More dealerships — either by choice or by directive — are incorporating agronomic services into their businesses. Results of the 2018 Precision Farming Dealer benchmark study showed that nearly half of dealers require agronomic training for their precision specialists — the highest total in the history of the study.
While there is momentum for a “push button” mentality in ag, there is an irreplaceable element — the human one — which is the core resource for Crystal Valley, a 2,200-member, 14-location farm cooperative based in Lake Crystal, Minn.
Spud Armstrong, Precision Farming Manager for Ag Technologies in Rochester, Ind., explains the need to justify investment into a precision department and establishing avenues for dealership revenue. Charging for phone services has proven to be an effective method for Armstrong, including a $30 per-call flat fee for multi-step precision inquiries and a $400 annual option for frequent customers.
Spud Armstrong, Precision Farming Manager for Ag Technologies in Rochester, Ind., breaks down the various steps, benefits and requirements to successfully installing an RTK base. Working in collaboration with the New Holland dealer group in Indiana, Armstrong says adding stations to the New Holland RTK+ cellular network has provided five times more area for RTK coverage and sales opportunities.
Spud Armstrong, Precision Farming Manager for Ag Technologies in Rochester, Ind., shares how his own upbringing and continued investment to the family farm allows him to resonate with the needs and challenges of his customers. He also emphasizes the importance of networking in his current role and how his previous years as service technician for New Holland Rochester helped to solidify a mechanical background.
Spud Armstrong, Precision Farming Manager for Ag Technologies in Rochester, Ind., walks through the diagnosis and reparation process for malfunctioning boom valves on an Apache AS1020 sprayer. Sprayer maintenance, Armstrong says, is a common post-harvest task as growers attempt to complete fall burndown in the field.
A proactive approach to preparing farmers for peak seasonal needs is the priority of Lanty “Spud” Armstrong, precision farming manager of Ag Technologies in Rochester, Ind.
Life as a precision technician during the winter months may yield fewer calls from distressed customers over the course of a week, but the unpredictable nature of the job can still call for a demanding day with hundreds of miles on the road.
DigiFarm VBN is a proven leader in providing RTK Correction Services across the Midwest and beyond, via cellular based RTK network. We have been in business since 2011 working with farmers, Ag retailers, and precision Ag dealers
We leverage our years of experience and industry knowledge to deliver solutions that keep you moving forward. For more than 30 years, our team of entrepreneurs and technicians have focused on understanding the hurdles you face. Then we brainstorm possibilities. Whether it’s offering a replacement part, repairing parts that aren’t working or creating custom solutions for your challenge. We’re experts in ag equipment electronic parts and systems. But more importantly, we make connections to keep your operation moving forward.
Hexagon is the global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We are putting data to work to boost efficiency, productivity, quality and safety across industrial, manufacturing, infrastructure, public sector, and mobility applications.