Our Mission Statement “Earning customer loyalty by providing and supporting a full line of John Deere Products with a well-trained staff that exhibits our core values of quality, customer satisfaction and integrity in the products we provide.”
Spring is just around the corner and optimism abounds for a great season of working the land and planting the crops. I’m sure that your schedule will soon be very full. Everything tends to pick up at our dealerships around that same time as well.
It’s time to think about getting the machinery outside and having proactive checks and service done. Our dealerships are ready and willing to support you with this annual task. Our service departments are prepared to provide a complete, detailed inspection of all your equipment. We can change the oils and filters and grease the machines, or if you’re the handson type, just stop by or call in your order to our parts departments. You can pick up the oil, filters, grease and sweeps you need to be ready for when the ground gets fit for farming. We understand how frustrating it can be to get into the field, only to discover that your systems
don’t seem to be running as they were when you finished working the ground last year. You can count on our ISG department to make sure your guidance equipment has the latest software and hardware updates. If it’s time to update a piece of equipment, give our sales departments a call. You’ll find newer equipment options that can help improve the efficiency and reliability of your overall operation. Be safe this spring, especially when moving equipment down the road or around your operation. It seems like everyone today is in such a hurry, driving faster and sometimes even checking their phones. Make sure to use all your flashers, headlights, and rotating beacon to alert oncoming vehicles. Here’s to a safe and productive spring season!
NEW TECHNOLOGY
The new John Deere SF6000 StarFire GPS receiver is designed to replace the SF3000 John Deere receiver. It offers improved pull-in performance, resulting in less time wasted to achieve the accuracy required for today’s precise farming operations.
What is John Deere Connect Mobile? John Deere recently released Connect Mobile, an app that replaces SeedStar Mobile. It’s designed to help farmers monitor planting and spraying equipment in real time from their iPads. By visualizing job performance, operators can quickly and more easily identify potential problems. In the future, Connect Mobile will include other operations such as harvesting. The app is currently available as a free download from the Apple App Store. For more information, please contact your Holland’s Integrated Solutions Consultant.
The pass to pass horizontal accuracy has also been improved for SF1 and the new SF3 signal levels compared to previous SF3000 receiver accuracies. This pass to pass accuracy is critical for precision field operations such as planting, fertilizer and sprayer applications, as well as mapping situations for yield and field documentation. The RTK signal of the SF6000 aids the customer with year to year repeatability required for boundaries and field repeatability. The RTK also offers customers a quantity subscription savings and with
the new SF6000 provides the ability to have up to 14 days of RTKextend time! This can be critical for those traveling distances or with challenging field conditions.
The SF6000 may be an important upgrade for your farming operation. Even though the SF6000 is a relatively new product for Holland & Sons, quite a few of our farming partners have already upgraded. As with cell phones or computers, someone who purchases a new technology at the front side of its introduction benefits by getting to employ the product through its full life cycle. Keeping current with technology allows farmers to fully utilize depreciation while benefiting from new products. Talk with your Holland & Sons team for more details about obtaining the latest GPS product for your farm.
PRECISION AG
Our ISG Staff Mendota Nick Bielema (815) 539-6724
By Jonathan Koch, Integrated Solutions Manager After attending a multi-colored equipment dealer conference this winter, one thing became apparent: How far Holland & Sons’ farmer customers have advanced in recent years compared to other groups of farmers. We are fortunate to be part of one of the more progressive farming markets in the world. With those advantage come several areas to keep current and up to date. There are new tools and technologies being developed daily. Many don’t require enormous amounts of cash but need regular updates of current physical components and features. This includes increased repeatable GPS accuracy with John Deere RTK receivers, field results with data collection and management, along with remote machine capacities involving advancing telematics with John Deere JDLINK. The information can allow remote machine monitoring, support and updates for both the farmer and dealer-
ship. Many of you, our customers, have already adopted these technologies and employ them in your everyday farming business. Additionally, as I visit with our farmer customers, it’s clear we are involved in the best industry in the world – agriculture. No other industry has the same type of relationships that we do in agriculture – still family-oriented with committed values and beliefs You don’t always get that attitude in every area or in many other businesses! Smelling freshly worked soil, watching the rain, and witnessing the crop emerge all make for a rewarding experience each spring. As you prepare your business plan this year, keep your Holland & Sons Integrated Solutions department staff in mind. They can be a great resource, providing knowledge and support for your farming business as you work toward your goals. Thank you and your families for choosing Holland & Sons as your source for equipment, technology and data management.
