Tag: #agriculture

Happy Independence Day from Us to You!

Posted on by brianhuinker

Celebrate Independence Day with Our John Deere Family

Independence Day is a time to celebrate freedom, hard work, and the communities that keep America moving forward. At Brandt Holdings, those values guide everything we do. From supporting local farmers to helping customers succeed, we are proud to stand beside the people who build stronger communities every day.

Serving Communities Across the Midwest

Our family of John Deere dealerships includes Kibble Equipment, Valley Plains Equipment, and Platte Valley Equipment. Together, these teams serve customers across the Midwest with trusted equipment, expert service, and dependable support.

Each dealership shares one goal. Help customers stay productive through every season. Whether you need the latest John Deere equipment, genuine parts, or experienced technicians, our teams are ready to help. Because of that commitment, customers know they can count on Brandt Holdings long after the sale.

Building Careers That Make a Difference

Independence Day also reminds us of the opportunities that come from hard work and dedication. At Brandt Holdings, we invest in people just as much as equipment.

Our dealerships offer rewarding careers in sales, service, parts, administration, and management. Team members receive ongoing training, competitive benefits, and opportunities to grow within the company. As a result, many employees build long-term careers while making a real impact in their communities.

If you enjoy solving problems, working with customers, or advancing agricultural technology, Brandt Holdings offers a place to grow.

Developing the Next Generation Through the Intern Tech Program

The future of agriculture depends on skilled technicians. That is why Brandt Holdings proudly supports the Intern Tech Program.

Students gain valuable hands-on experience while learning from experienced John Deere professionals. They work with advanced equipment, develop technical skills, and build confidence in real-world service environments. At the same time, they create connections that often lead to full-time careers after graduation.

This program helps strengthen our dealerships while preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

Join the Brandt Holdings Family

As you celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, we thank our customers, employees, and communities for being part of our story. Your trust inspires us every day.

Whether you visit Kibble Equipment, Valley Plains Equipment, or Platte Valley Equipment, you will find dedicated people who are committed to your success.

Looking for your next career opportunity? Interested in becoming an intern technician? Explore what Brandt Holdings has to offer and discover how you can build a future with a team that values service, innovation, and community.

PVE Hosts Nebraska FFA State Officers!

Posted on by brianhuinker

Nebraska FFA State Officers Visit Platte Valley Equipment in Fremont

Last Friday, Platte Valley Equipment proudly welcomed the Nebraska FFA State Officers to our Fremont location. The visit created an opportunity to connect with the next generation of agricultural leaders. Our team shared how Platte Valley Equipment supports farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across Nebraska. In addition, we learned more about the officers’ goals for the remainder of the summer and the upcoming school year.

We appreciate the time spent with State Vice Presidents Jo McConnell of Sidney FFA and Levi Othmer of Johnson County Central FFA. Their passion for agriculture and servant leadership reflects the bright future of our industry.

Investing in Agricultural Education

At Platte Valley Equipment, we believe agriculture grows stronger when students have access to education, mentorship, and career opportunities. That is why we proudly support the Nebraska FFA Foundation and its mission to develop future leaders in agriculture.

Organizations like FFA help students build valuable leadership, communication, and technical skills. As a result, they prepare young people for successful careers in agriculture, equipment technology, business, and beyond. We are honored to play a small part in helping those students succeed.

Building Careers in Agriculture

Supporting agricultural education extends beyond sponsorships. Every day, Platte Valley Equipment invests in people who want to build rewarding careers in the equipment industry.

Our team offers opportunities in service, parts, sales, precision agriculture, and business operations. Whether someone is just beginning their career or bringing years of experience, we provide training, support, and opportunities for professional growth.

Agriculture continues to evolve. Therefore, we look for individuals who enjoy solving problems, embracing new technology, and serving customers throughout our communities.

Student Technician Internship Opportunities

Students interested in becoming diesel or agricultural equipment technicians can also explore the Platte Valley Equipment Student Technician Internship Program.

