Interesting and informative blog posts on farmers and ranchers from US Farm Data.

Spring Checklist for Farm Equipment and Machinery

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You might not know it to see all the snow still on the ground in some parts of the country, but spring is upon us. And as farmers ready themselves for long days, they first should make sure that their equipment and machinery is tuned up and ready to go.

Not only will keeping farm equipment well maintained help to extend its life, it also will make sure that everyone who uses that equipment remains safe. What follows is a list of what farmers need to check before they put their equipment to work.

  1. Lights and flashers. Flashers and turn signals need to be tested to make sure they are working correctly. Emblems need to be clean and any worn down ones replaced.
  2. Shields and guards. Check your PTO drive-line shields. Shields should turn freely and independently of the drive line. Further, to ensure maximum protection, the drive-line shields, tractor master shields and corresponding implement shields need to be in place.
  3. Hydraulic systems and mechanical locks. Check all hoses, fittings and seals and replace worn pieces.
  4. Tires. Check that all tires are inflated properly and that bearings are properly lubricated.
  5. Sprayer and planters. Hoses, valves, fittings and all other components must be free of leaks. Any tanks should have tight covers so spills are avoided.
  6. Hitch pins. The locking hitch pins on tractors and implements must be checked to guarantee that they are secure and in good working order.
  7. Steps and platforms. Always keep equipment platforms and steps clean so that no one slips and falls when entering, exiting or standing on equipment.

No matter what make or model of equipment you own, make sure you are familiar with the owner’s manual. This ensures that you will have all the information necessary for its particular service and maintenance requirements.

Getting your tractors and other equipment ready for spring doesn’t need to take a long time but it will pay off in the long run. After all, there is nothing worse than being slowed down by a breakdown after work has begun in the fields and around the farm.
Finally, it is always a good idea to have a strong relationship with your equipment dealer. That way if there is a major issue with your equipment you have someone to turn to for help instead of scrambling to find someone at the last minute.

When it Comes to Marketing, Not all Farmers are Created Equal

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One of the most common mistakes Ag-based businesses make when marketing to farmers is to group all farmers into the same category. This is not just a common mistake, it is a costly one,
as well.
It is important for agricultural businesses to recognize that all farmers are not the same. For example, a young farmer just starting out on his or her own is going to be swayed by a different message than a much-older farmer who has weathered decades of life on the farm.
So who are today’s farmers and how can each group of these farmers best be approached? Read on to find out.

  1. Experienced farmers. This group of farmers still owns his or her farm but is no longer running its day-to-day operations. They are fiercely loyal to the Ag-based businesses that helped them get where they are today. They also respond to more traditional forms of marketing such as direct mail and sales calls.
  2. Take-charge farmers. Like their predecessors above, these farmers own their farms but remain in charge of the day-to-day operations. They are fiercely loyal to certain brands and businesses but are open to change, especially if they feel they are not getting the most bang for their buck. These farmers respond to old and new forms of marketing but prefer to close a deal with a handshake.
  3. Couples. There are several husband and wife teams who run their farm together. Decisions are usually made jointly and those decisions are revisited regularly. In other words, they are always looking for a better value or better product. Farm couples are extremely comfortable with digital marketing.
  4. Managers. These types of farmers may work on a family farm or run a division of a larger, corporate farm. They are loyal to a brand as long as that brand continues to add value to their operation. Managers want to make sure the companies they work with have corporate and social policies in line with their own way of thinking. Digital marketing is second nature to these individuals.
  5. The up-and-comers. These are the future of farming. They can be interns or entry-level workers on a corporate or family farm. They are loyal to companies that engage with them and help them do their job better. These up and comers want to see more than just digital marketing, they want innovative ideas on how to make their mark in the agricultural community.

For years, farmers have been viewed as one large target audience. But the most effective Ag marketers understand that this is not the best approach. Instead, this traditionally large target audience must be broken down into much small segments so that you can best speak to your target market of farmers.

