What Color is Your Tractor?

Innovation is crucial for overcoming industry challenges in agriculture. Carbon Robotics, led by visionary founder and CEO Paul Mikesell, is transforming crop management with its groundbreaking laser weeding technology.

Paul Mikesell’s journey to founding Carbon Robotics is marked by his deep expertise in tech, with significant roles in companies like Isilon Systems and Uber. Recognizing the potential for Silicon Valley technology in agriculture, Mikesell was inspired by conversations with farmers about their weed control challenges. This led to the establishment of Carbon Robotics in Seattle, Washington, with a mission to address these issues using advanced technology.

At the core of Carbon Robotics' innovation is its laser weeding system, which uses AI and deep learning to distinguish between crops and weeds in real-time. This technology targets and eliminates weeds with precision, sparing the valuable crops. The AI system is continuously trained with numerous images to ensure accurate field decisions, and the machines now support over 120 different crops.

Building reliable field equipment posed challenges, particularly in cooling and adapting to harsh environments. However, innovative solutions, like using repurposed driveway sensors for monitoring, and a dedicated engineering culture that embraced fieldwork, ensured success. Safety measures, especially fire prevention, are critical when operating high-power lasers in the field.

Looking ahead, Carbon Robotics aims to reduce reliance on chemical herbicides, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative for weed control. Continuous advancements in their technology promise significant benefits for the agricultural sector, enhancing productivity and sustainability.

Carbon Robotics exemplifies innovation in agriculture, merging advanced AI with practical solutions to address current challenges and pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in farming.

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

*Since recording, Solectrac has been through some ups and downs. Find the latest news HERE and HERE. The company has not responded after several attempts asking for clarification.

Welcome to "What Color is Your Tractor" hosted by Chrissy Wozniak. In this episode, we're delving into the cutting-edge innovations shaping the agricultural industry. While many companies boast centuries-long legacies, today's focus is on the forward-thinking pioneers at Solectrac. With a mission to revolutionize agriculture by growing more food with fewer resources, Solectrac has pioneered the commercialization of electric tractors, marking a significant milestone in the industry's evolution. Joining the podcast from Triun, Georgia, is Glen Ezell, Solectrac's Regional Sales Director for the South and Central US. Get ready for an enlightening conversation on the future of farming technology with Glen. 

Solectrac is the first American company to commercialize electric tractors and have direct sales nationally and a growing dealer network. Solectrac’s electric tractors are zero-emission, quiet and powerful and they benefit not only the environment but also the health of the agricultural work force by eliminating exposure to exhaust and reducing noise. With a lower TCO, less maintenance, instant power, and zero diesel, these tractors offer all of the advantages of electric combined with the capabilities of diesel tractors.

Visit Solectrac at - https://solectrac.com

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

In this month's episode Chrissy Wozniak sits down to hear the story of Fendt. In agriculture, brand loyalty holds a special place. Join us as we explore the intriguing history, future & brand loyalty within the Fendt brand. With us is guest Brandon Montgomery, Senior Brand Manager for Fendt North America.

Unraveling Fendt's Enduring Legacy:

We dive into the captivating history of Fendt Tractors. Brandon Montgomery, with his  experience and role in the development of the go-to-market strategy for the Fendt brand in North America. This journey delves deep into Fendt's legacy and their commitment to the world of agriculture.

Navigating the Modern Agricultural Landscape:

With fewer farms but more complex farming operations in today's agriculture, brand loyalty takes on new obstacles. Fendt's unwavering commitment to meeting the evolving needs of contemporary farmers becomes evident, driven by Fendt's farmer first philosophy. In our discussion, we discover how Fendt provides essential technology, support & a reliable return on investment for producers across the globe!

Cultivating a Resilient Brand Presence:

Fendt's strategic initiatives in expanding its brand presence in North America are assuring future market share into the next decades. Brandon's unique perspective brings clarity to Fendt's vision, through Fendt's technological excellence, a commitment to promises, and a genuine concern for the prosperity of farmers. 

This episode is a journey to the heart of agricultural brand loyalty. Through engaging conversations with Brandon Montgomery, Fendt's Senior Brand Manager, we gain a profound understanding of the customs, adaptability, and unwavering support that define Fendt's role in the farming community. In a rapidly changing ag landscape, Fendt is rising to meet the challenges, determined to be a trusted partner in the fields. 

To embark on this journey into the world of agriculture and brand loyalty, subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform and discover why "What Color is Your Tractor - The Story of Fendt" is essential listening for farmers & brand enthusiasts alike.

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

In the heartlands of upstate New York, the world of agriculture thrives. It's here, amidst the fertile soils and sprawling farms, that Mike Price calls home. 

Mike Price, known as MikeP7810 in the YouTube realm is a renowned influencer in the farming community, Mike has amassed a substantial following due to his engaging farm-related videos. In their conversation, Chrissy and Mike covered a range of topics, from the allure of John Deere's 7810 model to the challenges and triumphs of integrating technology into modern agriculture.

