Employees who undergo farm equipment dealers in Michigan education and training must be familiar with equipment such as Michigan farm tractors, harvesters and tillers. Farmers also use machinery to feed livestock, handle grain, irrigate crops and milk cattle.

The required training for farm equipment dealers in Michigan will depend primarily on the specific aspect of the agricultural industry you will be most involved with and its farm supply. Michigan farm equipment education and training may be classified into one of the following three areas:

1. Agricultural studies. Colleges and universities that offer degrees in agricultural subjects are an excellent way of learning about Michigan used farm equipment. Many institutions specifically provide farming technology as a program of study.
2. Farm equipment manuals. Farm equipment typically has a distinctive method of operation and requires knowledge of that particular piece of equipment, which can often be learned by reading product manuals. These types of machinery can be dangerous and safety is a primary consideration.
3. Laws on farm equipment. The sale of farming equipment has specific regulations that are essential information for farm equipment dealers. Farm equipment operators will also need to be aware of the laws regarding their use.
   

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Obtain a formal education for farm supply dealers in Michigan

Many colleges and universities in Michigan offer programs in agriculture. This may include majors such as agribusiness management, animal and food sciences and agriculture technology. Agribusiness management specifically includes the management of farm equipment.

I recommend: Michigan State University offers many programs of study in agriculture, including agribusiness management and agricultural technology. Andrews University offers a degree in agribusiness which that provides training in equipment sales.

Find educational opportunities for farm equipment dealers in Michigan

Farm equipment dealers frequently provide equipment manuals and newsletters on farming. Farm equipment dealers or manufacturers may also offer classes or workshops on farm equipment.

I recommend: Paladin Light Construction Group provides educational brochures on many different types of farm equipment. The Michigan Farm Bureau offers several publications with news and educational information for Michigan farm equipment dealers.

Learn more information on the laws regarding Michigan used farm machinery

The farming industry is highly regulated in Michigan. Learn about the many rules and regulations regarding the sale and use of farming equipment.

I recommend: Chapter 257 of the Michigan Legislature provides the motor vehicle code in Michigan; Section 312e specifically addresses farm vehicles. The Michigan Department of Agriculture has extensive information on farm equipment, including licenses for agricultural equipment.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Farm equipment dealers in Michigan will want to subscribe to publications to remain informed of the latest advancements in agricultural technology. Dealers should visit the website for the Michigan Department of Agriculture frequently for any changes in the laws for farm equipment. Michigan government agencies and equipment manufacturers may also provide continuing education on the sale and operation of farm equipment.

Farm equipment dealers in Michigan know farm equipment is a crucial commodity in Michigan farm communities. Dealers of farm equipment in Michigan work hard to keep inventory high and prices low.

Finding farm equipment in Michigan means working with the right dealers or individuals with farm equipment for sale. Michigan leads the nation in cherry production and is third nationally in apple production. Michigan’s second leading cash crop is soybeans. Specially trained farm equipment dealers in Michigan know just what their customers need for fruit and soybean production or other agricultural land use.

Michigan agriculture equipment dealers keep farmers working through their shorter growing seasons with high quality service and repair options on both lease and purchase equipment. Using the right agricultural dealers in Michigan means less field days lost due to equipment failure. Farm supply in Michigan will:

1. Keep the best equipment available at the best price.

2. Operate a high quality service department for farm equipment in MI.

3. Keep farmers updated on the newest products and services.

4. Offer both new and used farm equipment in Michigan.

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Find Tractor dealers in MI that specialize in fruit and soybean farming equipment

Since fruit and soybeans are the largest cash crop in Michigan, farmers need equipment designed to make farming efficient and cost effective. Farmers need farm equipment dealerships in Michigan that meet all their equipment needs.

I recommend: ELS Equipment Locator Service and US Farmer help connect Michigan farmers with both equipment and dealerships in their area.

Work with Michigan farm equipment dealers that provide both on site and garage service

Michigan farm equipment is big! Farmers need equipment dealers that really deliver in the area of service. One tractor out of commission means field days lost, so it's important to work with a company where great service is the top priority.

I recommend: Alderman's of Lennon and Burnips Equipment Co. of Dorr and Big Rapids offer the best in parts service to Michigan farmers.

Develop a relationship with dealers who sell Michigan used farm machinery

Not only is farm equipment big, it's expensive! Getting quality, used equipment with good service guarantees from used tractor dealers in Michigan saves farmers time and money.

I recommend: D&G Equipment has four used equipment lots located in Williamston, Mason, Corunna and Rives Junction. Visit Michiganagconnection.com to find used farm equipment in your area.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy used tractors and farm equipment from tractor dealers in MI instead of from individuals whenever possible. Trade ins at tractor dealers get a thorough inspection and necessary repairs prior to resale.
• •  Have your tractor dealership keep you informed of any good used equipment that comes in on a regular basis. Working closely with a dealership that knows your farm and your needs is the best way to get quality used equipment.

Farm equipment dealers in Michigan key terms can help you locate local vendors that carry the tools you need to get the job done on the farm. In order to save time as you shop, you might want to determine what a dealer sells. Does it specialize in harvesters? Does it carry planters? With key terms, you'll be able to answer those questions, as well as determine what tools a dealer keeps in stock.

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Planters

Vegetable planters help farmers in Michigan plant seeds quickly and efficiently into prepared crop beds. Most planters have a spray system in place to release seeds at a steady rate as the farmer drives the vegetable planters across the bed.

I recommend: Aldermanns, a Michigan based supplier, carries a variety of brands for farm equipment, including planters. Scroll down to see pictures of current, available models.

Skid loader

A skid loader is a four-wheel drive vehicle designed to turn on a zero degree radius. Farmers in Michigan can attach different accessories to the load arms to enable the machine increased functionality.

I recommend: Williams Farm Machinery, based in Charlotte, offers used farm equipment, including skid loaders and accessories. You can view pictures of the equipment it carries by visiting Woods Equipment, the manufacturing company.

Tillage

Tillage equipment encompasses machines that help Michigan farmers prepare beds for planting. A tillage machine also helps with weed control and water and irrigation needs.

I recommend: Dan's Farm Supply, out of Adrian, offers a variety of products from different manufacturing companies, including tillage equipment. To see pictures of tillage equipment like cultivators, visit Krause.

Hay equipment

Hay equipment encompasses equipment used to plant hay, harvest it and bale it. It can also include machinery used to transport hay by Michigan farmers.

I recommend: Tractor House offers pictures of hay equipment available through Rosseel's Farm and Garden Supply, located in Chesterfield, MI.

Combine

Combines are farm equipment machines designed to collect, thresh and clean grain or other crops. Farmers in Michigan can use combines in conjunction with harvesting heads to make the combines more versatile. By switching out the heads, the combine is able to harvest crops besides grain.

I recommend: You can click on the camera to see pictures and details for combines for sale from Fairview Sales, a Michigan farm equipment dealer.

Harvesting equipment

Michigan farm equipment dealers need to carry harvesting equipment for local farmers. Harvesting equipment is machinery designed to automate the harvesting process. There are a variety of harvesting equipment and accessories. Farmers often need to use header accessories in order to collect certain crops like corn or soybeans.

I recommend: Jason Equipment, a Breckenridge-based farm equipment dealer, offers harvesting products. You can view pictures and specifications at its website.