The program combines classroom learning with valuable hands-on experience in our dealerships. Students work alongside experienced technicians while developing real-world skills on John Deere equipment and technology. Furthermore, they gain industry knowledge that prepares them for long-term success after graduation.

This experience helps students build confidence, expand their technical abilities, and establish meaningful relationships with experienced mentors.

Growing the Future Together

We thank the Nebraska FFA State Officers for visiting our Fremont dealership and sharing their vision for the future. Their dedication inspires all of us who work in agriculture every day.

Platte Valley Equipment remains committed to supporting agricultural education, creating meaningful career opportunities, and developing the next generation of industry leaders. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Nebraska FFA Foundation while helping students discover exciting futures in agriculture.

https://plattevalleyequipment.com/

Posted on by shaneuttenhove

A Week in the Shop: Summer Camp Gives Students a Real Look at TechKnowledge

More Than Just a Campus Tour

From June 22-26, we welcomed high school students from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Nebraska to the TechKnowledge program at Lake Area Technical College for our first Summer Camp of the year.

Instead of walking through the building for an hour and heading home, these students got to spend an entire day in the shop alongside our current first-year TechKnowledge students. They worked on the same assignments, asked questions, got their hands dirty, and saw what a normal day in the program really looks like.

That’s exactly what we wanted them to experience.

Learning the Important Stuff

This week’s focus was HVAC.

Let’s be honest…it probably isn’t the topic that gets most people excited about diesel technology. But every technician needs to understand it. Today’s equipment depends on climate control systems that are far more advanced than most people realize, and being able to diagnose and repair them is part of becoming a well-rounded technician.

More importantly, students got to see that being a diesel tech isn’t just turning wrenches. It’s troubleshooting, understanding electrical systems, using technology, and solving problems every day.

Learning From Students Who Were Just in Their Shoes

One of the best parts of camp was watching our current first-year students work with the campers.

Not long ago, they were asking the same questions and trying to decide if TechKnowledge was the right fit for them. Now they’re the ones helping the next group of students learn the basics and showing them what life in the program is really like.

It’s a great reminder of how much confidence and experience students gain during their first year.

Looking Ahead to July

Every student who attended left with a TechKnowledge t-shirt, lunch, and hopefully a better understanding of what a career as a diesel technician can look like.

If you missed the first week, there’s still another opportunity.

Our second Summer Camp runs July 13-17 and will focus on Machine Technology. Just like the first week, students will choose one day to attend and spend it working in the shop with current TechKnowledge students.

If you’re curious about becoming a diesel technician, there’s no better way to find out if it’s the right fit than spending a day doing exactly what our students do.

Register here!

Lake Area Technical College- TechKnowledge program information

Celebrating Our Newest Technician Graduates

Posted on by brianhuinker

Celebrating the Next Generation of Technicians at Platte Valley Equipment

Hard work pays off. This spring, Platte Valley Equipment proudly celebrates the graduation of several student technician interns who are stepping into full-time careers with our team. These graduates completed their programs at Southeast Community College in the John Deere Tech program, the TechKnowledge Program at Lake Area Technical College and Northeast Community College in the Nebraska Diesel Technician program.

Their achievement marks an exciting milestone. More importantly, it highlights the dedication, skill, and determination each student brought to the shop floor every day.

From Classroom to Career

Throughout their internships, these students gained real-world experience alongside experienced Platte Valley Equipment technicians. They tackled diagnostics, completed repairs, and learned the latest John Deere equipment technology firsthand.

At the same time, they balanced classroom instruction with hands-on training. That combination prepared them for success from day one.

Now, they officially move from interns to full-time team members.

That transition matters. Agriculture continues to evolve quickly, and skilled technicians play a critical role in keeping customers running. Because of that, Platte Valley Equipment invests heavily in training and development programs that create long-term opportunities.

Building the Future of Service

These Student Technician Programs develop students with strong technical knowledge and practical experience. As a result, graduates enter the workforce ready to solve problems and support today’s advanced equipment systems.

Platte Valley Equipment values that preparation. Even more, we value the work ethic and positive attitude these graduates demonstrated throughout their internships.

