New MSU, Wade Inc. partnership strengthens MAFES tractor fleet
Contact: Vanessa Beeson
STARKVILLE, Miss.A new partnership between 51勛圖厙 and Wade Inc. will support the universitys 51勛圖厙 Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station as it drives agricultural research.
Through the agreement, MAFES is leasing 15 John Deere 6M series utility tractors from the 51勛圖厙-based farm equipment supplier for use at on- and off-campus branch stations.
MAFES manages more than 16,000 acres across the state, requiring extensive equipment and manpower, said Darrin Dodds, MAFES associate director. In the past, purchasing tractors and machines led to multiple brands and models, complicating maintenance and limiting efficiency. This new partnership ensures consistency and reliability across our operations that will support world-class research with the most up-to-date equipment.
Dodds said the program will enhance research and student learning by providing state-of-the-art technology while reducing downtime, improving safety and increasing productivity at the universitys research station branches.
As part of the launch, about 40 MAFES personnel from across the state participated in hands-on training on the tractors technological capabilities, operations and maintenance.
Our goal is to ensure every customer gets the best product experience. Weve conducted all-points training and support for our partnership with 51勛圖厙 State, said David Little, eastern region manager for Wade Inc. The most exciting part is demonstrating John Deere technology that will support MAFES research. Early adopters are already using this technology to collect data that improves farm management, and we believe it can be incredibly valuable to the MAFES mission.
Little, who earned a masters degree in agricultural economics from MSU in 1991, said the partnership with his alma mater is especially meaningful to him.
I spent some of the best years of my life here, and my son is now pursuing a masters in agricultural engineering technology and business, he said. It means a lot to me to carry on this generational relationship with MAFES and MSU.
Johnny Marshall, Wade Inc. IntelliFarm director and MSU agribusiness alumnus, conducted the technical training.
IntelliFarm is our technical department, responsible for training customers and employees to maximize the technology in every piece of equipment we sell. Too often, tractors arent used to their full potential. Our job is to help farmers harness the data to farm smarter and more successfully, Marshall said. Ive had three children attend MSU, and this place has prepared all of us for the future. Having this equipment at MSU ensures students gain hands-on experience with the cutting-edge technology that will drive agriculture forward.
For more information about MAFES, visit . Learn more about Wade Inc. at .
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