Product & Precision Ag Specialist (Hay & Forage) Upstate, N.Y.

Job Title: Product & Precision Ag Specialist and Hay, Forage & Forestry
Department: Integrated Solutions and Sales Support
Reports To: Divisional Manager
Company: Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners (SNP)

The Product & Precision Ag Specialist and Hay, Forage and Forestry is responsible for driving sales, adoption, and effective use of John Deere equipment and precision technologies focused on hay, forage, and forestry applications. This role serves as the subject matter expert (SME) for these product lines and related precision ag solutions, supporting the sales team and customers through product demonstrations, setup, optimization, training, and ongoing agronomic operational support.

You will work closely with sales, service, and Integrated Solutions teams to ensure customers get the right equipment and technology, configured correctly, and are trained to maximize performance, uptime, and ROI. 

Key Responsibilities

Product & Technology Expertise and Hay, Forage & Forestry

• Serve as the internal and external expert on John Deere hay, forage, and forestry equipment and compatible attachments (balers, mowers, forage harvesters, loaders, forestry machines, etc.).
• Maintain in depth knowledge of John Deere precision solutions (JDLink, Operations Center, guidance, rate controllers, ISOBUS, display systems) as they apply to hay forage and forestry operations.
• Stay current on new product releases, competitive offerings, and industry trends in forage management and forestry operations.

Sales Support & Business Development

• Partner with territory sales managers to identify opportunities, specify equipment and technology packages, and support the sales process from initial consult through delivery.
• Conduct on farm and onsite customer visits to understand operational needs, recommend solutions, and present ROI/benefits of precision technology adoption.
• Assist with quotes and configurations for hay, forage, and forestry equipment and associated technology, ensuring correct specs based on application.
• Support used equipment evaluations related to hay/forage/forestry products and technology readiness.

Demonstrations, Setup & Optimization

• Plan and execute equipment and precision technology demonstrations, field days, clinics, and customer events with a focus on hay, forage, and forestry use cases.
• Lead the delivery, installation, and initial setup of precision systems (displays, receivers, JDLink, documentation setup) on relevant machines.
• Optimize machine settings and technology configurations (baler settings, moisture/density management, header and crop flow on forage harvesters, forestry machine setup, etc.) to meet customer goals.

Customer Training & Support

• Provide one on one and group training for customers on operation of hay/forage/forestry equipment and John Deere precision platforms, including Operations Center and in cab displays.
• Help customers interpret data (yield/tonnage, moisture, machine performance) and translate into actionable improvements in their hay, forage, or forestry operations.
• Coordinate with service and Integrated Solutions teams to resolve technical issues related to precision systems and machine functionality.

Internal Training & Collaboration

• Train and support store sales and service teams on product features, competitive advantages, and precision capabilities specific to hay, forage, and forestry.
• Work closely with service managers and technicians to ensure machines are properly set up, calibrated, and updated from a technology standpoint.
• Provide feedback to management and OEM representatives on customer needs, product performance, and opportunities for improvement.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate setup and documentation of customers, machines, and fields/tracts in John Deere Operations Center where applicable.
• Track key performance indicators (adoption, utilization, and retention of precision solutions in hay/forage/forestry segment).
• Maintain records of customer interactions, demos, and training in CRM/other tools as required.

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Precision Ag, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).

• 2+ years of experience in precision agriculture, agronomy, farm operations, or agricultural technology support preferred.

• Strong Practical knowledge of Hay and Forage production systems and/or Forestry operations (e.g. mowing, conditioning, baling, chopping, harvesting, material handling)

• Familiarity with modern Ag/ Forestry equipment and basic precision Ag concepts. (GPS guidance, telematics, ISOBUS, data management) 

• Strong working knowledge of GPS, guidance systems, application technology, yield monitoring, and farm data platforms.

• Experience with John Deere precision ag systems strongly preferred.

• Excellent customer service, communication, and training skills.

• Strong problem solving and troubleshooting abilities.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.

• Proficiency with computers, mobile devices, and agricultural software systems.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• Ability to work extended hours during peak seasons and travel within assigned territory.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Work performed in shop, field, and office environments.

• Exposure to outdoor elements, dust, noise, and agricultural chemicals.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and climbing on equipment.