www.farm-equipment.com/articles/22717-2024-precision-specialist-spotlight

2024 Precision Specialist Spotlight

August 11, 2024

Lessiter Media's 2nd annual Precision Specialist Week (August 11-17, 2024), sponsored by SurePoint Ag Systems, celebrates and recognizes the hard work and dedication of those making today's precision farming systems possible.

While employed by dealers, growers regard their precision farming specialists as an extension of their farm staff. They are called upon day and night to keep farms up and running, especially during the critical planting, spraying and harvesting seasons.

Growers, dealers and manufacturers shared stories of the following specialists who go above and beyond the call of duty to keep farming operations running. To celebrate the dedicated precision specialists making an impact in your area, submit a nomination at www.farm-equipment.com/psweek.

Precision Specialist Tributes

More tributes coming throughout the week!

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Click here for a look back at 2023 Precision Specialist Week

Malcom Azcurra, CREA (Rio Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina)

Malcom has been leading a group of farmers called CREA MELO SERRANO, helping them make the zone maps first and then taking the group to the next step — planting by zones and fertilizing, using each farmer's different planters and equipment.

CREA launched a zone management program in which zones are divided according to soil structure, texture and composition. All farmers in the group would stop talking about fields and would start using the same language ZONES.

Malcom picked up samples and identified each zone on spot. Later, maps were made and the process begun.

Crops were planted, fertilizer was spread and harvest was completed.

Now the farmers in the group can compare each other's fields, yield differences, corn types and more, as they live in the same area.

-Maria Arlia (Rufino, Santa Fe, Argentina)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Jordan Batman, BTI (Great Bend, Kan.)

If you Google the term “workaholic” I am 97% sure that you would find a picture of Jordan Batman. With a background as a Radio Frequency Transmissions Specialist in the Air Force National Guard, Jordan’s passion for technology has shined through his work in precision agriculture.

Raised on a farm in rural central Kansas, he has never known what it means to have a day off. He grew up tending cattle and working fields with his father and younger brother in northern Stafford County and is now putting these skills to use as the Integrated Solutions Specialist for BTI at their Great Bend location. Although the Great Bend store is his “home base” he serves farmers all over central and western Kansas and has traveled as far as Texas to install/trouble shoot equipment for his customers.

Jordan understands that farming is not a Monday-Friday, 8-5, job and has made this abundantly clear to his customers who all have his personal cell phone number. They are repeatedly assured that they can call him any time, day or night, if they have questions or equipment issues they cannot figure out.

More often than not, Jordan is one of the first employees to arrive at the store in the morning and one of the last ones to leave; always making sure the loose ends are tied up before he leaves for the day. If he is unable to find the root of the customer’s issue before leaving for the day, you will find Jordan on our couch late at night with his IPAD trouble shooting from home. Getting his farmers back in the field with equipment running is always his top priority. He understands that not being in the field during those crucial times of the year that can be detrimental to a small farmer and that their livelihood is usually dependent on their equipment working correctly.

During the summer, you will see Jordan multi-tasking from the sidelines of his daughter’s softball games, coaching third base while trying to help a customer out with minor problems over the phone. At a family event you can catch him talking shop with his uncles and cousins who farm in southwest Kansas; always trying to boost efficiency and increase productivity. Our family vacations are planned around the “busy seasons” to make sure he is available to his customers during the times they need his services most.

Jordan is dedicated not only to his employment at BTI, but to his community. He aims to have his least tech savvy customers understand the technology they are using and the benefits they are gaining from having the systems available to them. Having the systems in place will never be enough for him if his customers do not understand how, and why, they are using them; his educational services are top notch. He, along with his fellow Integrated Solutions Specialists, host several training/educational seminars throughout the year in the areas of Kansas they cover. Jordan gives back to the youth of Barton and Stafford Counties by helping with the Children’s Ag Day each year as he knows how instrumental these activities are to keeping children interested in agriculture and eventually bringing them back to our area. Jordan is one of the hardest working men I know and gives his all, day in and day out, to see the farming community grow and thrive here in central Kansas.

-Alyx Batman (Great Bend, Kan.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Cody Colwell, RDO Equipment (Salinas, Calif.)