Princeton Tanner Schoff Gregg Pearson (815) 875-3838 Dixon Kolin Erb (815) 288-4441 Geneseo Matthew Drake Steve Clementz (309) 944-2101 Freeport Riley Fluegel (815) 233-1216 Contact your Holland and Son’s ISG staff member to get assistance with your data.
SERVICE By Brett Dewey, Aftermarket Manager No one needs to be convinced that the condition of their planter can have a huge impact on yields. Each spring, it can be helpful to review some of the fundamental components of a Deere row unit. Let’s look at a couple aspects that can be crucial to seed placement and depth. One question we are often asked concerning opener blades is: What diameter should Tru-Vee openers be? The ‘by the book’ answer is that opener blades should be replaced when they are 14 inches or less. When new, they measure 15 inches. However, there’s a qualifier to that: Tru-Vee openers require adjustment as they wear. In order to form a good seed furrow and to cut trash, the blades must touch together for approximately two inches where they will contact soil. This adjustment requires removing the openers and re-shimming them. The amount of labor involved in installing new openers or re-shimming worn openers is
about the same. In between the two openers in front of the seed tube is the seed tube guard. It maintains proper spacing between the disk blades. It also prevents opener blades from contacting seed tube sides, and reduces soil buildup on the blades. The seed tube guard should measure at least 17mm. While you have the gauge wheels off, it’s a good time to check your gauge wheel arms especially where they contact the rocker for excessive wear. If the gauge wheel arms are worn, they can be swapped side to side. If the rocker shows excessive wear, it should be replaced. Inspect the gauge wheel tire and bearing. The tire helps make the furrow by slightly firming the soils on either side of the trench. When the gauge wheel arms are adjusted correctly, the face of the tire should slightly contact the opener blade. The tire should have a visible lip. It’s this lip that helps in firming the trench, so you need to replace the tire if the lip is worn or damaged
New PlanterPlus™ App Go Plant has now become PlanterPlus™. This app can be a great tool to use in the field for planter optimization before and during planting. Deere’s newest app combines both the information from the GoPlant app to setup your planter, and the ability to perform Row Runoff and Meter Performance tests from your mobile device, to help optimize the settings on your row unit. It’s important to note, PlanterPlus™ currently only supports the ExactEmerge 1775NT, 1795, DB44, DB60, DB66, DB80, DB88 and DB90 Planters. Go check out all the new features on this newly designed app available for iPhones, iPads and Android devices.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Planter Optimization Clinic There’s much more to your planter than just opener blades and gauge wheels! Join us for our annual planter clinic on March 8th at Lee County 4-H Center on Route 30 just north of Amboy (1196 Franklin Rd, Amboy, IL 61310). We will be hosting both a morning and afternoon session covering the same material. The first session will begin at 9 am and the second at 1 pm. Lunch will be served between sessions at noon. Choose whichever fits best with your schedule. Representatives from some of the industry’s leading names will be available for you to speak to. You won’t want to miss this informative event!
Drive Green Demo Days Drive Green is back for 2017! Join us for Holland and Son’s next Drive Green Event where you can test drive the latest John Deere tractor and turf equipment and talk to product experts. Attendees will receive coupons for $250 off a 1 – 6 Series Family Tractor, $150 off a Gator or Commercial ZTrak, and hundreds off attachments. Coupons can be combined with other current John Deere offers to maximize your savings. Plus register for the chance to win a brand new 3E Series Tractor package. Come in and experience the John Deere difference for yourself!
