Live.Work.Grow. V5 I1 by Central Illinois Ag

Live.Work.Grow.

Volume 5 Issue 1

In This Issue:

▶ Design and Innovation of Tillage Tools ▶ 24/7 Service & Parts Support Now Available ▶ An Inside Look at the Case IH Combine Plant Tour www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

Live.Work.Grow. 2 Sales Team 4 Michael Schmidt, President 5 Chad Colby, General Manager 7 Product Review: Tigermate 255 9 Quality Craftsmanship Fuel Trailers 12 Behind the Scene of a Pumpkin Patch 13 Women in Ag: From City to Farm

Volume 5, Issue 1

16 The Pro-Till’s Innovative Design

18 An Updated Website: centralilag.com 21 24/7 Support Provided by AgriSync 24 Jeramie Harris, Road Technician 25 LSW: A Dramatic Difference 26 Meet the Ag Product Manager of LSW 27 Inside the Case IH Combine Factory

31 Toro: Speed, Comfort, Quality 33 Takeuchi: Goodman Excavation, Inc. 34 Takeuchi School 36 Employee Spotlight 37 Photo Gallery 41 Technology on This Week in AgriBusiness

Steve Schmidt Michael Schmidt Brian Reeser Tim Evans Chad Colby Abby Coers

Chief Executive Officer President Vice President Chief Financial Officer General Manager Marketing Coordinator

A note from abby. marketing coordinator, central Illinois ag In January I was invited to visit Richard (Dick) Schmidt, third generation owner of Central Illinois Ag. What an experience and honor I will never forget! My four day stay in Naples, Florida was short, but the memories of talking with Dick about Central IL Ag and his stories will last a lifetime. There is one thing that stands out when talking to Dick: no matter how many states away he is, customers and employees of Central Illinois Ag remain near and dear to him.

Dick Schmidt, Abby Coers, Steve Schmidt

And yes, I did run a half marathon during my time at Naples, FL with a time of 1:41:35. (7:47/mile for 13.1 miles)

m 1 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Abby acoers@centralilag.com Coers

Locations Atlanta 200 Sharon St. Atlanta, IL 61723 (800) 762-2325

Steve Schmidt Atlanta, IL (217) 737-7445

Clinton 1000 State Route 10 E. Clinton, IL 61727 (800) 362-3866

Farmer City 792 U.S. Hwy 150 E. Farmer City, IL 61842 (800) 334-8942

sales team

Mason City 130 Tonica St. Mason City, IL 62664 (217) 482-9760

John Coers New Holland, IL (217) 737-5674

Brad Kovack Harristown, IL (217) 827-7571

Michael Schmidt Lincoln, IL (217) 737-8669

Austin Coers New Holland, IL (217) 454-1358

Doug Franzen Farmer City, IL (309) 275-8556

Brian Reeser Clinton, IL (217) 519-4341

Joe Fisher Petersburg, IL (217) 303-1754

Corbin Richardson Champaign, IL (217) 552-5997

Chad Colby Goodfield, IL (309) 361-5564

Dallas Kaufman Danvers, IL (309) 613-0556 www.centralilag.com Âˇ Volume 4 Issue 1

BE READY.

It’s always flattering when others try to imitate your success. But with nearly 20 years of track leadership under our belts, we’ve picked up a few things the copies missed. Like our exclusive five-axle design. It gives our Steiger ® Quadtrac,® Steiger Rowtrac™ and Magnum™ Rowtrac tractors a smoother ride and more power to the ground with less berming and compaction. Which is one of the advantages of paying your dues, instead of paying homage. Learn more at caseih.com/tracks.

To maximize uptime and keep your equipment running at peak performance, choose Case IH remanufactured parts. Case IH delivers engineered components that aren’t just close to OEM specs, they are OEM specs. In fact, they even come with a warranty* that’s equal to or better than the competition. With Case IH remanufactured parts, you’ll get maximum performance from your equipment and more money in your pocket.

SEE US TODAY.

200 SHARON STREET P.O. BOX 506 ATLANTA, IL 61723 *When installed by a Case IH dealer. 217-648-2307 Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to www.CentralILAg.com CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. CNH Industrial Reman is a trademark in the United States

m other countries, owned by orAg licensed·to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. www.caseih.com 3 and· many Central Illinois www.centralilag.com MRC

a note from

michael schmidt

@MPSchmidtAg

President of Central Illinois Ag

Photo: Chad Colby, Andreas Klauser (Case IH President), Michael Schmidt, Steve Schmidt, Ashley Zinser, and Abby Coers

s we begin 2018 and our 120th year of business at Central Illinois Ag, we continue to work for you. Our goal is to provide you with the equipment and support needed to help your operation run smoothly and successfully.

machine running smoothly through the field. If just one of these parts (even the smallest) does not properly work together with the others, well, there is an issue, especially in the middle of season.

Central Illinois Ag’s combine inspection is simple: bring In the past year, I’ve been given many opportunities to your machine to us and we will do the inspection at nospeak on behalf of our customers, growers across the charge, or for $100, a certified Case IH technician will world, and the equipment they use to help create that inspect your equipment on the farm (<100 miles). increase of a return on investment for their assets. Our inspection program is to help minimize cost to Andreas Klauser, President of Case IH, and I discussed growers as the equipment continues to be maintained everything from the positives of the new CVX through less significant, less costly repairs. transmission to the features in a tractor that farmers would change. Conversations like this are important; it While we focus on the combine, don’t forget about creates that link between the operator who is using the inspecting the other important equipment in the field. equipment to the decision maker who can work with Tractors, headers, and even grain carts! engineers to really dig deep on what consumers want Michael Schmidt Contact Michael at mschmidt@centralilag.com and need in the field, on the road, and everywhere in between. Of all the discussions, events, and programs we’ve featured this past year for our customers, one remains at the top of my priority list: equipment inspections. The simplicity of an inspection can save a lot of time and money down the road (or in the field..no pun intended!). Over 5,000 parts make up a Case IH combine and each of these parts have an important role to keep the

Photo: Micheal Schmidt, Steve Schmidt, Sonny Purdue (United States Secretary of Agriculture), and Chad Colby

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

Chad Colby

@TheChadColby

General Manager, Central Illinois Ag

“A

bove and beyond.” Those are the perfect combination of words to describe the attitude and goal of Central Illinois Ag within our service, sales, and parts departments. We have made many changes over the last year in order to better serve you. Ensuring your operation is getting the best care is our number one priority.

Central Illinois Ag is always looking for ways to improve and we know the best feedback comes from our customers. Please feel free contact me directly with any recommendations you may have to help us continue to go above and beyond.

