Agricultural News
Case IH Survey: Livestock Producers Want Easier Maintenance, Crop Producers Respect Resale
Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:53:00 CST
When it comes to farm equipment purchases, livestock producers think more about the ease of maintenance, while crop producers think more about the predictability of it, according to a survey of 800 livestock and crop producers across North America.
Producers in the study, sponsored by Case IH, who reported a significant portion of their income as generated from livestock operations say they look for low maintenance and easy-to-service equipment from an innovative manufacturer. Those who reported a significant portion of their income as generated from crop operations also rank innovation near the top of their list, but reliability and resale value rate even higher.
"A big difference between livestock and crop producers when it comes to equipment is usage," says Ryan Drollette, farm management specialist from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. "Livestock producers run their equipment every single day, while crop producers are running them for longer periods of time during select seasons."
The usage differences mean livestock operators are using their equipment every day and are performing maintenance as needed. Making that daily process simpler and less time consuming for producers can mean higher efficiency for that operation.
"Having quick service stations on equipment is key," says Drollette, a former dairyman himself. "If I can head out to the barn and do my daily maintenance check without having to crawl around the machine, I can get to work that much sooner."
Working out in the field alongside producers, Case IH hay and forage Product Specialist Brett DeVries says Case IH understands this need. "Case IH talks to customers where they work to identify needs and drive the design of our products, so that we're giving producers the innovation they need to best meet their needs."
For example, producers can pair a Case IH Maxxum or Farmall 100A tractor with a new Case IH DC3 series disc mower conditioner. Designers created lightweight, impact-resistant access doors for the DC3 to simplify in-field adjustments. Customer input also guided the design of the new Case IH Farmall C tractors with added transmission options and ground-level maintenance features to improve efficiency.
The research confirms that livestock and crop producers also retain their equipment differently. While livestock producers may keep their equipment for five to ten years, crop producers buying new equipment tend to trade more frequently, according to DeVries. Spending is part of this equation, and the research shows that pricing and discounts are of medium importance to livestock producers while they are at the bottom of the average crop producer's list.
The research is the result of 800 producer interviews considered to be a representative sample of Case IH's target clientele. They include Canadian and American producers from sizable operations who have the final say or share in decision-making regarding equipment selection and purchasing.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI
Top Agricultural News
More Headlines...