There will be representatives from the following:
John Deere
360 Yield
Unverferth
Kuhn-Krause
Soucy Track
Montag
SureFire Ag Systems
FEATURED EQUIPMENT
2009 John Deere 9230 (Stk#118140) 1670 Hrs, Power Shift, 520/85R46 Duals, 4 SCVs
2003 John Deere 9320 (Stk#117291) 3673 Hrs, Newer 18.4R46 Duals, 24 Spd PowrSync, 4 SCVs
2009 John Deere 9530 (Stk#122729) 2272 Hrs, PS, 800/70R38 Duals, Active Seat, HID Lights
2013 John Deere 9560R (Stk#118939) 1581 Hrs, 18/6 PS, 800/70R38 Duals, 5 SCVs, Weights
$174,900
$119,900
$174,900
$249,900
2014 John Deere 8360R (Stk#132817) 641 Hrs, IVT, ILS, 6 SCVs, Comp. Warranty 2/13/19
2013 John Deere 8285R (Stk#132186) 787 Hrs, IVT, MFWD, 4 SCVs, 540/1000 PTO
2004 John Deere 8120 (Stk#132148) 5725 Hrs, 16/4 PS, AutoTrac, 3 SCVs, New Front Tires
2015 John Deere 7250R (Stk#124024) 184 Hrs, PS, MFWD, ACS, Eligible for New Financing!
$262,900
$199,900
$89,900
$225,900
2009 John Deere DB90 2009 John Deere 1770NT 2009 John Deere 1770NT 2014 Kinze 4900 (Stk#125608) 36R30, Row (Stk#114757) 16R30, CCS, (Stk#120799) 24R30, CCS, (Stk#130322) 16R30, Command, SmartBox, Insecticide, Liquid eSet Meters, Tru-Count Central Fill, Coulters, PTO Trashwhippers, eSets Fertilizer Clutches Hydraulic Pump
$119,900
$62,900
$99,900
$96,900
2013 Krause 6200-45 (Stk#114706) NEW 45’ Mulch Finisher, Spike Harrow
2010 John Deere 2310 (Stk#120361) 39’ 9” Mulch Finisher, One Owner, 6-Bar Harrow
2013 Case IH 330 (Stk#131975) 25’ Vertical Tillage Piece
2013 Krause 8000-30 (Stk#131975) 30’ Excelerator, Low Acres, Flat Reel
$86,900
$59,900
$34,900
$34,900
AGRICULTURE
By Mike Rahmus, Large Ag Sales Manager With spring just around the corner, you can almost smell the cut grass and mowed hay as you drive down the country roads. Though we know that’s not the kind of weather we’re having quite yet, it won’t be long before everything will be green again. Take advantage now of John Deere’s 0% interest on rotary cutters, small balers, round balers and mower conditioners. Supplies are limited. Maybe you’re looking for a new 7R tractor. We have four units on hand and ready to go to work for you.
Interested in a new 8R or 9R tractor? You can have your new model ready for your farm this summer. Maybe it’s a new tillage piece you need – order today for the best discounts and have it ready to use this fall. Whatever your needs may be, the sales departments at Holland & Sons is here to make your next equipment purchase a great experience.
Manager’s Special
For a limited time, we’re offering this NEW 2012 John Deere 17’6” 512 Ripper for just $39,995. Contact our sales dept. for details.
AGRONOMY By Gregg Pearson CCA, Application Sales Specialist and Sales Rep If you aren’t aware of all the hype around nutrient management in agriculture today, I believe you may be living under a rock. It’s hard to pick up an ag-related newspaper, magazine or bulletin today without finding at least one article about possible regulations looming over the horizon – regulations that are already a reality in other states.
Gregg Pearson is a Certified Crop Adviser with over 15 years of sales consulting experience at Holland & Sons. You can contact him at (815) 875-3838.
