Drive Green

We’re winding down our coverage of the John Deere Drive Green Utility Tractor Show and I thought I’d bring things full circle with an interview with Eric Hodson, John Deere Senior Writer, Public Relations. The photo is also from one of our first stops in Gainesville, FL.

Eric says that the program has been real successful. The opportunity to get the truck on the road and deliver these new utility tractors to dealers around the country provided customers the chance to get on them which is what it’s all about. He says that one of the things that stood out for him was how the program got people into John Deere dealership who had never been there before. Attendance was way higher than they had hoped for overall. In fact, Eric says the program was expanded after the early success of the show stops.

When the show first started there was some limited availability on certain models so dealers were really happy to have some of these tractors on hand. The truck also provided a great promotional opportunity when it was parked outside dealerships.

Eric appreciates the staff and instructors who traveled along with the show around the country since it provided good consistency of information that was available at each stop. Looking ahead he says that they’re changing the tires on the truck and hope to have it back on the road again in the future.

You can listen to my interview with Eric here:

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This is the back end of a customized John Deere Gator that was on display at our Fresno Equipment show stop. It was promoting the John Deere Tech Program.

Speaking of Gators, they are one of the types of equipment in use at the Fresno Unified School District. A number of their folks attended out show stop including Ernie Martin. He says they’re involved in the heavy equipment part of the school district which includes all their tractor work. He says the utility tractors are very handy for the type of work they do.

You can listen to my interview with Ernie here:

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At every show stop I’ve been able to attend I really enjoy talking with the local John Deere Territory Manager. They are a great resource to learn more about the area and the people.

In Lynden, WA last week that guy was Rich Hubbard. Rich says he’s got a pretty diverse territory with a lot of property owners and small ag operations. I thanked him for having us there on a beautiful sunny day. He says feedback on the new utility tractors has been good.

In fact, he says they quoted a number of new tractors during the show stop at North Washington Implement.

You can listen to my interview with Rich here:

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North Washington Implement Photo Album

One of our visitors to the show at North Washington Implement was a retired engineer, Doug Smith. He actually still does some work as a representative of the local port district.

He came out to purchase some blades for his wife’s John Deere mower. Doug says he’s got a John Deere 720 which he uses in local parades. When it comes to the new utility tractors he’s impressed with their safety. He says they’re really good for people who don’t run them every day. He also likes the fact that they run so long without needing adjustments since so many people aren’t mechanically inclined. So he likes the safety and longevity of the new tractors.

You can listen to my interview with Doug here:

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North Washington Implement Photo Album

Speaking of berries in the Lynden, WA area, I met Annette Mayberry (right) and her “Green Grandbabies.” You’ve got to love that term! She says her green grandbabies like to see the John Deere tractors.

I’m thinking that the Mayberry farm is very much a John Deere type of operation. And that’s what I found out when I interviewed Annette. She says they use all sizes of John Deere tractors including these utility tractors and lawn mowers.

You can listen to my interview with Annette here:

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North Washington Implement Photo Album

The man in charge at North Washington Implement is Max Smith (left). He was the first person I interviewed at this week’s show stop.

Max says they’ve been doing business as a John Deere dealer in Lynden since 1916. He says their customer business is “dairy and berry.” Max says this is the raspberry and blueberry capital of the world. Since they have so many dairies in their area he says these new utility tractors really work well in their business.

You can listen to my interview with Max here:

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North Washington Implement Photo Album

We have had a great event here today at North Washington Implement in Lynden, WA. The weather has been picture perfect. And so I took a lot of pictures.

In this one you can see Dick Bedlington (left) who is a local farmer. I got to speak with him after he enjoyed one of the hamburgers being served for lunch.

Dick says he farms about 2,200 acres that includes potatoes and grain. He came out to look at the new utility tractors. Dick has a lot of John Deere equipment on his farm. In fact, he says “We’re all John Deere. Our company swears by John Deere.” When it comes to the utility tractors he says they use them on a small farm for early germination seed which is a mostly two row application.

You can listen to my interview with Dick here:

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All my photos from today’s event can be found here: North Washington Implement Photo Album

While I attended our Fresno show stop I not only saw some big equipment but also some equipment that enhances the accuracy of certain applications like planting and harvesting. Precision agriculture has become increasingly important and widespread and it was on display.

While I was at Fresno Equipment I found out that in their ride and drive lot they had a precision guided tractor demonstration being run by local AMS Consultant, Joey Todd, pictured here. So I climbed in the cab with Joey and had him explain what was on display. To start with we were in an 8230 wheel tractor running RTK using iTEC Pro. Joey set up a field with boundaries so that the tractor would turn at the appropriate spot and raise and lower the implement. He said we were getting sub 1 inch accuracy. In California Joey says the need for precision is “a must” especially because of water restrictions. He also says that he’s seen this equipment being put into Gators for applications like spraying.

You can listen to my interview with Joey here:

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We’ve had the friendliest group of presenters at our Drive Green Utility Tractor Show stops that you’re ever going to find. It’s been a real pleasure to get to know these guys and I thank them for their hard work and fellowship. While I was at the Fresno Equipment stop I interviewed the two presenters who were there to get their perspective on how the show has been going.

First in the interview is Allen Ewards pictured here. He says they’ve “seen a little bit of everything.” He talks about how the weather has played a big role in how many people attend at our show stops and like the weather he says, “You just never know.” The feedback from people he’s met has been very positive. He’s met a wide cross section of people from first time customers to existing customers who want to see the latest and greatest. He’s been able to help the dealers at our show stops since he’s got the factory training which allows him to answer their questions too. He says that in general all the people he’s met have had a very positive attitude. As he puts it, “Nobody is quitting in the farming business.”