How to Measure the Success of Online Marketing Campaigns

Marketing to farmers through the use of digital campaigns is becoming much more popular and it is easy to see why. Farmers—like most people—are spending more and more time online these days, with much of that time being spent on mobile devices.

Despite the rise in digital marketing efforts, it is still relatively difficult to measure the success of these type of campaigns. After all, no matter how many clicks your campaign receives, those clicks don’t mean much if they fail to generate leads. Further, there is no way to judge which clicks signal interest in your brand and which do not. Did a consumer click on your ad by accident? How did an individual respond to your ad once he or she clicked on it? So if clicks aren’t an effective way to measure the success of an online marketing campaign, how can success be measured?

It all comes down to knowing what happens after a consumer clicks on an ad. How long did they spend on the page? Did they request more information? Did they fill out an order form or join your email list? Did they return to your site at a later date?

When it comes to successfully marketing your Ag business, the goal isn’t to reach the greatest number of people. Rather, you want to reach people who are most likely to buy the products and services that you are selling.

E-newsletters are an important example of why the quality of clicks always trump the quantity of clicks. Many marketers feel that they are wasting their time on these types of newsletters because they don’t get a flood of interest after every issue. However, research has shown that e-newsletters are an extremely effective way to market a business. Why? Because the individuals who actually go to the trouble of subscribing to such newsletters do so because they are seriously considering purchasing from that company when the time is right.

Marketing your Ag-based business online requires a strategic approach and an ability to correctly measure success beyond counting clicks. The key is to be patient and realize that in the online marketing arena, slow and steady really does win the race.

Top Agricultural Trends to Watch in the New Year

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It’s that time of year! When experts give their predictions for what will unfold in the New Year. And experts in the agricultural industry are ready with their predications for 2017.

Many in the agricultural industry are looking with cautious optimism to the New Year and there is hope that it will bring relief to farmers who continue to struggle with low commodity prices. This optimism stems from the fact that many analysts are predicting a recovery in commodity prices as corn and soybean supplies begin to decline and consumption around the world increases.

So what are some other important Ag trends to keep an eye on in 2017?

Trend #1: Slowing Machine Sales

Farmers will be much more likely to buy used equipment or try to get another year out of current equipment instead of making new purchases. Another factor in fewer machinery sales is elevated inventories for equipment sellers and a decrease in value for trade-ins. And while there are definite tax benefits to buying new, the reality is that farmers don’t have a whole lot to write off.

Trend #2: A Continued Interest in Precision Ag

Precision Ag will continue to pique the interest of farmers but price will be an issue. Farmers also are expected to continue to take an interest in free software categories but it is not known what will happen once these software offerings are no longer free.

Trend #3: Crop Protection will be a Hot Button Issue

Crop insurance will continue to be the most popular risk management tool that farmers employ. When it comes to weed-management issues, farmers are expected to face tremendous challenges with herbicide-resistant varieties. The expense of name-brand products to fight these weeds points to the use of generic products, however. Demand is expected to be light for insecticides and fungicides.

Trend #4: Decrease in Fertilizer Costs

Lower energy costs mean fertilizer prices should come down in 2017. Analysts predict that global supply and demand issues for all nutrient categories will continue pressure on prices, benefitting farmers.

Trend #5: Lower Fuel Costs

A decrease in fuel costs will offer relief to farmers and the Ag economy as a whole. Biodiesel and ethanol consumption also is expected to increase slightly.

How Safe is Your Farm Shop?

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If you own a farm, chances are there is a shop on that farm. And while crops and livestock may be the lifeblood of a farm, the shop is what keeps everything in working order.

Unfortunately, farm shops can be dangerous places. The tools and machinery contained in shops, when used incorrectly, can lead to injuries and, in rare cases, even death. During the cold, winter months, shops are especially busy as equipment repair and maintenance tasks are undertaken.

Not every shop accident can be foreseen or prevented. However, agricultural safety experts say that shop accidents and injuries can be drastically reduced by keeping the following in mind when working in the shop:

1. Good housekeeping goes a long way. Trips and falls are most often caused by clutter so make sure to keep walkways and work areas swept and free of debris. It also is important to clean up any spills right away.

