Engaging with Agricultural Retailers and Suppliers to Find the Best Solutions
Farmers depend on agricultural retailers and suppliers to help them maintain their businesses. As service- and family-oriented business owners, farmers need effective ways to engage with retailers so they can find the best solutions quickly and based on their performance and price needs.
Currently, many farmers struggle to get what they need from agricultural retailers and suppliers. According to one 2022 study, 40% of farmers "experienced difficulty" in purchasing crop inputs for the 2022 crop season, while 45% said that tight farm machinery inventories were impacting their machinery purchase plans.
Here, we'll explore some of the ways farmers can engage with agricultural suppliers to get the best solutions for their businesses.
Using Digital Engagement to Get the Best Produces and Prices
Many farmers still rely on physical channels such as visits from representatives to obtain the products they need. For example, according to a 2022 study, only 18% of farmers said they bought any of their crop inputs online. Among those farmers who said they didn't buy online, 36% said they struggled with a lack of product support or guarantees, while 29% said they didn't trust delivery timeliness and 22% said they didn't trust online purchasing in general.
Thankfully, online purchasing in the agricultural industry has evolved significantly, even in the past year.
Here are some key digital purchasing opportunities for farmers.
Leveraging Online Platforms for Better Comparisons
In the digital age, one of the best ways for farmers to engage with agricultural retailers and suppliers is through online platforms. These platforms allow farmers to compare prices, quality, and performance of different agricultural products from a multitude of suppliers at the click of a button.
Farmers can check the latest prices, read reviews from other farmers, and make informed decisions without the need to physically visit multiple stores or outlets.
These platforms often feature detailed product specifications and performance data, which can be invaluable for farmers looking to optimize their input costs and yield quality. They can easily compare different products, evaluate their suitability for their particular farming needs, and make purchase decisions based on this information.
Farmers should search for vendors who use comprehensive online databases and eCommerce platforms to feature their products.
Embracing Online Marketplaces for Economical Purchases
Online agricultural marketplaces have also emerged as a powerful tool for farmers to find cost-effective solutions. These marketplaces aggregate offers from various sellers, allowing farmers to find the best deals. Some of these marketplaces even offer features that predict price trends, helping farmers plan their purchases to take advantage of future price drops.
Moreover, discounts, deals, and promotional offers are more readily and frequently available on online platforms. These can make a significant difference in the input costs for farmers, especially if they are purchasing in bulk.
Utilizing Digital Communication for Enhanced Interaction
Using digital communication tools can also enhance farmers' engagement with agricultural retailers and suppliers. Email, online chat, and video conferencing tools can facilitate direct and immediate communication between farmers and suppliers, enabling quicker resolution of queries and issues.
Forming Strategic Partnerships with Agricultural Suppliers
Building strategic partnerships with agricultural suppliers is another effective approach for farmers seeking to secure reliable services and better deals on their inputs. These partnerships go beyond mere transactional relationships, fostering a deep understanding and a shared commitment to mutual success.
Here are some suggestions to get started.
Understanding the Benefits of Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships can open up a wealth of benefits for farmers. They facilitate regular and open communication, enabling farmers to express their needs and concerns directly to suppliers. This can result in better-tailored solutions and quicker problem resolutions.
Suppliers are often more willing to offer exclusive deals and discounts to their strategic partners. This can translate into significant savings for farmers over time, reducing input costs and boosting the overall profitability of their operations.
Finally, strategic partnerships can lead to more reliability in terms of service delivery. Suppliers have a vested interest in ensuring the success of their strategic partners, translating to more dependable delivery schedules and priority technical support.
How to Form Strategic Partnerships with Suppliers
Forming a strategic partnership begins with identifying potential partners. Farmers should look for suppliers who not only offer high-quality products but also demonstrate a commitment to their success. This can be gauged through their level of customer service, their willingness to offer advice and support, and their track record of reliability.
Once potential partners have been identified, the next step is to open a dialogue. Farmers should communicate their needs and expectations clearly, and be open to hearing the supplier's perspective as well.
The goal is to arrive at a mutual understanding, where both parties can agree on the terms of the partnership.
A written agreement can help formalize the partnership, as it will outline the commitments of both parties. However, the most important aspect of a strategic partnership is mutual trust and a shared commitment to each other's success.
Strengthening the Partnership
After the partnership is established, farmers should strive to maintain a strong relationship with their suppliers. Regular communication, feedback, and joint problem-solving can help strengthen the partnership and ensure it remains mutually beneficial.
Participating in Industry Events
Attending industry events is a powerful strategy for farmers to stay informed about the latest solutions and services in the agriculture sector. Such events often bring together various stakeholders from the industry, including agricultural scientists, technology providers, retailers, and other farmers.
These events offer an excellent opportunity to learn about innovative farming techniques, new products, and emerging trends in agriculture.
Exploring New Solutions at Industry Expos
Industry expos and trade shows typically feature a variety of exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services. Farmers can walk around these exhibitions, explore different booths, and directly interact with the product representatives.
This gives them firsthand information about new solutions, such as advanced irrigation systems, new fertilizers, or state-of-the-art farming equipment. Farmers can also take advantage of product demonstrations and trial offers that are often available at these events.
Building Networks at Roundtables and Conferences
Roundtables and conferences are a key feature of many agricultural industry events. These sessions provide a platform for farmers to engage in discussions, share experiences, and learn from experts in the field.
By participating in these discussions, farmers can gain valuable insights into best practices and successful strategies implemented by their peers.
Many agricultural conferences also offer excellent networking opportunities. Farmers can meet and establish connections with other industry players, which can lead to beneficial partnerships and collaborations in the future.
Staying Ahead with Training Workshops
Industry events may even include training workshops that allow farmers to develop new skills and deepen their knowledge. These workshops, led by experts in the field, can cover a range of topics, from sustainable farming practices to the use of technology in agriculture.
Farmers can equip themselves with the tools and knowledge needed to stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.
Obtaining Consulting Services
Finally, farmers should consider obtaining consulting services if it is within their budget and could yield a net benefit for their operations. Consultants can advise farmers on which solutions and providers could best service their needs. As agricultural industry insiders, many consultants can even help farmers form strategic partnerships with agricultural suppliers.
Get the Agricultural Solutions You Need
These are just a few of the ways farmers can better connect to the agricultural retail industry to identify the best technologies, inputs, and equipment for their operations.
If you'd like to know more about how you can get the best products at the best price points, don't miss the Smart Harvesting Summit on cultivating precision, yield, and sustainability with farmer-driven innovation. It’s happening at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California from February 21 to 22, 2024.