Smarter Every Season: Recent Episodes
Precision Planting
Being successful in business, farming, or life means overcoming new challenges everyday. Join Precision Planting's Product Support team as we deliver new learnings and unpack deeper understanding with each episode. We will be interviewing, investigating and sharing our conversations from customers, engineers, dealers, sales managers, product support and more. Smarter Every Season is the premiere Precision Planting podcast for anyone excited to follow along and learn with us.
Please log into the cloud and go to product resources under dealership tools - general information - and product updates to find this week's episode.
Or follow the link below
https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/product-resources/dealer-tools/general-resources
This weeks episode is a dealer only episode, the episode is being housed on product resources as a dealer only episode.
Please find the episode on the cloud under dealer tools.
https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/product-resources/dealer-tools
Tyler and newest podcast member, Kathryn Justus, talk to Region Manager Lead, Chris Segelhurst to discuss what the PTI farm looks like this year and what value it brings when going as a dealer and bringing along current or potential customers.
Then joining Tyler and Kathryn is Eli Sloneker with the Radicle team. Together they look at the coming Radicle Summit and what all is going to be featured and what things Eli is looking forward to during the summit event.
As planters are wrapping up, sidedress bars and sprayers are rolling, so do the questions around data. Tyler and Nate take the mic as they discuss different tools available within Panorama for better diagnostics post season as well as reporting.
Episode Topics:
- Diagnosing Gaps
- Reporting acres
- When names don't match
- Verifying vDrive RPM's
- How to get a receipt
- API's
- Verifying DeltaForce
With spring starting to wrap up, undoubtably there are questions around ArrowTube and how the spring went in the second beta spring.
Nate is joined with Ryan Baker, ArrowTube team member and mechanical engineer, as they discuss how this spring went for ArrowTube and what all we saw as well as future plans for the release of ArrowTube.
Sprayer Topics
Updating the system to 2026.1.X
Tip Calibration
Leaking Nozzle Bodies
Stuck nozzles
Pump Faults out
Corrosion X
This weeks spring updates is based around 2020 setup. Hans will look at seed corn, skip row cotton, and pumpkin as the topics of choice and walk through some of the unique settings we need to change to achieve the desired outcome.
Episode Topics
- 2026.X.X Resources
- DeltaForce - Health Checks and Manual Gauges
- Default Rate
- Keeping current with software
- Take a breath and diagnose
- Row unit type/Load cell type
- Control widgets for Sensing Systems
Podcast Topics
- RCM Open Circuit
- Seed Corn active rows
- Replant
- Disable Load Cells
- Operations Center boundary exports
- Panorama Commercial and Dealership Operations
- Symphony Vision update
Episode Topics 2026.0/2026.1
- Serial number in display
- Downforce/Closing hardware setup
- Normally Open vs. Normally Closed for swath modules
- SmartFirmer Callout
- Case 2100 frame mounted lift switch
2025.0.0 or 2026.x.x
- GPS NMEA messages received
Epidsode Topics:
Planter
- Yellow Rate Control Modules on liquid systems
- Red rows on planter. Update software?
- Draw Coverage Always
- Override force/pressure
- Yellow Load Cells
Sprayer
- 2026.0.3 -> 2026.1.X Updates
- Tip size calibration and setting
This weeks topics for spring updates are:
- DeltaForce Health Checks on 26.0 and 26.1
- Changing the DMC (Dashboard Mini Chart)
- Setting up a SmartConnector on 26.0/26.1
This week's episode topics are as follows:
- Software update path 2025.0 <-> 2026.0 / 2026.0 <-> 2026.1
- Bus Module setup
- Row Unit and Load Cell type
- Power vs. CAN
- Livestream
- Resources
Tyler, Hans, and Nate get together in the studio to discuss the new feature of Livestream. What situations are best for livestream, how do we handle when we want to jump to livestreaming, and when do we utilize the diagnostic timeline?
Tyler is joined by phone with Jake Brune, with Brick Street Precision Ag, as they go through one of the more challenging diagnostic situations jake has encountered.
Jake and Tyler also discuss some of the thoughts that went through Jake's mind as he finally found the solution to the issue at hand.
On this episode of Smarter Every Season, Nate calls out a few different pieces of information from each training class as well as highlights a few helpful notes for resources.
Callout topics:
SRM Base/Exact Emerge - Fold Box Harness compatibility
Liquid - Flow Regulating Valve
Panorama - Dealership Operation and Starlink Subscriptions
Software - Software updating/backdating Compatibility and FieldView Module updates
Wayne Broman of Boeck Farm Outfitters has been helping growers with Precision Planting equipment since Cleansweep hit the market. In this episode, he tells Hans and Tyler the story about one of the most difficult troubleshooting scenarios he has come across.
Tyler and Hans wrap up this series by sharing a couple "top five" lists. Tyler covers some of his favorite interview questions and Hans shares some of his top diagnostic scenarios for newer technicians. We hope you have enjoyed the series. If you have any comments on conversations this inspired, things we missed, or ideas for future episodes we hope you will email them to us at smartereveryseason@ptxag.com
Part 2 of the conversation with Josh Stoller and Hans Stutzman. In this episode, the conversation focuses around how to know if a technician can handle further responsibility, follow-up, and ways to keep an advanced technicians at the dealership.
Part 1 of the conversation with Josh Stoller and Hans Stutzman. In this episode of the series the conversation progresses to how to help a technician grow into an "advanced" technician through giving them desired responsibility. Part 2 of the conversation with Josh and Hans (part 3 of the series) will drop on January 8th in an effort to avoid the holidays. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our linteners!
Join hosts Tyler Hubert and Hans Stutzman as they work their way through this series focusing on how to turn new and existing technicians into advanced technicians. In part one of the series Tyler talks with Zac Preston of Reynolds Ag Solutions to gather his advice on what to identify in the hiring process and how he likes to onboard new technicians to get them ready to support growers.
Tyler tags off of a previous episode on maintenance plans for customers and ties it into a conversation around Grower Surveys. Alex Koehn, General Manager of Dynamic Ag Services, LLC, joins Tyler in studio to discuss what he has done for grower surveys and what he has done to implement changes based off of the surveys.
Nate is joined by other Product Support Team members as they discuss the upcoming dealer development days. Dates are filling up fast, sign up today.
December 1-5, 8-12
January 28-29
Nate plays back a phone call with Lead Commercial Agronomist, Jason Webster, as they discuss what it looks like to do plots on the PTI farm and discuss what it looks like to make good management decisions based on plots.
PTI Book: https://www.precisionplanting.com/pti
Tyler is joined by Chris Hoffmann from P&C Ag Solutions out of Reese Michigan, as they discuss the trials of high call volume during busy season. What things have they done to eliminate calls during the busiest time of the year? What types of calls are they able to eliminate? And what's behind the Pink shirts?
Freya joins Product Support members Nate Burnham and Carl Pflederer for a in season harvest update. We discuss leading call drivers this year and tips for 2025.1.x. You can find the most up to date YieldSense Operator’s Guide here: YieldSense Operator’s Guide | Precision Planting Documentation
Tyler and Freya are joined by Region Manager Ken Sauder in part 2 of this 2 part series. Ken stops by to pass on some wisdon around how to look at a maintenance plan big picture, as well as some of the details to consider to make it a success.
Nate and Tyler get on the phone with Vaughn Koehn with New Day Precision, and Chad Baker with Baker Precision Services, as they discuss what it looks like to create a new maintenance plan as well as what does an established plan look like and how do they evolve as the the years go on.
Drew brings on North Dakota Dealer, Travis Messer, with Plains Grain & Agronomy Cooperative, and they discuss Travis's personal experience with CornerStone.
Freya and Tyler welcome Lee Edwards onto the show as he talks about the value of getting his growers to PTI and how he accomplishes it.
smartereveryseason@precisionplanting.com
PTI Field DaysThis summer at the PTI Farm in Pontiac, IL
Nate and Hans are joined via phone to discuss the PTX Precision Planting head height control, also known as Headsight.
Joining Nate and Hans is Matthew Metzler, Sales and Product Support out of Breman, and Rich Schlipf with Schlipf Precision Ag , as they talk about their own experience with Headsight products as well as things to keep in mind when starting to offer Headsight products as a dealer.
Tyler and Nate are joined by Eric Huber, Region Manager, and Casey Hettinger, Hettinger Farms, as they talk about Panorama. What is it, what success have they seen with Panorama, and what are the cool features around Passmaster. Listen in as they look at some things to watch out for as well as what brought them great success while using Panorama.
