Employees who undergo farm equipment dealers in West Virginia education and training must be familiar with equipment such as West Virginia 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 in WV will depend primarily on the specific aspect of the agricultural industry you will be most involved with. 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 farm equipment in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia farm equipment dealers

Many colleges and universities in West Virginia offer programs in agriculture. This may include majors such as agribusiness management, animal and food sciences and agriculture technology.

I recommend: West Virginia University has a strong agricultural program with many majors available. Potomac State College provides several programs in agriculture including an associate's degree in agriculture technology.

Find educational opportunities for farm equipment dealers in WV

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: Boone Tractor has locations in West Virginia and offers educational publications for farmers and ranchers. The West Virginia Farm Bureau has educational programs on farm equipment like farm equipment safety seminars and the Young Farmer and Rancher program.

Learn more information on the laws regarding heavy farm equipment sales in West Virginia

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

I recommend: Chapter 47, Article 11F of the West Virginia Code from the West Virginia Legislature regulates the sale of farm equipment in West Virginia. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture Regulatory and Environmental Affairs Division provides many rules and regulations on farming and farming equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

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

Business owners specializing in West Virginia farm equipment sales know farm equipment is a crucial commodity in West Virginia farm communities. West Virginia farm equipment dealers work hard to keep inventory high and prices low.

Finding farm equipment in WV means working with the right dealers or individuals with farm equipment for sale. West Virginia farmers grow fall barley and wheat, apples, peaches, soybeans and tobacco for cash crops, as well as nursery products. Specially trained farm equipment dealers in West Virginia know just what their customers need for any type of agricultural land use.

Farm equipment dealers in WV keep farmers working through their growing seasons with high quality service and repair options on both lease and purchase equipment. Using the right agricultural dealers in West Virginia means fewer field days lost due to equipment failure. Farm equipment dealerships in West Virginia will:

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

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

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

4. Offer both new and used farm equipment in West Virginia.

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Find farm tractor dealers in WV that specialize in a variety of farm equipment

West Virginia farmers need equipment designed to make farming efficient and cost effective. Farmers need farm equipment dealerships in West Virginia that meet all their equipment needs.

I recommend: D and G Equipment Sales of Augusta specializes in agricultural tractors. Hayhurst Equipment of Pennsboro has a good selection of both large and small tractors.

Work with WV farm equipment dealers with onsite, garage and pickup service

West Virginia 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: Fairplain Tractor Sales of Ripley and The West Virginia Tractor Company of Charleston offer the best in parts and onsite or pickup service to West Virginia farmers.

Connect with West Virginia farm equipment dealers that offer both new and used equipment

Farm equipment is not just big, it's expensive! Getting quality, used equipment with good service guarantees saves farmers time and money.

I recommend: J.E. Stephens Farm Machinery of Cottageville and Middletown Tractor Sales of Fairmont provide farmers with a great selection of quality new and used farm equipment for West Virginia farmers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy used West Virginia farm tractors and farm equipment from tractor dealers in West Virginia instead of from individuals whenever possible. Trade ins at tractor dealerships 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.

West Virginia farm equipment dealers help provide the backbone to the agricultural business in the state of West Virginia. Through their stores, they sell the heavy-duty machinery necessary to be a successful farmer and bring produce and products to the national and international marketplace.

Take the time to learn about some of the machines you might find when browsing through the stores and websites of West Virginia farm equipment dealers. It will help you understand the function of each machine in the context of the agricultural business as a whole in West Virginia. Here are some of those terms with some informational resources to help get you started.

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Backhoe loader

A backhoe loader is a tractor based vehicle which provides two functions. The front end has a shovel or bucket component used for pushing or clearing dirt, rocks or other materials. The back end has different type of shovel component that is used for loading those same materials.

I recommend: Visit the website for Hayhurst Equipment, a West Virginia farm equipment dealer for further information on a backhoe loader and its capabilities.