Our service departments have been actively preparing customer equipment for a successful planting season and Our certified technicians carefully inspect and work on equipment to the satisfaction of the customer. The best products, best service, and best support can be found within the door of our shop. As you walk into our service departments you will notice many new faces that display the attitude to match our goals at Central Illinois Ag. My expectation for our sales, parts, and service teams is to provide unmatched after-sale support. We strive to provide not only a sale, but a customer-dealer relationship. This relationship makes us, Central Illinois Ag, unique. We enjoy being in the field with a hands-on approach assisting with any and all of your needs. That isn’t just the service department when a call is made, it’s the salesman and leadership teams checking in and assisting when needed.

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Chad Colby

Contact Chad at ccolby@centralilag.com

BULK-FILL PLANTING?

WATCH YOUR WEIGHT.

KINZE 3600 PIVOT FOLD WITH HYDRAULIC WEIGHT TRANSFER Reduced fill time. Reduced soil compaction. Consistent depth control. That’s what you get with the 3600’s bulk fill and hydraulic weight transfer. Exclusive air seed delivery system minimizes the chance of bridging or plugging. Balanced split-row design. Optional hydraulic variable drive increases precision and versatility of seed population. Narrow in-line transport for easier maneuverability. Contact your authorized Kinze dealer or visit Kinze.com/3600.

3600 PIVOT FOLD w/split row option 12 Row 30" / 23 or 24 Row 15" • 12 Row 36" / 23 Row 18" 12 Row 38" / 23 Row 19" • 16 Row 30" / 31 or 32 Row 15" • 16 Twin Row 30"

www.centralilag.comwww.kinze.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

Product Review: CAse IH Tiger-Mate 255

s the shanks of a field cultivator sweep through the field, turning up soil and tearing up weeds, a seedbed is being prepared. The smoothness and uniformity of this soil preparation makes a big difference in the accuracy of seed placement for the planter that follows. The Case IH Tiger-Mate 255 Field Cultivator with a floating hitch offers a superior soil finish, creating the ultimate conditions for planting. The five-rank split-the-middle sweep pattern, 6.5-inch shank spacing and 25 inches of underframe clearance of the Tiger-Mate 255 provide space for greater residue flow with reduced plunging. The wider shank positioning and 100 percent sweep coverage effectively mix soil particles and break down clods. Using the industry’s first stubble-resistant radial tires, the Tigre-Mate 255 cultivates with reduced compaction, improved flotation, and durability in the field and during transport. The improved shank system and wheel placement allow the implement to operate in the field at up to ten miles per hour, working through changing terrain at high speeds without compromising performance.

(with a Floating Hitch)

Taking the Tiger-Mate 255 to the next level is the new floating hitch option. Available on double-fold units, the hitch allows the field cultivator to run independent of the tractor so it better follows the ground contour for improved depth consistency. “We demoed the cultivator to eight of our clients this spring and everybody loved it,” says Chad Colby, general manager for Central Illinois Ag. One of the farmers to demo the Tiger-Mate 255 with a floating hitch is Joe Kopp, retired farmer of 50 plus years. For Joe, the balance provided to the equipment by front tires and a floating hitch made the cultivator “ideal.” The positive feedback Central Illinois Ag has received from those who used the floating hitch has pushed the dealership to exclusively stock new inventory with cultivators equipped with floating hitches.

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BETTER SEEDBED CONDITIONS THROUGH IMPROVED SOIL TILTH. The Case IH Tiger-Mate® 255 sets new standards for seedbed preparation with advanced features that include an enhanced shank assembly, split-the-middle sweep design, and single-point hydraulic depth control. The Tiger-Mate creates greater soil tilth, with proper pore and soil aggregate size and distribution in the seed zone. The resulting level seedbed provides superior seed-to-soil contact allowing for faster germination and uniform crop emergence. Talk to your Case IH dealer to understand how you can rethink your productivity.

BETTER SEEDBED CONDITIONS THROUGH IMPROVED SOIL TILTH. SEE US TODAY! The Case IH Tiger-Mate® 255 sets new standards for seedbed preparation with advanced features that include an enhanced shank assembly, split-the-middle sweep design, single-point hydraulic CENTRAL ILLINOIS AG,and INC. depth control. The Tiger-Mate creates greater soil tilth, with proper pore and soil aggregate size and 200 SHARON STREET distribution in the seed zone. The resulting level seedbed provides superior seed-to-soil contact P.O. BOX 506 allowing for faster germination and uniform crop emergence. Talk to your Case IH dealer to understand ATLANTA, IL 61723 how you can rethink your productivity.

217-648-2307

SEE US TODAY! CENTRAL ILLINOIS AG, INC.

200 SHARON STREET · Volume 4 Issue 1 8 P.O. BOX www.centralilag.com 506

Thunder creek fuel trailers

quality craftsmanship “I t’s how we keep things rolling on the farm from a fuel and service standpoint,” says Aaron Bartlow, farmer in northern Illinois, of his Thunder Creek fuel trailer.

Aaron has used his Thunder Creek trailer, and a utility box equipped trailer for over two years now and with a generator compressor. says he could not be happier with it. The trailers are designed so that units can be added on at any time, Whether full or half-full, Aaron allowing Thunder Creek equipment says his trailer always feels balanced to develop with the changing needs Aaron covers a wide range of land during transport. He adds, “I like of the customers who use them. with his farm equipment each this product a lot because it is so season as he lives in Monticello smooth to pull and well designed.” Central Illinois Ag can set you up and operates in and around the with the perfect service trailer that Champaign area. Aaron says that regardless of the works best with your operation. speed he travels with the trailer, Part of maintaining Aaron’s fleet the moving liquid never pushes his of equipment includes keeping truck around the road. his machines fueled up and ready to go. After working for several Thunder Creek trailers offer a timeyears with a homemade fuel trailer, efficient way to service equipment Aaron began looking for something in the field. Their setup can be basic more reliable to carry his fuel. The to address solely fuel needs, or be positive feedback he heard from detailed to provide further service other farmers in his community, as to equipment. well as the quality craftsmanship of Thunder Creek trailers, led him to Some options that offer amplify purchase a 990 gallon trailer for his convenience include DEF options, farm. which can be set up on any multi-tank

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more field time

less downtime Cut fueling and maintenance downtime with the nation's leading fuel and service trailers. Protect Tier 4 machinery from costly damage with best-in-class DEF Delivery Solutions.

SEARCH AVAILABLE INVENTORY:

WWW.CENTRALILAG.COM

VISIT THESE STOCKING LOCATIONS:

ATLANTA | 800.762.2325 CLINTON | 800.362.3866 FARMER CITY | 800.334.8942

LARGEST VOLUME THUNDER CREEK DEALER IN ILLINOIS www.centralilag.com

· Volume 4 Issue 1 ®

When you compare the price of iron, be sure to compare your cost of money.