Coming out of spring, it's easy to focus on everything that went wrong. Sit back and listen as Nate is joined by Scott Wheelhouse - Breakthrough Ag, Jakie Neudorf - Advanced Precision Ag, Alex Glukhoy - California Ag Solutions, and Brent Gerke - Precision Planting Region Manager, as we hear person stories from wins this past spring.
This weeks topics include
25.1.5
- Update
End of planting Maintenance
- Plate storage
- SpeedTube storage
- Liquid System Winterization
- Cleaning the planter
- Wear parts inspection
vApplyHD Winterization Guide
https://assets2.brandfolder.io/bf-boulder-prod/84mntx752mbq2cskf6ftn89b/v/1081484808/original/vApply%20Service%20and%20Maintenance%20(955731).pdf
With planting season well under way, call drivers have slowed in their variance of issues. Replant and needing to delete coverage is starting to creep up, but with the changing of seasons, Josh Robinson joins Nate in studio to talk about getting sprayers rolling. What are the installation, setup, configuration, and spare parts to be thinking about as everything gets rolling?
The episode topics includded are
General
- Specialty Crops
- Row spacing vs. Effective row spacing/Controlled row spacing
- Importing Prescriptions
2025.1.x
- Current .1 version to be on
- Rate Control Module modes
- Using liquid as a coverage source
This weeks topics include
General
- Flow Rate Adjustment and Orifice Worksheet https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/product-resources/planter/flowsense
- EMFlowSense plumbed backwards
- Flow Source with vApplyHD
- Gen 2 Liquid systems
2025.1.x
- Row Cleaner Alerts
- vApply Base Calibrations
The episode topics are as included:
-
DeltaForce Health check
-
Section EMHD on .0
2025.1.x
-
Failure state causing beeping driving through the field on .1.
-
SpeedTube
-
The blue light on .1 is gone.
-
GPS has been added to the planter
-
Override Mode in DeltaForce
-
Sound loss on .1
Spring Updates are in full swing as calls increase in Support. This week, the topics are as follows"
General
- Power vs. CAN
- Swath
25.1.X
- Baud Rates
- Swath Auto vs. Manual
- Hybrid video - https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/product-resources/2020/2020-gen-3-25.1.x
- DMC Configuration
Week two of weekly updates Hans and Nate cover:
- Case 2100 lift switch expectations
- vac sensors on .1
- When do we update from 24.1 to 25.1
- 16" display
- Event logs
- Custom Seed Exits
- Row Cleaner Control Modules
- Rate control modules
With planters already rolling down south, and operations starting up all around the country, the spring updates have arrived. Nate and Hans talk a little bit about what things need to be kept in mind as we start getting planters out and rolling as well as some wide spread diagnostics to keep in mind.
With the diagnostic season upon us, Tyler, Hans, and Clay sit down and discuss some common questions that we get when dealing with hydraulics. What are some of their best pieces of advice when it comes to an install? Where do I start with diagnosing an alternator? And much more as we prep for the busiest season for support.
- Tachometer
https://a.co/d/0Ls7yNe
-Hydralic Flow Meter
https://www.hydracheck.com/catalog/flow-products/flow-meter-test-kits/inline-flow-meter-test-kits-reverse-flow-capable/
Aaron Herrmann, Precision Planting R&D Agronomist, joins Nate in studio to talk about one of, as Aaron would state, "the most underrated product in Precision Planting", SmartDepth. What is the king of depth when it comes to depth? What factors impact our decisions when it comes to making depth changes? Listen along as they tackle all of that and more.
Freya sits down with Engineer Ian Radtke and R&D Agronomist, Cory Muhlbauer, to talk about Reveal. We chat on Reveals origin story to the newest developments and how the coulter wheel is making a comeback on Reveal.
Drew and Tyler are joined by Josh Stoller, Region Manager, and Cory Muhlbauer, R&D Agronomist, as they tackle FurrowForce. First, what is the main difference between FurrowForce and other closing systems, followed by the bulk of the conversation around how do I set it for success.
Wendy Ulirich joins Nate in studio as we get to hear a little bit about what's going on in the world of radicle. What things have we learned and what direction is the Automated Soil Sampling System.
We are still adding participants to the Crop Response Trial! Follow the link below for more details.
Radicle Crop Response Trial Link: https://radicle.ag/crop-response-trials
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Freya and Drew are joined with Bryce Baker, Marketing Manager, as they discuss 2025's Winter Conference. What things have stayed the same? What aspects have changed? Bryce also gives some additional advice on how to make an event memorable.
As the new year is upon us, Nate gets the chance to have three Region Managers, Gavin Burges, Eric Huber, and Gabe Scheidt, and two Dealers, Justin Steffen and Jakie Neudorf, in the studio to talk about their new year's resolutions or just some goals for the new year.
Drew and Hans are joined by Product Support Manager, Bryan Jackson, and Support member Kyle hunter as they discuss the ins and outs of setting up specialty crops for success. Getting someone ready to go to the field with a crop that we may not have experience with can be a daunting task. Bryan and Kyle talk about what things go through their minds as they look for the best setup when taking on a new crop.
It's been 1 year since Precision moved into the new shipping and manufacturing building in Morton. Freya asks in Austin Wharram, Director of Operations, and Jay Zimmerman, Production and Continuous Improvement Manager, both out of the Morton Facility to discuss what all has gone well, what things have they done to continually improve, and what things are we looking forward to as a company?
Blake Reynolds and Zach Preston with Reynolds Ag Solutions, and Product Support member, Sean Hansen, join Freya as they discuss the previous spring with CornerStone. What things did they learn, like, and even love?
VR CornerStone Aspect link: https://pplantl.ink/cornerstone-ar
Tyler and Hans wrap up the Customer Development series by bringing on Jason Young from Agrovision Solutions LLC. out of Missouri as they tackle the challenge of customer loyalty. How do we recognize when we have loyal customers? And what did we do to create loyal customers?
Andy Pace, Region Manager, Joins us again to give his thoughts and share his learnings from all four episodes along with Tyler and Hans.
To provide feedback, please email us at: smartereveryseason@precisionplanting.com
Tyler and Hans, back again with Part 3 of our Customer Development series. This episode takes a look at, how do we provide value after the sale is completed? Tyler and Hans welcome Nathan Rogers with Legacy Ag as he explains his approach to continuing to provide value after the sale and delivery of products is completed.
Also joining Tyler and Hans by phone is Region Manager, Andy Pace gives his outlook on the interview with Nathan and how he coaches dealers to continue that value after the sale.
What is Dealer Development Days? Nate sits down with Tyler, along with RM Lead, Troy McKown, as they discuss what it actually is. What is the thought behind it, how does Precision choose each class, what are the logistics, and more importantly when are we doing it?
Tyler and Hans continue our series of customer development by inviting Mike Frakes to talk about he shows value in the product before the sale. Whether that's putting a reveal unit on one row and letting the customer run it, or using Panorama to show real area specific data on how a specific product has impacted other operations outcomes.
Following the interview, they are joined once again by Region Manager, Andy Pace, as he gives his thoughts and recap to the interview with Mike.
Exciting times for Smarter Every Season as we launch our first series. Kicking it off with Tyler and Hans is Steve Zeiset as he talks about his initial contact with customers with a few seasons under his belt.
After talking with Steve, Tyler talks with Region Manager, Andy Pace, as he gives insight into the interview with Steve and what he likes as well as some things he sees as an RM that are beneficial in building awareness within your own business.
Drew sits down in studio with Tyler as they give Shawn Stecklein, a dealer out of Iowa, about his experience with the Precision Symphony Sprayer system. Shawn highlights some of the cool things about symphony as well as pointing out both time and financial savings that he has experienced in his time using symphony.
Tyler is joined in studio by "The big man" General Manager, Keith Crow. As we get to know Keith, we get to hear about some hobbies and interests, things he is excited about for the future of Precision Planting, as well as a few books, Extreme Ownership - Jaco Willink and Leif Babin, The Gift of Leadership - Andrew Burchfield, and more as we get to know Keith.
Freya sits down to get to know the Breman Harvest team with Mallory Dowty and Kyle Schinbeckler and find out about Headsight and Truesight training.
With the excitement of our PTI field days and Agronomy Conference in full swing, Tyler is joined in studio with Clay Scott, Eli Sloneker, Brad Joern, and a phone call with Jason Webster as he discusses what all to expect this summer. From ride and drive to Radicle agronomics, this summer has much to offer as the team works tirelessly to make the 2024 summer the best yet.
PTI Farm Field Day Signup: Events | Precision Planting PTI Farm Field Days | Precision Planting | Upgrade Your Farm Equipment
Summer Agronomy Conference Signup: Summer Agronomy Conference | Radicle Agronomics | Radicle Agronomics
Drew and Tyler are joined via phone by Preston Talbert, from Godsey Precision Ag in Eckley, CO, as we take a deeper look into Smart Scout and the value it provides. What processes are used in field, how do we cultivate a conversation with our client, and what clients do we focus on when using Smart Scout?
