gaining ground
insight and news with 21st century equipment
winter 2023
A NOTE
FROM OWEN
to our valued friends & Customers... Let me start this letter off wishing all of you and your families a blessed holiday season. I just can’t believe Christmas is upon us. This year has just flown by it seems. By now, most of you have heard of John Deere’s See & Spray technology. While this technology is still in its infancy, we have had good success with using it last summer and achieved the desired level of chemical savings and a solid return on the $165,000 investment on the See & Spray Ultimate™ package. In an effort to make adopting See & Spray technology more affordable and more widely adopted, John Deere recently announced the availability of a Precision Upgrade Kit (PUK) called See & Spray Premium™ that can be added to any 2019 or newer Sprayer equipped with ExactApply™ and 120 foot booms. This package can be sold and installed for less than $30,000. With recent improvements, See & Spray Premium has almost the same capabilities as See & Spray Ultimate except for the dual tank feature on the Ultimate machine. We have several of these PUK’s on order so contact your Precision Ag Specialist to run your numbers and see what your ROI can be on a $30,000 investment (hardware and installation). In board rooms across the country and around the world, there is lots of talk around the concept of sustainability as shareholders pressure these companies to operate more sustainably. We all know farmers and ranchers have been using sustainable practices for years and now, there is a chance to get paid for documenting the use of these practices. I am not talking about carbon sequestration, but commonly used agronomic practices like strip till, soil sampling, crop rotation, livestock integration, variable rate technology, reduced herbicide use (Think See & Spray) and split fertilizer application or the use of inhibitors---operations that many of you are already doing. Without getting into the details, food processors for example, have adopted a carbon intensity scoring model to provide incentives to farmers as a means for these companies to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their environmental sustainability pledges to their stakeholders. These incentives may come per bushel or per acre, but the more of the types of farming practices that I mentioned above, that you can document and prove to a qualified 3rd party verifier, the more you get paid. Think of it as getting paid to use the Operations Center! This opportunity is very real and growing quickly. We are currently aggregating several thousand sustainably-grown acres of wheat and corn silage in Colorado and several thousand acres of wheat in Nebraska from producers that can document the use of sustainable agronomic practices. We are finding payments range from $15 to $25 per acre depending on the processor and how many agronomic practices can be documented by the producer. If you think you can qualify and have interest in participating in Sincerely, one of our programs, please reach out to your local Precision Ag Specialist for more details. In closing, on behalf of all the employees at 21st Century Equipment, I want to genuinely thank you for your business in 2023 and hope you have a fantastic holiday season and a great New Year.
2
Owen Palm President/CEO
Sergio Alamanza:
21st Century Equipment’s John Deere Technician of the year territory champion In the realm of exceptional John Deere technicians, Sergio Alamanza from 21st Century Equipment’s Imperial location, stands out. Among a nation-wide pool of nominees, Sergio was recognized as a Territory Champion of the John Deere Technician of the Year Award Program. The John Deere Technicians Award Program recognizes those who epitomize what it means to be “John Deere” and honors extraordinary commitment to the brand. Sergio has been with 21st Century Equipment for eight years now, a journey that is marked by dedication to his customers, his workplace, and his community. One of Sergio’s most outstanding qualities is his exceptional customer service. Sergio’s unique ability to communicate effectively, especially with Spanish-speaking customers, sets him apart. His bilingual proficiency not only bridges language barriers but also showcases commitment to excellence. Sergio’s interactions with customers are not mere transactions; they are meaningful engagements that leave a lasting impression. Through clear communication, he ensures that customers fully grasp the issues at hand and trust in his ability to provide solutions. His expertise in diagnosing and resolving issues further reinforces this trust. Sergio’s dedication goes beyond the norm. He responds promptly to field service calls, understanding the urgency of getting customers back up and running in the field. When necessary, he extends his working hours, prioritizing customer needs and minimizing downtime. This level of commitment not only solves immediate problems but also builds long-term customer loyalty. Sergio’s influence extends to his workplace, where he serves as a positive role model for his colleagues. New technicians often look up to Sergio as a guide, learning the importance of maintaining a clean, safe, and organized work environment. As a proud member of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department, he selflessly contributes to the safety and well-being of his community. Sergio’s involvement with the local youth showcases his commitment to inspiring the next generation. His passion for his profession even extends to recruiting peers into the industry, highlighting his enthusiasm for the trade. “I see myself in them. Coming out of high school a lot of people don’t know what they want to do. I like to show them what I have done and show them how to get a guaranteed job,” Sergio said. Additionally, Sergio thrives on the challenge of diagnosing and repairing equipment swiftly and accurately. Troubleshooting and finding effective solutions motivate him to continually improve his skills and knowledge, presenting opportunities for growth that inspire him. “Something I have learned in this profession takes me back to a quote from high school art class that says, ‘Don’t get caught watching the paint dry.’ I have really learned the deepness of that quote here at work. Say you are waiting on a part, don’t just sit there, look to see what is next and always keep moving forward,” Sergio said. Sergio’s recognition as a Territory Champion in the John Deere Technician of the Year Award Program is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, his role model status in the workplace, his outstanding community service, and his relentless passion for continuous improvement. We are proud to have him as part of the 21st Century Equipment family!
