Tag: plattevalleyequipment

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/

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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/

LATC-TK Discovery Days: Exploring the Diesel Tech Pathway

Posted on by shaneuttenhove

Experiencing the Program Up Close

LATC-TK Discovery Days gave high school seniors a real look at life as a diesel technology student. For one full week, we welcomed groups of up to five students each day. They stepped into classes, worked beside current students, and experienced the pace of the diesel program at Lake Area Technical College. The event offered much more than a tour. Students lived a day as a diesel tech student, and that experience made a strong impact.

Learning Through Real Interaction

Students interested in the Brandt Holdings TechKnowledge program had the chance to ask questions and try new skills. They sat in labs, watched repairs in progress, and talked with instructors and students. Many shared that this “student for a day” format helped them understand the program far better than any presentation or brochure.

Building Confidence in Their Path

LATC-TK Discovery Days also helped students decide if diesel technology fits their future. Several seniors who attended have already taken the next step. They are now job-shadowing in our dealerships to see how a real shop operates. Those experiences help them confirm whether they want to pursue a spot in our Student Tech Program. Their follow-up interest shows the value of this event. Students leave with confidence, clarity, and a better sense of direction.

Expanding Opportunities in April

The success of this week inspired us to offer more LATC-TK Discovery Days this spring. In April, we will open the event to juniors and sophomores. By exploring the diesel tech field earlier, students can plan their classes, internships, and career choices with more confidence. Early exposure gives them room to prepare and grow.

Supporting the Next Generation of Technicians

Events like LATC-TK Discovery Days strengthen our partnership with LATC. More importantly, they give students the hands-on experience they need to understand this career path. We’re excited to support the next wave of diesel technicians and help them take the first step toward a rewarding future.

If you or someone you know wants to join our April Discovery Days for juniors or sophomores, the signup link is below!

Kibble Equipment- Discovery Days

Valley Plains Equipment- Discovery Days

Platte Valley Equipment- Discovery Days

Honoring Veterans: Platte Valley Equipment

Posted on by brianhuinker

Every Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the men and women who have served our country. Their courage, discipline, and dedication embody values that have shaped not only our nation, but also the spirit of rural America. At Platte Valley Equipment, we’re especially proud to count many veterans among our team—and we’re always looking to welcome more.

From Service to the Shop Floor

Transitioning from military life to civilian work can be a big change—but for many veterans, the skills they developed in uniform are a perfect match for careers in agriculture and equipment service. Leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and technical know-how are at the core of both worlds.

At Platte Valley Equipment, we’ve seen firsthand how veterans bring mission-driven focus to everything they do. Whether they’re turning wrenches in the shop, supporting customers in the field, or helping farmers run their operations more efficiently, our veteran employees continue to serve with pride—just in a different way.

Proud to Hire Those Who Served

We believe in giving back to those who’ve given so much. That’s why Platte Valley Equipment actively recruits and supports veterans across our locations. They make our teams stronger, our service better, and our culture even more resilient. When you step into a Platte Valley store, there’s a good chance you’re working with someone who’s worn the uniform—and who still carries that sense of duty and purpose into every day on the job.

Thank You, Veterans

To all who have served—and to those who continue to serve their communities through their work at Platte Valley Equipment—we extend our deepest gratitude. Your commitment to excellence, teamwork, and service inspires us every day.

From all of us at Platte Valley Equipment: thank you for your service.

https://www.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!

Platte Valley Equipment Discovery Days

Posted on by shaneuttenhove

Step Into the Shop: Platte Valley Equipment Discovery Days for Seniors This November

Senior year comes fast, and so does the question everyone asks: “What’s next?” Sometimes the best way to answer that isn’t with a test or a survey, but by actually trying something out for yourself. That’s exactly the idea behind Platte Valley Equipment Discovery Days. From November 10–14, high school seniors can spend a morning as a “student for a day” and discover what life looks like in diesel technology.

What Happens at Platte Valley Equipment Discovery Days

From 8:00 a.m. to noon, you’ll shadow a current student at Lake Area Technical College. Instead of just sitting back, you’ll walk through their schedule, split time between the classroom and the shop, and see how the program mixes learning with hands-on training. By lunchtime—and yes, we’ll cover it—you’ll already know much more about what it feels like to study here and work with the machines that keep agriculture moving forward.