Would you like to hear some cool stories about the way Precision Planting and our dealer network helped growers and made a positive impact in agriculture this spring? Then you have come to the right place. Join host Tyler Hubert as he talks with 3 Region Managers (Tyson Harris-Pacific West, Gabe Scheidt-Colorado/West Kansas, Eric Huber-East/Central Illinois) about the wins they experienced this planting season.
Show notes for this Symphony focused episode include:
First Day Testing
- Starting up the system with OEM swath harness; using the quick start feature to validate proper setup and swath
-Helpful notes on flowmeter tags from Deere and Raven
-Nozzle sizing resources. Included here is a link to the Wilger Tip Wizard mentioned in the episode
In Field Tips
-Tips on setting the row fail action
-How to clean a nozzle that is stuck or partially stuck
-What to do when spraying multiple passes in the same field
-How to set the system up for y-drop application
-Using "Sprayer Purge Control" for cleaning out or draining a boom
Show notes for this Panorama focused episode include:
-Best practices for wifi connectivity
-Best resources including youtube videos to get started
-How to invite someone or get invited to an operation
-How to move .0 software data to Panorama
-Highlighting some handy diagnostic tools in Panorama
-When submitting a ticket, include Operation Name, turn Precision Planting Support on, the field names, and a description of the issue.
Callouts and Reminders
- Speed tube high amp draw behavior, note the update on 2024.0.2
- RowFlow trouble shooting trees.
- Reminder on Sensing Y requirement for .1 software.
- Callout for replant instructions online.
Special guest, Marcus Lee, joins Nate and Hans as he talks about some of the highlights of Smart Scout, now available, and some awesome learning tools within the application as well as the route for support within the app.
SmartsScout available below:
Precision News: smartscout (precisionplanting.com)
General Diagnostic Steps
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Loss of entire planter, what is the piece of information that will tell us what we should chase down first?
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What are the lights doing?
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The light status tells us whether we are chasing communication or power.
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Gaps or skips of coverage in field.
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Dig to verify in ground what we have.
- Watch the GPS page to see if our GPS speed drops out while running.
- Watch the lift switch state in field.
2024.1.9
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All .1 users should make the upgrade to 2024.1.9
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Auto Load fixes
- Mapping improvements
-
Flip implement
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Planters/Seeder – Flip implement only works when the plater/seeder is in the lifted state.
-
Sprayers- Flip Implement will only work when the sprayer is NOT spraying.
General Notes
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Replant Instructions are on product resources (linked below) on the steps to take when doing a replant.
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Products (precisionplanting.com)
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If someone is running liquid, and they are running a consistent rate and speed through the field, then it is fully acceptable to run in Constant and take out the time to do a pump cal.
Gen 2
- On a 2100 series planter, when getting lift state through the Case lift switch either stay on 2020.0.1, or if updating to 2020.0.4 use a Y harness (729818). Another option to get lift state is to install a push button lift switch for lift state.
2024.1.X
-
If you have growers that are going to be running .1, and they haven’t started yet, please spend some time with them and go out and make sure that they are set up and ready to go. If the system hasn’t been set up yet, it does take some vigilance and time to make sure that things aren’t missed.
-
On a vApplyHD system, we do show shaft speed if we have a shaft speed sensor. This is different from .0 where we didn’t, this is a diagnostic tool. We don’t control to a commanded shaft speed, but it is helpful when diagnosing things to know what the shaft speed is.
System Wide Notes
- Diagnostics of compressors - "My compressor won't stop running, or, my compressor wont kick on."
- Specialty crop and seed corn setup best practices.
- GPS resources, if there is a display that we don't have a document on and you figure out how to connect and where to set it up in the OEM display, please grab screenshots and let us know the steps that were taken to create a document on it.
.1
- If you are on .1, please keep up to date on software updates.
- specialty crops and seed corn setups and crop change. Different processes in .1 than in .0 softwares.
- If you have a frame mounted lift switch (primarily whisker switches), you need to do the calibration. If it calibrates to 0 and 100, then put manual percentages in for 5 lowered and 95 lifted.
All systems
- Resources used often - Setup Videos, Dealer Service Manual, Operation Manuals (RowFlow as an example).
- FieldView not connected - Check app version is up to date, hard reset of iPad, make sure fvm is green in diagnose page on gen 3, if it seems to be the ipad chord use anker as a brand.
24.0.X notes
- When setting up a vApplyHD system that is either turbines removed or EMHD you must change the flow source for ALL rows. Setup - systems - liquid application - vApplyHD - continue to vApplyHD Module Assignements - flow source on far right side.
.1 notes
- 1.7 relieves the need for a Rate Control Module to be set up for HD's to function on an uncontrolled system.
- auto-loading failing is being addressed.
Talking points for this episode are:
- SRM diagnostics – break the system down as normal to isolate the issue. This does apply to diagnosing a 2150 as well.
- It never hurts to have a your configs backed up and in the cab. Whether you are updating to a .0 branch or once you update to a .1 branch and get it set up correctly, export your configurations and keep them in the cab.
- When setting up a liquid system with HD’s on it, rate controller. must be configured whether present or not.
2024.1.X Specific
- Sprayers need to be on .1.6 available on the cloud.
- If you are running on .1, stay up to date on the software updates. It helps us validate fixes we are putting into software but also will provide a better .1 experience.
- When setting up a liquid system, we have to select the correct style of Rate Control Module as well as the correct mode for the Rate Control Module (base/HD).
- When changing crop, be sure to change in the fields tab, products tab, active rows in equipment, as well as making sure we are changing our seeds/disk (the last page of vDrive setup).
Talking points for this episode are:
-Recommendations on when to update a Gen 2 to 2020.0.4
-If someone says their SmartDepth calibration wont do the offset portion (.0 or .1 software) make sure the 2020 shows the planter lowered.
-Make sure liquid pressure sensor module and rate controller are plugged into same row/location with the same jumper color
-Internal battery failure warning on Gen 3
-Flow rate adjustments-use the worksheet attached here and available on the cloud under vapply->install resources. It is worth reading over it in advance.
-Watch out for growers getting CAN A and B swapped when hooking up to a planter for the first time.
-Gen 3 on .1 software, make sure that the 16" display is being plugged into a DBM on .1 software before connecting for the first time.
-Gen 3 on .1, be sure to select the row unit type in the planter profile or DeltaForce load cells will show up yellow. Also make sure they are zeroed.
-Gen 3 on .0 or .1 software, make sure that there is a control widget set up and enabled for every product, even for products like flowsense and smartconnectors.
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Drew and Tyler welcome into the studio two of Product Support's own, Allen Huber and Matt Locklear, as they tackle the question of what resources are best used during spring. From product resources to other team members, we get an inside look on what our support team does when taking phone calls.
Radicle Agronomics, a term that has been used around Precision for the last year or so, but what is it? Product Support member Eli Sloneker joins Nate and Freya as they discuss what all is included in Radicle Agronomics, how it is impacting our view of soil testing, and what the future is looking like for Radicle with Precision.
Planning an agronomy day can be a challenge for anyone. Planning your first agronomy day can be even more daunting from when to have it, what to focus on, and how to create the best experience for our growers. Tyler and Hans have a phone call withBill Lehmkuhl with Precision Agri Services and Blake Reynolds with Reynolds Ag Solutions as they look at what their views are when it comes to putting an agronomy day on. As they tie everything up Tyler and Hans bring on Jason Portner, Precision Planting Region Manager, as he brings in his own views on agronomy days.
Tristan Herrmann from R&D, Ken Sauder (Nothern Illinois Region Manager), and Hans Stutzman (Product Support) join host Tyler Hubert to discuss what they look for to determine Reveal, DeltaForce, and FurrowForce have been set properly in field. They also pass along what they look for next in the event that the "Standard Setting" does not have the desired effect.
It's that time of year again, planter clinics and shop meetings will be here before we know it. In this episode, hosts Freya Watson and Tyler Hubert are joined by Jack Bartholomew and Melissa Mohr from Bottom Line Solutions in Morton, Illinois. Jack and Melissa share what the value has been to their business and their customers businesses by having monitor and planter clinics. They also share the tips and tricks they have learned to make these meetings a great experience for attendees.
The world of fertilizer is always changing. Products being offered, application methods, and new findings in research. Nate is joined by Stu Hirt as they discuss some of the high level ins and outs of biologicals as they are entering the market. What are they? What are the benefits and costs? And how can we utilize them and available programs to make our operation better?
