AI TECHNOLOGY Beneficial for dealer and customer by Service Dealer Ireland Editor, Alan Mahon
The implementation of AI in agriculture opens up quite a lot of business opportunities for the agricultural industry in general.
Not long ago if you asked any vet or farmer what AI is they would, without a thought, tell you that it’s the process of getting a cow pregnant without a bull being present. However, nowadays, AI (Artificial Inteligence) seems to be the buzz word. I have mentioned before how AI is already being used in agriculture such as precise fertiliser and herbicide application, disease monitoring and crop harvesting. Even driverless tractors are being developed using AI.
The implementation of AI in agriculture opens up quite a lot of business opportunities for the agricultural industry in general. Dealers are embracing this new development but there is still a reluctance from farmers to embrace AI. Perhaps it is from fear of the unknown that is preventing them invest in this new technology. Farmers need to understand that AI is there to help them run their farm more efficiently.
There is no denying that the initial investment in AI technology is expensive and that in itself can be a turn-off, particularly to small farm holdings. Government grants would be a great help here. However, The benefits of AI in agriculture are both economically and environmentally beneficial. Fertiliser and chemical applications can be reduced by up to 80% as they are only applied where needed.
There has been a lot of negative publicity over AI. Security and privacy issues are some of the concerns. To gain the confidence of our customers to use AI we will need to motivate, train and provide resources for them.
AI technology can be daunting for our customers but to it can be just as daunting to dealers as well. Some dealers may not be fully on top of their game with this new technology. Earlier this year, in the US, a summit was held specifically for dealers specialising in precision farming. This was the 2023 Precision Farming Dealer Summit and it was the summit’s 8th year. It attracted dealers from across the United States, Canada and Australia. Some of the discussions at the summit touched on the need for dealers to get more training in how AI technology or precision farming works so that they can easily pass any knowledge on to their customers.
AI technology in agriculture is not just to benefit farmers and growers. Even dealers can use it to help run their business. During busy times of the year, such as spring sowing and autumn harvest, dealers can be overwhelmed with technical questions from farmers and contractors. With limited numbers of talented staff available within dealerships AI technology can come to the rescue. There are now programmes available that will help towards answering customers’ queries.
For example, CNH dealerships can avail of their visorPRO technology where an information vault is set up into which the technical manuals are loaded. Dealer staff can then enter customer questions to the programme and within 30 seconds they will get a response where the manual reference and page numbers are given, which can then be given to the customer.
With the Service Dealer Conference and Awards taking place this Thursday (30th November) at the Crown Plaza, Stratford upon Avon, I’m sure delegates attending will have ample opportunity to discuss all about AI technology and its future in our industry. It will generate a lot of interest for sure.
Aspiring Irish agricultural technicians can attain a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Agricultural Mechanisation.
AGCO, the parent company of Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra tractors brands, is introducing what they described as a "groundbreaking initiative to help shape the future of Ireland's agricultural engineering workforce".
First-year trainee technicians at the Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, County Limerick
The AGCO Technical Qualification Programme Ireland, in collaboration with the Salesian Agricultural College in Pallaskenry, County Limerick, and the Technological University of Shannon, will be Ireland’s only manufacturer-led technical qualification programme.
In an era where technology is rapidly transforming farming practices, AGCO say the need for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between tradition and innovation has never been greater.
The scheme will see aspiring Irish agricultural technicians attain a Level 6 Higher Certificate in Engineering in Agricultural Mechanisation and progress into positions within the AGCO dealer network across Ireland.
AGCO say they are proud to spearhead this initiative, hoping to shape the future of farming in Ireland by equipping the next generation of agricultural engineering technicians with the skills and expertise needed to navigate the evolving landscape of modern agriculture.
Massey Ferguson mechanic, Peter Sweeney, has retired from W.B.D Farm Machinery.
After fifty years as a Massey Ferguson mechanic, Peter Sweeney has retired from W.B.D Farm Machinery. His last day at work was on the 9th of October.
From left: Declan Weston, Peter Sweeney, Alan Dunne, and Alan Butterly of W.B.D Farm Machinery
Peter began his Massey Ferguson Career with Meehans of Ardee before moving to Carrolls and finally finishing his career with a nearly two decade stint with W.B.D Farm Machinery Ltd., based at Blakes Cross in Lusk, Co. Dublin.
Alan Butterly, Managing Director at WBD said, “A few presentations were made to Peter on the day and it was lovely to have the family down to join us. It was also nice to have representatives from Massey Ferguson here. Peter will be missed around the place from all at WBD and I know a lot of our customers will also miss having him look after their tractors.”
Peter has seen a lot of changes since he served his time as a fifteen year at Meehans. “During my working life I never felt I was going to work. I thoroughly enjoyed my job as a mechanic and I had great employers”, said Peter.
Rob Russell from Russell Fastraxx posted a lovely message on WBD’s Facebook page, which included the following “I had the pleasure of working under Peter as a 4th year apprentice in Carroll’s Engineering of Funshog in Ardee. One of the finest, coolest and most knowledgeable of mechanics I have ever met. Peter’s saying to me was “Don’t Panic!. And if there is a panic, let it be organised.”
