients through Y-DROP-style hoses. Using significantly less water than conventional irrigation methods, the 360 Rain unit has demonstrated impressive results, with yields increasing by over 65 bushels per acre in some test fields. Founder Gregg Sauder shares insights into how this innovative system works.


Deere Dealer Demos Limited Production S7 Combine with Automation
September 13, 2024

This summer marked a significant transition for the dealership formerly known as Alliance Tractor, as it joined the 22-store Sloan Implement network following its acquisition in July. During a visit to the Vincennes, Ind., store for a Farm Equipment feature, we discovered a limited-production S7 combine outfitted with cutting-edge precision technology. The dealership has been demoing this innovative machine for wheat growers throughout the season. Sales representative Ryan Seger provides an in-depth look at its capabilities.

Trimble’s New Bilberry Smart Spraying System Embodies Retrofit First Mindset
March 15, 2024

In this edition of Technology Corner we spotlight Trimble’s new see and spray technology, the Bilberry system. This camera-based system enables farmers to save up to 90% on herbicide applications by only spraying where the weeds are in the field. An as Trimble’s Cory Buchs points out, one of its standout features is its ability to retrofit seamlessly onto existing sprayers.

Cutting-Edge Ag Technology on Display at CES 2024
January 19, 2024

Noah Newman discusses the key takeaways from the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. John Deere confirmed it's Furrow Vision reftrofit solution to be availble in 2025 as detailed its See and Spray software-as-service pricing model. Deere also revealed progress on autonomous tillage solutions for 8 and 9 series tractors, already tested on 50,000 acres.Meanwhile, Kubota unveiled its fully electric, multi-purpose vehicle, called the New Agri Concept and Bobcat unveiled the first autonomous and electric articulating tractor — the Bobcat AT450X.

Future of Drone Use in U.S. Brighter After FAA Regulation Change
April 12, 2024

The Federal Aviation granted Texas-based drone builder Hylio a regulatory exemption allowing it to swarm its heavy-lift drones with only one operator in control. In this edition of Technology Corner, CEO and co-founder of Hylio Arthur Erikson speaks about how this exemption boosts productivity.


Most Listened to Podcasts

Strategies for Growing Precision Revenue, Improving Service & Recruiting New Talent
June 14, 2024

On this episode of the Precision Farming Dealer podcast, brought to you by Ag Express Electronics, the leading minds at 3 of the top precision dealers in the business, Adam Gittins of HTS Ag, Jason Leary of Crystal Valley and Scott Staum of Central, share their strategies for the rest of the year and beyond. 

What Farmers Want from Precision Dealers in 2024
March 22, 2024

In this episode of the Precision Farming Dealer podcast, brought to you by Ag Express Electronics, Muncie, Ind., grower Joe Hamilton and Knox County, Ohio grower Tim Norris explain their approach to new technology, and potential improvements they’d like to see their dealers make in 2024 and beyond.

Exploring the Future of Autonomy with Bluewhite CEO Ben Alfi
March 8, 2024

In this episode of the Precision Farming Dealer podcast, brought to you by Ag Express Electronics, technology editor Noah Newman catches up with Bluewhite CEO and founder Ben Alfi for a discussion about the future of autonomy in agriculture and the company’s Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.

Farmer Prepares to Use See & Spray for First Time
March 8, 2024

In this episode of the Precision Farming Dealer podcast, brought to you by Ag Express Electronics, we pay a visit to Eagle, Wis., farmer Tyler Troiola as he gets ready to use his John Deere See & Spray system for the first time. 

Hylio CEO Discusses Ripple Effect of FAA Regulation Change on Drone Industry
April 29, 2024

In this episode of the Precision Farming Dealer podcast, brought to you by Ag Express Electronics, Hylio CEO and co-founder Arthur Erickson joins contributing editor Dan Crummett to discuss Hylio's new FAA regulatory exemption.


Popular Facebook Posts


A Day in the Life of a Precision Specialist Post Harvest —  posted on Facebook December 22, 2024 (video published December 16, 2024)

3-Person Team Finds Winning Precision Formula for Single Store Dealer —  Video published and posted on Facebook December 23, 2024

Rantizo Hires New Vice President of Sales —  posted on Facebook December 23, 2024 (article published December 18, 2024)

Precision Farming Dealer Summit Just What the Doctor Ordered After Challenging Year —  posted on Facebook December 14, 2024, (video published December 13, 2024)

Case IH Advanced Connectivity Included —  posted on Facebook December 24, 2024, (video published September 27, 2024)