Companies with programs mentioned:
AgroLiquid with the Smart Start program
Nachurs Alpine
Marco
Pivot Bio
FMC
Freya and Drew sit down with Juan Roncoroni the European commercial lead and Alex Gonzalez Vega the Regional manager for Portugal, Spain and Italy to discuss how Precision Planting is doing there.
Nate and Region Manager, Chris Creek, sit down and have a conversation about dealerships, breakthroughs, and how to define roles and responsibilities within a dealership for success. What does the vision of the dealership look like and how do we define our roles accordingly?
Tyler and new podcast member, Drew Stout, are joined in the studio by phone from Canada RM, Shawn Livingston, and dealer Nick Zwambag, as they discuss the topic of finding good growers for Limited Commercial Growers.
What type of personalities, geographic aspects, and commitments do you have to consider when selecting a good candidate. They also talk about the costs of not being involved in limited commercial products.
Clay and Nate are joined by Product Support Manager and Local farmer Caleb Schleder as they talk about the prevalent issue of high interest rates. What does that look like from a farmers perspective? How can we take a retrofit first approach? And what can we do as a company to help?
Nate is joined by Wendy Ulrich and Doug Wiegand as we hear about the history of Precision Planting from the eyes of Doug from its early beginnings to where Precision is now.
Nate invites one team member from each of this year's training groups to talk about training. What does the class look like, any main topics, and any cool stands that are being used? All of this is discussed during this podcast as well as dates for this year's trainings.
For more on training dates and times, visit:
https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/news/posts/announcing-dealer-technical-training
Freya starts part two off by inviting Laura Smith into the studio to continue the conversation around hiring. Working in HR, Laura gives a lot of great insight on how to keep employees, make them feel welcomed, helping the current team welcome them, and also practices to keep up on HR tasks in the business.
Following Laura and Freya, Matt Bennett finishes off his conversation with Freya and Tyler as he gives his own thoughts on employee retention.
Freya and Tyler bring in Matt Bennett, Region Manager East Central Lead, and talk about the challenges of hiring and how we hire and train to hire for success. What are the questions we ask, traits we look for, and how do we market our jobs to successfully attract top tier talent? Matt covers all of this and more throughout this conversation.
Join hosts Tyler Hubert and Tim Rice as they talk to a very passionate Gabe Scheidt, RM from Colorado/Western Kansas. Gabe covers what Clarity is and how it can be used on air seeders, box drills, and granular strip till bars. He also shares how he explains the value of a Clarity system to a growers operation and a dealers business.
MAKE SURE TO READ SHOW NOTES FOR DETAILS ON COOLER GIVEAWAY!
In this episode, Tyler visits with three different Precision Planting dealers to discuss how they approach servicing planters that come into a market with Precision Planting products already on them. The dealers include:
-Jeremy Lupardus with Heuss Distributing
-Joe Aungst with Feldpausch Precision Services
-Randy Klassen with RDK Enterprises
Hear the highlights on how these dealers have worked with growers who did not buy a planter or Precision Planting parts from them and turned them into customers.
In the last half of the episode, Eastern RM Lead Joe Rollin joins the podcast to share his thoughts on the topic and pass along insight from his years of experience in sales and agriculture.
Also...WE ARE STILL GIVING AWAY A COOLER! To be entered, submit an idea(s) for a podcast episode that would be valuable to your business. For every idea you submit your name will be put into a drawing to win a cooler. Contest ends August 31, 2023. Submit ideas to smartereveryseason@precisionplanting.com
Here is a link to the model of cooler, but ours will be branded with some nice Precision Planting prints. Click here to view cooler model. This one is gray. Good Luck!
Chandler Bruns is in the studio with Freya and Nate as they talk about the world of marketing within a dealership. What tools do our dealers have, and what support does Precision offer as the marketing team works alongside them to help grow dealerships?
Cold calling, while vital to business, is one of the most intimidating things to do when in sales. What are some of the tips and tricks that drives success when out on a cold call? Nate and Freya welcome Jason Cox and Dusty Kruse onto the podcast as we tackle the ins and outs of cold calling.
Grizzly Cooler Giveaway: To enter, email smartereveryseason@precisionplanting.com and give your name, dealership, and episode ideas or topics. Each legitimate idea or topic will equal one entry.
With spring mostly wrapped up, product support has turned a lot of attention to getting ready for PTI. Crop tours and Ride and Drive are just around the corner. Freya and Tyler welcome Lee Edwards onto the show as he talks about the value of getting his growers to PTI and how he accomplishes it.
smartereveryseason@precisionplanting.com
Summer Events | Precision Planting | Ag Tech & Agronomy Solutions
Nate and Hans have tackled the conversation around Reclaim and looking forward into what Precision has planned for sprayers. They are joined by Will Frank from R&D as he discusses Reclaim and much more.
Links:
Sprayers 101 – A Resource for Safe, Effective and Efficient Spraying in Agriculture.
Sprayers101 - YouTube
smartereveryseason@precisionplanting.com
Freya and Net get on the phone with Lucas Wesley and Ike Brammell as they discuss moving from spring into summer and how they go about creating new relationships and in turn business.
Stick around after the episode for a brief reminder from Wendy Ulrich around YieldSense and pulling the combine out for the first time this season.
Four members of the podcast team (Freya Watson, Nate Burnham, Clay Scott, and Tyler Hubert) look back on spring and have a light-hearted conversation around some of their favorite stories and things they learned....kind of like the title indicates.
Talking points for this episode include:
-How to use/think through the effective row spacing option
-Hans passes on tip and things to watch for when diagnosing issue post-emergence
-A reminder that seeding calculator are available to help calculate vdrive RPM, spacing, and target pop based on spacing. https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/product-calculators/
-Expectations with mapping in sidedress mode https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1552676729/vApplyHD%20Sidedress%20Mapping%203-14-19.pdf
Talking points for his episode include:
-A couple items to watch for in the diagnose screen when running section based EMHD or HD turbines removed.
-Where to find replant instructions https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1569865917/Precision%20Planting%20Replant%20Instructions%20(900T095).pdf
-Where to find the resource to calibrate vdrive insecticide on a Gen 3 https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1618327483/vDrive%20Insecticide%20Bucket%20Test%20using%20Manual%20Test%20(1).pdf
-What to watch for with vapply base swath or if the system seems slow to respond coming out of a headland.
Talking notes for this episode include:
-Flow rate adjust reminders and here is a link to the flow rate adjustment worksheet https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1643726560/Flow%20Rate%20Adjustment%20and%20Orifice%20Worksheet.pdf
-A couple things to watch for with command and actual flow around the vApply Rate controller in the manual health check.
-A reminder some GPS systems will output location from the bar instead of the globe
-A few thoughts around the best practices when it come to diagnosing a row fail. Also below are the values that represent 1/1000 of an acre based on row spacing:
38in- 13'9"
36in- 14'6"
30in- 17'5"
22in- 23'9"
20in- 26'2"
19in- 27'6"
15in- 34'10"
-Hans passes along his recommendations on where to start when facing a intermittent, planter-wide issue or an intermittent issue on a row
-What to check when seeding/seedtubes are still white in the diagnose screen after all seeding hardware is set up properly.
Talking Points for this episode include:
-Hans passes along advice for how to diagnose when orifices are too small and passes along where to find helpful resources to find the proper orifice for a growers product or system. Videos on finding proper orifices can be found under vApply HD operators section of the cloud.
-Flow rate adjust tips. Included here is a link to a flow rate adjust worksheet that can be found on the cloud.
-The hosts mentions why we don't recommend changing load sensor cal factors. Including a link to the video with Will Frank mentioned in the episode. https://precisionplanting.wistia.com/medias/pl7dxvq4sx
-Encouraging split-row planter users to only change their active rows via the crop setup, not the equipment profile
Talking points covered in this episode include:
-Hans passes along tips for alternator diagnostics
-Explaining what event code 914 is and why it looks like (but usually isn't) a bad load cell
-What to watch for when the pump wont spin when running the manual liquid test to do a pump cal
-Key-switch power diagnostics and what to be aware of to not mis-diagnose a bad PDM solenoid
-What to be aware of in a Gen 3 when setting up a product that does not have a module on every row (ex. a SmartFirmer every fourth row)
Topics covered in this episode include:
-What to watch for when assigning left/right offsets on a planter with 4 seed exits on a Gen 3
-A note on changes in certain sound affects in the Gen 3
-We are still seeing a number of phone calls on EMFlowsense and HD. A number of resources were mentioned in last weeks episode that are still highly recommended
-For best practices, make sure Rx files are on the root of the USB Drive
-Hans gives a breakdown for his recommendations around best practices for Smartconnector diagnostics
Topics covered in this episode include:
-Recommended oil for the FurrowForce and AirForce compressors. Rolair brand synthetic. Part Number 200351
-Updated installation resources for Reveal
-We are experiencing a number of calls with questions that were addressed in the 2023.0 Virtual Refresher Training. Here is a link to the recording. Specifically, the liquid system setup portion from 9:13-18:18 is very valuable. As is the client/farm/field and prescription importing portion from 38:30-48:36.