The Roots of Farming

Mike Price spoke of his parents' move to their current farm in upstate New York and the rich connection to agriculture that courses through multiple generations of his family. It's a legacy that instilled in him a profound appreciation for the land and the equipment that tills it. He also shared a personal anecdote about his attachment to a John Deere 520 tractor, an iconic piece of machinery that holds sentimental value for him. It's a testament to the emotional bonds that farmers often forge with their equipment.

Embracing Technology on the Farm

One of the most fascinating aspects of modern farming is the incorporation of cutting-edge technology. Mike discussed the gradual adoption of new technology on his farm. He shed light on both the challenges and successes that come with embracing these advancements. A key takeaway was the delicate balance between adopting new technology and its economic feasibility for smaller farms.

The Future of Agriculture and Social Media

Both Chrissy and Mike expressing excitement about the future of agriculture. They eagerly anticipated the next big innovation in the industry. Mike's success on YouTube was also a topic of interest. He explained that his journey began with a passion for sharing farm-related content, gradually evolving into a successful YouTube channel. Consistency and cross-promotion on other social media platforms were his keys to growth.

The Impact of Social Media on Agriculture

In the latter part of the podcast, Mike delved into the diversity of his audience. It wasn't just farmers tuning in; his content resonated with people interested in agriculture and eq

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

Visit What Color is Your Tractor? at whatcolorisyourtractor.com to enjoy more stories of the ag brands you love and ag brands you love to hate!

Today we tell the story of an author and photographer who captures the beauty and preserves the history of our beloved tractors. Lee Klancher’s career encompasses more than 30 years of publishing great stories. As an editor and publisher, he has overseen the development of some of the most-respected and best-selling books in the transportation niche. A prolific author and photographer, Lee has contributed words and images to more than 30 books as well as dozens of national magazines including Men’s Journal, Draft, and Motorcyclist.

A book junkie and an obsessive student of his craft, Lee has also taught writing and photography at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He is best-known for his award-winning books and calendars covering farm tractors, including Red Tractors and Red 4WD Tractors. He has rented an abandoned air force base to create a book cover, and built a custom 20x40-foot studio to photograph 30 of the most valuable John Deeres in private hands. He and his camera have climbed the Julian Alps, explored breweries on four continents, and ridden backcountry motorcycle routes in the Bolivian Amazon, the Australian Outback, and on the island of Hokkaido, Japan.

Lee is the founder of Octane Press who publishes award-winning illustrated and narrative books that cater to niche audiences. They aggressively market their books in enthusiast publications and websites to drive direct-to-consumer sales. They sell directly to customers and retailers worldwide in order to ensure that our books find their readers.

Octane Press has worldwide trade distribution, aggressive direct-to-consumer sales and marketing, and licensed books created with Case IH, Ferrari, Caterpillar and more. Proudly independent, they were founded with pocket change and one book in 2010. As of 2023, we have published more than 200 books, won 30 independent book awards, and reached more than a million readers.

Learn more about Octane Press and Lee Klancher -

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

Listen to the podcast here - https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com - The Story of Fastline - with Dean Barke, President.

In this month's episode of What Color is Your Tractor Chrissy Wozniak sits down to hear the story of Fastline Marketing Group. Dean shares their history, where they're going and lends his insight into the state of agricultural branding in an ever changing world.

With more than 40 years of experience, Fastline's commitment to the agricultural industry, it's customers, and farmers is unparalleled. With Fastline Print, Fastline.com, and Fastline Digital, they offer integrated marketing solutions for the evolving agricultural community. Simply put, no one else has their combination of audience and wide array of marketing tools. 

Learn more at https://agr.fyi/fastline

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North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing plan? Visit https://chrissywozniak.com

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

In this month's episode Chrissy Wozniak sits down to hear the story of Case IH with Marisa Riley, the Director of Marketing for Case IH North America, and Joe Miller, the Case IH Tractor Segment Leader for North America.

This company was the inventor of the world’s first modern row crop tractor; the Smithsonian holds their esteemed Old Number One on display as a tribute to agricultural innovation; and their first commercial cotton harvesting machine Old Red stands at the National Museum of American History as a reminder of how agriculture has evolved over the last two centuries. There is no doubt that Case IH played an important role in building modern agriculture. Today we’re going to learn about the past of this great company and explore the exciting future of this brand. 

Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, reliable equipment — designed to meet today’s agricultural challenges. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support for professional farmers and commercial operators through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity-enhancing products include tractors; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment; tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; and site-specific farming tools. 

Learn more about Case IH at https://caseih.com

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing plan? Visit https://chrissywozniak.com

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

Today is an exciting day! For the first time on What Color is Your Tractor, we sit down with co-founder and CEO of a tractor manufacturer on the day the first machines roll off the line! Chrissy Wozniak speaks with Praveen Penmetsa of Monarch Tractor to hear how this incredible company was formed, and the features of this industry leading tractor.