Even better, you won’t get lost in a crowd. Each visiting senior pairs one-on-one with a student, so you’ll get a true insider’s view. That means you’ll see the real side of things: the challenges, the tools, the teamwork, and even the laughs. Plus, you’ll meet instructors, ask questions, and hear directly from someone who stood in your shoes not that long ago.

However, you don’t have to arrive already certain about your future. Platte Valley Equipment Discovery Days exist to help you explore. Maybe this experience confirms that diesel technology is exactly what you want. Or maybe it sparks new ideas and gives you direction for what to research next. Either way, you’ll leave with more clarity than you had before. And after all, that’s what senior year is all about—figuring out the path that fits you best.

Spots are limited to only five students each day, so register early. We’ll provide safety glasses. Meanwhile, you just need to bring long pants, closed-toe shoes, and an open mind.

This November, step into the shop at Platte Valley Equipment Discovery Days, live a day as a student, and take one more step toward deciding what comes after graduation.

Sign up here!

Your Home Town Dealership- Your Future

Posted on by shaneuttenhove

When most people drive past our John Deere dealerships, they see tractors lined up on the lot, shiny equipment waiting for the field, or a busy parts counter helping farmers get what they need. All of that is true, but there’s more to the story. Behind those green machines is a team of people working hard to keep agriculture moving. At Kibble Equipment, Valley Plains Equipment, and Platte Valley Equipment, we’re proud to say we’re more than sales locations. We’re part of the community, part of the farm, and a place where rewarding careers can grow close to home.

More Than Just Sales

Yes, we sell tractors, combines, and sprayers. But what really keeps us going is the people who service them. Our diesel technicians, shop interns, and precision ag specialists are a major part of our business. They’re the ones who make sure machines keep running when farmers need them most — during long planting days and even longer harvest nights.

Choosing a career with us doesn’t mean you’re just “fixing equipment.” It means you’re helping neighbors, supporting families, and keeping the food supply chain moving. For students trying to figure out their future, a career with us comes with a lot of purpose.

Why Start Your Career Here

Agriculture will always be one of the most important industries in the world, and diesel technicians are at the center of it. Right now, there’s a shortage of skilled service techs across the country, which makes this one of the most secure and rewarding career paths available.

At our dealerships — Kibble Equipment, VPE, and PVE — you don’t need to leave your hometown to find a great opportunity or commute far to a nearby dealership. Our student tech and internship programs give young people the chance to learn right here and at school, from people they already know and trust. These aren’t just “starter jobs.” They’re the beginning of meaningful careers with real growth, solid pay, and the chance to make a difference in the community you grew up in. And that’s exactly what we are here to provide.

Today’s Equipment = Today’s Technology

Modern John Deere equipment is more advanced than most people realize. A combine or tractor today is as much computer as it is engine. GPS steering, wireless diagnostics, real-time data, even artificial intelligence — it’s all part of the job now.

That’s why our techs do more than turn wrenches. They run diagnostics, troubleshoot electronics, and connect laptops to machines that gather and share huge amounts of information. For students who like both hands-on work and technology, this is the perfect mix. Whether it’s Kibble Equipment, Valley Plains Equipment, or Platte Valley Equipment, you get to work with your hands while also learning cutting-edge systems that keep farms efficient and productive.

Your Future. Your Career. Our Focus

One of the things we’re most proud of is our student tech program. It gives high school and college students a chance to step into the shop, work side-by-side with experienced technicians, and learn by doing.

Many of our interns start working while in High School, then continue on through LATC and our exclusive TechKnowledge program, which is designed specifically for our dealerships and future service technicians. We also partner with other outstanding regional schools — including NDSCS, SCC, NICC, and several others — to give students multiple paths toward success. Along the way, we often provide scholarships, tuition support, and the promise of a full-time job once training is done. By the time these students graduate, they don’t just have a degree — they already have real experience and a career waiting for them right here at home.

Building Lasting Legacies

Being part of our dealerships means more than just having a job. It means being part of something bigger. Every time one of our techs gets a machine back in the field, they’re helping a farmer harvest on time. Every time a sprayer is repaired, they’re protecting a crop. And every time a student learns a new skill, they’re helping carry agriculture forward.

