Tradition Meets Tech: How Fagerberg Farms Uses John Deere Operations Center to Lead the Onion Industry
How does digital agriculture simplify the day-to-day for a farm manager?
Managing over a thousand acres of red, white, and yellow onions requires more than just a green thumb; it takes an organized digital mind. Brian King of Fagerberg Farms has found that having the Operations Center™ pulled up on a dedicated monitor—and his phone—makes high-stakes decisions much faster.
Our 21st Century Equipment team knows that data is only useful if it's clean, which is why we’re so proud of the work done here. Our Precision Ag Consultant, Isabel Drobny, who brings years of specialized technical expertise, helped Fagerberg consolidate nearly 900 fields and thousands of guidance lines into one streamlined system.Smarter Equipment, Smoother Operations
Fagerberg’s fleet now boasts Gen 4 and G5 displays in nearly every tractor. These user-friendly systems have simplified tasks for operators, especially with the introduction of Work Planner. Now, field plans are pre-loaded, eliminating the need for manual setup and saving the farm manager hours each day, a notable improvement reflecting the operational efficiency at Fagerberg Farms.
Why is bilingual training essential for operational excellence?
A tool is only as good as the person operating it, and at 21st Century Equipment, we believe in leaving no operator behind. Because clear communication is the backbone of any successful harvest, Isabel provided hands-on, bilingual training in both English and Spanish for the Fagerberg crew.
This customized approach ensured that every team member felt confident using the new Gen 4 and G5 displays:
- Confidence on the Display: Operators can now navigate menus and troubleshoot settings without hesitation.
- Accuracy in the Field: Language accessibility means fewer errors in application and guidance.
- Work Planner Integration: Field plans are pre-loaded, so operators can simply "accept" the task and start working immediately.
Smarter Equipment and the Power of Work Planner
By upgrading the fleet to G5 displays, Fagerberg Farms has virtually eliminated manual setup in the field. Work Planner allows the farm manager to push prescriptions and boundaries directly to the tractor from the office. This "push-and-play" technology saves hours of downtime that used to be spent manually typing in field names and rates.
How does the Operations Center help meet strict food safety standards?
Supplying major retailers requires meticulous documentation that goes far beyond a simple notebook. Fagerberg Farms uses the Operations Center to maintain an "audit-ready" status at all times.
Our technicians help set up these systems to track every pass with precision:
- Meticulous Spray Records: Automatically log every pesticide and fertilizer application for organic and food safety compliance.
- Sanitation Protocols: Keep a digital paper trail of packing house and field sanitation steps.
- Traceability: Know exactly what happened on every acre, from planting the first seed to the final winter storage shipment.
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1885
Fagerberg Farms isn't just about onions; it’s about a 140-year commitment to Colorado agriculture. From being Walmart's first onion supplier in the 90s to today's tech-forward operation, they prove that you can honor your roots while reaching for the future. We are honored to be the partner they trust to keep their "backyard" productive and their data synchronized.
Ready to see how we can clean up your digital "neighborhood"? Join us at the High Plains Ag Expo on February 25, 2026, where we will be showcasing the same G5 display setups used at Fagerberg Farms!
Register Here for the 2026 High Plains Ag Expo!
Common Questions About Operations Center and Field Cleanup (FAQ)
What if my guidance lines are currently a mess across different tractors? Don't worry—you're not alone! Our Precision Ag consultants, like Isabel, specialize in "data hygiene." We can take your thousands of redundant lines and consolidate them into a single, accurate set that works across your entire fleet.
Is the John Deere Operations Center difficult to learn? While it has a lot of power, the interface is designed to be as intuitive as a smartphone. Plus, we offer hands-on training sessions (bilingual if needed) to make sure everyone on your team is comfortable with the tech.
Can I use Work Planner on older John Deere displays? Work Planner is best optimized for Gen 4 and the newer G5 displays. If you’re running older hardware, we can discuss "Trade-Up" options to get your fleet synchronized and ready for automated field tasks.
Does this technology help with organic certification? Absolutely. The automated logging of applications provides the high-level "proof of work" required by organic certifiers, making your annual audits significantly less stressful.
Looking to streamline your operation? Whether you’re managing a dozen acres or a few thousand, 21st Century Equipment has the expertise to help you grow. Visit us at 21stCenturyEquipment.com or stop by your local shop to start your digital journey today!
Technically Reviewed By:,
