A John Deere Publication
For Erin Klotzbach of Chester County, Pennsylvania, farming isn't about money; it's about hard work, fresh air, and the joy of doing what he loves.
Agriculture, Ag Tech April 01, 2026
Tech@Work
Balancing tradition and tech: Precision Ag Essentials
Erin Klotzbach is a first-generation farmer in Chester County, Pennsylvania. He grows hay, soybeans, corn, and specialty crops. After college, Erin and his wife returned to the land to pursue farming. His passion began with a love for the outdoors and the satisfaction of creating something tangible—a source of pride that keeps him going. "You don't do it for the money; you do it for the love of it," he says.
Although Erin farms on rich soil with favorable weather, timing is everything. He often has just a few days to get work done before the next rain, so efficiency is critical. When he started out, technology wasn't in the mix. His first step into precision agriculture came with a secondhand 6175R tractor equipped for autosteer—what we now know as AutoTrac™. With no-till planting and seeding through chopped rye or cover crops, seeing previous passes is difficult. AutoTrac tackles that problem by ensuring accuracy, preventing overlap, and saving seed.
The John Deere Precision Ag Essentials Kit made it possible for Erin to add technology across his fleet without a big upfront investment. "Farmers put a lot of money into the ground," Erin says. "It's important that I'm getting the best bang for my buck per acre and not overspending on seed and fertilizer applications. I'm able to control exactly where the tractors are shutting off and starting, and my spacing is really good."
For Erin, farming is about building a future. "Any good business owner has to grow," he says. Technology makes that growth possible. The Essentials Kit gives him the freedom to start small and scale up when the time is right. For Erin, the gained efficiency in the field means more precious time with family. It's the perfect blend of tradition and innovation—fueling his passion and securing the legacy he's working hard to create. ‡
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