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“A corporate manufacturer’s sales manager once told me they weren’t interested in modifying equipment to fit local needs or requirements. They wanted a universal product which could sell globally, which would perform across all conditions to an acceptable standard. Modifications are often required to ensure peak performance in local conditions.”

— Phil Needham, Needham Ag Solutions

“Not a farmer, but as an outside observer, it seems the goal would be having an implement designed to be modified. Knowing that the larger manufacturers can’t possibly build equipment that meets everyone’s needs in every corner of America (and beyond), they should focus on implement development that easily allows for and accommodates modifications and changes.”

— Brian Sneeringer, Adams County (Pa.) Conservation District

“I disagree with Brian Sneeringer. If you scientifically study what seeds require, as my Massey University team did for 20 years, you’ll find the key assumption we all make about what seeds need/want when they’re planted in soil (plowed or no-till) is wrong. But unfortunately, that assumption has dictated how many engineers have designed no-till seeding tools. Very few, if any, owners of Cross Slot no-till planters with low levels of disturbed soil have found it necessary to modify the design or add additional devices to their no-till planters.”

— John Baker, CEO, Cross Slot 

“I have a John Deere corn planter with products from 5 different aftermarket companies on…