-New EMHD resources are available on the cloud including compatibility, setup, and installation resources. They can be found with this link, or by clicking the EMHD/vApplyHD/vApply Base option on the cloud followed by "EMHD Specific Resources".
-When setting an EMHD or HD turbines removed system up you must select flow source for all rows
-Notes on GPS resources
-Best practices for exporting client farm field from Gen 2 to Gen 3, also from SMS to Gen 2
-Best practices for exporting boundaries made in a Gen 2 to Gen 3 plus a link to mapshaper.org
-A couple things to be aware of when running DeltaForce health checks on a Gen 3
Bryan Jackson and Scott Van Etten are guests today talking with Clay and Nate about ground engaging components giving us a recap of training as well as some good sound recommendations.
Following with our series of shop hacks, Tyler interviews Justin King as he talks about his shop's best hack to get them through installs in a timely manner.
Approximately one year ago the hosts of the Smarter Every Season podcast recorded an episode titled "Asking Better Questions" (it is episode 39 and still highly recommended as we head into spring planting). In that episode host Hans Stutzman mentions the importance of active listening to asking better questions. Little did he know...he was signing himself up for this very episode. In this spinoff of "Asking Better Questions" - Hans, Dave Robinson, Jordan Nelson, and Tyler Hubert discuss the traits of a good active listener as well as how to use listening skills to care for and build trust with customers.
Hydraulic and Electrical theory is a topic that has been talked about at many of our trainings, but we haven't gotten as deep into the theory as we had the pleasure of doing this year. Hans Stutzman is in the studio with Nate and Clay as he takes us through the class He and Kirby Woods taught at dealer training.
Find the pin removal tool on amazon at this link: https://www.amazon.com/Amp-305183-Extraction-Tool/dp/B00DUR27EW/ref=asc_df_B00DUR27EW?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80127027724147&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726553886365&psc=1
Keeping on track with our training refresher series, today we are joined in the studio by Allen Huber, while we talk about the CAN training course with Freya and Tyler. Keeping also in line with our series of shop hacks, we are able to listen in on a conversation with Tyler and Luke Cure. As Luke mentioned in the interview, here is a link for the company, Best Way.
www.bestwayag.com
As training has come to an end, we are taking a look back at each class and diving into some of the important topics covered. Orry Ingram joins Tyler and Hans in the studio for our first review of training. Join us as we dive into the liquid training class and hit some of our highlights from a great time in training.
Hans and Clay have reached out to two of our Regional Managers, Jason Koning and Caleb Stuber as we look at what all is going into designing a custom bar. What kind of setups do we see from the row unit, to the spacing, and the drive behind choosing a custom bar as opposed to a new OEM bar.
We are also back with another shop hack from Kyle Schmit from Manzer Equipment, Inc.
With winter conference quickly approaching, Tyler and Clay sit down with Bryce Baker as we hear a little bit about what to expect and how to capitalize on bringing guests. What type of questions do we ask, how long should we wait to reach back out to them, and how do we turn their experience into a beneficial experience for you and your guest.
At the end of the episode, we introduce a new segment, "Shop Hacks", as we hear from different dealers over the next several episodes on what they have done to make their shops more efficient.
Doug Wright is the Commercial Lead at Precision Planting. In the last episode of the year, Doug joins hosts Freya and Tyler to discuss his upbringing, past career experiences, and what he will be focusing his attention on at Precision Planting for the upcoming year and beyond.
The episode concludes with a thank you message to the dealer network for all they have done over the past year. Happy Holidays everyone!
Tyler and Freya sit down with Thorsten Stutterlin and Lara Hezler, two of our team members in Germany, and talk about what agriculture looks like in Germany. Join them as they dive into a little bit of everything from specialized farming equipment to farm size in Germany.
Investing in the future is a conversation that is always in the mix at Precision Planting. We are joined by Product Support team lead, Caleb Schleder, as we talk about how we, as a company, are investing in the future of agriculture with FFA.
Our conversation is centered around our decision to get involved as a company, national convention, and the benefits of us and our dealers getting involved in local chapters.
With Dealer Training quickly approaching, the product support team is busy putting stands and content together. Join Nate and Freya as they talk to one team member from each group about what to expect in dealer training this year.
Why am I so busy and how do I manage my time efficiently? Join Tyler and Hans as they are joined by Dave Robinson and Kate Moore to talk about time management as they pass along some tips for being more productive. Resources: The Curiosity Chronicle: How to Escape the Busy Trap https://www.sahilbloom.com/newsletter/how-to-escape-the-busy-trap (https://www.sahilbloom.com/newsletter/how-to-escape-the-busy-trap)
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time Brian Tracy https://www.amazon.com/Eat-That-Frog-Great-Procrastinating/dp/162656941X (Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time: Tracy, Brian: 9781626569416: Amazon.com: Books)
Hans, Clay and Nate sit down to talk about Air Seeders and Drills. They are joined by two Precision Planting Region Managers (Dustin WeinKauf and Shawn Livingston) as they discuss different aspects of Seeders and basic maintenance for best performance.
Tyler and Freya chat with Precision Planting employees Grigoriy Avram and DJ Ivan (Ivan Daineko) about challenges and opportunities in Ukrainian agriculture.
Ken Sauder joins Tyler and new host Nathan Burnham as we talk about the upcoming harvest season. In previous episodes, we have discussed what YieldSense is and how it works. In this conversation, we dive into how we use the data to make better decisions for next season.
Gavin Burgess (Region Manager E. Iowa) and Matt Grove (Region Manager Pacific West) share tips and tricks to ensure inventory management success. Featuring a new podcast host, Freya Watson. Gavin and Matt share their experience on what systems work well for different types of dealers, and what factors go into designing your inventory management program. Should everyone be using QuickBooks? Listen in for the answer!
All four of our original hosts, Tyler, Paul, Hans, and Nolan, are gathered together as we talk about neuroplasticity. After a brief conversation of catching up, we will start unpackaging some of the inner workings of the brain to better understand how we learn. As noted in the episode, we used an article from Fox News, 'Learning trap' study reveals why children may be better learners than adults, linked below. https://www.foxnews.com/health/children-better-learners-adults-research-suggests (https://www.foxnews.com/health/children-better-learners-adults-research-suggests) The hosts wrap up the episode by discussing the best mental approach to learning something new. The hosts also discuss changes coming to the Smarter Every Season Podcast, as well as new opportunities for Nolan and Paul.
Hosts Tyler Hubert and Bryan Jackson pick up where they left off in part 2 of this two part series. This time they talk about inventory management practices with Rich Schlipf and Chris Stoller from Schlipf Precision Ag out of Indiana and Aaron Ehnle from KE Precision Ag in Illinois. Rich and Chris start off the episode discussing how they are using Quickbooks, their likes and dislikes about it for their business, and how they feel it falls short for their inventory needs. Next up, Aaron discusses the thought process that led him to select a program called Inventory Now. The hosts close the episode by looking back over all three interviews (part 1 and part 2) and giving their takeaways and final thoughts.
In part one of this two part series, hosts Tyler Hubert and Bryan Jackson sit down with Hans Jensen, a Premier Dealer from Dalhart, Texas. The hosts talk with Hans about what program he is using to manage his inventory in an effort to understand his thought process when making this selection. What they found out was this selection was about inventory and so much more. Please stay tuned for part two in a couple weeks when the hosts talk with two other experienced dealers, Rich Schlipf and Aaron Ehnle, on this same topic.
In episode 39, Smarter Every Season host Paul, Tyler, Hans, and Nolan passed along practical advice and questions to help troubleshoot issues. This episode aired pre-spring in an effort to help with a diagnostic thought process (you may recall they referred to themselves and those that commonly troubleshoot issues as "diagnosticians"). In this episode, host Paul Harms sits with Precision Planting Agronomist Cory Muhlbauer to understand what Cory is looking for when he examines a field at any given point in the year. Listen in to hear what questions Cory asks, what details catch his eye, how he spots patterns, and other practical scouting advice.
Why do we lose trust in our team mates? Have you ever witnessed a stranger doing something and immediately thought the worst of that person? Have you ever owned or used a Motorola Razer? Hosts Tyler and Paul begin with a Precision Technology Institute (PTI) preview before diving into a discussion around 'giving the benefit of the doubt' and how that impacts team health.