Joining us in the interview was Jim Stoffregen. Jim has teamed up with Allen at several locations across the country. One of the questions he gets hit with most is to explain the new numbering sequence which he says makes it so easy for people to know what kind of tractor they’re looking at.

Even though the show has been put on in a variety of venues from dealer locations to large arenas he says they’ve all seemed to work well.

He’s also seen that sales are happening even with concerns about the economy. Part of that may be that these new utility tractors are so versatile and can work in so many applications.

You can listen to my interview with Allen and Jim here:

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Fresno Equipment Photo Album

It’s time for another edition of the Truck Driver Diary with Tim Pol. Tim has driven the truck all the way across the country now so it was time to catch up with him and see how his journey is going. You can see Tim reflected in the window of Fresno Equipment getting the truck all shined up.

We started out learning about his experience getting the truck stuck in some mud in Maryland. All went well even though Tim says it was kind of a nightmare for a while. He says he’s met a lot of people and had an opportunity to hand out a lot of business cards. Tim says that other than having some different accents the people he meets all have similar questions and issues.

You can listen to my interview with Tim here:

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Fresno Equipment Photo Album

Although the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show is all about tractors in the lower horsepower range it doesn’t mean we can’t mention some bigger equipment! Fresno Equipment had it all on display including new combines.

One of the people attending the show stop was Jason Langstraat. He just ordered four 9770 combines which he’ll be putting to work in his custom combining business. He says they already had 2 combines but needed more as his business has expanded. Those machines are still in the process of being built but while he was at the event he showed off a display model to a couple of friends who were probably curious about what he had ordered.

You can listen to my interview with Jason here:

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Fresno Equipment Photo Album

A commodity that I don’t have any experience with is almonds but in Fresno, CA we were in almond country. I met an almond grower, Tony Ramos, who says he’s farmed all his life and used to be in the cotton and row crop business.

He says these new utility tractors work great for his type of operation and would love to see a custom cab for orchards. He’s been a customer of Fresno Equipment for all of his career so coming out to our event was a chance for him to catch up with people he’s been doing business with while seeing what’s new. Besides the new tractors he said he had a new Gator XUV demo and is very interested in it.

You can listen to my interview with Tony here:

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Fresno Equipment Photo Album

It was a bright sunny day in Fresno, CA but the wind picked up. I was told that meant that many area farmers couldn’t be in their fields to spray crops so I think we had quite a few show up at Fresno Equipment.

However, local folks weren’t the only ones who attended. I spoke to Jerry Jaeckels who said he drove 5 hours to get here since he missed a closer event to where he lives. He just felt like the opportunity to see the new equipment, get a chance to drive the tractors and talk with John Deere representatives was too important to pass up. He’s interested in the new 5 series tractors and I’m sure that by the end of the day he got all the information he needed. He’s getting ready to start a horse arena on his property so one other item that caught his eye was the Riata Rake we had out in the ride and drive area.

You can listen to my interview with Jerry here:

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You can see a whole set of photos from today’s event here: Fresno Equipment Photo Album

Signing up for our drawings was only one activity during our show stop in Oxford, PA at Atlantic Tractor.

We had the full line of utility tractors, mowers, implements and more on display and available for riding and driving. On hand when I arrived were Gregg Rebar and Mike Asche. They pretty much run the operation. I think these guys had one of the best displays for our show that I’ve seen.

They’ve got quite a few stores which Mike says allows them to have a very wide range of John Deere products immediately available to customers. They’re in a very diverse market which ranges from row crop farmers to large property owner, vegetable farms and even poultry. He says that the rural lifestyle market has become a significant part of their business.

Gregg and Mike are good examples of the great folks I’ve met working in John Deere dealerships around the country.

You can listen to my interview with Gregg and Mike here:

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Besides the new utility tractors, you’ll find others on location with the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show. Like in Oxford, PA at Atlantic Tractor where the Waterloo Boys Rough and Tumble Club had a 1948 John Deere “M” on display. Harvey and Tom were on hand with a charitable raffle which they said is their 17th year doing it.

You can listen to them talk about the Model M and the Waterloo Boys. Harvey says the club was formed in 1991 as part of the National 2-Cylinder Club. He says they want to keep the heritage of the 2 cylinder tractor alive and likes the contrast of them displayed alongside new ones. He says the their raffle tractor is in high demand to be displayed at a variety of events.

I asked them what they think of the new tractors. They’ve looked at them and even have “some in the shed.” Harvey says they’re his “toys to play with.” He says his pride and joy though is being able to show people how farming has been done in the past.

You can listen to my interview with these Waterloo Boys here:

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One of the reasons why the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show is so important to our dealers is the traffic it brings out to the event says Richard Miller, TriGreen Equipment, manager for commercial and consumer equipment. He says that in a typical dealer store it’s not easy to get a couple hundred people out and the show provides a great opportunity to attract more people to see what they’ve got to offer.

I interviewed Richard when we were in Murfreesboro, TN. He says they had people with everything from 1 acre up to hundreds of acres of land. He was surprised to see how many people came out who had never been up close and personal with a tractor.

You can listen to my interview with Richard here:

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Another one of our ride and drivers in Oxford, PA at Atlantic Tractor was Tom Hoffman, Flemington, NJ. Tom says he’s got about 300 acres of hay to manage and some beef cattle. He thinks it’s pretty nice to get out and try these tractors out before making a buying decision.

