Jeffersonville, OH | jd43 - 12/10/2025 14:09
The big equipment manufacturers are out to sell to the 5000 acre plus farmers. I'm a 400-acre guy so I have the choice to keep rolling with the older reliable equipment vs. going in debt for new or newer. I bought my first new tractor in 2018. I absolutely hate debt, so it was a big decision to buy the tractor. Glad I did because now it's at least $20,000 more. I'm out of debt again and it's going to stay that way. These big companies love to keep you in debt and keep you upgrading and paying extra to be on top of Technology. I'm still running a 1997 JD 9600 with the original tech. agreement. If an S670 etc. is an upgrade in technology but it takes 10x as long to change a motor out then who's making the money on that? It sure isn't the farmer. I've farmed for 45 years and have been able to do it on a very small scale and sleep good at night without selling my sole to JD Finance, a banker etc..
I deal with MANY more sub 5000 acre customers than I do above 5000 acres...my bread and butter is 1500-3000 acre producers. I still sell new combines to customers that have way less than 5000 acres too.
Now, I can't say you're wrong entirely though, the days of buying something and running it for 25 years then buying new are likely over...
Chris |
DEERE CFO SAYS TECHNOLGY IS ANSWER
