Farmers Turn to Older Machinery to Cut Costs

By Andi Anderson

Farmers across many regions are facing economic challenges due to rising production costs and lower profitability. As a result, many are choosing to repair and maintain older farm machinery instead of investing in expensive new equipment.

For many producers, older tractors, combines, trucks, and tillage tools continue to play an important role in daily operations. Repairs and spare parts often help keep these machines running effectively while reducing the need for major investments. Some farmers even purchase used equipment at low prices and restore it for practical farm use.

Dennis Kellogg, sixth-generation owner of Kellogg Family Farms, relies heavily on repairing existing machinery. He highlighted the value of keeping old parts and equipment available for repairs, saying, “Some of this equipment we’ll never use again.” He also noted, “But it’s amazing how if I need a part of something that’s similar that’ll work on even a different brand, I’m able to go and find something that’ll work.”

The main reason behind this trend is the growing financial pressure on farms. Rising fertilizer and fuel costs, combined with lower expected farm income, are making it difficult for producers to invest in new machinery. At the same time, prices of modern equipment remain extremely high, with some combines and sprayers costing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Drew Kientzy, agriculture research analyst at the University of Missouri, explained that modern farm equipment has remained useful for longer periods because new technologies can be added to older machines. He said, “It's really been pretty revolutionary in the last 20 years as far as enabling farms to have older equipment still be competitive with the latest and greatest.”

However, technology upgrades can still be expensive. Donnie Edwards, a Kentucky farmer, believes some advanced upgrades may not provide enough financial return. He stated, “It's a tough pill to swallow.”

Experts also point to newer tools such as drones, which can help farmers monitor crop health, identify diseases, and apply crop protection products more efficiently. According to Doug Houser, digital agriculture specialist at Iowa State University Extension, better visibility allows farmers to make informed decisions, stating, “You can't manage what you can't see.”

Another option is hiring custom harvesting services. These businesses provide equipment, labor, and expertise, helping farmers avoid major machinery purchases and maintenance expenses.

Ultimately, many farmers continue to weigh the benefits of technology, efficiency, and costs. As Dennis Kellogg summarized, “It's your time or your money.” This balance is shaping machinery decisions as farmers work to remain financially sustainable.

Photo Credit: kinze-manufacturing