So how do you respond to the hype? Do you need to change everything you’re currently doing? Or do nothing and simply sit back and wait for the regulations? Hopefully, you’re somewhere in between these two responses. Whatever your crop nutrient program is today, it has evolved over many years of planning and observation. Totally abandoning your current program could be devastating, agronomically and economically. But to sit and do nothing could prove to be just as devastating in the long run. Trying to make changes once looming regulations become reality is a poor time to experiment and find the programs that will work best for you and your operation. Many of you are already having these discussions with your crop advisors. If you aren’t, get started now. If you don’t have a crop advisor, get one. If your current crop advisor doesn’t think it’s important to be concerned with nutrient management, get a different one. If you’re already actively trying new methods of nutrient application and timing, that’s awesome – keep up the good work! If not, get started. Don’t make drastic changes to your current program, unless it’s for very good reason. Remember, you got where you are because it’s worked in the past. Most combines today have an incredibly powerful diagnostic tool in it – a yield monitor. Yield monitors give us the ability to lay out test plots of significant size in our fields, document different programs in those plots and then compare how those programs impacted yield and return on investment. Start simple. Don’t build a plan that’s bound to fail by not taking into account whether it will be carried out when the heat of the season builds during planting. I’ve seen many good plans get thrown in the circular file because the realization hit that all parties required to complete a project weren’t
fully vested in it. Making changes in one’s routine during the busy season requires planning and a clear understanding of the importance of the project by everyone involved. Managing your nitrogen Nitrogen management in particular can have enormous impact on the future success of your farming operation. Nitrogen is a macronutrient that is used in large quantities by our corn plants. It has the greatest impact on both your financial investment and its ability to increase yield. But it is also at the top of the list of concerns when it comes to nutrient management and the impact of lost nutrients on the environment. Nitrate nitrogen in particular is of extreme importance to keep out of surface and subsurface water supplies. High nitrate levels in drinking water bring many health concerns that are high priority with our urban neighbors. It’s our responsibility to manage nitrogen in our fields so that it can both provide for maximum economic yields and reduce the quantity of nitrates lost to the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, nitrogen is the most complex nutrient we manage in crop production. The ability to project crop use requirements and the need and timing of nitrogen application in regards to crop response has proven to be problematic at best. This has to do with the life cycle of nitrogen in our soils, the use of nitrogen by the growing plant, and the addition of supplemental nitrogen through fertilizers applied to the field. The life cycle of nitrogen is complex, constantly changing and hard to predict, due to unknown environmental conditions. 2015 vs. 2016: A case study Comparing 2015 and 2016 in northern Illinois demonstrates this very clearly. The growing seasons of 2015 and 2016 proved to be about the most opposite two seasons could be in terms of nitrogen function in our soils. Nitrogen has been and will forever be present in our soils at varying levels whether we apply fertilizer or not. As I mentioned earlier, nitrogen is one of the major building blocks in plant growth. Without nitrogen, nothing grows. There is always nitrogen present in the soil to be taken up by growing plants. Once it’s in the plant, it is technically not
