There’s no shortage of competition among precision farming manufacturers, with both OEM and aftermarket suppliers jockeying for market share. Acquisitions and strategic partnerships continue to shape the future of the industry.

I've never been one for the annual Black Friday shopping mayhem that attracts bargain hunters like moths to the commercial flame. But a couple years ago, I was convinced that we needed a new laptop computer, and what better time to purchase one than on the day when prices are seemingly at their lowest.

I’ve never been one to delay in paying a bill. But that’s not to say there haven’t been a few close calls, which required at least an explanation. Sometimes, it’s a simple misunderstanding or computer glitch and fortunately, I’ve never been on the receiving end of an uncomfortable collection call.

The old adage 'talk is cheap' doesn't necessarily apply to precision farming business these days. In fact, a lack of conversation is costing dealerships potential revenue, at a time when it's needed most.

As precision farming practices continue to infiltrate more farms overall, technology is an essential part of strip-tillers' operations. Talking with farm equipment dealers, several have cited strip-till products as an emerging opportunity to complement sales of GPS systems and RTK subscriptions.

In September, I will be cutting the last electronic check for our family sedan, after what has seemed like an eternity of monthly payments. Thankfully, the car should outlive the term of the loan (knock on wood) and provide transport to many a baseball practice or weekend getaway in the future.

It seems like every couple of weeks I get a postcard in the mail from a local Internet provider promising a more reliable high-speed connection. I'll often pause for a moment and consider making a switch, thinking of those occasional frustrations that pop up with my current provider.

I like a handy mobile app as much as the next consumer, whether it's to check the weather forecast ahead of a weekend getaway or simply to track another disappointing Milwaukee Brewers' loss.

Talking with both farmers and dealers in different parts of the country, most say it's been a smooth planting season, aside from a few hiccups. Looking at the May 11 crop progress report from the USDA, both corn and soybean planting were well ahead of 2014.