•  

    Categories

Sunrise In Danville, KY

Danville, KYThe sun has risen on the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show in Danville, KY. I’ve got very limited internet access today so it’ll probably be this evening or tomorrow before I get to post more pictures and interviews.

Greenline Implement has put out the word in the countryside that the show will go on here at the Boyle County Fairgrounds today so we’re expecting a crowd.

We’ve not only got an arena with tractors in it for people to ride and drive but a lot of additional area to drive a new Gator around in as well.

I’ve already been doing interviews here this morning and things are starting to pick up so I’m going back to work and will post more at my next opportunity.

See you then.

Landscaping Machines

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: drive-green-houston-landscape.mp3

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: drive-green-raleigh-landscaping.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Get Your Own Or Borrow One

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: drive-green-raleigh-his-own.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

3E Series Good For Horse Owners

Jeff ClarkIf 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: drive-green-raleigh-looking-3series.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Looking For a Cab

Mike PooleHere’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: drive-green-raleigh-looking-for-cab.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Raleigh Territory Manager

Brad YarbroughThere 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: drive-green-raleigh-territory-manager.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Plotmaster

Frontier Plotmaster 1204One 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: drive-green-raleigh-plotmaster.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Hunter Applications of Utility Tractors and Gators

Donny LassiterAt 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: drive-green-raleigh-for-hunters.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

James River Equipment Event in Concord, NC

Concord, NC EventI didn’t get to attend the James River Equipment event in Concord, NC but I did receive a couple photos to share and some information to share with you.

Nearly 150 people attended the show at the Cabarrus County Event Center. The indoor facility provided plenty of room to hold the tractors on the Drive Green truck and the equipment that JRE provided. And there was a lot of equipment including a John Deere 6115D Tractor with 358 Baler, a 6430 Tractor with 530 Mo-Co, a 5425 Tractor, a 5203 Tractor, and new 5D and 5E Series Tractors. In addition there was commercial mowing equipment, John Deere Gators™, riding lawn equipment, and workshop products also on display.
Concord, NC Event
After sitting down for lunch, customers were presented with information on the full lineup of new John Deere utility tractors. Following the presentations, several names were drawn for the various door prizes.

The event wrapped up with a ride and drive session where customers went outside to test drive all of the equipment on display.

Ride and Drive at Dixie Deer Classic

Glen MillicanThe 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: drive-green-raleigh-ride-drive.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Day Two of Dixie Deer Classic

Dixie Deer Classic ShowI’m out on location again this morning at the Dixie Deer Classic.

We just had our first presentation of the day to a larger crowd than last night. There’s been a line to get registered for our drawing and after each show we’re also drawing for caps and t-shirts.

I’m posting this from the cab of the Drive Green truck. It’s got a really convenient desk and working space and the Dixie Deer Classic is providing full wireless internet access which I thank them for.

I’ll be adding more photos to the online album and have already conducted several interviews to present to you in coming days.

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Deere Has Been Involved With Dixie Deer For Years

Bruce BlackwellThe 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: dixie-deer-classic-blackwell.mp3

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Having Fun At Dixie Deer Classic

Dixie Deer ClassicWe had a great first day at the Dixie Deer Classic. The John Deere 6D Series, 5D Series, 5E Series, 5E Limited Series, 5M Series and 3E Series tractors were all on display for people to see.

At the indoor exhibit I caught participating dealer, Quality Equipment, giving away green Gator boomerangs. So what do you do when you get one? You throw it right away like this young guy did.

We’re expecting a big crowd this weekend and the weather is expected to be warm and sunny.

Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Drive A Deere And See A Deer

Dixie Deer ClassicThe crowd is already picking up at the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show exhibits at the Dixie Deer Classic.

Come on out and see a new kind of Deere.

Besides our display of tractors and Gators, you can get on a tractor for a quick drive and then we’ve got presentations scheduled this evening at 6pm and tomorrow at 10:30am and 2:30pm.

I’ll be on location today and tomorrow and hope to find out what some of these folks have to say and bring it to you right here.

I’ve already started a photo album which you can find here: Dixie Deer Classic Photo Album

Tennessee Farm Service Agency

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

Farmers Finding Friendly Equipment

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: drive-green-murfreesboro-farmer.mp3

Or watch the interview:

Tri-Green Murfreesboro Photo Album

Dealers Like What They See

Ft. Worth Area DealersWhen 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: dg-ft-worth-larue.mp3

The Sun Was Shining On SunSouth

Driving a Gator in Kenedy, TXIt wasn’t hard picking a photo to use out the set I got from the SunSouth, Dothan, AL event. These kids sure seemed to be having fun.

Hundreds of people flocked to the extravaganza. Activities included six demonstration stations, an arena show, and lunch. In addition to the new 3E, 5E, 5D, 5M, and 6D tractors, an assortment of John Deere utility vehicles, Z Trak mowers, and riding lawn equipment were displayed.