I spoke to him right after he got off a 5 Series tractor which he thinks is a nice handling smooth riding tractor with a nice turning radius. He especially appreciated the placement of the controls which make it easy for the operator to get to. He had some more looking around to do after I spoke with him but he thought this tractor would suit his needs just fine.

You can listen to my interview with Tom here:

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It was definitely a rainy day in Monkton, MD when the Drive Green Utility Tractor show displayed at My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase race. Here’s most of our crew who were on hand to answer questions and we really appreciate the people who stopped by even with the weather challenges.

One of them is Scott Brotherton, Territory Manager for John Deere. Scott and I hid out from the rain in the trailer of the truck for a short interview. Scott’s territory includes the Delmarva Peninsula where the crops are very diverse, including row crops and specialty crops and of course horse farms. Scott’s been in the territory for over a year and he says these horse owners are very dedicated to their animals and farms and this show stop provides a great opportunity to showcase the new John Deere tractors and utility vehicles for them. The hay tools like the rotary cutter and square baler we had on display would be other good examples of equipment that’s available to large property owners, especially those who cut their own hay.

You can listen to my interview with Scott here:

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Don’t forget to visit our event photos: Drive Green Utility Tractor Show Event Sets.

While I was in Oxford, PA with Atlantic Tractor I met Melvin Horst. He lives right down the road and has a couple of pieces of John Deere equipment. He’s got an 8130 and a 1590 grain drill.

He really likes the opportunity the show provides to test drive the new utility tractors. He likes the looks of the 5M Series and 6D Series tractors. He uses his tractors for raking hay and picking up bales as well as mowing. In fact, he says they’re handy for just about everything on the farm. He brought his boys out since they’ll be helping him out.

You can listen to my interview with Melvin here:

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This edition of the Truck Driver Diary comes to you from Monkton, MD.

It was a wet day at the My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase races but I found truck driver Tim high and dry in the trailer so I got an update from him on how things have been going on the road. He says that things have been going really good during his portion of the schedule. People have had lots of questions and seem very happy to have the opportunity to see the new utility tractors and get on them to test them out.

Tim says our “Kicker Gator” utility vehicle has really been getting a lot of attention. Here at this location there were a lot of Gators in use which was especially helpful in the rainy, muddy conditions. Tim says our show goes west next and I’ll be at a couple of those stops. Before then though I’ve got lots more interviews to post in coming days.

You can listen to my interview with Tim here:

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Don’t forget to visit our event photos: Drive Green Utility Tractor Show Event Sets.

I met some great people on location at Atlantic Tractor in Pennsylvania and Maryland last week. Some of them drove a long way to get to the show stop in Oxford, PA like Brian Good.

Brian says he farms about 400 acres with a hay cash crop operation and some small grains. He says that raking, tedding, mowing and baling call for some smaller tractors and that’s why he drove about 60 miles to attend the event. He says he’s got a few John Deere tractors already. He likes some of the features on the new utility tractors that will allow him to perform all the operations involved in hay production. It was a cool breezy day and Brian says he’s “got to have a cab.” It rained a lot the next day and I’m sure he would have been even more emphatic about having a cab on a cool, breezy and wet day!

You can listen to my interview with Brian here:

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It was a wet and wild day at My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase races today in Monkton, MD but the Drive Green crew was on the job. We had a beautiful display set up right across from the owners and judges tower which is the finish line for the big race of the day – My Lady’s Manor.

I took a number of photos of the races and you can find some of them in my online photo album.

The race was pretty exciting and I was fortunate to be able to get a spot on the tower right above the finish line for this shot. I don’t have the winner’s name but if anyone knows they’re welcome to leave it in the comments.

Before the events got started I met and interviewed Turney McKnight, direct of the Manor races since 1978. He says this is the 99th running of the race. He says the race evolved from the horse and buggy days and was a real source of sport. The distance hasn’t changed and is still over 3 miles with 16 jumps. The crowd can be as many as 7,500.

Turney is a John Deere man himself on his farm and even had his own tractor out on site today.

You can listen to my interview with Turney here:

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I have a photo album for this event which you can find here: My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase Photo Album

Marty Gibson is a banker and a farmer. He farms with his dad and his brother on about 219 acres. The have cattle and bale their own hay. He says he’s not a current John Deere equipment owner.

He likes what he sees from John Deere though, including the variety. At our Danville, KY stop he was most interested in the 6D Series and 5E Series tractors and likes what he sees. Depending on the time of the year he says they would use a tractor to feed hay, roll hay and bush hog with it. He was one of our ride and drivers and thinks the 5E would best fit his needs because of the transmission options on it.

You can listen to my interview with Marty here:

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The wind really kicked up in my interview with him in, so you’ll hear a little of that in the middle.

Don’t forget to visit our event photos: Drive Green Utility Tractor Show Event Sets.

This edition of the Truck Driver Diary comes to you from Danville, KY.

Our newest driver of the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show truck is Tim Pol, standing here next to the 6D, 5D, 5E, 5M, 5E Limited and 3E Series numbers on the cab. I spoke with him at the end of our event in Danville, KY. He says he gets asked by people when he stops to let them take photos of the truck. I wonder how many pictures of this truck are out there.

Tim says he gets asked a lot of questions since people assume he knows everything since he’s driving the big rig. His first road anecdote is pretty funny. He says that his first stop he had a kid come up to him just let him to know that he didn’t like John Deere. Tim says he should have given him a shirt and cap. I agree. He is an on the road evangelist for the brand!

You can listen to my interview with Tim here:

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Don’t forget to visit our event photos: Drive Green Utility Tractor Show Event Sets.