Their willingness to learn stood out immediately. In addition, their commitment to customer service reflected the culture we work hard to build across every location.

Congratulations to Our Graduates

Graduation represents more than earning a diploma. It represents persistence, growth, and a commitment to excellence.

Everyone at Platte Valley Equipment congratulates these graduates on their accomplishment and welcomes them into their full-time roles. We look forward to supporting their continued growth as they begin the next chapter of their careers.

Most importantly, we thank them for choosing to build that future with Platte Valley Equipment.

https://plattevalleyequipment.com/

Celebrate National Ag Day with Platte Valley Equipment

Posted on by brianhuinker

Why National Ag Day Matters

Every year, National Ag Day highlights the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. It fuels communities. It feeds families. And it drives the economy across the Midwest.

Farmers lead that effort. They rise early. They solve problems and adapt to changing weather, markets, and technology. Because of their work, communities stay strong and industries keep moving forward. Simply put, agriculture is the backbone of our region.

Supporting the Work That Matters

At Platte Valley Equipment, we witness that dedication every day. Our customers face tight timelines and high expectations. Planting demands precision. Harvest requires speed. Equipment must perform without fail.

That’s where we step in.

Platte Valley Equipment delivers dependable machinery, responsive service, and experienced support. When challenges arise, our teams act quickly. Technicians diagnose and repair issues fast. Parts departments stay prepared. Meanwhile, our sales teams help match each operation with the right equipment.

Investing in the Next Generation

We also focus on the future. Platte Valley Equipment partners with local schools, FFA chapters, and community programs. These efforts give students hands-on exposure to agriculture and equipment careers. As a result, they build skills and confidence early.

They will carry agriculture forward. And they will strengthen the communities we serve.

A Day to Say Thank You

National Ag Day offers a chance to recognize everyone involved in agriculture. Farmers, operators, technicians, agronomists, and families all play a role. Each contribution matters. Each effort supports the bigger picture.

Looking Ahead

Agriculture continues to evolve. Precision technology, data, and advanced equipment drive efficiency. Even so, success still depends on strong relationships and hard work.

Platte Valley Equipment remains committed to both.

Today, we celebrate agriculture. We recognize the dedication behind every acre. And we stand with the customers and communities we proudly serve.

https://plattevalleyequipment.com/

Celebrate! National FFA Week

Posted on by brianhuinker

Celebrating National FFA Week

Each February, communities across the country celebrate National FFA Week and recognize the impact of the National FFA Organization. At Platte Valley Equipment, we proudly join that celebration and thank the students who choose to lead, serve, and grow through agricultural education.

FFA members step up. They take on leadership roles in their chapters and communities. Through hands-on projects and supervised agricultural experiences, they build technical skills and strengthen their confidence. As a result, they prepare themselves for meaningful careers that keep agriculture moving forward.

Why Agricultural Education Matters More Than Ever

Today, agriculture changes quickly. Equipment grows more advanced. Precision technology drives decisions in the field. Therefore, the industry needs skilled technicians who understand both machinery and modern tools.

At the same time, rural communities depend on young leaders who commit to staying and serving locally. FFA helps develop that commitment. Students learn responsibility. They build strong work ethics that translate directly into the workforce.

Turning Classroom Skills Into Career Opportunities

Because talent needs opportunity, we created our Student Intern Technician Program. Through this program, students work side by side with experienced service technicians in our shops. They apply what they learned in the classroom to real customer machines.

In addition, interns see how every department connects. Service collaborates with parts. Precision teams support the field. Managers coach and mentor daily. Consequently, students gain a full picture of how a dealership operates and where they can build a long-term career.

For FFA members interested in diesel technology or agricultural equipment service, this program provides a clear next step. Instead of wondering what the future might look like, students experience it firsthand.

Investing in the Future of Agriculture

Many of our technicians and leaders once wore the blue jacket themselves. Because of that shared background, we understand the value FFA brings to both students and employers. The organization teaches integrity. It encourages initiative. It shapes leaders who strengthen teams and communities.

