In the Southwestern states, growing produce never stops. Farmers here grow leafy greens and other delicious vegetables nearly year-round. RDO and institutions like the University of Arizona’s Yuma Ag Center (YAC) Experiment Station, partner with hardworking farmers to keep machinery working despite any seasonal changes. RDO team members now are collaborating to transform a nearly 500-acre research farm at the YAC into a smart farm through updated equipment, precision ag software and hands-on training.
Empowering the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
“This is really a game-changer for us and the students here at the university's ag research center,” said Samuel Discua, YAC’s farm director. “We’re thrilled to benefit not only from these connected tractors and planters but also from RDO team members’ expertise to learn from data-driven insights.”
With support from RDO’s Product Specialist team, students received in-field training on tilling, planting and spraying applications using advanced equipment like Monosem planters, SeedStar™, SurePoint™ and DJI Agras spray drones. The training focused on optimizing seed spacing, planter adjustments, and integrating liquid fertilizer systems to maximize efficiency and reduce input costs.
From Legacy Equipment to Smart Farm Innovation
The partnership allowed YAC to replace tractors and equipment that had been in use for over 20 years. This upgrade supports YAC’s mission to lead the region in agricultural research, including trials on experimental pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers that help reduce water usage and improve pest control.
Maria Zepeda, RDO’s agronomist based in Yuma, emphasized the value of this collaboration:
“The YAC serves not only today’s regional farmers through experiential chemical research but also educates the next generation through hands-on training with precision ag equipment and technology.”
Research, Trials, and Regional Impact
RDO and YAC now have access to farmland for long-term research and trials. These efforts will evaluate the impact of machine automation on the agricultural production cycle and compare performance between traditional and modern systems.
“Our ongoing commitment to area farmers includes being on the front lines of developing the service, support and training to identify best growing practices for the regional conditions,” said Richard Arias, RDO’s Vice President of Southwest Agriculture.
Discua noted that the partnership will also allow YAC to serve as a demonstration site for local farmers and ag companies to test new equipment and technologies.
“We will be able to offer local farmers a place to experience up-and-coming equipment and technologies," he said. "I expect many farmers will be interested in working with us and RDO so we can all learn new ways to efficiently grow crops like lettuce, which feeds all of us in the U.S."
Learn more about RDO partnerships and community involvement here.
RDO Equipment Co.
Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 80 locations across the U.S. and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico and Ukraine, we deliver creative solutions so our customers can grow and build the world.