DeWayne Williams, store manager, coordinated the planning, promotion, and execution of the dynamic event. Registered guests were presented a gift bag from the dealership. Door prizes were awarded every 15 minutes. Guests were treated to catered, but on-site grilled, extraordinary home-style ribs and all the fixings

Demonstration stations were set up for men, women, and children. Dealership personnel and John Deere personnel helped with the demonstrations. Tim Cagle, Frontier Field Product Specialist, worked with the Plot Master demonstrations. Andrea Rekeweg, Sales Promotion Coordinator, facilitated the XUV and toy Gator demo track. Kent Dold, TCSM, orchestrated the attach-ability stations. Allen Edwards and Dick Gohlke presented the arena show. The features and benefits of all the new tractor models were broadcast to customers as they ate lunch. Individuals were then able to visit displays for one on one presentations.

You can photos from the event here: SunSouth Photo Album

South Texas Implement Stop in Kenedy, TX

Driving a Gator in Kenedy, TXIt sounds like our Kenedy, TX show stop was a good one.

The event was hosted by South Texas Implement and I just received a whole set of photos to share with you.

In case you didn’t know it, when you click on a photo in these albums there’s a choice to view “All Sizes” that will show up on top of the photo. Click on that and it will give you a variety of sizes that you can look at and save.

You can find them here: South Texas Implement Photo Album

Truck Driver Diary

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: drive-green-murfreesboro-truck-driver-diary.mp3

Or watch the interview:

Useful In City Parks

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: drive-green-murfreesboro-parks.mp3

Or watch the interview:

The Truck Arriving In Murfreesboro

Drive Green TruckThe Drive Green Utility Tractor Show truck is usually on location before I get there but in Murfreesboro I beat it by about 5 minutes. Just in time to catch a video clip of it coming in to the Miller Coliseum grounds from the highway.

We couldn’t get it in the arena so we parked it outside which is where I took this photo early in the morning.

Watch this bad boy make the turn:

Handy Farm Machines

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: drive-green-murfreesboro-customer-1.mp3

Or watch the interview:

Wide Eyed Over Green Machines

Too Little To DriveWe love to see future John Deere customers out here at the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show stops. This little guy had some wide eyes as he was following his grandad around this morning.

We’ve got tractor/equipment stations set up here in Miller Coliseum and are having groups of participants rotate periodically to listen to presentations on the various types of new equipment. Right now we’re all taking a lunch break before picking up again this afternoon.

I’ve got a number of interviews to feature for you. In fact, there’s one in our YouTube account right now that’s taking a while to process but I’ll get it posted later on when it’s ready.

In the meantime I’ve got new photos in the Tri-Green Murfreesboro Photo Album.

Going To Class In Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro LessonsIt looks like Allen Edwards is the teacher once again here in Murfreesboro, TN.

Our show stop at the Miller Coliseum got underway today and continues tomorrow. Participants will find a beautiful arena with all the latest John Deere equipment on display and very knowledgeable staff on hand to walk them through all there is to know about these new tractors.

I’ve got some photos from today online which you can find with this link.

I’ll be back out here again in the morning and you’ll find interviews and more coming right here soon.

What Participants Are Saying

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: dg-ft-worth-montage.mp3

Or watch some video of the event while listening in this clip:

Hattiesburg Event Brings Tractor Lovers Out

Hattiesburg, MS EventThanks to the folks who attended the Drive Green event in Hattiesburg, MS, we got some photos and information to share.

The event was well attended with people from all around South Mississippi and flowed very smoothly. Our products included, of course, 6D, 5D, 5E and the 3E Series. We also had XUV Gators and ZTraks showcased at the event. Instructors, Dick Gohlke and Allen Edwards did an excellent job of presenting. Tim Cagle also highlighted Frontier products.

Although the weather was a little iffy in the morning, by the afternoon it cleared up and the sun actually came out before the event was over.

Thanks to everyone for their help and participation in the event.

I’ve uploaded the photos sent along into a set online which you can find with this link.

I’m gearing up for our stop tomorrow in Murfreesboro, TN at the Miller Coliseum. See you there.

Drive Green YouTube Channel

I hope you’re enjoying the video clips we’ve been putting together. There are now 20 different ones uploaded to our YouTube channel.

Watch the previews below and feel free to look at one you missed or just want to watch again. Feel free to subscribe so you’ll be notified when we add new ones. And, thank you for watching!

Drive Green Resources

I hope you’re having lot of fun watching and listening to interviews from our events. In fact, I hope we’ve whetted your appetite for a new utility tractor or attachment. If so, feel free to take some time to surf around some of these resource pages. They should answer your questions and maybe give you some new ideas. If you don’t find what you need then please let me know via comments and I’ll get an answer for you.