AGRONOMY available to be lost and is either used in the process of photosynthesis or stored in the plant. In the case of our cropped fields, part of this nitrogen is removed from the field in the grain that is harvested and some remains in the residue that is left behind from the harvested crop. This nitrogen can be returned to the soil through the decomposition of the crop residue through soil microbial activity. But the microbes that are responsible for the decomposition of that crop residue also need nitrogen for energy, further tying up more nitrogen during that process. When this feeding frenzy is complete, the consumed nitrogen is again released back into the soil to be used for plant uptake and growth, and the cycle goes on. The trick in all of this is knowing when these processes are going to happen. There’s only so much available nitrogen in the soil at a given time. Too many at the table without enough to go around means someone is going hungry. If that happens to be your corn plant, well, let’s just say it’s a bad day. And too many bad days in your corn plant’s life can have a huge impact on its ability to produce grain, which is how you get paid! Environmentally, too much nitrogen on the table without either soil microbes to consume it or plant growth to take it up leaves high levels of free nitrogen in the soil. Given certain conditions, it means loss of nitrogen out of the field and into the environment. If you’ve been looking at many of the nitrogen studies done in the last two years, you’ve probably noticed how the different environmental factors of 2015 and 2016 impacted nitrogen. Simply put, 2015 was a year of higher nitrogen losses and lower mineralization of nitrogen within our soils. This created a situation where we saw a huge response to late season nitrogen applications. The results of 2015 told us that many corn fields were experiencing a shortage of adequate available nitrogen during the reproductive stage of its growth and a reduction of yield potential if supplemental nitrogen wasn’t applied. 2016 proved to be the total opposite. Due to warmer than average temperatures, by May almost all of our applied nitrogen was totally converted to the nitrate form. This is the form of nitrogen used in greatest quantity by the corn plant but also has the greatest potential of loss. We did not
experience the environmental conditions in June that would have robbed nitrogen from our soils. But that was only part of the nitrogen story for 2016. While environmental conditions did not favor nitrogen loss, it also was such that it benefited higher than normal mineralization levels of organic nitrogen. Hence, when the feeding frenzy of a nitrogen hungry corn crop was in full swing later in July and August, there was typically ample nitrogen available on the table for plant uptake. Your corn plants never experienced a bad day when it came to nitrogen availability. This also meant we saw little or no response to late nitrogen fertilizer applications in 2016. In general, most corn fields had more available nitrogen than what it could consume. Good for the crop; maybe not so good for environmental concerns. Work to do How do we apply these experiences with nitrogen management to 2017, based on what we saw in 2015 and 2016? There are a lot of experts lining up who claim to have the silver bullet in terms of nitrogen. While they all may have something of value to offer, I contend that we still have plenty of work to do in the pursuit of happiness when it comes to a balance of providing nitrogen at maximum economic levels while protecting our environment and our pocketbooks. This can be a scary time or an exciting time – your choice! If learning how to manage nitrogen in your fields with these goals in mind isn’t at the top of your priority list, I’d like to challenge you that it’s time to realign your priorities. Today’s new technology and equipment options have given us the opportunity to address the challenges of nitrogen management and increase your ability to reach maximum return on investment while protecting our environment both for ourselves and our neighbors. God has blessed us with the greatest profession and soils to do our work. I believe it is our calling to maximize yields to feed the world and provide for our families while protecting our environment for future generations. Holland & Sons wants to work with you as you build your process and plan. We are excited to be able to provide you with both the technologyrelated solutions required and a full line of nutrient application equipment options to help you achieve your goals.
Today’s new technology and equipment options have given us the opportunity to address the challenges of nitrogen management and increase your ability to reach maximum return on investment while protecting our environment both for ourselves and our neighbors.
FEATURED EQUIPMENT
2014 John Deere 3046R (Stk#130020) 42 Hrs, Cab, 72” Deck, R4 Tires, Warranty, Like New!
2015 John Deere 4052R (Stk#131903) 899 Hrs, PowrReverser, H180 Loader, New R4 Tires
2010 John Deere 2720 (Stk#132009) 688 Hrs, One Owner, Hydro, 200CX Loader, 72” Deck
2015 John Deere 2025R (Stk#131909) 179 Hrs, Hydro, R4 Tires, H130 Loader, Warranty
$35,900
$25,995
$16,995
$15,995
