As I begin crunching the numbers and analyzing the record number of responses to our 2017 Strip-Till Operational Practices Benchmark study, some interesting trends are taking shape.

On the eve of our 4th annual National Strip-Tillage Conference last week in Omaha, Neb., I had the opportunity to assemble a group of farmers for a dinner roundtable discussion on some of the precision farming practices and tools they’ve implemented on their farming operation.

Spending this week in Omaha, Neb., for our Dealerships Minds Summit event focused on remarketing used equipment, I thought about some of the challenges and opportunities dealers are seeing in this area on the precision side.

Returning last week from the summer meeting of the Independent Precision Ag Alliance, a diverse group of precision dealers whose perspectives I always value, one of the conversations centered best practices for billing and collection.

While still a niche, but growing farming practice, strip-till and precision farming technology intersect on many farmers’ operations to improve efficiency and productivity.

Perhaps growing up with a “pay your dues” mentality shaped my opinion, and I’ve never accepted a job with a sense of entitlement. Achievements are earned, not given.

During the past week, I had the opportunity to attend John Deere’s latest product launch event at its Harvester Works facility in Moline, Ill. The manufacturer introduced several new pieces of farm machinery and technology, with an overarching theme of integrated functionality.

Talking with a few precision dealers about their transition into agronomic services, one of them noted that this is actually where their business began. Almost 2 decades ago, the independent precision retailer opened his doors on the promise that the company could deliver mapping, soil sampling and field analysis services.

In my experience, one of the most ambiguous consumer labels is “user-friendly.” This is especially true of technology, when companies promise technical bliss is only a download, install or mouse click away.

As much troubleshooting as precision specialists do in the field, they often need to travel with an arsenal of cables, clamps, switches and fuses. Spending time on the road with specialists, I’ve learned that they need to expect the unexpected and be prepared for it.