FOR SOME producers, the best education is the hands-on approach. Precision ag suppliers are meeting their needs.

Case IH personnel and dealers use precision ag simulators to train their customers. Some of the simulators are available through dealerships that allow customers to test-drive precision farming equipment before even stepping foot in the field. “Our simulators are very popular for both producers and our dealers,” says Cyndi Punke, Case IH precision farming sales manager. “Even our technicians use the simulators for troubleshooting and diagnostics. It is an incredibly powerful educational tool.” More information about Case IH precision ag products can be found at www1.caseih.com/northamerica/Products/Precision Farming/Pages/precision-farming.aspx.

Trimble also is increasing its use of product simulators for 2010. “Dealers and customers can see how the systems operate and work with them in a classroom setting,” says Dan Hendricks, Trimble training manager. “It provides a great learning experience without the pressures of learning a new system while dealing with other farming decisions.”

A first-time user may need more than one session of hands-on training to become comfortable with the equipment. “The first few training sessions a producer might only pick up a few things that they want out of the product,” says Tim Norris, CEO of Ag Info Tech, Gambier, OH. “But once they've used the system, the ‘ah-ha’ moment comes when everything starts to make sense.”