If you found yourself humming the bars to a Lynyrd Skynyrd tune after reading this episodes title, you're welcome! Thankfully this episode will NOT include any of the hosts singing; instead we dive into how to wrap up the planting season right. Hosts Paul and Tyler are joined by Bryan Jackson and Nate Kincaid to share the lessons they have learned over the years on what to do before you put the planter away for the year. We discuss recommendations on what to look for, how to approach the winterization process, and why this process can be so valuable for growers and dealers alike.
Show notes for the final "Spring Updates" style of Smarter Every Season -Post Emergence reminders -Sidedress setup reminders for Gen 3 and Gen 2 -Reminder to use eflow when planting specialty crops with a vac meter -Setup reminders when not using all rows to plant specialty crops including how to handle effective row spacing -Be sure to consult the crop setup guide (https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/og/resources/OGR-Downloads-14.file (vSet 2), https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/og/resources/OGR-Downloads-15.file (vSet Classic)) if you have questions
Show notes for this episode include: -Crop change tip when switch crops on Gen 2 after using a custom seed disk -Tips for split row planters when changing crops to make sure they are setup properly, including a https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1652909499/Split%20Row%20Planter%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf (link here) for a Split Row Planter Cheat Sheet on the cloud -Gyro Replacement notes -https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1569865582/Precision%20Planting%20Replant%20Instructions%20(900T095).pdf (Replant instructions) -Information of a GPS satellite being de-commissioned that could affect WAS signal. Link to article in https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/equipment/article/2022/05/14/faa-shutdown-geostationary-satellite (Progressive Farmer )
Show notes for this episode include: -Important note on NOT using a CAN Booster with Gen 3 monitor -vApply HD with Gen 2: Dont change the min and max GPM in advanced settings -Gen 3 Flowsense only setup tips and reminders -What to look for when testing Flowsense sitting still/in the barnyard -CLEAR THAT MASTER PLANT SWITCH! -What to do if your not getting alerts and alarms -With warn temps this week and cold seed, watch for seed treatment and talc getting gummy -Recommendations on the proper way to change active rows when changing crops -A reminder to start with the basics: speed, command, enabled, lowered, master plant on
Main talking points for this episode include: -In Gen 3 prescriptions do not automatically import from Fieldview -Setup reminders for Gen 3 systems with a Smart Connector -Follow up from last weeks episode, another way to avoid the "Invalid serial number from DBM" pop-up on Fieldview -Where to start when Row Cleaner Control Module is "pulsing" or "venting" air -New product calculator for calculating things like amp draw, liquid gallon per minute, seeds per second and more are available on the cloud. https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/product-calculators/ (Link Here) -Fendt and Massey GPS setup docs are also available on the cloud. https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/products/#product-76 (Link here) -Link to https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1641929203/Step%20by%20step%20pump%20calibration%20checklist%20for%2020.pdf (pump cal guide for Gen 3), https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1641931679/Manual%20pump%20calibration%20for%20Gen2%20vApplyHD%20systems-2.pdf (pump cal guide for Gen 2), how to perform a https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1645559261/Liquid%20Operators%20Guide%20-%20Gen3%20(955706).pdf (bucket check) (see pages 19-20), https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1643726560/Flow%20Rate%20Adjustment%20and%20Orifice%20Worksheet.pdf (Flow Rate Adjustment Worksheet)
Show notes for this episode include: -SmartFirmer expectation when we are and are not planting -A reminder about flowmeter harnesses on vApply Base or SRM systems -What to check if someone says "The Gen 3 is not mapping" -Swath control plan reminders -What to do if the DeltaForce Health Checks (Air Purge or Advanced Applied Force Test) go to "loading meters" in a Gen 3 -What to do if you get an "Invalid Serial number from DBM" pop-up on Fieldview
In the episode of Smarter Every Season, host Tyler Hubert and Hans Stutzman cover: -Setup of the vApply Rate Controller when HDs are installed on a Gen 3, specifically what to put in the PWM Control Style box. -Control loop for vApply Base and what we are trying to do in a calibration -A tip to keep USB ports from getting knocked out on a Gen 2 when trying to connect an iPad -A reminder that Quick Reference Guides are available for Gen 3 monitors and can be found at this link https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1637202521/Quick%20Reference%20Combined.pdf (https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1637202521/Quick%20Reference%20Combined.pdf) or on the cloud under product resources, then Gen 3 and Operations Documents. Gen 2 ops guides can be found by selecting Operations Resources within specific Gen 2 compatible products -Lastly, a reminder that Gen 3 and Gen 2 setup videos are available on the cloud and on Youtube (Gen 3) at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYmt-gWWDmo&list=PLNOd0kgfavtJFi0xBKjHr926b2jy28lVX&index=2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYmt-gWWDmo&list=PLNOd0kgfavtJFi0xBKjHr926b2jy28lVX&index=2 )
Items covered in this episode of Smarter Every Season are: -Strategy for isolating components when we are stuck "detecting devices" or "updating firmware" state on the diagnose screen -Satellite Image reminder on Gen 3 for 2022.0 and all previous versions -A reminder on the best way to view a boundary if the map layer background is black -Answering the question "Can we add multiple air pressure sensors to a system?" -Strategy for Row Cleaner Module diagnostics -Validating system health using System Schematic -Master Plant switch reminder
In this episode of Smarter Every Season, in the spring updates style format, the host cover the following topics: -For Gen 3 users on the 2022.1.x software platform, an update to fix the row cleaner module not applying downforce -Also for 2022.1.x users, a liquid pressure sensor update -Radar diagnostics and calibration recommendations -iPads not charging -Connecting the vApply Rate Controller into PDM versus Row CAN/CAN Hub -Exporting boundaries made in a Gen 2 (or Gen 1) into a Gen 3. Plus a link to mapshaper.org -Importing prescriptions into a Gen 3 from Fieldview versus via a USB
In the previous episode of Smarter Every Season, the hosts mentioned that the format of this podcast would change from longer episodes with guest interviews to short, update-style podcast discussing key issues we are seeing from the field. This episode is the first of those such podcasts. Here are the bullet points of what was discussed. -How to handle prescriptions and boundaries when updating from 2021.0 to 2022.0 -Expectations when loading prescriptions on 2022.0 -Resource for connecting to integrated GPS on Deere tractors -Important setup steps on new liquid features and hardware; EM Flowsense with HD no turbines, Liquid Pressure Sensor, Rate Control Module -Battery pop-up on Gen 3's
For anyone who has ever tried to troubleshoot an issue before, you probably feel like getting all of the details and understanding what they mean are critical to solving the problem. In the busyness of the spring, sometimes key details can get overlooked, missed, or even miscommunicated. In this episode, the hosts of the Smarter Every Season podcast--who are all Product Support Specialists--pass on tips from their experiences on how to effectively ask questions that will help "diagnosticians" (yes, it's a word) capture the key details that will help them solve problems. Starter Questions: When did you first notice the problem? When did it last work correctly? What changed?
