Farm Director KC Sheperd recently sat down with Brad Kosanke and Scott Eisenhauer of P&K Equipment to discuss the latest in agricultural technology and workforce development initiatives aimed at supporting producers and the next generation of technicians.
Enhancing Producer Autonomy with Service Pro
John Deere has introduced Operations Center Service Pro, a subscription-based tool designed to give farmers greater diagnostic capabilities and repair autonomy. Brad Kosanke explained that this platform provides producers with access to the same high-level tools used by dealership technicians.
Key features of the Service Pro subscription include:
- Technical Manuals: Access to comprehensive repair and maintenance guides to help producers self-educate.
- Diagnostic Information: Real-time data to identify machine issues quickly.
- Remote Connectivity: The ability to connect to machines, upload software, and even reprogram controllers.
While advanced features like software updates are geared toward modern, computer-integrated tractors, the service remains valuable for older equipment. Owners of machines dating back 50 years or more can still utilize the subscription to access essential technical manuals. Producers interested in the service can find more information under the “Customer Self Repair” section at pkequipment.com or purchase it directly via getgreenparts.com.
Investing in the Future Ag Workforce
As machinery becomes more complex, the demand for skilled technicians continues to rise. Scott Eisenhauer emphasized P&K’s commitment to recruiting and training young talent through several specialized pathways:
- CareerTech Integration: P&K works closely with Oklahoma’s CareerTech program to provide equipment for training and to recruit high school students.
- Collegiate Partnerships: The company supports full-fledged Ag Tech training programs at OSUIT and Fort Scott Community College.
- Scholarships and Tools: Students entering the Ag Tech program can receive a $10,000 scholarship.
- New Tool Program: A new perk of the program provides students with a toolbox and tools valued at over $6,000 to ensure they are prepared from the start.
- Paid Internships: Participants benefit from paid internships at P&K dealerships while completing their education, often leading to guaranteed jobs in rural communities upon graduation.
- P&K – in cooperation with Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (Okmulgee, OK), Fort Scott Community College (Fort Scott, KS), and Garden City Community College (Garden City, KS) – offers this two-year college Internship Program that leads to an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. In addition to the two-year program, Fort Scott Community College also offers a one-year John Deere Certification Program.
Supporting Ag Mechanics at OYE
P&K Equipment’s involvement with the Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) goes beyond general sponsorship; the company is a founding partner of the Ag Mechanics contest and actively uses the event to recruit future talent through specific financial incentives.
Targeted Recruiting Incentives
The scholarship opportunities at OYE are specifically designed for students who demonstrate the technical and mechanical skills required in modern dealerships. Scott Eisenhauer noted that the Ag Mechanics show is a “logical fit” for identifying potential candidates for P&K’s specialized training programs.
- P&K Scholarship: For students who choose to enroll in P&K’s two-year collegiate internship program (at OSUIT, Fort Scott Community College, or Garden City Community College), the company offers a $10,000 scholarship.
- Essential Start-Up Resources: Beyond tuition assistance, recipients often receive a $1,000 tool allowance (which has expanded to a larger tool kit in recent program updates with up to $6000 worth of new tools) and a company laptop pre-loaded with John Deere diagnostic software.
- Guaranteed Career Path: Sponsorship often culminates in a formal “signing event,” similar to athletic signings, where students accept both the scholarship and a promise of gainful employment at a P&K dealership upon graduation.
To highlight the connection between student projects and professional careers, Scott Eisenhauer, General Manager of P&K Equipment, shared the following regarding their support for the Ag Mechanics show:
“Young people with technical and mechanical skills are what we need to work in our dealerships. It was a logical fit for us from the beginning that some of the students that will be having projects there might be potential candidates for our employees and our training programs and all those types of things. P&K is glad to be a partner from the beginning of the ag mechanics contest.”