It pays to ask for AgDirect® financing. That’s when you’ll learn that along with attractive rates, AgDirect® offers money-saving options to purchase, lease or refinance, with ag-friendly terms up to seven years and delayed payments up to one year.* Simple application and quick credit decisions, too. Learn more about the brand of equipment financing that works for you: AgDirect financing. Available at your ag equipment dealer. Visit agdirect.com or call 888-525-9805.

Built for agriculture.® Powered by Farm Credit.® Ask for AgDirect.

› › › ›

Buy, lease or refinance Variable or fixed rates New or used equipment Financing terms from 2-7 years* › Delayed payments up to one year* › Easy application › Quick credit decisions

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*Subject to approval. AgDirect is an equipment financing program offered by participating Farm Credit System associations of AgDirect, LLP.

Behind the scenes of a pumpkin patch Gailís Pumpkin Patch : Beason, Illinois

Gail and David Sasse have a gift for sharing their love of agriculture with those around them. As the owners of Gail’s Pumpkin Patch, the couple welcomes members of the community into their family farm each fall. In addition to the pumpkins sold at the patch, gourds, apples, Indian corn and popcorn grown by the Sasses are also for sale. Growing many crops is no small feat and decorating and setting up for the season is also a big project. Throughout September and October, Gail’s Pumpkin Patch includes giant games like checkers and dominos, a kids’ corner for young children, a goat petting area, a shop where locals can sell goods, and so much more. “We do simple things here that do not involve electronics,” says Gail. “We like people to spend time together talking face-to-face.”

Pumpkins

On two days in May, Gail and David plant sixty pumpkin varieties and an assortment of gourds on eight acres. The crop requires diligent management practices because pumpkins are highly sensitive to changes in their environments. Before the crop is planted, David sprays on herbicide to protect against weed pressure. When the pumpkins begin to emerge from the ground, herbicides can no longer be applied and Gail, David, and their 12 employees take to the patch with hoes. In addition to warding off weed pressure, insect and disease damage also pose threats to the patch. Because pumpkins are susceptible to disease and enticing to insects, David must spray the crop each week with fungicide and insecticide. While managing threats to the crop is constant, Gail says “David loves new challenges to growing things.” It takes between 80 to 120 growing days for pumpkins to mature. By planting a wide variety of pumpkins at one time, Gail and David ensure that they have crops that are ripe for picking throughout their open season. Ensuring that visitors have quality pumpkins to choose from is a main priority for Gail. The most popular pumpkin variety grown at Gail’s Pumpkin Patch is the Cannonball variety. The small, round fruit is ideal for kids to pick and carry with them to take home. When Gail hosts field trips at the patch, she allows each child to pick his or her perfect pumpkin while teaching them about the agricultural practices used to grow the pumpkins. “Education is very important because it is the only way people can appreciate where their food comes from,” says Gail.

Photo: David and Gail Sasse in the pumpkin patch.

Bees

New pumpkin varieties are encouraged at Gail’s Pumpkin Patch by honeybees that cross pollinate the pumpkin patch year after year. Gail keeps one hive on the property because she believes they are essential for increased pumpkin production. She enjoys teaching visitors about the important role bees play in agriculture. “People need to understand how things grow on the farm and that honeybees help that process.” Learn more about Gail’s Pumpkin Patch at www.gailspumpkinpatch.com

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

WOMeN IN AG: peggy swigart

From City to Farm

n the spring, Peggy Swigart can be found tilling the land with a field cultivator, in the fall harvesting in the combine. In addition to being both a mother and a farmer, she also works as part of the office staff for Pioneer Farm Business Farm Management Association (FBFM) in Bloomington, Illinois. Peggy was not raised on a farm, but in the suburbs of Chicago, making her career path unique.

with their Hereford cattle. It was during this time that Peggy’s role on the farm took a dramatic turn. “Things just fell into place. Karl needed a little extra help on the farm and I thought, ‘I can do this,’ and stepped in to help,” says Peggy.

Peggy met her husband Karl at Western Illinois University. As the third generation of Swigart Farms, Karl anticipated returning to the family farm in Farmer City, Illinois after graduating from college. The first time Peggy set foot on a farm was when Karl took her home to meet his family. It took no time at all for Peggy to fall in love with the rural community and agree to move there after graduation (Peggy with her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Karl with his Bachelor’s Degree Photo: Peggy Swigert and her husband, Karl Swigert in Animal Sciences). In the beginning, Peggy’s primary job was driving the two-ton grain truck to haul grain to the elevator. One Moving to Farmer City was a big change for Peggy, who day, Peggy told Karl it was time she took a turn driving had not grown up around agriculture. As Karl rejoined the combine, and she has not looked back since. “It’s his father in farming corn, soybeans, hay, and raising very peaceful in the field,” says Peggy. “Combines these the family’s line of purebred Hereford cattle, Peggy days are so quiet—there, you are away from the stresses began working at the local grain elevator as an assistant of the world.” bookkeeper. This position allowed her to not only learn about crops, but get to know those in her community. Peggy has worked for Pioneer FBFM for 30 years during the farming off-season in the winter. Through her work After two years at the elevator, Peggy gave birth to her in the agricultural industry, both in and out of the first child, Kyle. After having two more kids, Erin and fields, she has noticed the significant role women play Adam, Peggy became a stay-at-home mom. Raising on farming operations behind-the-scenes. She says that their children with an appreciation for agriculture was while few women opt to work in the field, they continue important to both Peggy and Karl. The couple spent a lot to play an essential role for their families. of time with their children in the show ring, competing

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One of the main reasons women choose to stay in the sidelines is the lack of health insurance opportunities for women as farm operators. Private health insurance is very costly and continues to be unaffordable for most individuals. Many women feel the need to work off the farm to provide health insurance for their families. This obstacle is one Peggy believes steers women away from choosing to focus their career in farming. According to Peggy confidence when working with equipment is another barrier that keeps women from farming. “I believe if they would just give it a try and see how easy some of this equipment can be to run, they would reconsider working in the field,” she says. The feeling of pride when carrying on the tradition of farming from generation to generation is the same for both men and women, according to Peggy. She says, “For me, it is all about the feeling of accomplishment when I work these fields and produce something for the world.” Red equipment and purebred Hereford cattle are two constants that have remained part of Swigart Farms through the generations. As Peggy and Karl’s grandkids, Griffin, Claire, Cole, Kade, and Korbin grow up, the couple will continue to impart the importance of agriculture on the next generation of Swigarts. Teaching the children how to show Hereford cattle is the first step, and one that Peggy is eager to be a part of. “We were so proud to see our first grandchild show at the Illinois State Fair this year,” she remarks.