David Williams was one of our visitors at the Danville, KY show stop. He visited with me outside the arena where we had tractors available for riding and driving.

Dave says Deere equipment is known for it’s quality and durability. He’s also happy to have the local support of a reliable dealer in Greenline Equipment, who sponsored our stop in Danville, KY. Dave has an active thoroughbred breeding farm. He says John Deere Gators are very handy for feeding. He says it’s a handy utility vehicle and it causes less ground damage than a pickup truck. He says they also employ other equipment for their forage production as well.

Dave thinks the intermediate sized utility tractors would be good for his operation since they’re strong enough to do the job while being really easy to use. He also appreciates some of the incentives being offered by John Deere

You can listen to my interview with David here:

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Danville, KY Photo Album

I guess having a few years under your belt running a tractor does show even when you get on a new one you’ve never driven before. Paul Napier came out to our Danville, KY stop and put several machines through a good workout. In fact, I think he would win the award for most riding and driving! Here’s a picture of him on one of the new 6 Series tractors.

Paul made a point of saying he’s in his 70′s but still has a cattle operation and actively farms. He loves John Deere and has a 6420. He uses them for mowing, hay, feeding and general farm work. He says these new utility tractors are very convenient to use. He liked the pricing being offered by John Deere right now too. He recommends that people come out to one of our show stops and get on them and drive.

It seemed like many of the people I spoke with at this stop are involved in hay production and John Deere has a whole line of equipment to choose from.

You can listen to my interview with Paul here:

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Or watch him trying out some new equipment here:

Danville, KY Photo Album

Our Danville, KY show stop at the Boyle County Fairgrounds was hosted by Alec Russell, Greenline Implement.

Here’s Alec next to our display of new utility tractors.

Alec says that the Danville area has mostly tobacco, cattle and hay farms and is on the southern fringe of the Kentucky Bluegrass horse farm region. I like his anecdote that “we eat more corn than is grown around here.”

He says that because many of the area farms would have multiple operators of their equipment, these new utility tractors would be a great choice since they don’t have as many controls to deal with like much larger tractors. He also says these new 5D and 6D and 5E tractors provide him a product for his customers that makes him more competitive with a price range he’s never been able to offer before.

You can listen to my interview with Alec here:

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Danville, KY Photo Album

If you’re into landscaping or have your own landscaping business then you should check out John Deere Landscapes.

John Deere Landscapes approaches the Industry from a whole new vantage point. Like you, we face the future with a healthy respect for the past. Our heritage is one of true value-added customer service, and our combined companies offer over 30 years of success in the industry, based on that same outstanding level of customer service. This story continues as we grow, expanding our branch network. At John Deere Landscapes, we want to be where you need us. So come on in… find out what we do, and how we strive every day to support the Industry’s top professionals.

When I was on location at our Houston stop I met Ronnie Borel who is an outside sales representative for John Deere Landscapes. He gave me an overview of the products offered by this division of the company. He says they offer about 95% of what the landscape contractor needs.

You can listen to my interview with Ronnie here:

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In Raleigh I met the Nobles who have their own landscaping business. Although they own a John Deere tractor, they’re in the market for one with a little more horsepower. The Drive Green Utility Tractor Show is certainly the place to do that.

You can listen to my interview with the Nobles here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Just because you don’t own a John Deere utility tractor doesn’t mean you can’t get to use one. Luckily for Wayne Kleven his relatives are owners who let him borrow when he needs to. Wayne does have several John Deere mowers though.

When he needs a tractor to cut deer trails through the woods or to do some more serious mowing he is fortunate to have some equipment available nearby but he was still out at the show checking out the new line of utility tractors.

You can listen to my interview with Wayne here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

If you’ve got horses then a new John Deere 3E Series Tractor may be just the thing for you. It was what Jeff Clark was looking at when he visited the show in Raleigh.

He wants a small tractor to clean out stalls. Since his daughter will be using it more than he would he also wanted a tractor that’s easy to use.

I think the 3E Series fits the bill.

You can listen to my interview with Jeff here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Here’s a good example of why you should come out to your local John Deere dealer or one of our Drive Green Utility Tractor Show stops. Let’s say you need a new tractor, mower or all around handy utility vehicle. You can see pictures and specs online but before making a decision you just want to get your hands on one and try it on for size.

That’s what Mike Poole did in Raleigh at the Dixie Deer Classic. He really wants a tractor with a cab and guess what. We had one for him to get into and representatives standing by to answer his questions. He already owns a small tractor but he wants to replace it with one with a cab for mowing and farming small grains. Sounds like a 5E Limited Series tractor would be a great choice for Mike

You can listen to my interview with Mike here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

There are a lot of people working to make the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show happen. I’m trying to include interviews with them when I can so you can get to know them. From our truck drivers, planning staff and dealers to our presenters and suppliers it wouldn’t be possible without all of their efforts.

In Raleigh, NC our John Deere Territory Manager is Brad Yarbrough. He worked with the dealerships involved, Quality Equipment and Barnhill Equipment Company as well as the Dixie Deer Classic to help put on the show there. He says they love to get the tractors out in front of customers so they can get in the seat and see what John Deere’s got for them. And what John Deere has includes a whole new line of utility tractors and Gators.

You can listen to my interview with Brad here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

One of the pieces of equipment that was getting a lot of attention at the indoors display at the Dixie Deer Classic was the Frontier FP1204 by Plotmaster. For hunters who want to create a food plot with ease here’s what they say about it.

