Distributor Spotlight: Anders Stefansen, AG Precision ApS
Growing up in a small town in Denmark, Anders Stefansen was fascinated by life on the farm, especially when it came to the machinery being used. Surrounded by fields and farm animals, Stefansen spent several years working on a variety of farms after school believing he, too, would become a farmer one day.
“A young farmer made me realize I had more technical skills, so he helped me get an apprenticeship as an agricultural machine mechanic. I began the apprenticeship with a John Deere dealer and completed it with a Fendt dealer, where I was allowed to try my hand at the latest technology,” he recalls. “My fascination with technology has probably always been there. I was wildly fascinated when I saw a tractor with automatic steering for the first time, which was Ag Leader’s AutoFarm A5 guidance system, the predecessor to ParaDyme.”
“From the first day I started with Ag Leader, I loved the soul, pride, and unity that surrounds the company. They make you feel like you’re a part of their family. I have also always been impressed by the support we get from Ag Leader in the Netherlands. It is a big part of why we are successful,” says Anders Stefansen, AG Precision ApS.
AG Precision is formed
For the next several years, Stefansen worked as a self-employed service specialist, led an AGCO dealership, was a fitter for an Ag Leader distributor, and was employed in the precision department at a John Deere dealership.
In 2017, Stefansen had the opportunity to partner with an Ag Leader distributor, and AG Precision was formed. About nine months later, Stefansen decided to buy out his partner becoming the sole owner of AG Precision.
“The job I had at the time didn’t feel like the right fit,” he says. “Because I had worked with Ag Leader before, I knew it was a good brand and offered a high-quality product. I also missed working with Ag Leader products and the team. When the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t resist.”
Today, AG Precision covers Denmark and Sweden, with most customers located in Denmark. Besides Stefansen, the team includes seven full-time employees. He also employs a freelance sales/service support person in Sweden.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s one I’m very grateful for,” Stefansen says.
Ag Leader (AL): What is technology adoption like in Denmark and Sweden?
Anders Stefansen (AS): Danish and Swedish farmers are very receptive to technology. They want to invest in technology that can optimize their operations and make their everyday life easier. At the same time, there is some opportunity to get subsidies for technologies that can save chemicals and protect the environment as much as possible.
ISObus is something we are very interested in. We have gradually converted many new and older machines to ISObus. It allows for section and dosage control, as well as allocation files and logging on even older machines. We sell a lot of InCommand® 1200 displays because it can be used year-round. Even machinery suppliers prefer this display over the one normally supplied as standard with the machine.
AL: How do you help farmers determine what is the best fit when it comes to purchasing Ag Leader products?
AG: We talk through what they want and need and what solutions we can offer. Because we have both the technical and agronomic background within our company, I believe we have a good team in place to find the right solution for our customers.
AL: What are the biggest challenges for farmers in your area? How has technology helped solve some of those challenges?
AS: Farmers are faced with several challenges. The biggest is maintaining a profitable business while managing stricter requirements for documentation and restrictions. They are also dealing with major fluctuations in the weather and the price of their products. Ag Leader offers products that can help farmers year-round, so they can better manage many areas across their farms.
AL: Why offer Ag Leader products to growers in your area?
AS: Ag Leader is known for providing robust, stable, and user-friendly equipment. The company is innovative and is compatible with most brands of equipment. Even though it can be expensive, it is a high-end product that is worth the money. We also try to have a high level of service, so customers do not experience any downtime.
From the first day I started with Ag Leader, I loved the soul, pride, and unity that surrounds the company. They make you feel like you’re a part of their family. I have also always been impressed by the support we get from Ag Leader in the Netherlands. It is a big part of why we are successful.
AL: As a distributor, what do you want farmers to remember most about you and the service you provide?
AS: I hope our customers see us as a partner they can trust. We attach great importance to service as it is a large part of the overall experience. At the same time, AgFiniti has become a very good tool for both customers and us as a supplier. It is a huge advantage that AG Precision is independent and color blind. •
DISTRIBUTOR AT-A-GLANCE
Company: AG Precision ApS
Owner: Anders Stefansen
Location: Roslev, Denmark
Website: ag-precision.com