Farm Equipment editors encounter a variety of articles, social media posts, podcasts and videos that offer a unique look at various aspects of our great farm machinery industry. Here is our favorite content from the past week from across the web:
- 8th graders get hands-on experience at John Deere on National Manufacturing Day
- Supply Chain Whack-A-Mole
- Deeper Ag Issues Go Ignored as Golden State Chases ‘Other Things’
- Birkeys Revamps Apprenticeship Program
- Whip Your WIP into Shape
- Product of the Week: Great Plains Exploring the Updated CT8300 Flex Harrow
Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by CLEANFIX.
Proven in the most demanding of ag conditions, CLEANFIX reversible fans provide the most efficient diesel engine cooling and radiator cleaning available. The multi-patented reversing fan technology maintains machine cooling as needed and, when required, provides the strongest blowout of dust and debris -- without halting or slowing operations.
8th graders get hands-on experience at John Deere on National Manufacturing Day
On Oct. 7, National Manufacturing Day, John Deere Davenport Works hosted 55 8th graders from the Quad Cities area, giving them hands-on experience in the factory. “8th grade isn’t too early to start getting interested in the trades and in manufacturing. We’ve got some awesome programs that, you know, as soon as they get into high school they can start taking welding classes and actually get in her into the factory and actually start welding themselves,” said Caroline Gerstle, Data Catalyst for John Deere Davenport Works.
Supply Chain Whack-A-Mole
Deere’s director of corporate economics, Dr. Kanlaya Barr, recently told RFD-TV that the current supply chain backlogs and labor shortages are like a game of Whack-A-Mole. “You have these parts here, and the next part is missing. So, our employees are working so hard along with our dealers, as well, trying to help work through this. You know, we have chartered company planes or other planes to go and pick up parts in different parts of the world. We also chartered vessels to go and do that. So, things continue to be difficult, but, as you know, we have quite a bit of machines that are sitting because of a few parts. Once we can get these parts coming in, I think that situation would continue to improve,” she says.
Deeper Ag Issues Go Ignored as Golden State Chases ‘Other Things’
University of California-Davis’ Jeff Mitchell, with whom we are spending some time with next week in California, recently penned an opinion piece on his home state’s poor record with soil conservation. While political footballs are kicked throughout the state, this important ag economy is losing its precious soils. The cooperative extension specialist is a No-Till Innovator alum (Research & Education).
Birkeys Revamps Apprenticeship Program
The CNH Service Technician apprenticeship program at Parkland College pairs students up with a Birkey’s location to provide technical and academic education with on-the-job experience. Birkey’s has moved to a U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program. Under the new program structure, Birkey’s provides their apprentices $6,000 in tuition support over the two-year Parkland AAS degree program. You can read more about their program here.
Whip Your WIP into Shape
Our friends at WB Global Services shared this fun reminder about making sure Work in Progress (WIP) is current .. especially for when the accounts come calling. Wayne Brozek of WB Global Service lists reviewing WIP as a weekly task in the 19 service department processes he discussed in this article in the latest issue of Farm Equipment.
Product of the Week: Great Plains Exploring the Updated CT8300 Flex Harrow
Territory Manager for Illinois Mark Cobetto, details the changes made to the updated CT8300 Flex Harrow from Great Plains. These changes include a heavier built frame, heavier built pivot points to help and folding cradle which improve the overall durability and lasting power of the flex harrow. Additionally, the updated CT8300 offers expansive options when it comes to the many tine choices to fit whatever your needs may be.
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Best of the Web This Week is brought to you by CLEANFIX.
Proven in the most demanding of ag conditions, CLEANFIX reversible fans provide the most efficient diesel engine cooling and radiator cleaning available. The multi-patented reversing fan technology maintains machine cooling as needed and, when required, provides the strongest blowout of dust and debris -- without halting or slowing operations.
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