Utility Tractors At National Farm Machinery Show

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: nfms09-jd-keith.mp3

Riata Rake Draws Rodeo Fans Attention

Out For The ShowBesides 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: dg-ft-worth-young.mp3

Toys To Tractors

Saginaw Implement BoothAt 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: dg-ft-worth-hambrick.mp3

Or watch the interview here:

Truck Driver Diary

Truck Driver Mark RooseIt’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: dg-ft-worth-truck-driver-diary.mp3

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

3E Series Tractor Presented in Ft. Worth

3E Series Enters Watt ArenaWith 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: drive-green-ft-worth-3e.mp3

Or watch the presentation here:

Singer Would Love A Tractor

Shawn Belton-MillerThe 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: dg-ft-worth-belton-miller.mp3

You can also listen to her sing the National Anthem here: dg-ft-worth-national-anthem.mp3

Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Photo Album

It’s Family Fun

Drive Green Show CrowdI know it’s the adults who are buying tractors but they’re not the only ones looking at them.

This is one of my favorite shots from the arena show in Ft. Worth this week. These guys were very well behaved and sitting right down in front.

I don’t have a count for how many showed up on Wednesday evening but we had a big crowd. In fact, the beverage vendor told me, “We didn’t expect a crowd this big.”

Well, we’re sort of coming to expect that when the Drive Green Utility Tractor Show rolls into town. It’s great family fun and I hope to see you on the road.

Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Photo Album

Live From the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Drive Green Show CrowdWell, we were broadcasting live from the Ft. Worth Stock Show in Watt Arena earlier tonight in front of this crowd. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do it again at a future stop.

It was a great audience and after the show they got to come out into the ring themselves to get up close and personal with these new tractors. Many of them are now enjoying the evening rodeo. I’ll be heading home early tomorrow and over the coming days I’ll be posting more content from the activities here today.

In the meantime, I’m uploading a new batch of photos to the: Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Photo Album

Pointing The Way To The Big Show

Drive Green HandoutsI think excitement is brewing for tonight’s Watt arena show here at the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

We’ve got a full crew out here handing out John Deere key chains that have an invitation to the show.

People are mostly in the afternoon rodeo and the show will take place prior to the evening rodeo.

I’ll be there taking photos and getting some interviews so you can count on seeing some of that before I head on home tomorrow morning.

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

Stephenville Stop a Huge Success

Stephenville StopWhile we’re gearing up for a great ring show here in Ft. Worth, I thought I’d share a photo and some information from last weekend’s event at Bramlett Implement in Stephenville, TX. It’s great seeing our young people involved at these events. This little girl sure seems to have enjoyed herself.

The event started well before 9:00. Coffee, Donuts, Soft Drinks, and Water were available for everyone in attendance.

The location couldn’t have been better and the promotional material was on target. In the weeks leading to the event, there were radio ads, flyers, posters, and invitations. There were 3 radio stations present all doing radio spots. Bramlett Implement provided entertainment for children also. They provided a “Jump-Around” and battery-powered Gators and a 4-Wheeler for them to ride on the recently poured asphalt. Several participants were able to Ride and Drive, ask questions, and make purchases.

Estimated Participant count is well over 500.

Way to go Stephenville, TX!

Multiple Displays at Ft. Worth Stock Show

Saginaw Implement DisplayDay one of our show stop at the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is complete and it was a good one. If you come out tomorrow you’ll find us in a couple different locations. To start with, our outdoor display is just inside the main entrance.

Local dealer, Saginwaw Implement Co., Inc. also has a large display inside the trade show building as you can see here. Then tomorrow afternoon we’ll be moving to the Watt Arena for our big show which starts at 6pm and ends prior to the evening rodeo.

So, we’ve got a full day of Drive Green planned for tomorrow. See you then.

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

Ft. Worth Stock Show Manager

Bob WattThe 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: dg-ft-worth-watt.mp3

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

Set Up at Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

We are on location at the Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. The day started off a little cool but it’s sunny and warm now. We’re expecting a lot of people to stop and see us at our display.

Ft. Worth Stock Show Display

Tomorrow evening we’ll have a ring show in Watt Arena starting at 6pm. This is going to be fun.

I’ve got a photo album started for the event which you can find here: Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo Photo Album

Moving Through Texas

Kim DergoWhen 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: drive-green-houston-dergo.mp3

Utility Tractors Very Helpful on Livestock Properties

John Deere at Cattle Industry ConventionHello 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: cic-09-steve.mp3

More Dealer Observations

Drive Green Ride and DriveOne 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: drive-green-houston-north.mp3

Or watch the interview here:

Houston Event Shows Results

John PetersThe 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: drive-green-houston-peters.mp3

On The Spot Demonstrations

Drive Green Location PresentationsDuring 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: drive-green-houston-reagan.mp3

Riding and Driving In Houston

Drive Green Ride and DriveGetting 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: drive-green-houston-customer-1.mp3

Or watch the interview here:

Interacting With Dealers

Drive Green Dealer InteractionWe 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: drive-green-houston-taylor-shoppa.mp3

Or watch the interview here:

The Big Show

This afternoon was devoted to a live show in the arena for customers and then some outdoor riding and driving in the sunshine.

Drive Green in Houston

Here’s the basic package of equipment that you’ll find on display at the Show events. Of course there are a number of additional units available for the ride and drives.

Today’s photo album has been completely updated so feel free to check it out: Houston Farm and Ranch photo album.