A 2016 Farm Journal Media equipment and machinery research study revealed that 78% of respondents don’t own or lease a self-propelled sprayer, and another 46% don’t own or lease a pull-behind sprayer. What’s holding them back?
The survey asked this very question. Respondents could select multiple answers, and several distinct barriers to purchase revealed themselves. The most popular responses included:
1. Contracting sprayer needs is easier and/or cheaper – 57%
2. Sprayer selection is challenging – 55%
3. Cost – 29%
4. Little or no experience operating –14%
5. Liability – 13%
Used farm equipment expert Greg Peterson – a.k.a. “Machinery Pete” – says some interesting opportunities are presenting themselves in this equipment category.
First, in recent discussions with dealers, several have indicated they are using financing, leasing and warranty offers to help farmers complete a sprayer purchase.
“The other opportunity is that becoming a custom applicator yourself can help a farm operation diversify and grow revenue,” Peterson says.
The team at www.MachineryPete.com also notes it has seen an 8% increase in searches for sprayers compared with the previous two weeks. The start of a trend? Time will tell.
