This week brought a string of unsatisfactory interactions with ag companies. One issue was financially substantial, the other two less so.
- The first was with a major manufacturer. One of our machines went down during harvest. We swapped things out and kept on going. The diagnosis we were given wasn’t 100%, so we let the unit sit until the first of the year. Turned out that it was an assembly issue. Yes, the machine was seven years old and out of warranty, but it only had 1,300 hours on it. The problem wasn’t caused by misuse, abuse, over-use or anything else we could control. A 100% flaw from the factory left us with a hefty repair bill. The dealership did what they could working within their internal programs. However, our expectation was that the manufacturer should step up and help in some way. They did not.
- We needed to replace some wear parts for an after-market product we installed on our planter several years ago. We went to the website and the only way to contact them was through the ‘contact us’ button. We had some questions about a different version of the product and there was no phone number, no way to talk to them directly. A day or two later, communication was established and parts were ordered. I understand they are probably a mom-and-pop place with only a small product offering, but the process needs to be smoother.
- The third issue also involved a company’s website. We needed parts for our aftermarket fertilizer units on the same planter. So, we went to the website and located the nearest “stocking” dealers. Long story short, the company’s definition of “stocking dealer” is someone who has ordered from them before. I guess that just isn’t what comes to mind when I hear “stocking.”
The local co-op understands
The tide finally turned Thursday when I received an email from our local co-op. The board approved a one-time equity redemption, returning 38.4 million dollars to farmer members. They understand agriculture is bleak and unsure right now. Unfortunately, at first glance the redemption has little impact on our operation as the date window of dividend returns just reaches into the beginning of my farming career, and dad is in the age bracket that receives a 100% return anyway. (In most years, a percentage of the dividend from each year is returned and a percentage is held for later distribution.) But at least they get it!