Last week’s events within Grand Farm’s ecosystem showcased the power of collaboration in agricultural innovation. In just a few days, John Deere, RDO Equipment Co., Titan Machinery, and Precision Planting’s PTI | ND (an AGCO brand)—leaders in precision technology, equipment distribution, and manufacturing—engaged with growers, technologists, and industry experts to explore the future of farming.
From PTI ND’s first annual research report to a StartupBREW Fargo conversation with Titan Machinery’s founder, David Meyer, and the Future of Farming event featuring John Deere and RDO Equipment Co., the week underscored the importance of partnerships and real-world innovation in agriculture.
PTI ND’s 2024 Research Summary: Precision Ag in Action
The week began with Precision Technology Institute – North Dakota (PTI ND) releasing its first annual research summary, highlighting findings from its inaugural year at the Grand Farm Innovation Campus.
PTI ND, a research farm operated by Precision Planting (a subsidiary of AGCO), is focused on helping growers make data-driven decisions about agronomic practices and precision ag technology investments. Their trials test real-world applications of fertility programs, cover crops, planting technology, and crop protection methods.
Key Findings from PTI ND’s First Year:
- Corn and Wheat Trials: Studied nitrogen management, plant population, and precision application techniques.
- Cover Crops & Weed Suppression: Analyzed how different cover crop mixes impact weed control and soil health.
- Emerging AgTech Validation: Used commercial-sized equipment and large-scale plots to ensure results translate directly to real farm conditions.
With its first year completed, PTI ND is positioned to provide even greater insights for growers adopting precision technology.
StartupBREW Fargo: Titan Machinery’s David Meyer on Building an Industry Giant
On Wednesday, StartupBREW Fargo featured David Meyer, founder of Titan Machinery, as part of its Living Legends Day. Meyer shared his story of growing Titan Machinery from a single dealership into one of the largest agricultural and construction equipment dealership networks in the world.
Meyer, who started his journey in Lisbon, ND, in 1980 with just three employees, has led Titan Machinery to 148 locations across three continents, including 93 in the U.S., with $2.7 billion in revenue. But his path wasn’t without challenges—he recalled the economic turmoil of the 1980s, when corn prices dropped to $1.75 per bushel, droughts hit hard, and a third of farmers and equipment dealers left the industry.
Through it all, Meyer stayed resilient. When asked about facing moments of uncertainty, he simply said:
Meyer’s Lessons on Entrepreneurship
Meyer also spoke about the differences between a manager and an entrepreneur, highlighting key traits that drive business success:
- Opportunistic mindset – recognizing and seizing opportunities
- Passion for business – loving the process, not just the results
- Risk management – accepting and navigating uncertainty
- Persistence and perseverance – pushing forward when things get tough
- Strong communication skills – especially in writing
- Frugality – “Don’t spend money like a drunken sailor.”
- Decisiveness – “You have to make 100 decisions a day—but you have to make them.”
When asked about the future of Titan Machinery, Meyer emphasized the importance of investing in product support and service technicians, ensuring that customers have access to the best solutions for their equipment needs.
As for keeping this region relevant in agriculture and innovation, Meyer pointed to organizations like Grand Farm: “Guys like you at Grand Farm—people with vision, bringing in the right folks. It’s happening here in our region.”
Future of Farming with John Deere & RDO Equipment Co.
The week concluded on Thursday with the Future of Farming event at the Grand Farm Innovation Campus, hosted in partnership with John Deere and RDO Equipment Co.. Over 300 growers, industry leaders, technologists, government, and community members attended to explore how machine learning and autonomy are shaping the next era of agriculture.
The afternoon began with a See & Spray™ industry panel, featuring leaders from John Deere, Blue River Technology, RDO Equipment Co., and local growers. The discussion focused on lessons from the 2024 season, showcasing how precision spraying and autonomy are improving efficiency, reducing chemical use, and saving growers valuable time.
The event’s keynote came from John Deere Chief Technology Officer Jahmy Hindman, who discussed the growing role of AI, automation, and real-time data analytics in agriculture. His talk highlighted the increasing complexity of software in farming equipment and how connected machines are transforming farm operations.
This event reinforced our region’s role as a hub for agricultural innovation, fostering a space where farmers, startups, and industry leaders can come together to ensure technology is developed with real-world impact in mind.
Collaboration That Advances Agriculture
Having four industry leaders engage with Grand Farm in one week highlights the strength of this ecosystem. Innovation happens when growers, startups, researchers, corporations, and government work together to ensure technology is designed to solve real challenges in the field.
At Grand Farm, we take pride in serving as a neutral space where these critical conversations happen — keeping technology grower-focused and ensuring innovation leads to meaningful results.
This past week wasn’t just about events — it was about building relationships, sharing knowledge, and shaping the future of farming, together.