Monarch Tractor Launches Production of Founder Series MK-V:

The First Commercially Available Electric, Driver-Optional Smart Tractor

Constellation Brands, one of the world’s most prominent producers of wine, spirits and beer, has partnered with Monarch by purchasing the first six units of the Founder Series MK-V tractor

LIVERMORE, Calif. – December 1, 2022 – Monarch Tractor, maker of the MK-V, the fully electric,  driver-optional, smart tractor, today announced the first tractors are coming off the Founder  Series production line at its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Livermore, California. The rollout comes less than two years since Monarch unveiled its groundbreaking tractor that  combines electrification, automation, and data analysis to help farmers reduce their carbon  footprint, improve field safety, streamline farming operations, and increase their bottom lines.  Constellation Brands, the leading global premium, fine wine and craft spirits producer and largest  beer importer in the US, has partnered with Monarch as its first customer, through its purchase of the first six Founder Series MK-V tractors.

The use of the MK-V tractor simultaneously helps solve  numerous challenges farmers face today including labor shortages, safety concerns, increased  customer scrutiny for sustainable practices, government regulations, and more. Key features of  the MK-V include: 

• Renewable Technology: The MK-V is 100 percent electric and has zero tailpipe emissions.  It also serves as a 3-in-1 electrification tool, operating as a tractor or utility vehicle during  operation, as well as a powerful electric generator in the field. 

• Driver Optional: Monarch utilizes the latest autonomous and robotics hardware and software technology, including the NVIDIA Jetson edge AI platform, to provide driver-assist

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

In this episode of What Color is Your Tractor Chrissy Wozniak hears the story of the blue tractor, New Holland with Mark Lowery.

Mark Lowery is New Holland Agriculture’s Commercial Marketing Director for North America. Lowery brings 10 years of experience and perspective to his role, having held positions within New Holland’s product training, channel marketing, parts, and marketing organizations. Throughout his career with New Holland, Mark has emphasized the importance of dealer satisfaction in creating a positive customer experience, and works closely with New Holland’s 800 dealer locations throughout North America to deliver the New Holland brand message to our customers. 

However, Lowery’s passion for agriculture extends well beyond the New Holland brand. He currently serves on the National FFA Foundation Sponsors Board, New Holland’s FFA Affiliate Alumni Chapter leadership committee, and the Lancaster County Agriculture Council in his home state of Pennsylvania.

New Holland Agriculture's reputation is built on the success of their customers, cash crop producers, livestock farmers, contractors, vineyards, or grounds care professionals. They can count on the widest offering of innovative products and services: a full line of equipment, from tractors to harvesting, material handling equipment, complemented by tailored financial services from a specialist in agriculture.  A highly professional global dealer network and New Holland’s commitment to excellence guarantees the ultimate customer experience for every customer.

Learn more at https://newholland.com

For daily ag news and weekly podcasts visit https://northamericanag.com

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing

In this episode, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Kelly Whitman, President & COO of Roto-mix

ROTO-MIX has built its reputation as the leading manufacturer of livestock mixing and feeding equipment, compost mixing equipment and manure spreaders by continually setting standards for the industry. The company was founded in Dodge City, Kansas by Ben Neier and Bill Pullen in 1984. Since that time, ROTO-MIX has grown to include additional manufacturing facilities in Hoisington, Kansas and Sunnyside Washington as well as a retail location in Scott City, Kansas. The marketing arm has over 100 dealers providing local sales and service in the U.S. and sales in over 40 international markets. With an in-house engineering department the company’s leading edge developments specifically meet the ever-changing requirements of the cattle and dairy feeding industry. ROTO-MIX has successfully filed several patents related to the livestock mixing and feeding equipment. As important as our patents are, our most valuable commodity is our 100+ skilled and dedicated employees. Each and every one of them is committed to delivering a superior product to our dealers and end-users. 

"Ben and Jim Copeland were the first two to do this and that’s why the company originally was called BJM, for Ben and Jim Manufacturing. Ben was actually the father of the feed mixer, because before Ben invented the auger box there really wasn’t any way to mix feed in the early 60s. Then he kind of decided he had something going, he had something that worked pretty good, and kind of one of those things - the neighbor sees it and he says I want one, and the other neighbor sees one and he wants one. And Ben started manufacturing the auger mixers." Kelly Whitman

FASTLINE AUCTIONS
Auctions is the only auction platform with over 40 years of data to target more farmers than any other. We also make it super simple for our customers – our auctions are embedded directly into Fastline.com’s current website listings, so there’s no need for buyers to visit a separate website.
Learn more at Fastline.com!

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Hear more stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Need help with your agriculture based company's marketing strategy? Visit https://www.northamericanag.com/full-service-agri-marketing