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1 14

The fastest and most versatile piece of tillage equipment you will ever own, the Degelman Pro-Till® shreds heavy fall residue, opens up spring elds, levels ruts, destroys clods and produces an absolutely perfect seed bed. Pro-Till® is your single tool for tillage.

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degelman: The Pro-till design

fter many field demonstrations with the Degelman Pro-Till, there was one common factor amongst the individuals at each site: their expression of disbelief and excitement. It only takes one pass to prove the high performance of the Degalman Pro-Till by leveling ruts, crushing dirt clods and mixing residue to create a desirable fine tilth seedbed. There are several features, from the grip and color coded couplers to the Otico furrow rollers, that make the ProTill a perfect finishing tillage unit. The swing away deflector redistributes soil from the front discs to the rear of the back discs to ensure no ridges or grooves remain. The teeth on the deflector vibrate to allow fine soil to sift through without sticking.

The Otico furrow rollers are suitable for all soil conditions as the micro-ridge shape of the Pro-Till rollers allows water to be stored in the corrugated valleys, driven to the lower soil layers and stored in a uniform way.

Maintenance-free bearings withstand constant The furrow roller improves soil structure, encourages vibration, high shock and severe loads. Even after seeds to germinate and grow in a shorter time, and extensive use of the bearing housing, it can be changed controls erosion. quickly and easily with one bolt. No matter the condition - wet or dry - the Pro-Till has The Pro-Till disc system provides maximum amount proven these innovative features to produce a uniform of trash clearance by removing the gang and providing field. independent shallow discs that slice and mix soils. More room between the discs means more trash flow. Visit our YouTube channel to see footage from a Degelman Pro-Till demo. The disc arms are pre-loaded using four natural rubber spring elements that allow the disc to skate over severe www.YouTube.com/LiveWorkGrowCIA stones while following the contour of the land.

www.centralilag.com Âˇ Volume 4 Issue 1

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an updated design

www.centralilag.com B

eginning in December 2017, you may have noticed a change to the look of our website. We completed the redesign with one overall goal in mind: making it easier for our customers to navigate and find information. The most commonly searched area on our site is inventory, and with that in mind, one click on the magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner (by the Case IH logo) will open a search bar to type in as little as the model number and that matched unit will show on the following page. Our inventory is now easier than ever to find. Each piece of equipment has an area that includes a request for a quote, trade-in value, and finance options making it easier and timely when looking to purchase equipment. The Owner tab includes information on parts and service support along with information about Central Illinois Ag including our history, team, careers, and locations. Another way to stay up-to-date and informed is through Our Story. This is currently located halfway down the homepage. Our Story contains blog posts from the fields with product information, industry news, and more. Check Our Story often for updated posts! We are proud to offer 24/7 support from our parts and service teams! A box directing to the 24/7 Support page is located toward the bottom with our social media icons. One of the best ways to reach our audience is through social media and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we have included links to our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts to our front page. You can find these toward the bottom.

www.centralilag.com Âˇ Volume 4 Issue 1

“I

innovation in agriculture

nnovation comes from never being satisfied with where you are at,” says Jacob Wade, part owner of Wade Farms. After earning his double Associate’s Degree in Agriculture Business Management and Agricultural Production from Black Hawk College, Jacob rejoined his father Brad on the family farm in 2012 to farm full time. Together, the father and son grow corn and soybeans in McLean, Illinois. Jacob actively seeks out the most innovative products and services the industry has to offer in order to continually improve his operation. He has had the opportunity to be at the leading edge of ag technology through demoing equpment from Central Illinois Ag and beta testing Precision Planting technology. “In every one of my fields, there is something that I am researching or testing,” says Jacob. In his eyes, every field is a test plot that can be used to tell him which products and services work best for his operation. From the Case IH 2150 high speed planter Jacob uses in the spring to the Precision Planting technology he uses in his red combine, Jacob learns something new from every field.

Planter technology

From the first time Jacob ran the Case IH 1250 with Precision Planting, he says he recognized that the planter was a “game-changer.” As part of the SpeedTube beta test for Precision Planting, Jacob was able to further advance his planter. After stripping the planter down to the basic model, Jacob worked with Central Illinois Ag to outfit the equipment with additional Precision Planting technologies including CleanSweep, DeltaForce, and vApplyHD. After using the Case IH 1250 with Precision Planting for three planting seasons, Jacob says he has noticed excellent results in the field. Previous planters required manual adjustments which made seed placement accuracy anywhere from 75% to 95%. He says that the automatic adjustments made by the Case IH planter make adjusting for seed size 99% accurate when planting, eliminating human error. This is an important feature for a grower like Jacob who plants a variety of hybrids throughout his acreage. The ability to plant with high efficiency at high speeds has allowed Jacob to collect accurate data in his fields. With the help of Precision Planting’s DeltaForce technology, he is also able to put down starter while planting, ensuring that the seeds have adequate nutrients which set them up to reach their full potential in ear size and length.

yield data

Adding Precision Planting Yield Sense to a combine allows farmers to compare harvest data with planter data collected earlier in the season. Being able to see this data side-by-side has helped Jacob’s operation immensely. “(Yield Sense) gave us the ability to keep records better and makes on-farm research really easy to do on a large scale,” Jacob observes. This assimilated data is important to the research that Jacob performs on Wade Farms. One of the biggest areas of research for Jacob is deciding which hybrid crop grows the best. When planting two hybrids in the same field, the compiled data makes an immediate comparison of the hybrids possible. Jacob says, “I can check the variable crop as I am harvesting instead of having to stop and use the weigh wagon.” The results of his field tests heavily impact the types of hybrids Jacob chooses to plant in the seasons that follow. “Analyzing data in real-time is the biggest key,” says Jacob of using Precision Planting technology. Making seed purchase decisions early helps Wade Farms save money because seed is most affordable during harvest.

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hybrid seed selection

As the co-owner of Agvantage Seed Inc., Jacob is no stranger to selecting seed corn hybrids. Conducting research on his own fields has allowed him to better address the needs of his customers. Jacob says that providing data collected through Precision Planting allows him to demonstrate the differences in hybrids to his customers.

drone deploy

The use of drones in the agricultural industry has really taken off. While Jacob flies his drone to scout fields for wet spots and abnormalities, he also uses it to collect data on plant health. The software available through DroneDeploy takes the collected drone data and translates it into variable maps which Jacob can use to strategize fungicide applications.