Cody Colwell has developed himself into an industry leading professional in the high-value orchard and vineyard market. For many years, this agricultural space has been lacking in precision technologies. However, in the past few years, precision technologies have rapidly been introduced and Cody has developed, delivered and supported these new advanced technologies. Whether its been rate control, yield mapping, lidar-based spraying, or autonomous units, Cody has been leading the charge! He is a true industry professional and has gained the trust and respect of everyone he crosses paths with.

I want to highlight Cody’s dedication to ensuring our growers succeed. Day or night, rain or shine, you can always find Cody out in a field or vineyard. He is forward thinking and is always looking for inventive ways to help our grape growers make or save money, improve their quality of work life, or create a more sustainable environment.

Cody has also been instrumental in developing and adapting existing precision technologies so that they work with our grape growers. This requires a special skill of engineering, design, programming, technical ability, and salesmanship – everything that makes a product specialist invaluable for a grower and a dealer. Cody has a unique ability to help our growers through technical issues while also helping our dealership with sales support and delivery. This unique skill set sets Cody apart from the typical product specialist and puts him in an elite group of elite precision specialists.

I am excited to recognize Cody during this Precision Specialist week. This is an honor he certainly earned. I am excited to watch his continue work with our grape growers and their increased usage of precision technologies!

-Jeremy Smith (Salinas, Calif.)

Cody'sFace.jpg

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Cutter Comforth, Titan Machinery (American Falls, Idaho)

Cutter is a dedicated precision specialist and works very hard to make sure everybody gets answers in a timely manner.

-John Johnson (American Falls, Idaho)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Brandon Allen, H&R Agri-Power (Mayfield, Ky.)

Brandon worked hard to get me up and running in the field and keep me there.

-Steve Kelley (Bardwell, Ky.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Robbin Campbell, Deer Country Farm & Lawn, Inc. (Manheim, Pa.)

Robbin is fantastic. He works his ass off and always gets you an answer to get you going. He goes above and beyond on everything and puts out very interesting test plots to get data comparing different pieces of equipment. Last year, he did a plot testing almost 20 different types of planter closing wheels and plotted them weekly for emergence all the way through harvest where he checked yield. He’s also always on the cutting edge for new guidance and precision technology.

-Zach Alger (Annville, Pa.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all the tributes.

Nathan Cookman, Butler Machinery (Devils Lake, N.D.)

Nate was voted our 2024 Precision Specialist of the Year by all of his peers and sales groups. Butler has 8 specialists, and Nate for sure goes far above and beyond for our customers. Nate starts his journey with customers long before they even buy our equipment by visiting with them to advise on what options they want — and should have — and guide them in the correct direction to ensure they are successful with our products. After that, his follow-up with aftersales support is amazing, providing pre-delivery instructions to our service team on setup, being with the customer on delivery, and follow up after the sale. As Nate's manager, I get to talk with his customers all the time about him, and the number one thing his customers say about him is that he actually cares about them. Nate is a very good specialist, but what sets him apart is he truly cares about how the customer is doing and this shows in every interaction he has with them.

-Doug Schmidt (Fargo, N.D.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Kevin Davis, Ohio Ag Equipment (New London, Ohio)

Kevin is an awesome young man with lots of drive and finish.

-Joe Goettemoeller (Botkins, Ohio)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Eric Dirks, Heartland Tractor Company (Nevada, Mo.)

Eric is one of the smartest people I have ever met. He can solve just about any problem that is placed in front of him. Customers rely on his knowledge so they can keep things going. He is a hard worker who is willing to work even when it is outside of normal business hours. He is dedicated to making sure that people have the service that they need.

-Austin Hopper (Harrisonville, Mo.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Joe Dolby, KanEquip (Manhattan, Kan.)

Joe brings the kind of passion and dedication that farmers have come to know and trust. His attention to detail is unmatched in the area. He listens to the growers' needs and provides them with solutions to maximize their operations.

-Tyson Reynolds (Lamed, Kan.)

Joe has been an integral part in our upgrade to precision planting technology and has been an amazing addition to our farm. We rely heavily on his knowledge and expertise in his field so we can be right in ours.