So during National FFA Week, we offer our sincere thanks. We appreciate the advisors who guide students. We respect the parents who support them. Most importantly, we celebrate the members who choose to grow.

The future of agriculture starts with today’s students. At Platte Valley Equipment, we don’t just recognize that future—we invest in it.

https://plattevalleyequipment.com/

Off-Season Planting Prep with Support from Platte Valley Equipment

Posted on by shaneuttenhove

Off-Season Planting Prep with Support from Platte Valley Equipment

Winter in Nebraska offers a valuable pause before the pace of spring returns. While fields rest, preparation continues behind the scenes. The off-season gives farmers and cooperatives time to focus on readiness. With support from Platte Valley Equipment, this window becomes a chance to prepare with purpose.

Why the Off-Season Matters in Nebraska

Nebraska farming often balances tight planting schedules with large acre counts. When weather and soil conditions align, operations must move quickly. Equipment downtime can cost valuable field days.

The off-season creates space to address those risks. Farmers can evaluate equipment without pressure. Cooperatives can plan service needs before demand spikes. Taking time now helps ensure a smoother transition into planting season.

Preparation during winter supports consistency once spring arrives.

Equipment Maintenance and Inspections

Planters, tractors, and tillage tools work hard throughout the year. Nebraska conditions add their own challenges. Heavy use, residue management, and varying soil types all take a toll.

Winter inspections allow farmers to identify worn components early. Parts can be replaced before they become problems. Repairs can be scheduled without interrupting fieldwork.

With support from Platte Valley Equipment, customers have access to experienced service teams. These technicians understand local farming practices. Their insight helps keep equipment operating at peak performance when planting begins.

Preparing Precision Technology

Precision agriculture plays a key role across Nebraska operations. From guidance to variable-rate applications, technology supports efficiency and accuracy. The off-season is the best time to review those systems.

Displays can be updated and calibrated. Data from the past season can be reviewed. Adjustments can be made to match upcoming goals.

Platte Valley Equipment specialists can assist with system checks and updates. Addressing technology needs early reduces learning curves later. Spring starts feel more controlled and less reactive.

Planning Ahead with Confidence

The off-season also allows time for planning conversations. Farmers can review current equipment needs. Cooperatives can prepare for service demand. These discussions are easier when schedules slow down.

With support from Platte Valley Equipment, Nebraska farmers move into spring prepared. Strong off-season planning leads to fewer surprises. It also builds confidence when the first fields are ready to plant.

Preparation today supports success throughout the growing season.

https://plattevalleyequipment.com/

Discover your Future at Platte Valley Equipment

Posted on by brianhuinker

TK Discovery Days & LATC-TK Opportunities for Seniors

At Platte Valley Equipment, hands-on learning drives career discovery. Students learn best by doing. That belief shapes our TK Discovery Days this April and our continued support of the LATC-TK program for seniors this fall.

These opportunities introduce students to diesel technology, modern agriculture, and rewarding technical careers. They also connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.

TK Discovery Days: Learn by Doing

TK Discovery Days offer students an inside look at a working John Deere dealership. The focus stays on exploration and experience.

  • Juniors: April 6–10

  • Sophomores: April 20–24

During the event, students spend time in the shop and around the equipment. Modern John Deere machines take center stage. Diesel systems come to life through hands-on demonstrations. Experienced technicians share how they diagnose problems and keep equipment running.

Conversations play a key role. Students ask questions. Team members explain training paths, daily responsibilities, and long-term career options. For many participants, the experience brings clarity. Interests sharpen. Career ideas begin to take shape.

This exposure helps students plan ahead. It also builds confidence in choosing a technical path.

LATC-TK: A Strong Start for Seniors

For high school seniors, the LATC-TK program creates a direct route into the industry. This partnership between Lake Area Technical College and Platte Valley Equipment blends education with real dealership experience.

Students work toward:

  • John Deere certifications

  • An Associate of Applied Science (AA) degree in Diesel Technology

  • Paid, hands-on training in a dealership environment

  • A clear pathway to full-time employment

Skills develop quickly in this setting. Classroom learning connects to daily work. Graduates leave prepared to step into in-demand roles.