2015 John Deere X758 (Stk#127587) 102 Hrs, Diesel, 60” AutoConnect Deck, AWD, Warranty
2007 John Deere X720 (Stk#130408) 793 Hrs, 27hp, EFI, Power Steering, 54” Deck
2013 John Deere X320 (Stk#129056) 103 Hrs, Hydro, 22hp Kawasaki, 48” Deck
2015 John Deere X750 (Stk#128185) 130 Hrs, Diesel, 2WD, 60” Deck, Warranty 2/27/2019
$11,295
$4,995
$2,995
$8,995
2015 John Deere Z920M (Stk#127031) 125 Hrs, 60” Deck, Warranty 10/29/2018
2016 John Deere Z997R (Stk#127531) 95 Hrs, Diesel, Suspension Seat, 72” 7-Iron Deck
2012 John Deere Z930A (Stk#113784) 517 Hrs, Deluxe Seat, Electric Lift, 72” Deck
2015 John Deere Z930R (Stk#127707) 116 Hrs, ISO Seat, Electric Lift, 60” Deck
$7,495
$16,995
$7,995
$9,295
2016 John Deere 825i (Stk#127064) NEW SPECIAL EDITION, Power Steering, Toolboxes
2015 John Deere TX 4x2 (Stk#131907) 538 Hrs, Power Bedlift, Front Brushguard & Bumper
2013 John Deere 825i S4 (Stk#124348) 286 Hrs, 4 Passenger, Power Steering, Power Bedlift
2013 Cub Cadet 4x4 (Stk#131686) 205 Hrs, Volunteer 750 EFI
$15,995
$6,495
$13,995
$6,995
PROPERTY OWNER John Deere has again expanded its line of 2017 residential ZTrak ZeroTurn Mowers to help you mow better and faster. With Deere’s introduction of five new Z300 M and R models, we can better meet your specific mowing needs. These mowers feature the same durable, thick frames, tough, maintenance-free dual transmissions, and skillfully engineered steering design. Check out the new comfortable seats, premium steering levers, storage for easy access, large smooth riding tires, and a chokefree Ready Start™ engine. The new Accel Deep™ mower deck has also been re-engineered to process tall grass at faster speeds of up to 7 mph forward ground speed. There are a wide range of different features and deck sizes available on the ZTrak 300 and 500 series residential mowers.
Test Drive a ZTrak and Save!
To find out which ZTrak mower is best for you, explore www.hollandandsons.com or talk with your Holland & Sons salesman. No matter the job, we have the machine that’s right for you. If you are looking for a larger commercial ZTrak mower, we have you covered. Visit a salesman this spring at any of our five locations to request a demo of a Z930M with 60 inch deck.
And remember: “It’s not how fast you mow, it’s how well you mow fast” with John Deere’s impressive lineup of Zero-Turn Mowers.
Test drive a Z500 Series ZTrak for a $250 coupon or a Z300 Series ZTrak for $150 off! Expires 5/1/17. Ask your salesman for details.
GOLD KEY TOUR By Nicole Holland Ever wondered what goes into manufacturing some of John Deere’s largest machines? Well, Deere offers the chance to go behind the scenes and watch how their machines are manufactured, step-by-step. Factory tour guides take you through the process and explain each stage of building the equipment. Each piece of John Deere equipment is carefully manufactured and inspected to ensure the highest quality.
Each combine is run for 45 minutes around a test track to ensure there are no hidden problems in the machine. I attended a Gold Key tour which Deere offers specifically for new combine purchasers. Customers get to see their own combine in production and start it for the first time on the line. It was amazing to see both the massive size of the factory and the high standards within which it is operated. The factory was extremely clean and efficient and employees were very friendly and welcoming. Here’s a little peek into what I saw and learned at the Harvester Works. The tour began with an informational video about how combines have drastically increased in both size and efficiency since Deere first began making harvesting equipment. Visitors tour the factory from a seated trolley ride and are outfitted with safety gear and earphones, and listen to an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. The tour begins with a look at the large lasers that cut big metal sheets into parts with unparalleled accuracy. These parts are also bent and later delivered to the main hub of the factory for assembly.
I recently had the opportunity to visit and tour John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois where all of Deere’s combines and heads are manufactured. This was an experience I will never forget. It was fascinating to watch the amount of work and attention to detail each combine and head require. Each combine is uniquely built to order with the exact specifications of the individual customer. There are not only hundreds of tests done to ensure the machine is being built perfectly within each station in the factory, but once the combine is complete, it goes into another round of thorough inspections.