The Plotmaster™, by Plotmaster Systems, Ltd. with its patented design is the complete package for your plot planting needs. The Frontier FP1204 (4-ft model) will reach places you’ve only dreamed of planting plots. It’s easy and simple with the Plotmaster™.

I spoke with Keith Lane, Quality Equipment, about the unit they had on display which was hooked up to a camo Gator. He says it’s ideal for a garden or a food plot to attract deer.

You can listen to my interview with Keith here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

At the Dixie Deer Classic we interacted with a lot of hunting enthusiasts. One of the exhibitors was Donny Lassiter, Lassiter Farms. He was promoting their CyprusKnee Chufa product.

Donny says that he owns a variety of John Deere equipment for use on their farm. He says that what he likes about John Deere is the dealer organization that’s always available to help out. He says hunters will find the new equipment useful for putting in food plots. The smaller machines allow you to get in and out of tight places. Gators especially allow you to get around on your property and see what’s going on. They even allow you to pull small sprayers.

I liked the idea of using the Gators for hauling a successful hunting harvest instead of the manual labor alternative.

You can listen to my interview with Donny here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

The weather for the Dixie Deer Classic couldn’t have been more picture perfect. Bright sunny and warm.

On Saturday we held two presentations on these new utility tractors and had a lot of people like Glenn Millican interested and even using our short ride and drive course. Glenn was interested in a small tractor that could negotiate sharp turns and the 3 Series tractor seemed to catch his eye. He put it through the paces as you can see in the video interview I did with him this afternoon.

You can listen to my interview with Glenn here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

The General Manager of the Dixie Deer Classic is Bruce Blackwell. I met him this afternoon. He says it’s just a great big fun time.

He says that John Deere may be known for farming but that hunters and outdoorsman work in conjunction with farmers. He says if it wasn’t for farms and woodlands the game wouldn’t be there. He says John Deere is integral to that and they’re proud to have them out here.

John Deere has been involved with the show for a number of years. He says that they’ve even given away a few Gators over the years thanks to John Deere.

You can listen to what Bruce has to say here:

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Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Frank Rogers is the Acting Director of the Tennessee Farm Service Agency. In Murfreesboro he headed up an exhibit to provide attendees with FSA program information. The FSA is responsible for implementing the Farm Bill which affects most of the family farms in the country. He says they deal with land owners and farmers. He was proud to have the opportunity to participate in the John Deere educational event which is a big part of what the Show is all about.

Tri-Green Murfreesboro Photo Album

Billy Ray is a Tennessee farmer who drove for about an hour to get to the show stop in Murfreesboro. I spoke with him right after he got to the Miller Coliseum. He says this is a good opportunity. He already owns some John Deere equipment like a tractor, front end loader and cutters.

Although he hadn’t had a chance to look around much he was there to check out a round baler. He was sure he was going to get lots of good information and I know he did.

You can listen to my interview with Billy here:

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Tri-Green Murfreesboro Photo Album

When I was in Ft. Worth recently at the Stock Show I met a group of local dealers who were there to see the show and then the rodeo.

We’ve got Ron LaRue, Blake Sanders and Buddy Steen from Premier Ag & Lawn. Ron says his children have shown in the arena and he thinks the show is a good thing and something he’s always wanted to see. They said that having an opportunity to let their customers see this equipment up close and personal is going to be really helpful. Since Buddy is a sales guy he’s happy to have this support from John Deere and he’s looking forward to a great 2009.

You can listen my interview with them here:

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This edition of the Truck Driver Diary is in video this time. Mark Roose not only sound good but he’s really not a bad looking dude either. I asked him about bringing the truck to the Murfreesboro event and he said that with his GPS guiding him he got there okay. You’ll hear him talk about getting the truck into the arena. The reality was that we never did. The entrance way was just too short even after we used some of the equipment on hand to try to remove some dirt to get it in. So we just parked it right outside the entrance.

You can listen to this edition of the Truck Driver Diary here:

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One of the people who attended the Drive Green event in Murfreesboro was Paige Cruse, Franklin City Parks. Paige is actually the athletics foreman. She says she was there to learn more about the new mowers, Gators and tractors. She was happy to have the chance to attend an educational event like this.

Paige says they have John Deere equipment and have seen some new items they’d like to have. She says she has learned a number of things she didn’t know about the equipment and got to sit on one of the larger horsepower tractors.

You can listen to my interview with Paige here:

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These doctors are farmers too! Dr. Rick West and Dr. James Wall visited the first day of our Miller Coliseum event with TriGreen Equipment. They both operate cattle farms in addition to their medical careers.

I spoke with them on the floor of the Coliseum about how useful these utility tractors would be for their operations. James likes the wet clutch in the new tractors because he knows how much he uses it and has always worried about wearing it out. They both believe that their are many tasks like moving feed and hay that these tractors are really useful for. I also learned that James is a major collector of John Deere tractors!

You can listen to my interview with James and Rick here:

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To get a flavor for what show participants thought of our Ft. Worth Stock Show event I asked several of them right after the arena program.

You can hear what they had to say here:

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Official Drive Green Utility Tractor Show events aren’t the only place you’ll find John Deere promoting them. Last week it was the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY. Cindy Zimmerman was on hand with this report for us:

The John Deere 5 Series utility tractors take up a significant portion of the booth space at the National Farm Machinery show and served yet another purpose – as seating for many at the show taking a break from walking around the 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space!

John Deere has introduced a large volume of new tractors this year, ranging from 45 to 105 hp, to fit just about any need.

I talked with Keith Hendrix with Deere who told me all about the new tractors that are part of the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show that Chuck has been busy following around the country.

