A fresh start
Ag Equipment, USA hosts grand opening to showcase new streamlined facility
Story and photos by Glen Liford
It took roughly 10 months to complete the new Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Ag Equipment, USA facility at the La Vergne headquarters. The 10,000-square foot building includes a spacious shop and material handling area.
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative’s (TFC) Ag Equipment, USA celebrated the grand opening of its new home at TFC’s La Vergne headquarters on Friday, June 20.
“We were pleased with the turnout,” says Ag Equipment USA Manager Trey Smith. “It’s been an unusual spring with one of the wettest Mays on record. But the weather broke; we got sunshine the week of the event and that certainly impacted our turnout. We appreciate the many folks who attended.”
Visitors for the event were treated to a light lunch and homemade ice cream, churned by a vintage John Deere single-cylinder “hit and miss” gas engine. The machine’s distinctive “popping sound” punctuated the festivities and served as a fitting contrast between old and new as it was displayed amidst the modern agriculture equipment offered by the department.
Ag Equipment supports the equipment needs of member Co-ops and other customers throughout the Co-op system. It consists of four divisions — dry fertilizer application equipment, material handling and shop services, wholesale farm equipment, and the fuel department.
The department’s 17 employees work diligently to keep member Co-ops operating efficiently and provide support when equipment needs refurbishing or repair, says Trey.
“We also provide field tech service for remote service calls,” he explains. “If a member’s equipment breaks down in the field, we can send someone out to get the customer going. Whether it is a belt, chain, bearing, or something else breaks down, we will likely have the part on hand that can help keep the customer operational. Our goal is to minimize customers’ down time and quickly get them back to the field.”
The department relocated to its new building near the TFC main office complex due to TFC’s development project on the Co-op property. Multiple distribution centers are being constructed by a commercial real estate developer, which will then lease the land from TFC, providing the cooperative with a predictable income stream for the long term.
Construction on the new Ag Equipment building started in January 2024 and by October ‘24, the transition was complete and open for business.
“The new site was the most economical of the locations considered for the construction, as there was less hauling and excavation required to get the property ready,” explains Trey.
The 17 members of the Ag Equipment USA Team is dedicated to serving the equipment needs of members throughout the Co-op system, as well as other customers.
The shop, offices, and other areas encompass 10,000 square feet for the material handling and shop services segment of the business.
“Of course, anything new is exciting,” says Trey. “We’re more efficient in the new location. The insulation is better, the ceiling is a little lower, and we have fans for the comfort of our mechanics. We have better working conditions.”
Ag Equipment is positioned to continue its important role in helping member Co-ops serve their local farmers, he says.
“It’s a challenge to meet the diverse needs of our farmers across the different landscapes of the state’s three regions,” says Trey. “We do our best to meet the needs of large row-crop farmers who depend on advanced precision ag, as well as smaller farms with more diversified crops.”
The department services, repairs, and refurbishes the equipment the group sells and supports. Employees can also refurbish fertilizer trucks and pull spreaders, which can allow member Co-ops flexibility in managing their fleet.
Refurbishment becomes a priority during tough economic times, Trey explains, and Ag Equipment stands ready to help members get as much use as possible out of each piece of equipment.
“On average, a truck body will last around 5-6 years, but once it needs repairs, that is where we can help,” says Trey. “If the engine, transmission, and cab are in good shape, we can refurbish the chassis and body by replacing worn, rusty, steel parts. Since fertilizer is acidic, it’s very corrosive to just about anything it touches except stainless steel. This service helps the member Co-ops save money by extending the life of the machinery.”
Trey and the entire staff say they look forward to serving their customers from the new facility.
“We strive to offer the Co-op stores the best quality at the most competitive prices on equipment and service we possibly can,” says Trey. “We need their business and work to earn it every day. We are here to support our members, because when they succeed, we succeed.”
Chelsey King, who works in the department’s fuel area, was busy during the event greeting customers and fellow employees as they came to celebrate the opening of the team’s new home.
TFC officials staged a ribbon cutting to signify a fresh start in the new building for the Ag Equipment, USA venture. From left are Chief Financial Officer Kirk Fischer, Ag Equipment Manager Trey Smith, Chief Executive Officer Shannon Huff, Chief Risk Officer John Cain, and Chief Operating Officer Andy Woodard.
Visitors to the grand opening were treated to a light lunch and impromptu tours of the department’s new home. Sponsors included Salford-BBI Spreaders, Toyota MidSouth, Bush-Whacker, Bestway Ag, Ag Spray Equipment, Doyle, Billy Thompson Motors, and the Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Foundation.
Story by Glen Liford,
Contact gliford@ourcoop.com