Among your precision specialists, who has the most credibility with growers when it comes to data and technology? Eric Mensen, integrated solutions specialist at Van Wall Equipment in Story City and Nevada, Iowa, says older growers often trust the youngest precision specialists immediately when it comes to technology.

Pete Kopriva, precision farming specialist at Iowa Case IH dealer J.J. Nichting, shares ideas for improving the training and support experience for customers who operate precision agriculture equipment.

Eric Mensen, integrated solutions specialist at Van Wall Equipment in Story City and Nevada, Iowa, explains why the role of precision specialist will evolve into more consulting and supporting the farmer than anything else. “Our role as a precision specialist is going to go away from nuts and bolts. It’s going to be more centered around making systems on the farm work together and work the most efficiently.”

A conversation between Eric Mensen, integrated solutions specialist at Van Wall Equipment in Story City and Nevada, Iowa, and Van Wall’s staff agronomist led to the sale of a new tractor, bigger ripper, new planter and soon a new vertical tillage unit to one of Van Wall’s customers.

When Eric Mensen, integrated solutions specialist at Van Wall Equipment in Story City and Nevada, Iowa, first started working as a precision specialist, he was convincing farmers to use GPS and autosteer. Now, his focus is on evaluating farmers’ operations as a whole and finding equipment to fit their future needs.

Assessing the performance and production of a precision farming team can take into account several factors. Customer service and communication skills are less quantifiable than sales volume and service hours billed.

In today’s Precision Farming Dealer podcast, we're joined by Central Valley Ag's advanced cropping systems manager Keith Byerly and advanced cropping systems equipment manager Chris Winkelbauer to discuss their approach to customer retention, service excellence and product diversity.