3
recognizing our top techs exceptional contributions of our high-performing technicians The John Deere Technician of the Year awards are designed to recognize the exceptional contributions of our high-performing technicians. Each dealership can nominate one technician to John Deere for consideration. We would like to congratulate the following technicians for being the top six candidates who were considered for the nomination among our 26 locations. Marc Santala - Flagler - 20 years Marc is the epitome of customer-centric service with over two decades of experience. His work habits have led to low rework and high customer satisfaction, reflecting his commitment to putting customers first. Marc was inspired to pursue a career as a technician by his father and has always enjoyed learning and solving problems. His favorite part about being a technician is helping customers by getting them back up and running. Outside of work, Marc enjoys restoring his 1970 Chevrolet pickup, spending quality time with his wife, children and grandkids, and hunting. He also serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community. Chris Baird - Bridgeport - 19 years Chris Baird is recognized for his expertise and unwavering commitment to mentoring others. In addition to his impressive 19+ years of service, Chris is deeply involved in his community, serving as a volunteer firefighter and a member of the Bayard City Council. Known as the go-to expert in spraying and planting, customers from far and wide trust Chris with their equipment and often request him by name. His journey in the field began in 1987 with the Deere dealership and has come full circle at 21st Century Equipment in Bridgeport, marking nearly 20 years of dedicated service. Chris’s fascination with understanding how things work and his knack for solving complex issues drive his career satisfaction, making customers’ happiness the ultimate reward. Beyond the shop, Chris enjoys black powder shooting and cooking over open fire. Casey Ruter - Greeley - 17 years Casey, with 17 years of dedicated service, stands out due to how he values and nurtures strong customer relationships. Known for his willingness to share knowledge and mentor younger technicians, he has earned a stellar reputation as a customer favorite and a role model in the shop. Beyond his technical expertise, Casey actively engages with his community through his involvement in the “Whipper Snappers in Need” foundation, which raises funds for children in need. His passion for equipment, stemming from a farm upbringing, is evident in his commitment to fixing machines and getting customers back on track. In his leisure time, Casey enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hunting and dirt biking.
4
Jonathan Johansen - Gordon - 5 years Jonathan’s commitment to his customers is evident in the trust he’s built within his customer base. Jonathan is not only a mentor to his fellow technicians but is also actively engaged in his community, serving on the City of Gordon Planning Commission, participating in local 4-H activities, and contributing as a valued member of the Wellspring Chapel Church Board. He has always loved working on tractors and even restored four tractors in 4H during high school. He finds his work is most fulfilling when he can help customers troubleshoot and resolve their problems. Beyond his career, Jonathan enjoys working on old cars, being a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, and focusing on raising his family.
Luke Hull - Wray - 5 years Luke has established himself as a leader in the shop, having completed Level III training early on. Luke’s knowledge and experience with harvesting equipment fosters a high level of comfort and trust among his customers, who rely on his problemsolving skills to keep their operations running smoothly. Beyond his career, Luke’s interests are hunting, fishing, working with livestock, and enjoying barbecues with his dog. He also remains actively engaged in the local community through his involvement with the Boy Scouts.
