SPRING FARM 2023 MARKING A DECADE OF SUCCESS

Mark Muench’s farm-based Salford dealership is Iowa’s largest

OGDEN — Mark Muench raises corn and soybeans near Ogden, as previous generations of his family have.

For the best results, Muench invests time and hands-on testing of equipment and processes to achieve success.

A little more than a decade ago, he realized tillage hadn’t improved in the preceding 40 years, compared to the rest of agriculture.

“Tractors had. Combines did. And soil is our most precious asset so tillage should have improved, too,” he explained. “Today, land is selling for record prices because of the topsoil. We need to take care of that; I was taught to take care of soil like it’s a child or family member, to never abuse it. And farmers need good yields to stay in business.”

Muench founded Salford tillage equipment in 2009 and used it on his own farm, finding it far superior to other options. Then, in the fall of 2012, Muench became a Salford equipment dealer, running the business out of his farm shop, selling his first machine in 2013. And today, his dealership is Iowa’s largest for the Canadianowned manufacturer with a plant in Osceola.

“All of the machines we offer are high speed, covering a lot of acres,” Muench remarked.“That translates to time savings, fuel savings, simplicity, and yields just as good or better with less effort.”

That efficiency proves beneficial when corn sells for $3.50 per bushel as well as at today’s higher levels.

“The better job we do with tillage, the more successful we are. The efficiencies of Salford mean it makes more sense to invest in the equipment when prices are low to save time, fuel, wear and tear on the tractor,” Muench said. “Salford machines are expensive but replace two or three machines with one.”

Beyond efficiency, Muench said Salford tillage machines make a wonderful place to plant. And that’s what it’s really all about, according to the farmer dealer.

“What we try to do, and we offer eight models, is figure out which model it takes for a farmer to achieve what he’s attempting to achieve,” Muench said. “There’s no such thing as one size fits all. We’re all about figuring out what machine will do what the farmer wants it to do. With our experience, we can do that.”

Muench, is the advantage Salford tillage equipment has in adverse conditions. He, and his customers, create a nice seedbed without damage to soil like crusting or compaction. “Salford works well in wet springs and adverse conditions. We can run when a lot of machines can’t because they can’t handle residue,” Muench said. “They handle anything Iowa throws at you – including going from floods to drought in two years as we have.”

Muench’s sales theory echoes his own hands-on philosophy. “We want to get the Salford machines in the field because they almost sell themselves,” he said. “When farmers try them, they want to buy them.” or set ups. Proof of Muench’s approach to soil care and farming technique has been proven by results in national yield contests.

“We entered to validate our numbers and have plaques on the wall documenting those results,” he said. “Now I have customers doing their own checks and we’re getting that feedback as well.” assembly.

Muench AgriSolutions, specializing solely in Salford equipment, is entirely selfsustaining, not subsidized by the family farm as some similar enterprises are. The owner said it will continue to grow and evolve.

“Within a couple of years, I want to move to a base of operations off the farm on a major highway with more visibility,” Muench said.

A rural setting — whether on the farm or in a new, more visible location – is essential.

Mick Johnston helps Muench manage his businesses and develop sales strategies and advertising. Leah Porter is the office manager for all businesses.

In the beginning Muench was the salesman, truck driver, service guy, and still ran his farm. Today he’s proud to say providing good jobs is another benefit of his Salford dealership, creating some economic development.

Muench AgriSolutions stocks and sells more parts than any other Salford dealer in Iowa. And if Muench AgriSolutions doesn’t have it, the part is just 90 miles away from the shop in Osceola at Salford’s plant there. Muench appreciates the opportunity to be connected with an Iowabased manufacturer. The Salford dealership is not Muench’s first value-added venture.

“I was heavily involved in renewable fuels from 2003 to 2010,” he said. “I transitioned out of that into Salford.” This experience broadened his business background outside of farming, an asset to the dealership. Muench and his wife, Holly, have two sons with interest in being the next generation on the family farm. Muench AgriSolutions, along with the farm, are enough to keep family and long-term employees sustainable while paving the way for future growth.

Muench

AgriSolutions’ customers, like the dealership’s founder, then create the best environment to plant into by being attentive to soil preparation, soil health, and more.

Another key, according to

Muench and his team, including full-time sales and service reps, offer a perspective other dealers can’t because they run them, know them, and understand them. Salford company representatives often call on Muench to try new machines

“We never sell anything until we run it ourselves and we get familiar with it. When there’s a new model, I bring it in so we can run it and learn about it,” he said. “Then we sell when we feel we understand it and have a good working understanding of how to set it, what to do, not to do. That’s very important to me and our customers.” Tony Williams joined Muench AgriSolutions in 2014 in parts and service. Now he’s selling machines as well. Two other commissioned sales people are part of the team along with a ful-ltime service tech, Justin Peterson. Muench also employs Casey Peterson, who drives the semi that picks up unassembled machines from the factory and delivers assembled machines to customers, as well as helps with

“I have always loved generating economic activity, creating, and improving,” Muench said. “Helping farmers improve, sharing their love of agriculture and the land, is a great way to contribute to a sound future.”