“Scouting with a drone lets you put your dollars where they “The future of hybrid seed is really exciting will return your investment,” says Jacob. because there is new technology coming out and available to the market,” says Jacob. In the future 360 Y-DROP® and 360 UNDERCOVER® of his seed dealership, Jacob hopes to delve into Outfitted with three nozzles in a patented y-shape, the seed treatment technology to further improve his 360 Y-DROP® system allows farmers to apply late-season crops and the crops of his customers. Providing nitrogen. By delivering nitrogen to the base of the corn plant, his customers with the latest in seed technology the sprayer ensures that the chemical application is consistent is rewarding to him because it positively impacts throughout the field, promoting uniform growth in the crop. their operations. The high clearance machine makes spraying possible well into the growing season. Jacob says that the 360 Y-DROP® sprayer has allowed his farm to be “more environmentally friendly and achieve a cheaper cost per bushel.” The 360 UNDERCOVER® system can be used to apply fungicide, insecticide, and nutrients in the field. Using the system for fungicide applications has made a big impact on Wade Farms. Unlike other applicator systems that target the crop from above, 360 UNDERCOVER® system sprays fungicide from the bottom up. Jacob says that the applicator has allowed him to target the critical part of the plant that starts from the ear leaf and reaches to the top of the plant. This area of the canopy uses the most photosynthesis. Photo (above): Jacob Wade with multiple monitors in his combine during Harvest 2017. Photo (below): Wade Farms during Harvest 2017.

“When using an airplane to apply fungicide, the chemical may never reach down to the ear leaf, let alone get the underside of it,” says Jacob. Applying fungicide between pollination and brown silk extends the plants’ life cycles so that they can fill deeper kernels of grain. If disease is not prominent in Jacob’s fields, he uses fungicide in this way to increase his crop’s yield potential. “After the first year, the whole (360 Yield Center) system paid for itself and made two sprayer payments as well,” says Jacob.

A Word of Advice

Jacob’s biggest piece of advice to other farmers is to try something new on their acreage each year. “Everyone’s farming practices are different so I would encourage other farmers to do their own research,” he advises. One way that they can do this without breaking the bank is by managing small test plots on their farms. Jacob says that research on a small scale can make a big difference in the long run.

www.centralilag.com www.centralilag.com ·· Volume Volume 4, 4 Issue 1

save time & gain efficiency with 24/7 support powered by agrisync first option. Joe III says, “The hardest thing about using AgriSync is getting used to doing it. We were so used to calling someone if we had a problem. You have to Joe Bloome III, President of force yourself to think, ‘I have this technology and it’s HI-Tech Farms in Christian so much easier.’ As soon as you get that initial switch in County, began using AgriSync your head, it saves me a lot of time from waiting around. in Spring 2017. It has to be my instinct to take a picture, send it off on AgriSync, and let the team at Central Illinois Ag figure e want to continue to expand at a rate that it out and get it fixed.” keeps us efficient. Efficiency is the most important thing to us. We’re doing a lot of work with “Technology in ag is the most important thing because it not a lot of people, so uptime is extremely important allows your operation to expand,” says Joe III. “AgriSync for us,” says Joe Bloome III, President of HI-Tech has really fit in with all of the other technology we have. Farms, in Christian County, Illinois. Joe III is a third We’re running iPads in every piece of machinery and generation farmer that works alongside his father Joe every one has AgriSync on it. All the hired men know Jr., grandfather Joe Sr., uncle Clayton, and cousin Jake how to use AgriSync. If they run into an issue, they take on Bloome Farms. After graduating from the University a picture, send it to the guys at Central Illinois Ag on of Illinois, Joe III returned to the family’s operation and AgriSync, and get it solved quicker,” Joe III encourages. now handles application and technology management. The willingness of Central Illinois Ag to introduce new In December 2016, Bloome Farms decided to switch technologies with the best interest of farmer customers their fleet to Case IH equipment for more competitive in mind has strengthened the relationship with Bloome prices and better results in the field. “You’re going to Farms. Joe III says, “I spend more time than anyone change a lot when you go from green to red, and Central here talking to the folks at Central Illinois Ag. Over the Illinois Ag was introducing AgriSync as a support tool last year it’s turned into a family. I talk to those guys around that time. AgriSync was something we definitely everyday, even in the off-season.” wanted to include in our operation,” Joe III recalls. Joe III says, “It’s evolved into so much more than a dealerOne of the primary focuses of the operation is to expand farmer relationship. Instead of a customer relationship, while maintaining efficiency. Joe III says, “Agrisync we have more of a team mentality. And that’s extremely keeps us efficient. We’re not spending time on phone valuable to have someone you trust with your best calls, waiting on hold, calling this person, and waiting interest in mind rather than someone just trying to sell on that person. With AgriSync, the ability to take a you something,” Joe III encourages. picture, send it off, and let the guys at Central Illinois Ag come up with a solution saves me a ton of time.” HOW DO I GET STARTED? 1. Download AgriSync on your smartphone through “Most of the time they don’t even have to come out to the Android & iTunes Store the farm to fix the issue. They can just send me a picture or a message back with the solution. That means more 2. Connect with Central Illinois Ag uptime for me. At the same time, they’re not stuck on 3. See centralilag.com/--support24-7 for more info the phone with me.” Ask any Central Illinois Ag Team Member to help get AgriSync set up on your device! The largest hurdle when adopting a new technology is adjusting your mindset to consider that technology as a

“W

m · Central Illinois · www.centralilag.com 21 21 · Central Illinois AgAg · www.centralilag.com

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Connect with our team of experts on your tablet or smartphone so you have the app ready to go before you need service. This technology gets your questions answered quickly at no cost to you 24/7. For more information about AgriSync, visit www.agrisync.com

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

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m www.landoll.com 23 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com ®

CIA Road Technician: Jeramie Harris

or Road Technician Jeramie Harris, understanding both the physical and technological makeup of equipment is essential to his job. After working for nine years as a service technician at other dealerships, Jeramie found his way to Central Illinois Ag in February 2017.

After working in the trucking industry, Jeramie says working for family farms in the agricultural industry has been a welcomed change of pace. “I enjoy taking the time to explain what I see on a piece of equipment to the farmer because it allows them to better understand their machines,” says Jeramie.

Jeramie grew up in Plano, a suburb of Chicago. At seventeen, he and his family moved to central Illinois. During this time, Jeramie says he was inspired to become a mechanic by his father and grandfather who both worked as mechanics for Caterpillar.

Working directly with customers is one of Jeramie’s favorite things about his job. “As a road technician, I get to be the face of the service department with my customers,” says Jeramie.

