It’s hard to believe that in a little over 3 months we’ll be gathering for the 2026 Precision Farming Dealer Summit in the great city of St. Louis. As we put the finishing touches on the program, I’m reminded of something Skip Klinefelter told me recently about the importance of an event like this during tough economic times in agriculture.

“It puts a higher value on it than normal; it may be more important to attend a conference like this today than during great times,” says, Klinefelter, CEO, Ag Technology Solutions Group (PFD’s 2025 Most Valuable Dealer). “There may be something you need help with or an answer to, and people at the Summit are willing to share their thoughts on it.”

Many dealers also tell me that precision agriculture is uniquely positioned to thrive in the face of rising input costs, increasing labor challenges and low commodity prices. That will be proven true during the kickoff presentation, featuring Adam Gittins, president of Harlan, Iowa-based HTS Ag (PFD’s 2024 Most Valuable Dealer).

Gittins will share how his team is thinking outside the box to find new customers and additional revenue opportunities. He’ll also explore creative ways to manage costs in challenging times. It’s one of several can’t-miss presentations on the docket for the 2026 program.

Other sessions include a major-line manufacturer panel with precision leaders from various OEMs, a look at sprayer technology trends and innovations with Theo Leeb, the mastermind of Horsch Leeb sprayer systems, how dealers and farmers are using AI with Rob Saik, CEO, T1 Technology Corp., the latest on how to prepare for autonomy with John Fulton, Ohio State Univ. professor and former president of the International Society of Precision Agriculture, and the dos and don’ts of customer clinics with a trio of precision specialists from different markets and brands. Check out the full program when it comes out next week on PrecisionSummit.com.

What better way to kick off the new year than a road trip (or flight) to St. Louis for a 2-day gathering of the top precision minds in the business? It’s a great opportunity to pick up something new and provide an inspirational spark for your dealership in 2026! Just ask previous attendees like these…

“The networking alone is wonderful to be able to connect with all these industry professionals and learn about what they’re doing and maybe some things they’re doing differently that we can adopt within our organization,” says Tony Kramer of RDO Equipment.

“We use the Summit to generate new ideas for services and it’s a great team-building opportunity outside of the dealership,” says Jeremy Bullington, precision ag support center manager, Greenway Equipment.

“I’d definitely recommend the Summit to others because there’s so much information and you’re surrounded by everybody who is a wealth of knowledge,” says Abby Weltzien, precision solutions service manager, Swiderski Equipment.

“This is a small industry and we’re fighting the same battles,” says Jason Leary, ag technology manager, Crystal Valley Co-op. “The Summit allows us to work together to overcome those and keep the industry moving forward.”

“The dealer-to-dealer roundtable discussions are a highlight for me and our dealership,” says Wade Black of Ritchie Implement. “We’re able to hear from many different types of dealerships and each is successful in their own way.”

“The Precision Farming Dealer Summit is a valuable resource for networking with dealers & independents of all colors,” says Clint Powell, integrated technologies consultant, Ramsey Bros.

Click here to reserve your spot. I hope to see you there, Jan. 5-6 in downtown St. Louis!