Bullet points from the recap: Type, Tone, Sequence, & Framing Matter Listen actively Ask one question at a time Open ended questions to broaden the scope and gather details Closed ended questions to drill down Know what you want to know Be comfortable with silence; it is the sound of thinking happening Be cognizant of the flow of the conversational Be educational; teach along the way Remove your assumptions and biases Simplify your communication: Explain it Like I’m Five (ELI 5) Inaccuracies may be stated Contradictions don’t exist Make them your team mate Send me a picture (add more tools to your toolbox) Speak with empathy and patience
It is a full house in this episode when General Manager Justin Kauffman stops by to talk with the Smarter Every Season crew. The bulk of the conversation focuses on culture and, more specifically, answers questions like: Why is culture so important? How do you establish a culture? What is the role of a leader in fostering culture and making sure it is healthy? What does Justin feel has worked well for Precision Planting when defining and implementing a culture? Later in the conversation, Justin gives his book recommendations, the SES crew checks in on his home life, and Justin touches on what's next for his career. A list of book recommendations discussed in this episode: The Culture Blueprint: A Guide to Building the High-Performance Workplace by Robert Richman The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen M. R. Covey No Rules Rules: NETFLIX AND THE CULTURE OF REINVENTION by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer Orbiting the Giant Hairball: A Corporate Fool's Guide to Surviving with Grace by Gordon MacKenzie Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God by Dallas Willard How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams Multiple book recommendations included by Chip and Dan Heath
In the last episode of Smarter Every Season, the hosts had an in-depth conversation with former Precision Planting engineer turned dealer Ben Schlipf about many things, including service. This inspired the hosts to pull in a few different dealers to get their opinion on everything from service agreements and planter clinics to how they charge for and handle labor and more. Dealers featured in the episode include: -Tom Cook from Sunrise Cooperative. Sunrise Cooperative has multiple locations across north-central Ohio and offer many service to growers including seed, chemical, and fertilizer as well as being a Precision Planting dealer. For more information on Sunrise Cooperative and the services they offer visit their website here https://www.sunriseco-op.com/ (https://www.sunriseco-op.com/) or find them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SunriseCoopOH (@SunriseCoopOH) -Mark Baker of Baker Precision Planter Works out of Orangeville, Illinois. Baker Precision Planter works is an independent family owned dealership where Mark and his son, Chad, partner to offer Precision Planting products as well as other product lines. They also dairy and row crop farm. For more information on their dealership visit their website at https://bakerprecisionplanterworks.com/ (https://bakerprecisionplanterworks.com/) or find them on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PrecisionBaker (@PrecisionBaker) -Casey Seubert and Ben Dressen from S & S Equipment out of Lawton, Iowa. S & S is an ag equipment dealer that features many product lines including Precision Planting. Included here is their website for more information https://www.ssequip.com/ (https://www.ssequip.com/) and they are also on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/Ssequip ( @Ssequip)
The Smarter Every Season team sits down with Ben Schlipf to talk through ideas that can help make installs and servicing product in spring easier. Ben spent 11 years as an Engineer at Precision Planting and recently moved back to work with his family with Schlipf Precision Ag as a Precision Dealer and farmer. Ben's unique perspective as a former engineer coupled with his experiences as both a dealer and farmer brings new and intriguing ideas for dealers and product support members as we both sell, install, and support products. Join us as we learn together! Links discussed from the episode: McMaster Carr https://www.mcmaster.com (https://www.mcmaster.com) Dultmeier Sales https://www.dultmeier.com/agricultural-spray-equipment.php (https://www.dultmeier.com/agricultural-spray-equipment.php) Schlipf Precision Ag custom parts and bracket list https://schlipfprecisionag.com/manufactured-parts/ (https://schlipfprecisionag.com/manufactured-parts/) Ben's favorite snap ring pliers for weigh pins https://shop.snapon.com/product/Snap-Ring-Pliers/Snap-Ring-Pliers-45%C2%B0-(Red)/SRPCR4745 (https://shop.snapon.com/product/Snap-Ring-Pliers/Snap-Ring-Pliers-45%C2%B0-(Red)/SRPCR4745)
Welcome to 2022! We are excited to be back and recording again. Hosts Tyler, Hans, and Paul share a quick update for where we've been, some teasers at where we're going next, and more.
In this episode we are blessed with a visit from our teammates from Argentina into the studio. Join the fun as we laugh and learn about everything from the equipment industry to farming practices in Argentina from our friends and co-workers.
In this episode the hosts welcome Joel Rieker from the Product Support team to talk about a new, year-round mindset to training (We also discover Paul's distain for referring to it as training). Joel and host Tyler Hubert discuss a facelift to Precision University (online learning management system) where dealers and technicians alike can find educational videos about everything from business practices to agronomy to technical information about Precision Planting products. The new Precision University can be found by clicking the "Training" tab on the Precision Cloud and then "Precision University (Beta)" on the Precision Planting cloud. The site is still a beta as the name indicates so please reach out to the support team if you encounter issues. In-person training and virtual training are also discussed. Under the "Training" Tab is an option for Course/Event Registrations where In-Person training dates can be viewed and signed up for.
In this episode Caleb Schleder joins the team to share some of his experiences around harvesting. We dutifully covered the core processes that a combine 'combines' into a seamless activity while riding down tangents from meat sweats to asking the "5 Why's" and owners manuals to auger etiquette. Join us for a great time as Caleb helps us cover the core combine processes of: Gathering Feeding Threshing and Separating Cleaning Grain Handling Residue Management
On this episode, we are joined by Wendy Ulrich, the product lead for Yieldsense. Wendy passes on her advice on how to get growers ready to run Yieldsense for the upcoming fall. She addresses software version recommendations, changes in Gen 3 setup, diagnostic resources, how to handle concerns about accuracy (if they arise), and more. Included here are links to some of the resources mentioned. Gen 3 Yieldsense Wiring Schematics https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1582235523/2020%20Operators%20Guide%20for%20Harvest%20-%20Gen3%20(955692).pdf
Yieldsense Service Manual https://s3.amazonaws.com/pp3-products/file-1569867867/YieldSense%20Service%20Manual%20(955628).pdf
Gen 1 and 2 software https://cloud.precisionplanting.com/2020-seedsense-downloads/
Gen 3 software https://2020.ag/en_US/help-center/software-updates/
Joining us this episode is Carl Dodge from Dodge Brothers Farm. Carl is very active on and has a strong following on social media. He has a strong desire to share his life's passion of farming with anyone who wants to learn and know more about how our food is grown. Carl shares how he got started in social media and the lessons he learned along the way. Please visit and subscribe to Carl's channels to keep up with the stories and dad jokes at any of these sites: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyV3t_AmDiCZyjAQGrFBqEA (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyV3t_AmDiCZyjAQGrFBqEA) https://www.instagram.com/dodgebrothersfarm/ (https://www.instagram.com/dodgebrothersfarm/) https://www.tiktok.com/@dodgebrothersfarm (https://www.tiktok.com/@dodgebrothersfarm) https://twitter.com/dodgebrosfarm (https://twitter.com/dodgebrosfarm)
Justin McMenamy, Director of Product, at Precision Planting visits Smarter Every Season to share some stories and insights. Justin tells the story of how he became an engineer, how he views his role versus the title of the position, his journey to join the Precision Planting team and much more. With a few good laughs along the way, we get to learn about Justin's passion to 'work at a place that I enjoy the people I work with, the products we make, and the customers we work for'.
A part of the Ag Info Tech team took time out of their day at PTI to sit down with Smarter Every Season. Matt Culler, Randy Whitson, and Chase Gasser joined Paul to share a little background on Ag Info Tech and how they're being pro-active in light of the business landscape of today.
Jason Stoller and Lucas Wesley join the crew in studio to share more background on the research, development, and field experiences as Precision Planting's recently released Reveal row cleaner went from whiteboard drawings to commercially available product. We hope you enjoy sharing the insights and the laughs with us as we continue learning; and if there's anything you have more questions on or constructive criticisms please share those via email to smartereveryseason@precisionplanting.com
On this episode, the hosts welcome Jason Webster, Commercial Agronomist at the Precision Technology Institute (PTI) research farm in Pontiac, Illinois. Jason takes a quick "break" from preparing the research farm to host growers and Precision Planting dealers to discuss the following: -Changes and updates to the equipment at the PTI Farm -Takeaways from the spring, including early soybean planting -The daily schedule for the upcoming Farm Day visits -Jason's favorite new piece of technology -Predictions for the highest value (or ROI) on the farm this year To visit the PTI farm or to sign up be a PTI Insider and receive video updates about trial results, agronomy, and other insights https://www.precisionplanting.com/agronomy/pti#visit-the-pti-farm (click here).
Region Managers Josh Stoller (Southern Illinois) and Jason Portner (Minnesota) join the show to discuss ways to encourage growers who say, "I'm too old to be running Precision Planting technology".
The hosts of Smarter Every Season get together again after the spring to wrap up the 2021 planting season.
The hosts of Smarter Every Season talk to Precision Planting Integrated Marketing Manager Bryce Baker about a useful tool from Precision Planting that is available to dealers and growers: Emergence Flagging Kits. The team also talks about the importance of grading emergence and what to look for when doing so.
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We continue this series on Planter Maintenance with a discussion on Planter Maintenance: Fertility and Pesticide Systems.
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We continue this series on Planter Maintenance with a discussion on Planter Maintenance: Closing Systems.
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We continue this series on Planter Maintenance with a discussion on Planter Maintenance: Down Force and Depth Stop Calibrations.
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We continue this series on Planter Maintenance with a discussion on Planter Maintenance: Seed Meters and Metering Drive Systems.
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We continue this series on Planter Maintenance with a discussion on Planter Maintenance: Seed Tubes, Seed Tube Guards, & Keeton Seed Firmers.
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We continue this series on Planter Maintenance with a discussion on Planter Maintenance: Disk Openers, Gauge Wheels, and Depth Adjustments
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We continue this series on Planter Maintenance with a discussion on Row Cleaners and Parallel Arms
The Smarter Every Season crew was asked to tackle the subject of Planter Maintenance. As every manufacturer and supplier has notes and details on the 'WHAT' and the 'HOW' of planter maintenance, we wanted to dive deeper into the 'WHY' behind each maintenance task and provide the mechanical or agronomic costs and incentives to proper planter maintenance. We're starting this series off by laying out the vision for the next few episodes and diving straight into the first topic: Planter bar height and levelness.