Orchard tractors

An orchard tractor is a narrower tractor which was made to fit between the rows of orchards so that planting, harvesting and pruning work could be performed. Many orchard tractors are versatile in that they'll accept other attachments to aid with the work. Many orchard tractors are also enclosed to keep the operator from being hit with branches and debris.

I recommend: Visit the Arden Equipment website for additional information about orchard tractors.

Discbines

A discbine, haybine or conditioner are terms for a piece of farm equipment that crushes newly cut hay in a manner that allows it to dry faster than if it was left to simply dry in the field after being cut.

I recommend: Visit the website for New Holland which gives the specifications of their discbine.

Trailer sprayer

A trailer sprayer is a sprayer which attaches to the back of a tractor or trailer which spreads pesticides or liquid fertilizer over low lying crops.

I recommend: Read about trailer sprayers at PBM. Sprayer Equipment Supplies gives further information and examples of trailer sprayers.

Excavator

An excavator is a farm equipment machine which digs and removes large amounts of dirt, rocks and other debris so that a farm can be properly planted. It 'excavates' pieces of the land so that soil, seeds and fertilizer can be planted to grow a crop.

I recommend: Visit the website for Beverage Tractor, a West Virginia farm equipment dealer, for information on the performance of their excavators.

Farm equipment dealers in West Virginia can benefit from marketing and promotion to help drum up business. When you're trying to sell farm equipment, WV has many dealerships and options to buy. You want your customers to come to you, and to create that kind of attitude, customers need to know about your business.

You can boost your West Virginia farm equipment sales by going where the farmers are and promoting your business in these locations. You do need a marketing budget to do this, but there are options available in multiple price ranges. Consider farm equipment dealer’s in West Virginia pricing and costs to help you determine how much you'll spend.

1. Team up with farmers and other farm equipment dealers in West Virginia through associations.

2. Promote West Virginia farm tractors and accessories through shows and expos in West Virginia.

3. Stand out from other West Virginia farm equipment dealers with advertisements in West Virginia newspapers and magazines.

Action Steps
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Join associations for farmers and farm equipment dealers in West Virginia

The West Virginia Farm Bureau provides local memberships that farm equipment dealerships in West Virginia can take part in. Benefits include discounted telephone service, a free Farm Bureau newsletter, discounts on insurance and political representation to your legislators. Plus, marketing with these organizations can help you spread the word about your business. West Virginia agriculture equipment dealers can qualify for an Associate Membership or a Friends of the Market membership with the West Virginia Farmers Market Association.

I recommend: The cost of membership with the West Virginia Farm Bureau ranges from $35 to $45 dollars, depending on the county you live in. If you'd like to become a member of the Virginia Farmers Market Association, expect to pay $35 for an Associate Membership and $25 for Friends of the Market membership.

Promote your dealership with other farm equipment dealers in West Virginia through expos and shows

If you are one of the farm equipment dealers in WV, spread the word about your dealership by marketing business where you'll find farmers. Frequently, people look for farm equipment for sale in West Virginia at places like the state fair or local shows and expos.

I recommend: The State Fair of West Virginia rents booth space starting at $425 for the duration of the fair. If you need additional set up that's not included in the price, expect to pay an extra $50 per day. A membership to the West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association will help you earn discounts on booth rentals at expos, like the West Virginia Beef Expo. Business membership costs $50 per year.

Advertise with other farm equipment dealers in West Virginia in local publications

WV farm equipment dealers can spend some money on local advertising to spread the word about heavy farm equipment sales in West Virginia. Advertising in magazines and newspapers specific to West Virginia means that everyone who reads the publication will also become more familiar with your business and could become your next best customer.

I recommend: Corridor Magazine is a glossy magazine that targets residents in North Central West Virginia. Advertising packages with Corridor Magazine range in price from $500 to $3,000, depending on the size and location of your ad. To advertise in one of Charleston's newspapers, prices start around $30. Charleston Newspapers Interactive details the rates available depending on the amount of color you want and the size of the ad. To advertise in The Pocahontas Times, you can expect to pay between $5 and $6 per column inch.