-Joe Heathman (Matfield Green, Kan.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Jeremy Duerst, Sloan Implement (Mount Horeb, Wis.)

Jeremy is always available to take your phone call during your night, and is willing to help walk you through an issue or get something set up to get you going. He comes out ahead of time to get any updates and software installed to make sure things run as smoothly as possible, and always checks in to see how things are going. He supports the full line of green equipment and is very knowledgeable on the entire line from tillage to harvest equipment to planters to sprayers, The technology in this age is always evolving and he’s always on top of it and ready to help Make sure it’s operating the way intended.

-Don Kaltenberg (Waunakee, Wis.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Zach Edgren, Fort Dodge (Fort Dodge, Iowa)

I would like to recognize Zach Edgren, precision specialist for Fort Dodge. Zach does our precision work for Fort Dodge and covers the whole state of Iowa and then some.

Zach always has a positive attitude and works great with our customers. His knowledge of the precision side of our business is excellent, and when he doesn’t have the answers, he researches the problem until he get the information necessary to complete the job. Not only does Zach handle all of our precision work, but he is also willing to complete other jobs that come up when we do not have a field tech in the area.

Zach has worked a lot of extra hours during our planting and spraying season to keep our farmers running and getting through this difficult spring, and early summer we've had with the unusual amount of rain we have received this year.

With Zach’s excellent knowledge, hard work and great attitude, Zach is a huge asset to The Parallel Ag Team.

Thank you Zach

-Chad Carter (Fort Dodge, Iowa)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Andrew Feldkamp, Heritage Tractor (Seneca, Kan.)

Andrew is a quiet man with a lot of self taught talent on how farm machinery should be ran. He comes from a farming background and still works on the family farm when he gets home in the evenings. Andrew goes above and beyond countless times a year helping his customer group on the northern most part of his dealership's AOR. I have watched him spend time, resources and hours away from his family to help a customer fix problems on his equipment that did not match the color Andrew's dealership was selling. Why? Because it was Andrew's customer and he was going to make sure the customer was satisfied and maybe that would lead that customer to buying more precision ag products from his dealership. Guess what? It did pay off and he is selling them more products because of the never-quit attitude he applies to his precision ag challenges.

-Jeff Mueller (Adrian, Mo.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Denis Gauthier, Phaneuf Agricole Equipment (Upton, Quebec, Canada)

Denis always hosts the best training for his customers and is always ensuring that he’s helping the customers first and foremost. He is the Team leader for his AG Precision responsibilities covering 7 sales locations and managing multiple precision sales and techs in his group.

-Mark Hackett (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Connor Hodgskiss, Frontline Ag Solutions (Conrad, Mont.)

Connor Hodgskiss is a hard working, knowledgeable precision ag specialist. He received his master's degree from Purdue in plant and soil science. Connor was born and raised on a cattle ranch in Choteau, Montana and still helps out on the ranch when time allows. He is the go-to guy for everything precision ag for the sales staff and farmers in our 10 store AOR. Connor not only helps with precision ag equipment selection, but he installs, repairs, and trouble shoots the equipment including the machine itself. He is usually one of the first to discover software updates for both the machine and precision ag equipment. With his plant and soils background, many producers also ask him questions about their crop and seek his recommendation. Connor is also active in many local organizations and gives of his time to worthy causes.

-Roger Sammons (Cut Bank, Mont.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Adam Jacobs, Kibble Equipment (Huron, S.D.)

It is an honor for me to nominate Adam Jacobs from Kibble Equipment.

Here are 5 reasons why I appreciate Adam so much:

1) He is very knowledgeable and can explain what needs to be done in layman’s terms.

2) When he can’t answer a call due to helping someone else, he always call back in a timely manner.

3) He even answered my call when he was on vacation.

4) He is very patient with me and my employees.

5) I also have the privilege to say that he is a very good friend.

-Lud Hohm (Yale, S.D.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Clayton Johnson, AKRS Equipment Solutions (Syracuse, Neb.)

Clayton works tirelessly to keep farmers in the field. He works outside of business hours on equipment and over the phone to keep our customers running at peak performance. He comes up with innovative solutions to maximize profitability in their operations and assists our service department to help their efficiency as well. I have made sales that can be directly attributed to the customer relationships that Clayton has built in his 34 years at our dealership.