The Smarter Every Season crew invites their colleagues Allen Huber and Emil Bandy into the studio for a discussion on the release of 2021.1.0 software; the limited release software version for the upcoming spring. Hosts Nolan and Paul get insight on whats new in this version, what to expect, and how to be prepared. The conversation includes: The Precision culture and beta process; in software form Production Stability Limited Release enhancements and new features Products enabled: SmartDepth Row Cleaner Module EM FlowSense New Features Prescription Editor Tank Mix 2020.0.x to 2021.0.x update process notes
The Smarter Every Season crew pulls input from 6 of our Regional Managers on the biggest potential risks and opportunities to our listeners success in the spring of 2021. Tyler and Paul share audio clips and a summary of the Region Managers perspectives on the risks and territories that are most pressing in their territories. The conversation includes input from: Justin Sullivan - SouthEast region Ivan Lentsch - Western Nebraska Matt Grove - Northwest region Eric Huber - East Central Illinois Ken Sauder - Indiana Shawn Livingston - Eastern Canada
The Smarter Every Season Team sits down and talks about meter testing with product support member Bryan Jackson. Join us as we discuss a wide range of topics related to meters! Common Pit falls of each meter Value of a calibrated meter for diagnostics Speciality Crops and how to run them Yield value of a calibrated meter eFlow (Seed Lubrication)
In the final of three episodes with Agronomists Cory Muhlbauer and Aaron Hermann the conversation focuses on multi-hybrid planting. Below are some of the talking points: -How OM zone management should be handled for the purposes of multi-hybrid planting -What hurdles exist to doing multi-hybrid and how they can be overcome -Baby steps toward multi-hybrid planting -Advice on how to create good local multi-hybrid data
On this episode of Smarter Every Season, Agronomists Cory Muhlbauer and Aaron Hermann are back. This time they are helping listeners thoroughly understand variable rating, from the benefits to overcoming perceived challenges associated with it. Continue reading to see some of the key talking points. -Why would a grower want to variable rate? -How to approach variable rating with concerns around weather variability. -Advice for anyone struggling to find the right seeding rate(s) to use. -Finding the right liquid rate -Ranking seeding, hybrid, fertilizer, and depth in terms of which provides the most value to a grower who wants to start variable rating -How to grade VR to see if it was beneficial
The Smarter Every Season crew has their first Precision Planting Premier Dealer (Jake Brune) on the Podcast for his suggestion of a topic he would like to learn more about. Based on his suggestion, the guys host Agronomists Cory Muhlbauer and Aaron Hermann as they take a deep dive into SmartFirmer metrics and the significance of Organic Matter (OM) to a grower. The conversation includes: -Jake explains the topic in his own words for the Smarter Every Season team to investigate -The power of the SmartFirmer Metrics: Furrow Moisture, Uniform Furrow, and Clean Furrow -What is Organic Matter and why is it so important? -Organic Matter’s correlation to yield potential -Can OM ever be too high? -Hosts Tyler and Paul wrap up with their learnings on what to do when high OM zones do not correlate to higher yield
The Smarter Every Season team sits down with Precision Plantings's marketing manager, Bryce Baker, to discuss the 2021 Winter Conference on Jan 19th-22nd. Join us as we talk through what is different this year and what exciting topics will be covered this year in the winter conference.
The Smarter Every Season crew welcomes Brad Arnold back into Precision for look in the rear view mirror at 2020. Brad helps us celebrate the holiday season, and all the reasons to be grateful, as well as pass along all of our gratitude for the blessings we've been given. The conversation includes: Introduction - A stroll down memory lane of Brad's journey to and through Precision Planting. 2020 in review - and why we're thankful Next reads from Brad Arnold Looking forward to 2021 and Holiday Wishes
As avid readers, our thanks and due credit goes out to the authors of the books mentioned in this episode. We have included links below if you are interested in learning more or purchasing your own copy. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman PhD and Nan Silver http://www.amzn.com/0553447718 (http://www.amzn.com/0553447718) The Truth About Employee Engagement: A Fable About Addressing the Three Root Causes of Job Misery by Patrick M. Lencioni http://www.amzn.com/B017MVZ0TA (http://www.amzn.com/B017MVZ0TA) With Open Hands by Henri J. M. Nouwen http://www.amzn.com/1594710643 (http://www.amzn.com/1594710643) Pappyland: A Story of Family, Fine Bourbon, and the Things That Last by Wright Thompson. http://www.amzn.com/0735221251 (http://www.amzn.com/0735221251)
The Smarter Every Season crew sits down with the SmartDepth Product Support Lead, Ryan Johnson, to talk through some of the questions and challenges they have heard since the commercial release of SmartDepth in early November. The conversation includes: SmartDepth's path through an extremely wet and normal planting seasons in the Beta testing process Unexpected value understanding from Beta participants A field trial plot protocol that worked (and the need for more learning) Using SmartDepth to pursue the optimal depth versus targeting the best average depth Discussion around the control and response speed of the SmartDepth Corn root development at different seeding depth SmartDepth impacts to shallower planted crops Controlling planting depth via prescription
The Smarter Every Season crew sits down with the EM Flowsense Product Support Lead, Nate Kincaid, to talk through some of the questions and challenges they have heard since the EM Flowsense webinar in early November. The conversation includes: A quick recap of what EM Flowsense is and what it does Where it fits in a dealers "toolbox" Adjusting regular Flowsense based on EM Flowsense readings EM Flowsense accuracy in lower temps Questions on EM Flowsense and non turbine control with HD
Jason Webster joins Smarter Every Season in this episode to give us an update on harvest activities. Jason is our Commercial Agronomist and leads our Precision Technology Institute. Jason gives us a late season update on the growing season through harvest, from his family farm to the PTI farm. Show outline: Planting season review Harvest 2020; a smooth harvest year with super fast dry down High and low points for the PTI trials this year Pre-analysis impressions on trial results PTI building site update Final thoughts
The Smarter Every Season team gets together to discuss the format of Advanced Dealer Training this year. They also reveal what each course at advanced training will be and are joined by various content experts from each course that reveal some of the key points that will be covered. Introduction and training format discussion Allen Huber on 20|20 training Ryan Johnson talks Daisy Chain Diagnostics Hans Stutzman covers SRM Diagnostics Nate Kincaid tackles Liquid Training Nate states that to be prepared for liquid training this year it would be good to review Jared Moore's class from last year on Pressure Vs. Flow if you have not seen it already. Here is a link to https://fast.wistia.net/embed/channel/pcgdygw8zr?wchannelid=pcgdygw8zr&wmediaid=qha90ccecn (Jared's Training.) Scott Van Etten discusses what FurrowForce Training will look like Ryan Johnson rejoins the conversation to talk SmartDepth Training Trivia Competition Teaser
Will Frank joins Smarter Every Season for this episode to talk about Precision Planting's YieldSense and the development history behind the product. Will is the product manager for YieldSense and SeederForce in addition to helping on his family farm. Will takes us through a detailed explanation of how YieldSense was developed and how it works compared to other yield monitor systems along with how growers can use YieldSense and yield maps to improve their operation. Show outline: History of industry yield monitors Development process for YieldSense Unique components and how YieldSense works How to fine tune yield accuracy Final thoughts
This episodes guest is Justin Kauffman; the General Manager for Precision Planting, a good friend, and avid reader. We get to unpack one of Justin's (and our) favorite books, Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. Show outline: The backstory to Extreme Ownership at the 2019 Dealer Insider event Book Impressions from Justin and Paul Redefining leadership Extreme Ownership within Precision Planting Extreme Ownership within Covid-19 times; Decentralized Command The recurring theme for Justin: 'Keep your ego in check, (just be Dad!)' Next reads from Justin Closing thoughts
As avid readers, our thanks goes out to the authors of the books mentioned in this episode. We have included links below if you are interested in learning more or purchasing your own copy. Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin http://www.amzn.com/1250183863 (http://www.amzn.com/1250183863) Drive by Daniel H. Pink http://www.amzn.com/1594484805 (http://www.amzn.com/1594484805) The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek http://www.amzn.com/073521350X (http://www.amzn.com/073521350X) Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don't by Simon Sinek http://www.amzn.com/1591848016 (http://www.amzn.com/1591848016) Demand-Side Sales 101: Stop Selling and Help Your Customers Make Progress by Bob Moesta http://www.amzn.com/B08FRRF68Q (http://www.amzn.com/B08FRRF68Q)
We want to get smarter every season and want listeners to join us in that journey. Show Outline: -Introduction and guiding principles. - Sharing the vision. - Education based information and pulling in content experts. - Explain the name "Smarter Every Season". - Length of episodes. - Frequency of podcast. - Explaining where you can listen to the podcast. - Target Audience