We are Ag Leader – Bill Cran
In honor of Ag Leader’s 25th anniversary, we will spend some time focusing on an essential part of our success… our employees!
Name: Bill Cran
Title: GNSS Product Specialist
Hometown: Bradgate, IA
How long have you been employed by Ag Leader? Almost 13 years!
What are the different positions you have held at Ag Leader? Technical Support, GNSS Product Specialist
How have you seen Ag Leader and precision ag as a whole change during your time here?
From a small company to an internationally known brand, Ag Leader has always pushed to be the precision ag standard for ease-of-use and compatibility.
I’ve seen precision ag technology become more widely adopted every year. Growers used to manage at the field level, now they manage inputs and costs at the row level. Planting and spraying technology continues to evolve and get smarter about where and how seeds and chemicals are placed. Internet connectivity and data management get easier every year while gathering more and more information about the operation and field. Yield monitoring is the benchmark for how an operation did that year and what Ag Leader was built on. AutoSteering has become the norm on farms all over the world. GNSS technology and accuracy have evolved from the first GPS receivers being within a few feet, to finding any location on the plant within an inch. So much has changed and evolved, it’s been a really neat opportunity to be a part of that and grow up in this business.
The really fun part has been taking this technology home to the farm and using it in our operation in ways my Grandpa Bill would have never dreamed of. When I started here, we didn’t use any precision ag technology, now we almost can’t farm without it. I’m excited where things are going and what the next 25 years will bring.
What is your favorite thing about working here?
Without a doubt, the people and the culture. Ag Leader has always been like an extended family.
The freedom to chase new ideas. Being a part of a great team and challenging each other.
Travelling to parts of the world that I would not have otherwise. Seeing and understanding different cultures and farming operations.
What do you do in your free time?
Spend time with my kids, Brooklyn and William, helping my wife Ashley with her business and farming with my dad, Robert.
I enjoy tinkering in the garage, flying UAVs, working on our house, cooking and riding motorcycles.
