RDO Showcases Smarter Equipment, Precision Tech and Support at Big Iron

RDO Equipment Co.’s Midwest Agriculture team showcased equipment, precision technology and support solutions designed to help farmers work more efficiently during every phase of the growing season at the 2026 Big Iron Farm and Construction Show in West Fargo, ND.

Through equipment displays and hands-on technology experiences, RDO team members showed how the right combination of equipment, data and local support can help farmers prepare fields, plant accurately, manage crops and complete harvest within critical operating windows.

“Every growing season brings different challenges, but farmers consistently need equipment and technology they can depend on, along with a knowledgeable team that is ready to support them,” said Kevin Johnston, RDO’s vice president of Midwest agriculture. “We show how RDO can help customers build practical solutions for each phase of their operation. That starts with listening to the customer and continues through equipment selection, technology adoption, training and support in the field.”

The 2026 exhibit featured in-field equipment, stationary construction equipment and interactive displays.

Preparing fields and planning for planting

A John Deere 9RX tractor paired with a Coulter Chisel 19 uses machine control and automation to support timely and consistent fieldwork.

RDO also highlighted how farmers can add precision capabilities to eligible equipment through John Deere Precision Upgrade Kits (PUK). A dedicated PUK van at the exhibit allowed attendees to learn how retrofit technology may help extend the capabilities of equipment already in their fleets.

“Technology adoption does not have to happen all at once,” said Chris Blixt, RDO’s regional general manager based in Casselton. “We work with each customer to understand the equipment they have, the challenges they want to solve and the results they want to achieve.”

Visitors could also experience an 8RX tractor simulator with a planter, providing a hands-on look at how integrated equipment and precision technology can support planting performance.

Managing inputs more efficiently

During the crop-management phase, RDO team members discussed solutions designed to help farmers make informed decisions about inputs, field conditions and irrigation.

The Minnesota Valley Irrigation team highlighted the role of measurement, monitoring and purposeful irrigation management in supporting crop performance. This helps attendees explore options for applying water more effectively based on the needs of their fields and operations.

RDO also featured a John Deere model year 2027 sprayer in its booth, offering attendees a look at sprayer technology designed to support accurate and efficient application.

“Our goal is to help customers connect the decisions they make throughout the season,” Blixt said . “The information collected by equipment and field technology can give farmers greater visibility into their operations. When that information is paired with local expertise and remote support, customers can make adjustments sooner and keep important work moving.”

Supporting a more productive harvest

As RDO team members prioritizes helping customers to prepare for harvest and protect uptime through reliable equipment, automation and proactive support. A John Deere combine and grain cart equipped with Machine Sync and AutoUnload showed how connected machines and automation can help coordinate harvest operations, simplify unloading and support more consistent movement of grain from the combine to the cart.

RDO’s Connected Support team shared recent examples of helping customers through harvest using remote support tools. By monitoring connected equipment and working with local service teams, Connected Support specialists can help identify certain machine alerts, assist with technology questions and begin troubleshooting without waiting for a technician to arrive at the field.

“One of the team’s recent wins involved working remotely with a customer during harvest to identify the source of an issue and help the operator take the appropriate next step,” Chris Blixt said. “That support helped the customer reduce troubleshooting time and continue working during a critical harvest window. It is a strong example of what can happen when connected equipment, an experienced remote support team and local store resources work together.”

RDO’s approach is intended to meet farmers where they are in their technology adoption and help them add capabilities at a pace that works for their operations. The company’s 2026 talking points emphasize profitability, equipment return on investment, proactive machine support, harvest readiness and the connection between automation, labor and safety.

Equipment and support beyond the field

RDO’s Big Iron exhibit also included construction equipment for farmers, contractors and fleet managers. Stationary displays included a John Deere 230 P-Tier excavator, a motor grader and either a 75 P-Tier or 85 P-Tier mini excavator. Mowers were also on display and for sale during the show.

RDO supports work beyond planting and harvest, including drainage, site preparation, road maintenance, material handling and other jobs needed to maintain farms, rural properties and community infrastructure.

RDO Truck Centers also participated in Big Iron, connecting attendees with heavy-duty and vocational truck solutions. Offerings from RDO Truck Centers complemented the agriculture and construction displays by showing how trucks, equipment and service support work together to move crops, materials and equipment.

“Farmers and contractors do not look at equipment as isolated pieces,” Johnston said. “They look at the entire job. Our responsibility is to understand that job and bring together the equipment, technology, parts, service and support that can help the customer complete it safely and efficiently.”

Precision Ag Technology in Real-World Conditions

At Big Iron, RDO team members focused on practical conversations with farmers and contractors about their current equipment, operational goals and technology needs.

“Big Iron allows us to move the conversation from what a technology could do to what a customer can see it doing in the field,” Johnston said. “Customers can ask questions, watch the equipment work and talk with the local people who will help them implement and support the solution after the show.”

Technology is only one part of RDO’s approach. Local teams also provide equipment, parts, service, training and ongoing support to help customers incorporate new capabilities into their operations.