-Shane Hennessy (Syracuse, Neb.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Harrison Kruse, Van Wall Equipment (Hampton, Iowa)

Harrison has been with Van Wall for 5 years, after graduating from Iowa State University with a degree in Ag Systems Technology. Within that time, he has amassed the customer following of a much more seasoned professional. Harrison is able to keep customers up and going by utilizing his troubleshooting skills through John Deere's remote display access functionality. Harrison also takes into consideration a grower's long range plan when recommending upgrades in technology. While at Van Wall, Harrison has shown the dedication to the industry and the customers he serves by being there for them even after normal business hours.

-Scott Meldrum (Perry, Iowa)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Robert Long, Southern Crop Solutions (Holly Hill, S.C.)

Robert has done it all from selling to support and troubleshooting. He is a great guy and keeps all of our planters running. Anytime, anywhere. He is the first to suggest new products that may help and some that we may not need to spend money on for our operation. He also helps with keeping the combine in tune with the precision technology. He is a CLASS ACT.

-Jason Eaddy (Lake City, S.C.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Hugo Medrano, RDO Equipment Co. (Salinas, Calif.)

Hugo Medrano is a wealth of knowledge in the Salinas Valley for our precision technology team. For over 10 years, Hugo has built the trust of countless agricultural growers, operators, and owners on the various technologies and diverse crop types. Here, in the Salinas Valley, our crop types are very diverse compared to the rest of the United States. Our growers farm 12 months out of the year, with a minimum of two crop cycles per acre. That means one block could have up to three different crops on it within a 9-month period. Hugo has fully invested himself into learning everything from John Deere Tractors to Monosem Planters to SurePoint Systems. He has even invested into technologies that we didn’t think would be possible for our area.

Hugo’s never-ending desire to help customers keep their down time limited doesn’t just stop at late night and early morning phone calls but continues into Saturdays and Sundays. Hugo does a great job ensuring our growers have a world class experience. Hugo has been instrumental in adapting and developing existing technologies to work in the high-value crop market.

Over the last 2 years, it has been incredible watching Hugo take challenges head on and overcome them. He is the true definition of a dedicated and engaged precision farming expert that growers value and trust. He has certainly shaped technology in the Salinas Valley and I am excited to see what he accomplishes and invents over the next few years ahead in the technology world!

-Michael Sewell (Salinas, Calif.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Cassidy Minniear, Castongia Tractor (Fowler, Ind.)

Cassidy has been with Castongia Tractor for just over a year, a little longer than myself, and right out of college she jumped in to learn the ins and outs of precision connectivity to assist customers in her area. Having an agricultural background herself, she always goes above and beyond to answer customer questions, even if that means spending long phone calls troubleshooting solutions and sharing the frustrations of the farmer she is helping. I have yet to see her back down from a challenge. She strives to continue learning and brings that knowledge to customers and her co-workers to better support each operation. Customers often seek her advice and request to speak with her directly when they contact our Integrated Solutions team. I am grateful for her dedication and work ethic!

-Sheradan Thompson (Rensselaer, Ind.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Randal Morris, CNH Industrial (Lexington, Tenn.)

Randal is hard working and very dependable!

-Josh Griffin (Albany, Ga.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Jeff Mueller, Heritage Tractor (Adrian, Mo.)

Jeff goes above and beyond to make sure we understand what we need to know in training with his team of guys. He will work up a quote for a customer and hand it off for us to finish any time any day.

-Myron Reynolds (Adrian, Mo.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Spencer Orr, Stotz Equipment (American Falls, Idaho)

Spencer Orr is an integral part of the Stotz Equipment Precision Ag team, having worked with Stotz since 2022. His strong background in agriculture and electronics makes him a standout in customer service. Spencer embodies the qualities of a dedicated problem solver and a passionate advocate for his customers, making him an invaluable asset to our agricultural community.

Spencer is a true example of the Stotz difference. He builds trusting partnerships with our customers, thinks outside the box to keep equipment running, and genuinely cares about their challenges. His "boots on the ground" mentality ensures he understands and addresses customers' unique needs directly in the field.

