Precision Farming Dealer editors encounter a variety of articles, social media posts, podcasts and videos that offer a unique look at various aspects of our great agricultural industry. Here is our favorite content from the past week. The Best of the Web This Week series is brought to you by Salford Group.

What it takes to run a successful precision department or precision dealership today is different from what was required in the past — and is likely far different from what it will take to be successful in the future. Over the last 10 years, Precision Farming Dealer has recognized dealerships that have demonstrated excellence in precision sales and service as part of the Most Valuable Dealership (MVD) program.

Over the last several years, precision technology has moved from being largely an aftermarket business to most equipment coming equipped with the technology from the factory. As that shift happened, dealers needed to shift how they monetized the precision side of their business. 

Mike Houghtaling, president and founder of P&C Ag Solutions in Reese, Mich., views adoption of autonomy in six stages. Each stage represents an opportunity for the independent retailer to demonstrate the reliability and necessity for new precision agriculture equipment.

Autonomy is on the horizon for the ag equipment industry. Between John Deere’s 2019 driverless tractor concept and Raven Industries accepting preorders for its Autonomous AutoCart, the reality of farmers purchasing and utilizing autonomous equipment is only growing.

During the 2021 Precision Farming Dealer Summit, a group of leaders from the precision ag industry gathered to participate in a panel on their experiences participating in a peer group and how that network offered them a way to vet new ideas with developing products and services and employee management.