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John Deere’s exciting new Precision Ag model - Precision Essentials- is making advanced technology accessible, affordable and adaptable for Aussie farmers!
Hutcheon and Pearce are thrilled to offer John Deere’s latest program, Precision Essentials, to our customers. Having access to John Deere technology is a gamechanger for any operation, offering advanced precision and efficiency. However, not every operation needs access to the full suite of technology. Therefore, this program provides a solution. Precision Essentials allows customers a flexible alternative to purchasing their precision agriculture technology upfront by enabling them to select only the hardware and software they need at any given time. Our Integrated Solutions Manager, Hamish Ross, talks us through the new offering, who it benefits and how, and the difference between Precision Essentials and buying upfront.
What is Precision Essentials?
Traditionally, precision ag hardware and software has been purchased upfront, giving the farmer full ownership instantly. However, John Deere saw the need for another option and through their commitment to the ‘AAA’ – Affordable, Accessible and Adaptable, they introduced Precision Essentials in February this year. The program includes a Precision Essentials Hardware Kit and a choice of four renewable software subscriptions, each offering different levels of functionality. Farmers can upgrade their licenses at any point, providing real choice and flexibility. The hardware kit comprises G5 or G5PLUS Display, StarFire™ 7500 Receiver, and JDLink™ M or R Modem.
The four software options include:
- AutoTrac™ licence
- Essentials licence for AutoTrac, Section Control and RowSense
- Essentials plus SF-RTK
- Advanced Licence with SF-RTK, AutoTrac Implement Guidance, AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoPath, In-field Data Sharing, Satellite Maps and Machine Sync.
With no commitment to renew licenses, farmers can try out technologies at a lower cost and choose whether to continue using them or not.
“This provides a great level of adaptability and is really exciting for farmers. The adaptability piece is really cool in that it gives farmers the ability to sign up to new licenses as they become available”, Hamish said.
How does it help farmers?
In terms of it’s benefits to farmers, it comes down to the foundational values John Deere designed the program in line with – affordability, accessibility and adaptability. Every farming operation is at a different stage in their Precision Ag journey and has different needs, therefore, Precision Essentials is beneficial in offering different pathways into PA and at different levels.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Production and Precision Ag Marketing Manager, Royce Bell, said “Farmers opting for Precision Essentials are rewarded with lower entry cost on their Precision Ag core hardware enabling them to grow their Precision Ag capabilities in line with their business requirements.”
The opportunities for growth that comes with precision ag capabilities is monumental, and this program allows more farmers to experience this technology on their own flexible terms due to the low upfront cost and flexibility of options.
Who is it for?
Precision Essentials is a beneficial option for many farmers, from small grains to dairy and livestock to high value crop farmers.
“The Precision Essentials program was rolled out for the first time in the United States last year and has proved incredibly popular across all types of farming operations and commodity types, so it’s very exciting to be able to bring this innovative approach to farmers across Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Bell said.
It is a viable option for operations that frequently change equipment or for farmers that just want to upgrade some of that old equipment.
“Precision Essentials is a great opportunity to upgrade some of your old equipment that has depreciated over a significant period of time with great trade in prices and a low upfront cost”, Hamish added.
Buying upfront vs. Precision Essentials:
So, when it comes to choosing whether to buy upfront with the traditional model or to uptake Precision Essentials there are a couple of key differences to consider.
With Precision Essentials, you own the hardware and can access this at a lower upfront cost than the traditional PA model. However, you then only need to pay for software by use after that.
“You only pay for software when you need it. For example, if you don’t need Section Control one year you can just pay for AutoTac”, Hamish said.
The adaptability to choose what you need and upgrade or downgrade as you need is one of the major standouts in the Precision Essentials model, offering real flexibility and accessible, affordable entry into PA.
Using the Precision Essentials kit also allows for easier upgrades as customers can transition to newer technology seamlessly.
However, with ongoing subscriptions, this model can become more expensive over time, so it really depends on the goals of your operation as to whether you are best suited to the traditional or Precision Essentials model.
With our 0% finance offer on Precision Ag Technology, now is the perfect time to upgrade some of your old tech.
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