During summer 2017, Jeramie performed nearly 70 After completing high school, Jeramie went on to earn combine inspections for Central Illinois Ag customers, his Associates Degree in Diesel Technology from Spoon visiting operations ranging from Joliet, Illinois to St. River College in Canton, Illinois. During this time, he Peters, Illinois and from Danville, Iowa to Atlanta, held an internship position working as a mechanic in Illinois. the trucking industry and he realized he wanted to work “Combine inspections are important because they mean in the agricultural industry. less downtime in the field and fewer unexpected repairs during the harvesting season,” says Jeramie. John Coers, Central Illinois Ag Salesman out of Mason City accompanied Jeramie on his combine inspections. John says that Jeramie is thorough in his work and “even taught this ole dog some new things about combine inspecting.” The most difficult part of being a road technician is keeping up with the ever-changing technology in agricultural equipment, accroding to Jeramie. He says that diagnosing technical issues is challenging because it is constantly evolving. “Sometimes, when you are in the field, you just have to figure it out as you go,” says Jeramie. When he runs into an especially tough fix, Jeramie seeks advice from his fellow technicians or reaches out to Case IH engineers. At the end of a long workday, Jeramie is eager to return home to his two children Cooper and Elena ages four and three, respectively. He says that he is proud to be a technician because the work he does helps farmers and their families and allows him to support his own family.

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lsw technology:

A dramatic difference “A s equipment gets larger, every track you make through the field does some sort of damage. If you can eliminate as much compaction as possible, you are setting your soil up for the coming years,” advises Matt Pence, employee for Duis Farms and owner of Illini Ag Solutions, a dealership for Beck’s Hybrids.

Matt, Brad Schleef, and Dean Sorensen all farm alongside Mike Duis, owner of Duis Farms. The team works together to harvest a corn, soybean, and wheat crop every year with the help of two Case IH combines (one equipped with tracks and one with tires). Summer 2017 marked the first season when Matt operated a combine with LSW tires. Using the combine to harvest wheat, he says there was a dramatic difference

in how the combine ran with LSW technology as opposed to the dual tires previously used on the equipment. In dry conditions, the tires provided a smooth ride and in wet spots, the combine was uninterrupted. Matt noticed that ride was similar to being in the track combine.

“The combine with LSWs runs a little faster than our track combine on the road so moving from field to field takes less time,” says Matt.

The difference in size of LSW tires compared to dual tires has also made driving the combine easier. “With a dual machine you’re very wide on the road and the LSWs make it a lot Another major difference Matt narrower,” says Matt. noticed while running the combine with LSW technology instead of Duis Farms is always looking for the dual tires was how the combine latest and greatest in technology to handled on the road. In the past, improve its operations. Matt says he he has experienced the combine anticipates utilizing LSW technology swaying during travel, a concern on other pieces of equipment within which has been eliminated with the the next few years. help of LSW tires. “If you’re making a mess in the fall With the improved floatation, the with a combine or auger cart, you’re technology also reduces road lope, usually going to pay for that many allowing the combine to travel years to come as far as seeing that efficiently without compromising compaction hurting soil health and the crop,” Matt observes. operator comfort.

m 25 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

about lsw from the ag product manager T

itan began in 1997 engineering tires equipped with Low Sidewall (LSW) tires inspired by the same technology used in the automotive industry. For Scott Sloan, ag product manager, the exciting part of the company’s growth was when they first introduced the technology to the agricultural industry. He says it was during this transition that he “knew we had something special.” For growers who carry the weight of feeding the world, this technology allows them to continue to work through unpredictable conditions.

Ag Product Manager, Scott Sloan, has been with Goodyear/Titan Tires since 1997 when the concept of LSW technology began.

LSW technology is applicable to all field conditions but is most valuable in wet conditions. In the past, farmers who have operated with standard duel tires have run into compaction issues as mud packs between the wheels. The improved floatation of LSW Extreme Floatation super single tires allows them to outwork conventional tires in wet conditions. The tires’ wide surface also improves traction, stabilizing the equipment as it works through the field.

Titan’s reinvention of the physical structure of the conventional wheel through LSW technology has positively impacted the agricultural industry. The key to the technology’s unique design is the 20% decrease in tire sidewall and increase in wheel diameter. Equipment fitted with LSW technology has enhanced performance, stability, and handling. Scott says LSW technology helps farmers overcome everyday problems like rode lope and power hop. He explains that the sidewall of a tire acts as a spring that absorbs bumps during travel. On the road, LSW technology decreases recoil, allowing farming equipment to road 30% faster than with tracks. The added speed does not compromise cab comfort as the ride is also smoother. In the field, LSW tires do not buckle under like standard tires, minimizing power hopping issues.

While alternative tire technologies exist in the agricultural market, Scott says LSW is the most practical. With a user-friendly design, LSW tires are easy for farmers to replace and require minimal maintenance. LSW tires are also an affordable alternative to tracks and have the same performance capabilities in field conditions. Using tires instead of tracks also “makes the machine more versatile because it can go faster, is more nimble, and less costly to operate,” says Scott. Fuel costs are also lower in comparison to equipment with tracks.

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

inside the Case IH factory a grower’s perspective

arvest 2017 marked the first season that Cisco, IL “It was very informative and they were accommodating farmer Dan Carroll has run a red combine through when we wanted to see something that was not part of his fields. Purchasing two Case IH 8240 combines was a the scheduled tour,” says Dan. big step for Dan who had previously used other equipment manufacturers to get him through the seasons. As part of the adjustment, Dan attended a Case IH plant tour in June 2017 in Grand Island, Nebraska to learn more about his new equipment. Fifth generation owner and President of Central Illinois Ag Michael Schmidt and Central Illinois Ag General Manager Chad Colby accompanied Dan on the tour. While Dan has attended plant tours hosted by other manufacturers, he says that the Case IH tour was personalized to his interests.

Photo: Michael Schmidt, Dan Carroll, Chad Colby during the factory tour.

m 27 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Seeing combines assembled piece-by-piece from the ground up allowed Dan the unique opportunity to see the inner workings of the agricultural equipment he would soon run in his fields. Dan recalls that he could see that Case IH equipment is heavier when compared to competitor brands. As part of the visit, Dan had the chance to start one of his new combines for the first time. “Being the first one to fire up the engine was a neat experience and the (Case IH employee) that helped me was very helpful,” says Dan. Dan says that during the tour, all of the workers were eager to talk to him about their part in assembling the plant’s machines. He says, “There were workers that cared about building good products and who were very interested in serving farmers.”

“Being the first one to fire up the engine was a neat experience...” -dan carRoll

He says that in engaging with the men and women responsible for putting together farming equipment, he was able to thank them for their important role they play in the agricultural industry.

