Combines, Planters and Drills: Farmers Choose the Leaders

Surveys from Progressive Farmer highlight farmers’ favorites in three key machinery categories.

Minneapolis, MN (November 10, 2020) – Farmers across America have voted and the results of the Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Survey feature the results for the best combines, planters and drills. John Deere, Kinze and Case IH took home top honors in the most recent survey. When asked, producers evaluated their combines, planters and drills based on overall ownership experience, fewest reported problems and owner loyalty.

“Farmers make significant investments in equipment for their operations. It is critical that the equipment is ready to go when farmers need it and can withstand harsh conditions with few problems,” said Grey Montgomery, senior vice president-agriculture at DTN. “Our survey results show that John Deere, Kinze, Case IH and Great Plains Ag are all top agribusinesses serving America’s farmers.”

The results revealed that both John Deere and Case IH owners rate their combines and planters highly, while Kinze Manufacturing scored well in the planter and drills study and Great Plains Ag stands atop one category for its drills. John Deere also ranks among the top in owner loyalty for all pieces of equipment.

Data was gathered from most U.S. states in the most recent studies – 38 states plus two Canadian provinces for combines, 36 states for planters and 35 states for drills. Including the earlier tractor study, Progressive Farmer has now collected owner-based data on more than 9,300 pieces of farming equipment.

“The information and insights we are gathering from farmers provides the agriculture community with real, from-the-farm feedback. It is critical information that helps farmers make smart equipment purchases in the future,” Montgomery said.

The Progressive Farmer Reader Insights Awards is agriculture’s first research program that brings to life the farmer’s voice in key equipment categories. It provides farmers and ranchers a better understanding of the quality of their various equipment choices. Agriculture equipment manufacturers also have an opportunity to leverage the survey data to inform their product roadmaps, customer loyalty programs and customer service operations.

For information regarding licensing the data from this survey, please contact Matt Herman from DTN at [email protected].