Open day connects with clients

Wheatbelt machinery dealer Ag Implements is trialling a new way to connect with its clients.

Two open days, held in Narembeen and Quairading in late August, attracted more than 200 farmers and showcased harvesters, sprayers, tractors, loaders, compact utility tractors and farming technology.

According to Ag Implements marketing manager Lance Woodvine, the open days were designed to allow farmers direct access to the machines, with one-on-one contact with key personnel, which he said could often be difficult at the major field days.

Mr Woodvine said the open day concept was designed to help farmers to optimise the use of their machines.

"For current owners of John Deere products, we wanted to show them how to get more out of the equipment they already have," he said.

Mr Woodvine said farmers also had the opportunity to ride and drive tractors, loaders and telehandlers.

"This allowed them to see what these machines are all about and what they can do, and we are hoping to expand that next year and have more demonstrations," he said.

On show was the John Deere 8R tractor, including the new E23 transmission.

"The automatic power shift means the machine is capable of speeds up to 50km/h," Mr Woodvine said.

"A regular power shift only does 42km/h, and so this new transmission allows for better and quicker transporting on and around properties."

Also on display was the new John Deere R4045 self-propelled sprayer.

"For a lot of the farmers, it might have been the first time they have had the opportunity to see this machine, even though it has been out since January," Mr Woodvine said.

"For those farmers who already own this sprayer, we took the time to show them how to get the most out of the machine."

Mr Woodvine said feedback was positive, and the company - which has retail outlets in Northam, Cunderdin, Merredin, Mukinbudin, Narembeen and Quairading - would almost certainly run the open days again next year.