John Deere will have competition after the DeKalb County Board’s approval Wednesday of a new agribusiness dealer.

The R-Equipment location will be constructed at the corner of Glidden Road and Route 64 across from the John Deere dealership. The new business will sell farm equipment – specifically New Holland tractors – and provide used equipment, maintenance services and parts.

It also will feature hopper bottom trailers and smaller lines such as MacDon, Merritt and Summers.

Board Chairman and farmer Larry Anderson, R-Malta, said the dealership is a welcome addition to the local economy and farmers who have gone years with only one option.

“Competition is always good,” Anderson said. “Every farmer I know is going to be very happy about it.”

Hilary Reichling – who will run the R-Equipment location after learning the family business at operations in Utica and Dodgeville, Wis. – has said she would hire 8-12 employees.

She hopes construction begins in May and the facility opens by Sept. 1.

The measure passed unanimously.