“That ranges from our new 5D series, moving up to the 5E series, and the premium line of the new 5M,” Keith explains. “We have a tractor for every application for any specific need if you’re looking for 105 down to a 45 engine horsepower tractor.”

Listen to her interview with Keith here:

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Besides tractors, the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show also provides an opportunity to see some of the new implements that add functionality to these machines.

While we were in Ft. Worth doing an arena show we had the opportunity to see one of the more unique implements in action. It was the Riata Rake which was used to make the arena floor nice and smooth and according to Kim Young, pictured on the right, “very pretty.” Kim has been to a few rodeos and says she’s never seen an arena rake like this one.

You can listen my interview with Kim here:

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At the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Saginaw Implement Co. set up a whole store inside the trade show building. You could find everything from toys to tractors including toy tractors.

One of the friendly faces you find there belongs to Monty Hambrick. He’s the 4th generation working at the dealership. He says they sell everything from chain saws to combines. He says business has been good at their booth and I’d echo that. Every time I stopped by they had a crowd and it looked like serious business being done.

You can listen my interview with Monty here:

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It’s time for another edition of the Truck Driver Diary with Mark Roose.

Mark was very relaxed when I spoke with him in Ft. Worth and says he’s been working his way around Texas, visiting with a lot of people. He says the truck keeps drawing crowds he even hears it mentioned on the radio.

You can listen to my interview with Mark here:

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Don’t forget to visit our event photos: Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo photo album.

With the signal to go, the new 3E Series Tractor made its debut in Watt Arena at the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. This was the first tractor in the lineup for the show, following mowers and the new Gators.

I had to leave my camera on a wide shot during the show but I’ll have more video clips and interviews coming up soon.

You’ll hear a reference to some “gifts” during the presentation. That was because periodically during the show our presenters would throw t-shirts into outstretched hands of our audience. They were a big hit.

You can listen to the presentation here:

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The Drive Green Utility Tractor Show in Ft. Worth started out with the singing of our National Anthem by Shawn Belton-Miller. She is currently performing with Dr. Larry “T-Byrd” Gordon.

I spoke to her prior to the show. She says she sings the Anthem for the Mavericks and had a friend connect her to the show. I’m glad she did!

She says she’d like to ride one a tractor and as she puts it, “Girls love power.” She says she’d rather mow than wash dishes.

You can listen to my interview with Shawn here:

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You can also listen to her sing the National Anthem here:

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Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Photo Album

The President of the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is Bob Watt.

I met Bob this morning and asked him what he thought about having this Utility Tractor Show at a livestock show.

Bob thinks it’s a unique tie-in to the show and he really likes the display as you can hear him say here:

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Here’s where you can find event photos: Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Photo Album

When you visit a Drive Green Utility Tractor Show stop you’ll find smiling, friendly faces greeting you. In the Texas area, one of those smiley people is Kim Dergo, Dallas Branch Sales Promotion Coordinator. Here she is at the Houston Farm and Ranch Show stop.

Today you will find her at the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo which is where I’m headed very soon. We have a static display on site today at which you can find John Deere representatives on hand to answer all your questions. You can also get an up close and personal look and feel for these new utility tractors.

I spoke with Kim about the Show moving through her area when we were in Houston. You can listen to my interview with her here:

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Hello Drive Green fans. This week we’ve got a fun stop at the Fort Worth Stock Show. The action will kick off tomorrow and continue with a ring show on Wednesday evening.

Since this show is all about cattle and rodeo I thought I’d share an interview I conducted just a few days ago at the Cattle Industry Convention in Phoenix, AZ. Yes, I do get around.

I visited the John Deere booth at this show which attracts over 5,000 cattle industry members from around the country and spoke with John Deere representative, Steve Detrick. He’s the guy on the right in this picture. They’re posing in front of a 6D Series utility tractor that’s connected to a baler.

Steve says these new tractors really complement their balers and provide livestock producers with some great new options. He says these work for a wide range of producers from small, part time producers to even large scale operations. He says the new Gator XUV’s also offer great benefits since they’re rated to carry large loads and that can include feed as one example.

You can listen to my interview with Steve here:

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One of the dealerships involved with the Houston Farm and Ranch Show stop was Brookside Equipment Sales, Inc. One of the representatives from the company attending the show was Brant North, pictured on the right.

John says that the show provides a great opportunity for him to brush up on his knowledge of the equipment personally as well as interact with his customers. He also likes to share ideas with other dealers. He’s always enjoyed selling John Deere equipment. He’s looking forward to getting these new tractors in his hands so he can “sell a few.”

You can listen to my interview with John here:

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The Territory Manager for John Deere in the Houston area is John Peters. He’s bringing dealers up to date on the new tractors in this picture.

John says that since there’s just one Show stop in his territory he wanted to involve all his dealers. So he contacted them and got their support to put on the event at the Houston Farm and Ranch Club. With so many of them participating he held a morning session just for the dealers as kind of a refresher course and for those who hadn’t had a chance to learn more about these new tractors. Then the afternoon was devoted to customers.

I asked him how he felt about the event and he was very happy with it. In fact, he says that a local precinct in the city of Houston made a commitment to purchase 4 5E Series tractors!

You can listen to my interview with John here:

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During the Houston Farm and Ranch Show stop participants got to learn about all the Frontier attachments available for these new utility tractors. You can see them gathered around for a presentation after the tractors portion of the show.

I spoke with several participants like Reagan Folmar and Dave Hendricks. Dave says he saw lots of neat “toys.” I asked if he meant “tools” but he shook his head and confirmed it as toys. He said there were lots of features though that he could use and some he couldn’t. Reagan said that he’s in the market for a new tractor since he didn’t get one last year when he wanted to.