One of the parts of the tour I found most interesting was the painting process. Massive cranes lift and dip three separate sections of the combine in large tanks containing cleaning and priming solutions. Then, four robots top the pieces with signature green paint. The parts are then given an extra coat by workers, baked, and later inspected under bright lighting for any flaw in the paint job. Back in the factory hub, we made our journey through several different areas. Many parts of the combines and heads are welded together by both workers and robots. I was able to see what the inside parts of a combine look like and how they separate grain. With that perspective, I can now visu-
GOLD KEY TOUR alize what’s going on inside the combine as it harvests. In different locations, workers make individual components of the combine that will be assembled. Near the back of the factory, all of the metal and parts continue to come together to more closely resemble a finished combine. Station 22… where the combine is started for the first time. Because this was a Gold Key tour, the customers were given the opportunity to start their own new combine. The customers thought it would be nice for me to start their combine for the first time. I was extremely nervous. I didn’t want to mess up anything with their brand new, I mean brand new, combine. I climbed up the steps and got in the driver’s seat, thinking I was literally just going to turn the key to start the combine. Nope! The Harvester Works employee with me helped me go through a series of tests for the combine, turning the wheel, pressing the brakes, etc. Not too bad, but I still was extremely nervous since a combine is such a big, expensive machine. Then I was asked to engage the separator. Well, I didn’t know what it was. Sorry, but I’m by no means an expert at this yet! The employee chuckled a little and showed me where the buttons were. I’ll probably always remember where they are from now on. Thankfully, when it was finally time to start the combine, it started. Phew! Each task from welding parts to painting to assembly is carefully monitored through the use of modern technology and smart tools. At the end of the factory tour, John Deere quality engineer Shawn Atwater discussed the extensive testing and inspection process each combine goes through. The combine must pass all of these inspections before it can be released for delivery. I feel this tour was an amazing experience and could appeal to many different people – both those who are already knowledgeable farmers and people like me who are learning more about John Deere equipment and
farming in general. The tour gave me a greater appreciation for the time and effort Deere puts in to ensure they manufacture the highest quality machines in the industry. It’s clear that this factory is one of the many reasons that John Deere’s equipment is far superior to the rest.
"I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me." - John Deere. I believe John Deere would be very proud of the combines Deere is manufacturing today in East Moline. Anyone 13 years or older can tour the John Deere Harvester Works Factory.
Tours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. For reservations or more information, call (800) 765-9588 or visit Deere’s website.
Holland & Sons customers with a 2017 combine on order may contact their salesman to set up their very own ‘Gold Key’ tour.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Name: Gary Groezinger Position: Salesman, Freeport Years of Service: 28 years. I started part time in 1989 as a service technician. I went full time in 1994. In 2002, I made the move from service tech to salesman. First Job: Farming. I grew up on a farm – I still own it and live there today. Favorite Part of the Job: Meeting the challenge of always having a happy customer in the end. What is an average day like at Holland’s? In general, answering sales calls, giving quotes and closing deals. What got you interested in this field? I was first interested in the service side of things, and then when a salesman job opened up I decided to give that a try. Family: Mary Lynn (Wife of 48 years), Marci (Daughter), Becki (Daughter), Sydni (Granddaughter) 21, Lauryn (Granddaughter) 18 Town: Stockton Favorite Food: Seafood Favorite Restaurant: Beach’s in Lena Favorite Movie: Any John Wayne movie Hobbies: Keeping weeds down 3 Words that Best Describe You: Committed, Conscientious, Funloving
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Name: Tanner Schoff Position: Integrated Solutions Specialist, Princeton Years of Service: 1 ½ years First Job: Groundsman for an aerial applicator Favorite Part of the Job: Every situation is different. I enjoy troubleshooting different situations. It’s always a challenge. What is an average day like at Holland’s? I sell and service the John Deere precision ag line. What got you interested in this field? Growing up on a family farm and completing several different ag internships. I have been in the ag field my whole life. Family: Tracey (Mom), James (Dad), Hunter and Tucker (Brothers), Callie (Sister) Town: Walnut Favorite Food: Mom’s Lemon Love Notes (lemon bars) Favorite Restaurant: Rip’s in Ladd Hobbies: Hunting, skiing and motorcycle riding
Something people would be Surprised to know: I’ve been in a TV commercial and on a billboard. 3 Words that Best Describe You: Determined, Easy-Going, Competitive
The Holland Herald | March 2017
Store Hours MONDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm TUESDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm WEDNESDAY:
7:30 am - 5:00 pm THURSDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm FRIDAY: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm SATURDAY: 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
SUNDAY: closed
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