Feature
• Auction season, when inventory is high and prices are competitive.
If you’ re shopping used, you’ ll have more time to look for low-hour, well-maintained machines— instead of settling for whatever’ s available when your old equipment fails.
Budget for the Long Haul
Replacing equipment doesn’ t have to mean writing a six-figure check. With financing options, lease-to-own programs and cooperative ownership models, there are more ways than ever to make upgrades manageable.
Still, every replacement should start with a solid budget. Build a five- or 10-year equipment replacement plan that spreads out major purchases. Then set aside a portion of annual revenue in a reserve fund. Even modest yearly contributions can make a big difference when it’ s time to upgrade.
Count the Hidden Costs of Downtime
Every hour your equipment is down during the season is
If annual repairs top 10 percent of your machine’ s value, it’ s time to rethink.
an hour you’ re not planting, not harvesting and not moving product. That lost time adds up.
Having a plan in place protects you from the scramble. Consider these ways to stay operational when equipment goes down:
• Renting short-term during breakdowns
• Keeping a spare unit for key operations
• Cooperating with neighbors to share underused equipment
The best plan? Replace before you have to. An upgrade might not feel urgent now— but when you’ re in the field, you’ ll be glad you did.
Run Your Farm Like a Business— Because It Is!
Farming is a lifestyle and a business, and your equipment is a major asset. A proactive replacement plan helps protect your budget, reduce your risk and keep your operation moving without the drag of unexpected downtime or repairs. So don’ t wait until something breaks down. Build your replacement plan now and let your next upgrade be a choice instead of a crisis.
18 | 515-574-2206 | 515-574-2189 | August 2025