Our team is woven into the communities we serve. We sponsor local fairs, support FFA chapters, and show up at school events because we care about the next generation. When students join our crews, they’re not only building their own future — they’re helping strengthen the towns and people around them.

Working with you. Driven For you.

At Kibble Equipment, Valley Plains Equipment, and Platte Valley Equipment, we believe our dealerships are more than places to buy equipment. They’re places where you can start a career, find mentors, and grow into work that truly matters.

If you’re a student who enjoys solving problems, working with your hands, and being part of a team that helps neighbors every single day, there’s a spot for you in our shop. Don’t just drive past — stop in, take a look around, and see what your future could be.

👉 Check out our student tech opportunities today and discover how your hometown dealership can be the place where your career begins.

Harvest Season is Almost Here – Let’s Put Safety First

Posted on by ellenchildress

It’s almost that time of year where tractors are on the roads, combines are rolling in the fields, and long hours are required to get the job done.

From September through October, Platte Valley Equipment we’ll be sharing tips and reminders to keep safety top of mind during harvest season.

Harvest season is one of the busiest—and most demanding—times of year. Farmers, truck drivers, service technicians, and equipment operators often work long days to keep up with the pace of harvest. But those long hours can lead to fatigue, and fatigue is one of the biggest safety risks on the farm.

Fatigue affects reaction time, decision-making, and awareness. Just like distracted driving, being overtired increases the chances of an accident.

During the harvest season, that could mean a roadway incident, a slip around machinery, or a costly mistake in the field.

Here are a few simple ways to fight fatigue during harvest season:

  • Take short breaks throughout the day to stretch and reset.

  • Stay hydrated—water helps with focus and alertness.

  • Eat balanced meals and snacks to keep energy steady.

  • Rest when you can—even a short nap can make a difference.

  • Look out for each other—remind coworkers or family to slow down if they look tired.

This harvest season, remember: getting the job done safely is more important than getting it done fast.

Fatigue is real, but it can be managed with awareness and small adjustments.

Let’s keep safety at the top of the list so everyone makes it home safe after a long day in the field.

Work Hard, Play Harder!

Posted on by brianhuinker

Work Hard, Play Harder!

At Platte Valley Equipment, we work and play harder! Platte Valley Equipment held its annual company picnic on June 13 at the North Bend Park, and what a day it was! Our amazing employees and their families gathered for an afternoon packed with softball, delicious food, refreshing fun, and plenty of laughter.

Fun for the Whole Family

The day offered something for everyone. Families enjoyed a wide variety of yard games and inflatable attractions that kept both kids and adults entertained. Whether it was friendly competition in cornhole or racing through the blow-ups, there was never a dull moment. And with the sun shining bright, the pool was a major hit. There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than cooling off with a cannonball or splashing around with friends.

Food, Glorious Food


Of course, no picnic is complete without food, and this year’s spread did not disappoint. Our talented sales team grilled up classic picnic fare—hot dogs and burgers—with all the fixings and plenty of tasty sides. Later in the day, everyone gathered for supper featuring locally catered fried chicken that was nothing short of mouthwatering. It’s safe to say no one left hungry!

Softball Showdown


The highlight of the day was the annual Platte Valley Equipment Softball Tournament. The competition kicked off with a high-energy rematch: Clarkson vs. Wahoo. Wahoo entered as the favorite, having taken home the trophy in the past. The game was close, with playful banter between coaches and some tight calls. But in the end, Clarkson pulled off a thrilling underdog victory to advance to the finals.

Road to the Finals


The second match featured Humphrey vs. Fremont. This game was much closer than last year’s and, fortunately, injury-free. Humphrey gave it their all but came up just short, allowing Fremont to move on.

Clarkson’s Championship Moment


In the championship game, Clarkson faced off against Fremont. Thanks to some standout plays by their service tech interns and strong performances deep in the lineup, Clarkson claimed their first-ever championship in the annual tournament!

Cheers to a Great Day


Congratulations to Team Clarkson! And a big thanks to Justin for the celebratory popsicles that hit the spot after a fun-filled day.

https://www.plattevalleyequipment.com

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