Peter will now have time to spend with his wife, Annette. They have been married for 44 years. He will also get involved with his life-long hobby of collecting old dinky model tractors which he will refurbish.
Farmhand are planning to develop a new groundcare dealer network in Ireland and Northern Ireland for both sales and service in the coming months.
Farmhand have been distributing Amazone agricultural machinery for almost 60 years and have recently been appointed sole distributors for the Amazone ground care range. This will be headed up by Farmhand man Adrian Leech who has many years of experience in ground care equipment.
Profihopper 1500 with cab
Farmhand are planning to develop a new groundcare dealer network in Ireland and Northern Ireland for both sales and service in the coming months.
Adrian Leech commented, “We have been demonstrating the Profi 1500 for some of the most prestigious golf clubs in the country and they can’t believe the Profihopper’s versatility. It can cut and collect the heaviest material but also excels in more sensitive areas like fairways and approaches. This combined with the work it is doing for councils in wildflower meadows, really proves its versatility”.
For further enquiries on Amazone groundcare machinery or to arrange a demo contact Adrian Leech on 085-1390091.
Service Dealer caught up with Husqvarna's Johnny Snowball, who told us about what's been going on at the company recently - as well as their thoughts on sustainability, the customer experience and employee well-being.
Service Dealer Ireland owner Duncan Murray-Clark caught up with Husqvarna's head of business unit professional UK, Johnny Snowball, at the recent SALTEX exhibition, who told us about what's been going on at the company recently - as well as their thoughts on sustainability, the customer experience and employee well-being.
Johnny tells Duncan that during the past year they have grown their customer service team, aftersales and field support. He says, "A lot of the back-office functions aren't visible to the dealers, but it makes a difference to their experience."
Service Dealer spoke with the distributor of the Corvus range of utility vehicles, who told us they want to keep the customer's experience as simple as possible,
Service Dealer Ireland owner, Duncan Murray-Clarke, spoke with Phil Everett md of BossORV, the distributor of the Corvus range of utility vehicles at SALTEX recently, who told us they want to keep the customer's experience as simple as possible.
Phil says, "I think it's important we keep the policy simple and the pricing structure simple - so there are no hidden costs for the consumer."
The Farm Machine award has been one of the most prestigious awards in the agricultural machinery industry since 1997.
New Holland’s new CR11 Combine Harvester and its T7.270 Methane Power CNG Tractor are both winners at the coveted Farm Machine 2024 (formerly Machine of the Year) award, taking home honours in the Combine Harvester and Upper Class Tractors categories respectively. The awards were announced at Agritechnica 2023 in Hanover, Germany, on November 14th 2023.
New Holland T7.270 Methane Power CNG
The Farm Machine award has been one of the most prestigious awards in the agricultural machinery industry since 1997. The awards are given every two years and feature 13 categories across the industry, chosen by jurors made up of international experts and trade journalists from several specialized international magazines. Prizes are awarded for new products and innovations in agricultural technology.
“Farm Machine awards represent an important recognition from the industry and these awards are honouring the efforts and the great teamwork done in recent years, both in the Combine Harvester segment and the alternative propulsion segment,” said New Holland brand president Carlo Lambro, “We are extremely proud of the great attention our products are receiving here at Agritechnica 2023. New Holland already won the only Gold Medal assigned by the DLG for the CR11 and two Silver Medals for our T4 Electric Power Tractor and T7 Methane Power LNG; and we have two other great awards for our latest launches, the CR11 Combine Harvester and the T7.270 Methane Power CNG, to go with them.”
Sean Lennon, vice president Europe New Holland, added, “This edition of Agritechnica is extremely successful, New Holland has shared a lot of great news with our customers and dealers that are joining us from all over the world. And we are taking home some of the show's most prestigious awards, including these two best in category wins from Farm Machine for the new CR11 and the T7.270 Methane Power CNG. Congratulations to all the teams who worked on these products for these well deserved wins.”
The CR11, that was unveiled to the public during Agritechnica 2023 is the latest and most advanced combine harvester presented by New Holland. It has been developed to provide higher productivity, with minimal grain loss, improved residue management, and more automation, with the aim to reduce the total cost of grain harvesting to zero. It will be produced at New Holland’s Center of Harvesting Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium.
The T7.270 Methane Power CNG is the new entry in the brand’s alternative fuel tractor portfolio, extending the offering with Compressed Natural Gas technology and more power. The tractor features an evolution of the methane-fueled engine currently used on the T6.180 Methane Power, to match T7 power and performance expectations. Production for the T7.270 Methane Power tractor is set to start in second half of 2024 at New Holland’s Alternative Fuels Centre of Excellence in Basildon, UK.
When the Autumn challenges start piling up, Kress tools are here to make your life easier.
When the Autumn challenges start piling up, Kress tools are here to make your life easier.
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When it comes to reviving your garden furniture from the challenge of Autumn dirt and leaves, the Kress Portable Power Cleaner KG633E is your go-to hero. This powerful tool blasts away grime, leaving your outdoor spaces looking as good as new. Say goodbye to the hassle of manual cleaning and discover the efficiency of the Kress Portable Power Cleaner.
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