You can listen to my interview with them here:

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Getting to test drive these new utility tractors was a lot of fun in the sun at the Houston Farm and Ranch Show facility. A large area of the parking lot was set up in lanes for tractors, Gators and mowers.

Customers who came out included Andre Roberts and Louis Robertson who both work for the city of Alvin, TX. They said “it’s a marvelous show.” They said that getting to come out and visit personally with John Deere representatives is really helpful since they’re responsible for buying equipment.

You can listen to my interview with them here:

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We had a lot of representatives from the Houston area John Deere dealers come out today to the Houston Farm and Ranch Club.

Two of them were Darrell Taylor, D.E.R. Equipment Co. (l) and Lloyd Shoppa, Shoppa’s Farm Supply. They really appreciated the opportunity to get a short course on these new tractors because that will help them when they talk to their customers.

You can listen to my interview with them here:

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Here’s the last in a series of initial presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 6D Series and presenting is Dick Gohlke.

“The top three models are powered by a 4.5L PowerTech™ E diesel engine with a high-pressure common rail (HPCR) injection system,” says Alejandro Galindo, product manager, John Deere Waterloo Tractor Works. “These efficient engines are designed to provide power when needed to handle even the toughest jobs.”

The 6100D features a field-proven, fuel-efficient 100-hp PowerTech™ engine with rotary fuel injection pump. It’s designed to deliver excellent power and lugging ability in a variety of work situations.

“We’ve improved the transmission on the 6D Series,” says Galindo. “The all-new 9F/9R electro-hydraulic PowrReverser™ is standard equipment. Once the operator sets the range and gear, a handy left-hand reverser lever is used to move the tractor forward or reverse without clutching! Loader work is easier and more efficient with this new transmission.”

A new wet-clutch design ensures reliable, long life with improved control. The new design also helps overall tractor performance for the many jobs required of a utility tractor.

You can listen to Dick’s presentation here:

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Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5M Series and presenting is Allen Edwards.

The 5M Series Tractors range in horsepower from 65 – 105 engine hp. These higher-end machines feature new transmissions, increased lift capacities, more stability for larger implements, and a new operator environment for increased comfort and productivity.

“For customers who demand premium performance and comfort, the 5M Series, which ranges in engine horsepower from 65–105, is designed to be the benchmark for quality and durability in the utility tractor marketplace. These tractors offer a vast array of options and horsepower levels, with exceptional hydraulic capacities to handle any utility-tractor implement. These tractors will definitely bring more productivity to the farm or jobsite, which makes them ideal for customers who spend many hours in a tractor and depend on their tractor to help make their living.” says Rex Edmunds, division marketing manager, John Deere Augusta. “With more weight, a wet clutch design, and enhanced serviceability, these tractors provide dependable service for the tough jobs they’re built to handle.”

More features and options including cab, 2WD and MFWD, more hydraulic flow and capacity, and a durable frame specifically designed for loaders, ensure that this tractor will perform for many years on the job or in the field.

You can listen to Allen’s presentation here:

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Coming out to a Drive Green Utility Tractor Show stop can be a lot of fun. Why? Because you get to enter a great contest for one thing. You meet lots of interesting people for another.

But maybe the most fun is riding and driving some of the newest utility tractors and vehicles on the market. Let’s look at the Gator again. This time it’s from GreenSouth Equipment in Gainesville, FL.

I rode with Jonathan Spence who explains the features on the new vehicles that you’ll find.

You can listen to my ride and interview with Jonathan here:

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Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5E Limited Series and presenting is Jim Stoffregen. These tractors have a little more horsepower than others in the 5 Series that we’ve already seen.

The more powerful 5E Limited Series Tractors range in horsepower from 83–101 engine hp. These units have more deluxe features including a cab, PowerReverser™ transmission, wet traction clutch, and MFWD axle – all in base equipment. John Deere has packaged the 5E Limited Series to offer select performance and comfort-enhancing features at a very low price.

You can listen to Jim’s presentation here:

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Bob Murphy (seated), provided me with a great reason to come out and test drive the new utility tractors from John Deere. At the first stop on the tour he said, “It’s kind of like automobiles. If you don’t test drive something then you don’t really know how it operates and how it functions.” He says these opportunities are a good thing. You’ll notice that he’s getting some good advice from the dealer and the John Deere representative on site.

Make sure you take the opportunity when the show comes your way.

You can listen to my interview with Bob here:

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Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5E Series and presenting is Allen Edwards.

The 5D and 5E Series range in horsepower from 45–75 and offer John Deere reliability and durability at very economical prices. The 5D Series is only offered with a two-wheel-drive (2WD) axle compared to the 5E which offers 2WD or mechanical-front-wheel-drive (MFWD)configurations. These open station tractors feature synchronized transmissions designed for smooth shifting and easy-to-reach, color-coded controls for simple operation. Low on the frills and price, but high on durability and performance, these tractors provide a simple, economical solution that’s just right for many customers.

You can listen to Allen’s presentation here:

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Here’s the next installment in the presentations on the new utility tractor line. This one is on the 5D Series and presenting is Jerry Stanton.

The 5D and 5E Series range in horsepower from 45–75 and offer John Deere reliability and durability at very economical prices. The 5D Series is only offered with a two-wheel-drive (2WD) axle compared to the 5E which offers 2WD or mechanical-front-wheel-drive (MFWD)configurations. These open station tractors feature synchronized transmissions designed for smooth shifting and easy-to-reach, color-coded controls for simple operation. Low on the frills and price, but high on durability and performance, these tractors provide a simple, economical solution that’s just right for many customers.

