At the recent Big Iron Farm and Construction Show in West Fargo, N.D., RDO Equipment Co. showcased its expertise in John Deere equipment and technology, demonstrating how these tools can help farmers and contractors optimize efficiency and adopt innovative solutions. The event, the largest farm show in the upper Midwest, provided an ideal platform for RDO to engage with attendees and highlight the practical applications of advanced agricultural technology.
Kevin Johnston, RDO Vice President of Midwest Agriculture, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting customers in their adoption of John Deere technology. “Customers we’ve partnered with continue to report success as they’ve adopted John Deere technology and equipment solutions to complete vital jobs,” Johnston said. The RDO team brought a variety of equipment and technology solutions to Big Iron, offering attendees hands-on experiences and demonstrations.
One of the key attractions was an obstacle course designed for operators to navigate using John Deere’s compact construction equipment, including skid steers and mini excavators. This interactive experience allowed attendees to see firsthand how these machines can be used to complete various tasks efficiently. Additionally, RDO offered ride-and-drive opportunities in John Deere 8R tractors equipped with AutoPath Guidance Planner, a technology that optimizes machine control for every pass, enhancing precision and productivity.
A notable demonstration featured autonomous tillage passes completed with a John Deere 9RX 640 and 2660VT. These tractors were controlled and monitored from a phone, showcasing the potential of autonomous technology to streamline operations and reduce the need for manual labor. Another highlight was the See & Spray technology, which uses cameras and machine learning to target individual weeds, significantly reducing herbicide use and promoting more sustainable farming practices.
Beyond agricultural equipment, RDO also showcased its Truck Center’s interactive display, offering attendees a firsthand look at what it’s like to partner with a full-service Mack, Volvo, and Isuzu heavy-duty truck dealership. This display underscored RDO’s commitment to providing comprehensive service and support solutions for a wide range of industries.
Tony Kramer, RDO’s planting product manager and host of the Agriculture Technology podcast, emphasized the importance of incremental technology adoption. “At RDO, we’re here to meet farmers where they are in their technology adoption today and help them build a plan to onboard new technology solutions incrementally through each growing season,” Kramer said. Events like Big Iron provide an opportunity to demonstrate how these tools work in real-world conditions and their potential impact on day-to-day operations.
For RDO, the demonstrations at Big Iron were not just about showcasing equipment but about connecting with farmers and contractors to discover how RDO can partner to deliver the equipment, service, and support solutions needed to grow and build communities. By offering hands-on experiences and practical insights, RDO aims to empower its customers to embrace technology and enhance their operational efficiency.