Dave Hazlett - Fort Morgan - 30 years Dave is a seasoned technician with an impressive track record of over 30 years of experience. In Morgan County, he’s become the go-to choice for countless customers, particularly in the realm of combines. His reputation as a trusted and reliable technician precedes him, and it’s no wonder that most clients specifically request his services. Dave’s work ethic and professionalism have set a remarkable example for his peers, and he’s been a consistent and reliable presence in the shop
5
behind the wheel
Kiesel Farms: A Legacy of Growth Through Generations and Technology Nestled in Gering, Nebraska, Kiesel Farms is a thriving three-generation farm that stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of family and technological innovation. Established in 1960, this farm initially specialized in the cultivation of beets, beans, and corn. Over the years, it has evolved into a 7,500-acre operation, producing alfalfa, corn, and wheat. The farm’s journey began in 1960 when Cody Kiesel’s grandfather took the first steps into farming. Following closely in his footsteps, Cody’s father, Randie, joined the family venture straight out of high school. It was only a matter of time before Cody, after earning a welding degree, decided to come back to the farm. “Our operation has grown quite a bit since Cody got involved with us,” Randie said. “He had pretty good offers to go somewhere else to weld, but he stuck it out here.” For Cody, the decision to carry on the family tradition was an easy one. He states, “I just decided I wanted to raise a family here, too, like my parents and everybody did. It was a great life growing up, and I wanted to do the same thing for my kids.” Technology Fuels Growth The farm’s growth can also be attributed to the adaptive approach taken to technology. One pivotal moment was the adoption of GPS technology. Cody shared, “I went and talked to my grandpa (about GPS), and he goes ‘we’re just going to get us one of those this year.’ We didn’t even go tell my dad, we just went and got it… It wasn’t two years later we had GPS on everything…If I didn’t have GPS, I’d be lost because I spray everything on an angle or crosswise, whatever is the fastest way to spray.” Kiesel Farms also utilizes John Deere’s Operations Center and a combination of the Priority Service Program (PSP) and the Next Century Productivity Package offered by 21st Century Equipment, further solidifying their technological edge. Cody shared a recent experience that highlighted these advantages: “Our combine broke down about a week ago. They have a program where if your combine breaks down throughout harvest, they have to have you another one within about 12 hours. I called them right away, and they brought us out a brand new 780 combine. I used it for two days, and we kept rolling until the combine was fixed.”
6
The seamless integration of Operations Center played a vital role in this efficient response. Taylor Lackey, a salesman at 21st Century Equipment, emphasized the importance of having the Kiesel’s equipment connected to Operations Center. “One of the important things to us is having these machines connected, so all the information and data is getting transferred over to Operations Center,” he noted. “From a service side, it’s big for us because they’re (Kiesel Farms) never in a spot where we can’t really help them.” Kiesel Farms also actively participates in the Priority Service Program (PSP) with 21st Century Equipment, an initiative that offers annual check-ups and maintenance for their equipment. Cody believes this proactive approach is invaluable, sharing, “We actually get our combine PSP’d every single winter. I feel like everybody should probably do that.” A Partnership with 21st Century Equipment and John Deere Taylor Lackey has worked closely with Kiesel Farms over the last year and has enjoyed the diverse operation. “Kiesel have been a lot of fun to work with. Their operation in particular is pretty diverse. They do a lot of hay, and they do a lot of corn as well. It’s fun because it’s a lot of different equipment and the scale that they’re on is great to work with,” Taylor said. Similarly, 21st Century Equipment is thankful to be Kiesel Farm’s dealer of choice. Cody affirms, “We’ve always just been John Deere. They’ve always taken care of us. I can call 21st Century Equipment, and they’re out in 20 or 30 minutes most of the time. Those guys definitely take care of us.”
Scan the QR code to hear more about the kiesel farm story
7
The farmcast
stay in the know with industry experts Kicking off season two of the FarmCast are Precision Ag Vice President Mike Wemhoff and Brian Krohn, a product validation lead from John Deere. Filmed at the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, Nebraska, season two takes an in-depth look into the latest John Deere technology. Mike and Brian lay the foundation for getting started with John Deere Operations Center, the value of completing setup tasks before entering the field, the benefits of Data Sync Setup, the efficiency of John Deere AutoPath, and more. For a comprehensive view, tune into the FarmCast by 21st Century Equipment on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify! How do I get started with John Deere Operations Center? Getting connected with John Deere Operations Center is simple. First, reach out to your trusted 21st Century Equipment dealer for guidance and support. Then, effortlessly connect your machinery to the Operations Center using John Deere’s latest modems. Installing the modems in any equipment allows you to monitor it from your phone, anytime, anywhere. Mike added, “We’ve even seen customers connecting their ATVs, trucking fleets, and other equipment with their modems.” The next step is to get organized. Mike says, “Add all of your equipment to the Operations Center, all of your implement’s machines, regardless of the make, type, or model. From there, you can set up your products, tank mixes, dry blends, client farm fields, and boundaries. A great way to get started, if you have some documentation or set up data on a USB stick from any display, is to load that into the Operations Center.” What is the value of getting setup done before entering the field? Proper setup within the Operations Center plays a pivotal role in minimizing downtime and preventing rework. As your operator approaches the field, the work plan appears on the screen, streamlining the process within the cab. Mike and Brian highlight the Work Planner feature as a game-changer for customers, eliminating the need for manual data editing and enabling the creation of high-quality documentation. Operating the system is straightforward – simply select the designated field, outline the tasks to be executed, and transmit the information to the equipment. When the operator arrives at the field, they will have a detailed preview of the assigned tasks with field specific notes. John Deere’s Brian Krohn and 21st Century Equipment’s Mike Wemhoff
8
Data Sync Set Up A recent addition that has gained considerable traction is the Data Sync Setup, introduced last spring. This feature ensures seamless synchronization of setup data, including product details, field boundaries, and other critical information, between the Operations Center and all your displays. This synchronization allows your entire fleet to access real-time, updated data, with any modifications instantly reflected across all platforms. This system maintains consistent synchronization, eliminating the need to recreate setups annually. It also enables customers to swiftly adjust to changes in boundaries, guidance lines, or field names. AutoPath AutoPath is a feature that simplifies the process of generating guidance lines before entering the field. It provides an overview of the entire field, allowing operators to precisely map the machine’s route. What sets AutoPath apart is its automatic guidance line setup, sparing operators from the need to configure lines manually. “AutoPath is a way for you to generate your guidance lines before entering the field. You can see the entire field at a glance and know exactly where the machine is going to go. And those guidance lines are automatically set for you,” Mike said. “We have heard a lot of success from our customers who have used AutoPath, both from the perspective of the owner-operator that knows a lot about the field and where they are, and also the hired folks who are in the cab of the machine who don’t know the field.” For more on the latest John Deere technology, follow along and subscribe to the FarmCast by 21st Century Equipment on YouTube, Spotify or Apple!