One notable example of Spencer's expertise is his work with chemigation and fertigation units. These units are designed for variable rating of liquid through a water system. Spencer went a step further by sourcing parts locally, installing, and programming software specifically tailored for a customer. This customization allows the flow meter to be plugged into any pump or pivot point, demonstrating his exceptional technical skills and commitment to enhancing agricultural efficiency.

Moreover, Spencer’s dedication to his customers is unparalleled. He spent an entire night in the field helping a customer convert their planter to Deere GPS, ensuring the transition was smooth and successful. This level of commitment showcases his abilities and willingness to go above and beyond for those he serves.

Obsessed with solving problems, Spencer listens and collaborates to leverage vast resources to find answers. Additionally, he is deeply dedicated to mentoring and educating his coworkers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment.

For his unwavering commitment to customers, exceptional problem-solving skills, and technical expertise, Spencer deserves this recognition!

-Terina Davis (Twin Falls, Idaho)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Eric Osborn, JJ Nichting Company (Grinnell, Iowa)

-Jeremy Marston (Pilot Grove, Iowa)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

John Rider, Monroe Tractor (Canadaigua, N.Y.)

John Rider is a dedicated precision specialist who consistently goes above, beyond and into the late night hours to make sure Monroe Tractor customers are up and running. He works excellently with our entire team from sales support on new and used equipment to service department calls to make sure we have mechanics on site if support is needed. He does a great job communicating with the parts department to make sure parts are on the way if needed for the repairs/installs. John is also a great team member within our precision specialist group, lending a hand and offering support for anyone who asks. John is a hard-working teammate that anyone would be happy to have representing them! Thank you John for all that you do to keep Monroe Tractor customers working!

-Nicole Wren (Canadaigua, N.Y.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Daniel Savard, Riechmann Bros. (Okawville, Ill.)

Daniel Savard started working for us full time about 5 years ago, and in that time he has grown into a trusted and established resource for local farmers. He's a tireless worker willing to provide solutions 24/7 when things are running full throttle, and his combination of expertise and personability have been indispensable.

He's led customer clinics, installed PUKs, and he also keeps customers up to date in the world of precision ag with social media updates and resources on our website. He would be well deserving of this recognition.

-Lance Rabenort (Okawville, Ill.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Brandon Schenk, Godsey Ag (Sterling, Colo.)

Brandon is the most calm and understanding person I’ve ever been around. He seeks to help others and help them understand the equipment and troubleshoot any issues that arise and I mean any issues that seems so easy, He keeps his patience when most others would become upset. He is always answering the phone or texting or FaceTime with solutions to problems with precision, planting and other common farming issues. He is the man to talk to.

-Andrew Perry (Otis, Colo.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Justin Steffen, Bottom Line Solutions (Morton, Ill.)

Justin is a dedicated professional with over three years of experience in field tech and sales. His vast expertise includes Precision Planting, Ag Leader, AgXel, and Agro Eco Power. Justin is known for his compassion, loyalty, and willingness to take on any challenge. His commitment to his work is relentless, as he always stays until the job is complete, no matter what. Understanding his customers' needs and stress points, Justin is a great listener and problem solver. With a background in farming and a proactive approach to learning and self-improvement, he consistently impresses as a great co-worker and a valuable asset to any team.

-Ag Technology Solutions Group (Greenville, Ill.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Andy Waters, Linco-Precision (El Paso, Ill.)

Andy Waters is a highly skilled professional with over ten years of experience in the precision agriculture industry. His areas of expertise include Trimble, Precision Planting and Ag Leader technologies. Andy is widely recognized for his exceptional collaborative skills, proven ability to tackle challenges, and unwavering dedication to completing tasks excellently. With a deep understanding of customer requirements and a proactive approach, he consistently stands out in his field. Coming from a background rooted in farming, Andy is always working hard to learn more and become better at what he does through consistent training to provide the best service to his clients.

-Ag Technology Solutions Group (Greenville, Ill.)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.

Matt Yannick, My Precision Ag (Brandon, Manitoba, Canada)

Matt knows all the platforms and can provide solutions.

-Bill Baker (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada)

Click on the page numbers below to scroll through all of the tributes.