AGCO Corporation, Duluth, Georgia, named Nick Nelson its 2023 Technician of the Year on March 1, in Hesston, Kansas.
The award recognizes North American AGCO dealer technicians for their diagnostic and maintenance abilities, dedication to continuous learning, and customer service skills. Nelson of Java Farm Supply in North Java, New York, was awarded the 2023 title and a $5,000 grand prize after a three-day, hands-on competition against five other finalists nominated by AGCO dealerships across the United States and Canada.
“Congratulations to Nick Nelson and all our finalists for their outstanding performance during the Technician of the Year competition,” said Ash Alt, manager of technical training, North America. “We created this event to celebrate the oftentimes “un-sung” heroes at our dealerships—the dedicated technicians who help keep our farmers’ equipment up and running. Each of the finalists exemplify the skills and values that Technician of the Year celebrates, and our farmers and dealers are fortunate to have these professionals representing them.”
Pictured above Ash Alt, manager of technical training in North America presents a $5,000 grand prize to Nick Nelson. (Courtesy photo.)
Company portfolio
AGCO’s portfolio includes many of agriculture’s most popular equipment brands, including Fendt and Massey Ferguson, and their advanced technology requires the skills of highly trained professionals to maximize farmers’ uptime and productivity.
AGCO works closely with its dealership network and regional educational institutions to identify, encourage, and equip talented technicians. The Technician of the Year competition and a new associate degree program at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, are recent examples of these focused efforts.
“Winning this award means a lot to me and my dealership,” Nelson said. “It’s a chance for technicians to showcase all of our experience and passion for serving our farmers. I was surprised and honored to get nominated; it underscores the value that our dealerships place in our role. The competition was tough, I was up against the top six techs from North America and, deep down, everyone is a competitor and wants to win.”
Comprehensive competition
The competition included events that challenged participants’ critical thinking skills, product knowledge, and mechanical and technical expertise. Six diagnostic scenarios measured contestants’ ability to accurately diagnose the issue, make the necessary repair, and provide an exceptional, farmer-first customer experience.
This year’s event focused on Massey Ferguson wheeled tractors, but future events will likely include AGCO’s other brands and product types. AGCO dealerships across North America will begin submitting nominations for the 2024 competition in October.
Ryan Gerdes, of Villard Implement Co., Villard, Minnesota, was a finalist from the High Plains Journal coverage area.
To learn more about AGCO’s Technician of the Year competition, go to AGCOtechnician.com .