scan the qr code to hear more!
9
Bridging Passion and Profession Cade’s Journey in the Ag Tech Program
Cade Loomis, a 20-year-old from Bridgeport, Nebraska, is set to graduate this December from Southeast Community College, specializing in John Deere Diesel Mechanics. Thanks to his completion of the 21st Century Equipment Ag Tech Program, Loomis is ready to make his mark in the world of John Deere upon graduation. The two-year Ag Tech Program, offered in collaboration with participating John Deere regional colleges and partner community colleges, provides students with a unique opportunity to join the 21st Century Equipment team. Through the program, students learn the intricacies of John Deere technology and systems, gaining firsthand experience before starting their careers. Loomis grew up on a cattle ranch and has always enjoyed learning how things work. Since the Ag Tech Program had both agriculture and mechanical aspects, he thought it would be the perfect opportunity to improve his problem-solving skills related to technical diagnostics. Reflecting on his journey, Loomis shared, “I did not always see myself pursuing a career as a tech. I knew I wanted an ag related career, but I did not think I would be a technician. However, as I learned about the tech program, my interest in mechanics and diagnostics grew which led me to joining the program.” Loomis credits the program for enhancing his problem-solving abilities, particularly in diagnosing complex technical issues in highly computerized equipment. His journey has been enriched by the close-knit classroom environment, allowing for personalized instruction and meaningful connections with both classmates and instructors. “Some advice that I would give for students considering the program is to retain as much information as possible. The instructors give you real life scenarios that they have seen that can be very beneficial as a technician if you just retain the information. All of these examples from the instructors have benefitted me by preparing me for problems I may face in my career.” For more information on the 21st Century Equipment Ag Tech Program and the available tuition reimbursement program, scan the QR code to explore your opportunities further.
Scan the QR code to learn more about our Ag Tech Program!
10
priority service program helping you get more of a return on your investment
21st Century Equipment is committed to reducing risk, increasing productivity and improving profitability.
Our program starts with a dealer-performed technical inspection. From this thorough inspection, we prioritize any problems into one of three categories: •
Requires immediate repair
•
Should be repaired in the next 12 months
•
Will not affect the performance of your machine this season
Next, we review the finding and you select which program works best for you:
priority program Based on the review, you decide which repairs should be completed. This program identifies the state of your machine and allows you to repair only what you feel is necessary.
The Priority Service Program includes all John Deere agricultural equipment.
prioritytm Plus program
By repairing areas based on dealer findings, this program provides real peace of mind, knowing the equipment is covered during the first season of use. Includes full-service call and trucking coverage and one-year warranty on all repairs performed in the least amount of downtime possible.
Ask your 21st Century Equipment representative about pricing. Other features of our inspection include: • FREE trucking • Machine Wash • FREE horsepower check on all PTO-equipped tractors • Engine oil scan, fluid sample testing of antifreeze and hydraulic fluids are provided in all inspections *Offer valid 10-1-23 through 1-31-24. Some restrictions apply, see dealer for details.
priority guarantee The Priority Service Inspection Program offers one-year parts and service warranty on all dealerinstalled John Deere parts. 21st Century Equipment’s PRIORITY GUARANTEE will provide for those machines that complete both categories of our Priority™ Plus Program, the highest priority available, including free mileage on service calls.
call your dealership to enroll or sign up at 21stcentruyequipment.com The completion of repairs in categories A and B also provides extended coverage that will eliminate any service call mileage or hauling charges regardless of the repairs required throughout the season of use.
11
21st Century Equipment Corporate Headquarters 601 5th Avenue, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
12