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

Patriot

A harvest experience unlike any other

Built In System Advantages

End Row Augers

LED Stubble Lights

► Ideal for harvesting down crops

► Illuminate the crop and stubble

► Improves flow in

when harvesting in the dark

m adverse conditions

29 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Stainless Steel Poly Protectors ► Protects poly row dividers

from premature wear

The Geringhoff Patriot delivers a harvest experience unlike any other. With reliability and yield retention at the top of our list, the Patriot includes a ton of premium features as standard equipment, all designed to deliver you a successful and timely harvest.

Wide Angle Gathering System The Patriot’s wide angle gathering system allows easy, gentle flow of stalks to the snapping rolls. Utilizing a double sprocket chain idler at the front of the row unit prevents whipping and crop loss and is very tolerant of off-the-row harvesting. This feature also provides a smooth harvest in twin row corn.

Double Acting Deck Plates ► Keeps stalk centered

over the stalk rolls

Quick Attach Ear Savers ► Easily remove/install ear savers

Residue Processing ► Available in Rota Disc® or

NorthStar processing

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

TORO: SPEED, COMFORT, QUALITY F

arming, carpentry and lawn care are all areas in which John Fenton of Weldon, Illinois has vast experience. At a very young age, John began working on the family farm where he farmed until 2001. During this time, he also worked as a carpenter for a company in Champaign, Illinois for over 32 years. After retiring from both farming and carpentry, John began looking for his next venture. In 2006, John started a lawn care company called Fenton Lawn Care. As the sole owner and operator for the business, John relies on Toro mowers to maintain nearly 40 yards each week. When asked why John prefers Toro over other brands of mowers, he noted that the speed, operator comfort, and finished quality of cut of their machines are superior to other brands. John has used Toro and remained loyal to the brand since before he started his lawn care business. The newest addition to his Toro fleet is the Z-Master Commercial 3000 Series. The ease in which the mower maneuvers makes it an impressive asset to his company. “It mows rings around the competition,” says John. The relationship John established with Central Illinois Ag while farming has been maintained throughout the years. The dealership sold John his first Toro mower and has serviced his machines ever since. Chip Atten, parts manager for Central Illinois Ag in Clinton, Illinois plays a large part in keeping John’s fleet up and running. He is also a firm believer in the Toro brand. “In my opinion, Toro mowers are the topnotch mowers on the market,” says Chip. He recommends this worldwide brand to all of his customers, no matter the size of their operation.

m 31 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

HARD-CORE COMFORT Long days will feel shorter with the all-new, amazingly comfortable MyRIDE™ suspension system on select Toro® Z Master® mowers. The fully suspended, adjustable operator platform isolates bumps and vibrations so you don’t feel the rough terrain. It’s the Toro toughness you expect with a ride you won’t believe.

FEEL THE MyRIDE DIFFERENCE. DEMO ONE TODAY! LEARN MORE AT TORO.COM/MYRIDE

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

goodman Excavation Inc. “E

very day is harvest for us in the excavating business,” says Brett Goodman of Goodman Excavation Inc in Atlanta, Illinois. For Brett and his brother Brad, there is no time to waste when a machine breaks down. That is why the brothers rely on Takeuchi machines to get the job done and Central Illinois Ag to keep their machines working at full capacity.

customers. Within a month of purchasing their first Takeuchi machine, a TL130, the company added a TL150 to their fleet. As Goodman Excavation Inc began taking on projects which required more compact machines, they looked for equipment that could easily navigate in tight conditions. Today, the business runs two TL8 Compact Track Loaders.

In 1926, Vernon Goodman started a trucking, excavating, and Case equipment dealership called V Goodman Transfer and Excavating. When his boys came of age, Vernon’s two sons took over the company. One of his sons, Walter, and his son, Larry, eventually began running the company as a team. As co-owner of the company, Larry taught his children, Brett and Brad, the family’s trade at young ages.

The transition from bigger machines to smaller was easy for Brett because of the similar equipment frames. “It’s like an old pair of shoes, you just get in it and go,” he says of trying the new equipment out on the day he bought his first TL8. The compact size of the TL8 makes it the ideal machine for working inside new building footprints. Brett and Brad use the TL8 for backfilling and grading interiors because it is easy to maneuver around pipes and structural steel on the worksite. What the machine lacks in size, it makes up for in power. Brett says he is impressed with his Takeuchi machines every time he gets in one. There is one job in particular where Brett was truly surprised by his machine’s ability. “We were digging at the sewer plant and it was so muddy that you couldn’t walk through the site or you would sink,” says Brett. “But our TL150 was able to work right through those conditions,” says Brett. The weight distribution offered by tracks allowed Brett to complete his job that day.

Photo: Brad Goodman with his Takeuchi TL8 Brett says that he always wanted to work for the family business. “When I was little, I used to sleep behind the seat of the excavator,” he recalls. In 2007, Brett and Brad became fourth generation owners of the family’s company and decided to change the name to Goodman Excavation, Inc and focus on commercial excavating. The demolition and excavating of storm sewer for the rebuilding of Central Illinois Ag Atlanta office is among the projects the company has completed.

Although the company has used other brand’s machines in the past, Goodman Excavation Inc has always returned to using Takeuchi. The operator comfort, low maintenance needs and reliability of the brand’s products make the family-owned business loyal to Takeuchi.

The fifth generation of Goodman Excavation Inc is growing quickly. Brett’s son Allen is six years old and cannot get enough of the shop and its equipment. Allen can often be found playing with his toy equipment in the sand box, practicing for a career in excavating. He is eager to teach Brad’s one year old son Wylan everything he knows about the business. Brett’s daughter Abigail, nine years old, also enjoys helping her grandmother in The Goodman family has used Takeuchi machines for the company’s office. “Brad and I have a love for what we over 15 years. After renting a TL130 for a few jobs, the do and we would be very happy if our children decided machine’s power, versatility, and impressive finished to carry on our family’s legacy,” Brett shares. product spurred the family to become Takeuchi

m 33 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

takeuchi school

ach year our salesmen attend Takeuchi School at the United States headquartered location in Pendergrass, Georgia. The experience includes a first look at new products, features and benefits vs. competitor products, and hands-on learning while digging in the dirt.

A: Tell me how you spent your days at Takeuchi school.