I’ll have more on the 5E in a future video.

You can listen to Jerry’s presentation here:

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It’s time for another edition of the Truck Driver Diary.

I wasn’t able to make all the stops of the tour in Florida this month but truck driver, Ron Lang, sure did. He says the stops in Okeechobee and Tampa, Florida went very well.

He also had a great anecdote about meeting a Florida State Highway Patrol trooper on the way home at a north Florida rest stop. He wasn’t sure what to expect but found out that the driver and his son are big John Deere enthusiasts. The Trooper couldn’t help but notice the rolling billboard and asked Ron some questions about some of the new equipment, including zero turn radius mowers. I’m sure we’ll hear more great stories from our show truck driver as we continue on down the road.

You can listen to the Truck Driver Diary here:

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Test driving the new John Deere equipment is what the show is all about and during the first stops a lot of people have had that chance like Eric Honigman, seen here checking out a new Gator utility vehicle.

After he got to drive it I spoke with him about the experience. He said, “I like ‘em. They operate pretty smooth. That’s what I like.” He’d like to have a vehicle like this to use in some hilly area where he lives. He thinks he needs four wheel drive but had never had a chance to drive a vehicle equipped that way. He says that’s why he came out to the Middleburg, FL show stop.

You can listen to my interview with Eric here:

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There are teams of John Deere product representatives attending each stop along the way. They will be making presentations on each of the tractor products in the new utility line. I’ve met several of them from the first stops in Florida and I’ve recorded their presentations for you.

The first one I thought I’d share is on the new 3000 Series Compact Tractors. In Gainesville, FL we heard a presentation by Dick Gohlke. He starts out explaining the new numbering system on the tractors. These come in 27 to 44 hp. Deere recommends them for homeowners, estate owners, horse enthusiasts, ranchers and hobby farmers. They’re ideal for loading, mowing, tilling & snow removal.

You can listen to Dick’s presentation here:

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The second stop for the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show was in Gainesville, FL at GreenSouth Equipment. I met manager Sam Coyle right away and learned a little bit about what the company is trying to do locally. For one thing, Sam says they want the community to know that they have a full lineup of tractors that will work for everyone including those who farm for a living.

You can listen to my interview with Sam here:

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With only a few stops under our belt so far I’ve already found out that the people who show up to test drive a tractor aren’t necessarily “local.”

Take Cindy and Sara Hicks here. They’re from Indiana where they have an 89 acre farm. After a test drive, Cindy says, “We would definitely get this.”

She encourages everyone to come on out to one of the stops even if they’ve never driven a tractor.

You can listen to my interview with then here:

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A regular feature I’m starting right now is the “Truck Driver Diary” with Ron Lang, seen all comfy here in his Kenworth cab. I’ll be speaking with Ron throughout the show from various locations, even if I can’t be there, to hear about how things are going.

So in this first installment I asked Ron about his trip to Florida with the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show Truck. He said that other than some rough weather it was a smooth ride. He really liked the setup at the kickoff event in Middleburg where I conducted this interview.

You can listen to the Truck Driver Diary here:

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We saw that the love of green tractors is very generational today when Charles Hollingsworth came out to the show stop at GreenSouth Equipment with his great grandson.

He says that he was waiting on the boy’s Daddy to show up and take care of him so he could spend some time looking at the new equipment. One of the things he likes best about them is how “comfortable” they are.

You can listen to my interview with him here:

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One of the features of the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show is the opportunity to test drive a new tractor or utility vehicle. That’s what a lot of people did at GreenSouth Equipment at the kickoff event.

Here’s our first tractor tester, Jeremy Mathis, getting a look at the new John Deere 5065E. I spoke with Jeremy after his drive and he says it was his first chance to drive a tractor this size. He liked the features he saw and says that he and a relative are looking for a utility tractor to use with land development projects they’re working on.

You can listen to my interview with Jeremy here:

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I also caught Jeremy in action so you can see what it’s like to come out to a Drive Green event when it comes to your area.

And don’t forget to check out our first day’s photo album.

How about a preview of the new John Deere 5 Series tractors which will be a key feature of our Drive Green Utility Tractor Show? What better way to learn more than to hear about them from the man who is responsible for marketing them, Rex Edmunds?

These new tractors are designed to perform any application, with any implement, within any budget to meet the needs of any customer in the utility tractor market.

I spoke with Rex at the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention and he says, “This is the most complete line of utility tractors we’ve ever offered. We’ve designed these tractors to meet the requirements of many different customers with many different applications, and we’re providing a wide array of options to bring the optimal configuration and horsepower to their operation.”

You can listen to my interview with Rex here:

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The Drive Green Utility Tractor Show blog is now official and public, so welcome! Let’s get started learning more about what this show is all about.

To start with, this is the truck that’s going to be pulling in to John Deere Dealers, starting in the Southeast. We’ve already got 45 locations scheduled in the coming months. You’ll always be able to find the upcoming locations here or on the John Deere Drive Green page. This custom tractor transporter will hold a variety of new John Deere utility tractors for display and ride-and-drives at each stop. You can see pictures of many of them in this online photo album.

To learn more about the show I spoke with Eric Hodson, John Deere Senior Writer, Public Relations. We were at the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention. Eric says the company wants you to know “that there’s a John Deere tractor for you at a price you can afford.” To prove it, he says, they’re taking the tractors to you so you have a chance to see them and drive them for yourself. These will be a range of 40 to 140HP tractors.

You can listen to my interview with Eric here:

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