2. Keep things well lit. Poor lighting makes it difficult to perform work safely and can cause eye strain. Make sure the entire shop is adequately lit and be sure to change burnt out bulbs promptly.

3. Save your back. Hydraulic lifts and hoists help to prevent back strain and injuries. Be sure to use this type of equipment when lifting heavy objects.

4. Protect yourself. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a must in the shop. From eye goggles to heavy-duty work boots, failure to use the appropriate PPE can lead to injuries. Whether it is a mask to protect from filter dust or steel-toed boots to save your feet from falling objects, make sure you are always dressed for the job.

5. Get grounded. When electrical equipment isn’t properly grounded you risk electrical injury. Also be careful never to use frayed cords or cord less than 12-gauge. These type of cords may cost more but are well worth the investment as they are safer and help prevent motor damage.

6. Extinguish fire risks. Flammable and combustible materials should be stored away from heat sources and flammable liquids must be stored in covered containers. Always hang fire extinguishers near shop doors and check them annually. Proper ventilation also is essential.

Shop safety is a vital part of overall farm safety. If you are unsure if your shop is up to code, or need help installing safety features, it may be in your best interest to seek the advice of a safety expert. After all, whether you are working in the field or in the shop, safety must always be your first priority.

Farmers Face Growing Threat from Agricultural Thieves

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Gone are the days when farmers left their front doors unlocked and their barns unsecured. Today, farmers face a growing threat from thieves out to steal everything from tractors to crops to livestock.

While agricultural theft is nothing new, it is on the rise and farmers are doing all they can to protect themselves and their property from these criminals. Law enforcement is helping, too. Sheriff departments across the country have added rural crime units.

Of course the best offense is a good defense. Farmers are using a combination of tried-and-true crime fighting methods and modern technology to stop petty thieves as well as large-scale criminal operations looking to get away with thousands of dollars in farm equipment and much more. What follows is a list of the most effective ways to keep thieves at bay:

  • Post signs. Many a hiker has crossed farmland unaware that he or she is trespassing. In such cases, posting signs that read “private property” or “no trespassing” should do the trick.
  • Put up fences and other barriers. Signs aren’t always visible so you may want to put up fences, including barbed wire fences. You also should consider planting large trees or hedges to deter unwanted visitors. These natural barriers also help to obscure your land and property. Gate hinges are easily removed so should be fortified. Secure gates with chains and locks. Secure access roads with gates or cables stretched between posts cemented in the ground.
  • Lock it up. Weld metal covers over hasps to protect padlocks from being cut. Lock storage areas with padlocks, hasps and deadbolts.
  • Light it up. Make sure your farm is well lit at night and that it is lit in the right places, including near fuel tanks, grain bins, barns and outbuildings. Lights should be kept on automatic timers. Install motion sensor lighting around the perimeter of shops and other buildings.
  • Get a dog. A dog’s bark is a strong deterrent to would-be criminals.
  • Install video surveillances systems. Cameras, monitors and recorders should be integrated with devices like motion detectors that trigger alarms and activate video recorders. Sometimes just seeing a camera will be enough to scare away a thief.
  • Make your mark. The owner applied number (OAN) program was established by the FBI to return stolen property using a unique 10-digit number, identifying the state, county and owner. This number can be permanently stamped on tractors, tools and everything in between. As a result of this program, stolen equipment has been recovered from across the U.S. You also can fit equipment and other vehicles with security tags that relay a GPS signal to help locate the property (and the thieves who took it)! You should permanently tag your livestock and post signs to advertise this fact, as well.
  • Boost awareness. On large farms, make sure employees are always on the lookout for suspicious activity or unfamiliar faces. Also make sure any vandalism or property damage is reported immediately.

While agricultural theft shows no signs of slowing down, today’s farmers are fighting back. And the methods they are using are proving to be very effective!