Supporting Students and Communities

Platte Valley Equipment remains committed to growing the next generation of technicians. Strong careers support strong rural communities. From early exploration to career-ready training, these programs help students move forward with confidence.

This spring and fall, Platte Valley Equipment opens the door to opportunity. Skills grow. Futures take shape.

https://plattevalleyequipment.com/

Home

Merry Christmas from Platte Valley Equipment

Posted on by brianhuinker

The holiday season is here, and we want to wish a warm Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to our employees, customers, and communities. This time of year encourages reflection and gratitude. It also gives us a chance to recognize the people who help make Platte Valley Equipment strong.

Thanking the Team That Keeps Us Going

As winter arrives, the fields grow still. However, our team’s dedication continues every day. Technicians work hard to prepare equipment for the next season. Parts and sales staff stay committed to supporting customers with fast, reliable service.
Because of this effort, we are reminded how important each role is to our success.

At Platte Valley Equipment, people always come first. Their skill, pride, and commitment make a real impact across every location. So during this holiday season, we want to say thank you. Your work matters, and we appreciate everything you do.

Preparing for a New Year of Opportunity

As the year winds down, many people begin thinking about their future. If you’re considering a career change or new direction, now is a great time to explore opportunities at Platte Valley Equipment.

We offer roles for experienced technicians, recent graduates, and individuals ready to grow in the ag industry.

We also invest in our team through training, development, and a welcoming workplace culture. When you join Platte Valley Equipment, you join a team that supports you and believes in your potential.

Warm Holiday Wishes From Our Team

As we finish another year, we are grateful for the dedication, teamwork, and service shown across all our stores. We look forward to welcoming new team members and continuing to support our customers in the year ahead.

From all of us at Platte Valley Equipment, we wish you a season filled with joy, peace, and celebration.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

https://plattevalleyequipment.com/

UTV Safety: Smart Riding for Work and Play

Posted on by Brooke



Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs), like the popular John Deere Gators, have become indispensable on farms, worksites, and trails. They combine hauling power with off-road versatility, making them a favorite for both work and recreation. But while UTVs are safer than traditional ATVs in many ways, they still come with risks. Following basic safety practices ensures every ride is productive—and safe.

10 Essential Platte Valley UTV Safety Tips

-Wear Proper Gear: Always wear a helmet, goggles, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots. Even with seatbelts and roll cages, protective gear is essential.

-Buckle Up: If your UTV has a rollover protection structure (ROPS) or cab, always wear your seatbelt. It keeps you inside the protective frame during a rollover.

-Inspect Before Use: Check brakes, tires, steering, and seatbelts before heading out. A quick inspection can prevent accidents.

-Load and Tow Safely: Follow manufacturer weight limits. Overloading or uneven cargo in the bed or trailer can cause rollovers. Secure loads with straps.

-Mind the Terrain: Slow down on slopes, shift your weight properly, and use low gear when climbing or descending hills.

-Stay Off Paved Roads: UTV tires are designed for dirt and uneven ground. Pavement reduces traction and increases rollover risk.

-Limit Passengers: Only carry as many riders as there are seatbelts. Extra passengers can throw off balance and safety.

-Control Speed: Just because a UTV can reach 50 mph doesn’t mean it should. Adjust speed for terrain, visibility, and load.

-Practice Trail Etiquette: Yield to downhill traffic, announce when passing, and never block trails. Courtesy keeps everyone safe.

-Train and Educate: Take a UTV safety course and train all operators. Even experienced drivers benefit from refreshers.


UTVs like the John Deere Gator are powerful tools that make tough jobs easier and outdoor adventures more enjoyable. But with that power comes responsibility. By wearing the right gear, respecting weight limits, and driving with care, you can reduce risks and keep every ride safe. Whether you’re hauling supplies across a farm field or exploring rugged trails, these safety practices ensure your UTV remains a reliable partner for years to come.

Stop by our blog for more safety tips!