C: The first day we were put into groups with other dealers led by Takeuchi representatives from around the Photo: The new Takeuchi TL6 during a nation. They showed us the features demo at Takeuchi School in Georgita. and benefits of each machine, along A: You got a first look at the new with asking our opinions on customer equipment, tell me about the TL6 Central Illinois Ag Salesman Corbin needs and wants along with feedback we’ve all been waiting for. Richardson, shares his experience we have received. with Marketing Coordinator Abby C: It’s compact without losing room A: So they went over the features of Coers, while at Takeuchi school. in the cab. The lightweight machine Tak units, how do you know those is great in places where the ground Abby: What was your first impression features are better than what the can’t be torn up such as golf courses, upon arriving at the Takeuchi plant? competitor offers? and the smaller machine allows for Corbin: They gave us a tour and the C: We were taken outside where room to go between, say, fences at a shop was like nothing I’ve seen before. everyone got in a machine (Takeuchi home job site, and able to fit inside a About 1,200 track loaders and ~1,400 and competitor) and we were able 7’ garage door. excavators were lined up ready to be to drive, dig, and play around in the A: How do you feel Tak School delivered. About 95% of them were dirt. We ran the machines in the mud prepares you to sell machinery? sold. It was an impressive site! as hard as we could. This hands-on demo made it obvious that Takeuchi’s C: We know the competitor machines, pushing and digging power is pros and cons, and what units work excellent and the ground clearance best on what job site. The hands-on is unmatched. In one spot I drove demos were not biased and we really right over a muddy spot with two got to see why Takeuchi is the best. machines, and the competitor got stuck while Takeuchi went straight A: What are three words to describe through. The Takeuchi machines Takeuchi as a company? Photo: The Takeuchi shop filled with thousands also are a lot quicker at responding of machines ready for delivery. to controls and the machine is just C: Outgoing, friendly, family. overall more stable than others.

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

m 35 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Employee SpotlightBehind the Scenes Number of years at CIA: 9 Years I began my career at Clinton in parts, precision farming, and service before moving to Atlanta to work with the accounting team. I will always remember seeing the suprise on faces when I first told customers “I’m the new precision farming person.” By the end of my time in that position, I had won over the majority of those that were unsure about the “new girl.” Sometimes I feel like the “Bad Penny” because I will stick to a job until it’s complete.

Jackie Heck

Accounting Department

There is nothing better than the smell of freshly turned soil, the sound and smell of a diesel engine running, and the quality time working hard for a common goal with my family on the farm.

I work with Case IH wholegoods, financing across all vendors, and aid in the processing of sales.

Outside of the office you can find me on the family farm, watching tractor pulls, attending concerts, or just being outdoors.

Number of years at CIA: 6 Months Before CIA I worked in operations management at a global ag processor. It’s interesting to see how all the positions and departments at Central Illinois Ag work together. Each part of the company effects all the others. I like to see change happen and better practices work, I’m very result driven. I credit my parents for teaching me so much! My dad taught me to work hard and break the mold if I need to, and my mom taught me to be kind and go after my goals. At one point I was the only female grain elevator superintendent at ADM. Outside of the office you can find me riding horses (dressage and trail riding are my favorite!), tasting craft beer, and finding fantastic hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Brooke powell service department

I work with the service managers, warranty claims, and technicians to ensure our shops are running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

Photo Gallery

m 37 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

www.centralilag.com Âˇ Volume 4 Issue 1

this week in agribusiness introduces a

new technology segment hosted by chad colby sponsored by central illinois ag

Photo: Greg Soulje, Meterologist; Max Armstrong, Host; and Chad Colby, co-host and contributor of This Week in AgriBusiness.

“M

y mom made me,” admitted Chad Colby, now General Manager of Central Illinois Ag and Ag Technology Contributor to This Week in AgriBusiness. Chad’s mother, Bonnie Colby, turned the 4-H Public Speaking registration form into the Bureau County 4-H office in the fall of 1981.

a radio broadcast out of Chicago hosted by Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson. The radio show was an opportunity for Chad to pick up his Motorola cellular phone and dial in to Max and Orion to share field conditions and talk farming, straight from a field in Bureau County.

Despite his initial reaction to the project, Chad won many awards in the 4-H Public Speaking competitions which encouraged him to compete at the next levels. Speaking turned into something he became very passionate about, and it soon became natural to incorporate this into his everyday life.

“I think it cost about $1.50 per minute to call the radio and give this report through my mobile phone, but that phone bill was worth it,” Chad remembered.

Chad has always looked up to Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson as the two most trusted sources in agriculture. He would even dream that someday he, too, Fast forward a couple years and there was Chad sitting could have an influence on the agriculture community. in the combine during harvest and listening to WGN,

m 41 · Central Illinois Ag · www.centralilag.com

Each Saturday morning rural Americans from New York, Texas, to California turn on the television to “This Week in AgriBusiness” as their source for trusted ag news. Beginning in 2018, Chad Colby will be hosting an ag technology segment featuring various forms of technology in the field and within the industry. The segment is sponsored by Central Illinois Ag, a fifth-generation Case IH dealership servicing farm operations nationwide. “I’ve always been eager to purchase the latest and greatest technology, finding the benefit, and share my opinion with others,” said Chad, “It’s fun to educate people with practical applications that are useful for today and in the future.”

Photo (left): Chad speaking at an FFA event his Freshman year of high school. Photo (below): Max and Chad reporting from the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY February 2018.

As co-host of This Week in AgriBusiness, Max Armstrong is excited to add a segment on technology to the program. This allows another outlet to agriculture as we learn how to improve farming operations to “Chad Colby has his fingers on the pulse of the newest become more efficient as each day passes. The technology Chad presents will range from innovative techniques ag businesses are utilizing to applications that can be applied to your own operation. Chad calls himself a ‘technology geek,’ and although some of the concepts may be hard to understand for the common individual, he presents the new ideas in a way most can understand. His approach to sharing this information allows anyone to be involved with learning and applying new practices.

and best of agricultural technology, and he is generous in sharing that information with farmers and growers, agri-businesses and organizations, here in the U.S. and around the world. His popular technology updates and field reports for This Week in AgriBusiness bring our viewers a unique perspective on production agriculture from across the country.”” -Max Armstrong

“We are quite proud of this nice addition to our show,” said Max, “when the very first one ran, a long-time farmer friend of mine wrote to me and said, I really like the segment with Chad. I take five national farm magazines, and your show was the first place I have seen this.” Max has always been a role model to Chad. Through their shared passion of communicating agriculture along with a unique bond between restoring their respective Faramll 560’s, Max continues to be a mentor as well as a friend to Chad. Little did he know, the 4-H public speaking contest would guide him through a successful career, traveling overseas, and meeting an innumerable amount of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts.

To catch the latest agriculture news around the nation, watch This Week in Agribusiness every Saturday at 8 a.m. on RFD-TV, or view the show online at farmfutures.com or agbizweek.com.

www.centralilag.com · Volume 4 Issue 1

200 Sharon Street Atlanta, IL 61723

Celebrating 120 years Central illinois ag est.1898-2018

centralilag.com

@Liveworkgrowcia www.centralilag.com Âˇ Volume 4 Issue 1