The Equipment Library began operating in Spring 2002 as a "branch" of our Revolving Loan Program, featuring an inventory of conservation (strip-tillage) equipment, which was relatively new to the area at that time.  Farmers can implement new resource-conserving production practices utilizing the equipment on some of their acreage at low user maintenance fees.  This helps farmers eliminate the upfront capital investment in changing cultivation practices during the "learning curve" for the method, which reduces moisture loss and operation costs.  Timing and economic conditions have been right for farmers to use the program to help convert a large portion of the two-county area to reduced tillage production in a variety of row crops.  The inventory has since expanded to more than 30 pieces of equipment to address conservation tillage, precision ag technologies, and field maintenance issues.  Working with the local Georgia Cooperative Extension Services, National Resource Conservation service, and other cooperating farm groups, AgAmerica provides experiential learning opportunities for successful implementation of the improved practices.  To date (Mar 06), the inventory has seen more than 418 uses, implementing improved practices on more than 60,500 acres in the two-county area.  A number of farmers have "graduated" from the program, having invested in their own equipment to be utilized over larger portions of their operations. 

Funding for the Equipment Library Inventory was provided by the Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone through USDA Rural Development's EZ/EC program.  In 2003, AgAmerica added an Equipment Technician to the staff to provide custom in-field assistance to equipment users, maintain the Equipment Library operations, and develop training programs in improved production practices.  This position was made possible through USDA Rural Development's Rural Community Development Initiative funds through the Crisp-Dooly Joint Development Authority.

See our Library Guidelines for user details & Check these links to learn more about our inventory:  (All users are required to carry valid insurance with liability coverage while equipment is in their possession.)

Strip-Till Rigs

Prepare the seed bed for planting with minimum tillage to allow for retention of surface residue to conserve soil moisture and build organic matter

No-till Drills and Seeders

Plant a variety of crops with little or no prep-cultivation through previous crop residue or pasture

Rotary Harrow

Condition fields & manage residue, while incorporating fertilizers &/or small seeds with shallow tine action for field preparation or pasture aeration in reduced tillage operations

Field Maintenance Units

A variety of units to address erosion control, waterway management, irrigation paths, set aside maintenance, and compaction problems in reduced tillage operations.

Precision Ag Units

Parallel Tracking units to be used in precision application operations for better coverage, reduced overlap--utilizes GPS technologies.

Last modified: 11/06/06