Colby Hartman
Gibbon
Summary
Self Employed Farm Operator with proven expertise in precision agriculture and crop management at H6 Farms, LLC. Achieved significant cost reductions through effective machinery maintenance and implemented sustainable farming practices. Strong relationship-building skills fostered collaboration with agronomists, enhancing crop yields and operational efficiency. Committed to continuous improvement and compliance with safety protocols. Combined with strong work ethic and reliability.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Farm Operator
Self Employed Owner at H6 Farms, LLC
01.2006 - Current
- Maintained detailed records of all farming activities, enabling accurate analysis and future planning.
- Operated various types of heavy machinery proficiently, ensuring maximum productivity in fieldwork activities.
- Contributed to a safe work environment by strictly adhering to safety protocols during daily tasks and routine equipment checks.
- Performed general facility maintenance work such as fencing repairs or barn cleaning, ensuring a safe and organized farm environment.
- Collaborated with sales representatives from seed companies to choose high-performance varieties that met specific farm requirements.
- Reduced operational costs through the efficient use of farm machinery and effective maintenance schedules.
- Participated in training sessions and industry conferences regularly to stay updated on best practices in modern agriculture techniques.
- Ensured compliance with federal regulations regarding pesticide application, storage, and disposal procedures.
- Managed livestock health, ensuring proper care and vaccinations for optimal growth and production rates.
- Assisted in the development of long-term farm strategy, incorporating new technologies and market trends for increased profitability.
- Streamlined farm operations, utilizing modern technology for real-time monitoring of crops and livestock.
- Assisted in financial management tasks, including budgeting and record-keeping for accurate tracking of farm expenses and revenues.
- Enhanced crop yields by implementing advanced farming techniques and precision agriculture tools.
- Increased overall farm efficiency by optimizing planting, fertilizing, and harvesting processes.
- Implemented integrated pest management strategies to minimize damage while maintaining environmental safety standards.
- Collaborated with agronomists to develop customized nutrient management plans for optimal plant growth.
- Improved soil quality with sustainable farming practices, including crop rotation and cover cropping.
- Conducted thorough grain marketing research to determine favorable selling opportunities based on market trends.
- Conducted regular equipment inspections to identify potential issues early on, reducing downtime due to malfunctions or repairs.
- Maintained and repaired various farming equipment.
- Enforced proper storage of crops, fertilizers and materials used in agricultural production.
- Identified, isolated and treated diverse pests and diseases in crops and livestock.
- Selected and purchased supplies and equipment such as seed, farm machinery, and livestock.
- Monitored weather conditions and adjusted irrigation and crop schedules accordingly.
- Visited fields regularly to inspect and estimate maturity dates of crops and damage due to weather.
- Utilized chemical and non-chemical methods to protect crops from weeds and pests.
- Assisted in development of sustainable agricultural practices and policies to reduce waste.
- Developed and implemented efficient irrigation systems to maximize production.
- Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property.
- Inspected and repaired equipment for livestock and crop management.
- Fed and watered over 360 cattle animals according to strict feeding schedules and dietary needs.
- Set up and managed plant irrigation systems to maintain optimal flows to different types of plants.
- Budgeted equipment purchases and regular repairs.
- Coordinated inventories of seeds, chemicals, plant nutrients and tools to achieve business targets.
- Researched pests and diseases common to individual types of stock and developed mitigation plans.
- Managed operational records, administrative needs and marketing plans to promote business and strengthen revenue streams.
- Maximized operational profits by closely inspecting crops, assessing quality, and identifying problems such as disease or insects.
- Oversaw cultivation and harvesting of over 2,000 acres of crops each year.
- Collected and reported on metrics related to stock growth, production actions and environmental assessments to facilitate effective decision making.
- Optimized growth and development at every stage and moved finished plants to sales facilities.
- Used Precision Ag. and Climate Field View to record and document information regarding pesticide use, yields and costs.
- Directed transfer of mature stock to final habitats or commercial holding tanks for harvesting.
- Consulted with horticultural experts to assess operational strengths and weaknesses and plan enhancements to meet changing demands.
Crop Insurance Salesman
The Home Agency
02.2020 - 12.2024
- Negotiated favorable insurance rates for clients with providers, saving them money on premiums.
- Assisted clients in filing claims and navigating the claims process, ensuring a seamless experience during difficult times.
- Increased policy sales by developing and implementing effective marketing strategies.
- Coordinated with other department heads in cross-selling initiatives aimed at increasing overall revenue for the organization.
- Attended industry conferences and seminars regularly, expanding knowledge of insurance products and market trends.
- Analyzed competitor offerings to identify areas for improvement within own product portfolio.
- Built strong client relationships through excellent customer service and regular followups.
- Educated potential customers on various insurance products to help them make informed decisions.
- Collaborated with underwriters to create customized insurance policies tailored to clients'' needs.
- Conducted comprehensive risk assessments for clients, identifying gaps in their coverage and offering appropriate solutions.
- Improved client retention rates by providing ongoing support and addressing any concerns or questions promptly.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations and company policies, ensuring a high level of professionalism in all transactions.
- Generated quotes and proposals for clients to match individual needs.
- Cultivated relationships with clients to identify and meet insurance needs and establish trust and rapport.
- Provided comprehensive product knowledge and guidance to help clients on product selection.
- Sought out new clients and developed client relationships through networking, direct referrals, lead databases, and cold calling.
- Met with prospective clients to discuss insurance needs and provide solutions.
- Recommended type and amount of coverage based on analysis of customers' circumstances using persuasive sales techniques.
- Followed up promptly with interested clients to close sales.
- Developed sales strategies to increase sales of insurance policies.
- Negotiated contracts with clients to establish best coverage with lowest cost.
- Educated clients on insurance policies and procedures.
- Analyzed customer needs to provide customized insurance solutions.
- Met with customers to provide information about available products and policies.
- Calculated premiums and established payment methods for sales.
- Collected premiums on or before effective date of coverage.
- Finalized sales and collected necessary deposits.
- Analyzed risk factors to recommend appropriate coverage levels.
- Generated leads through cold-calling, networking and other outreach methods.
- Conducted annual reviews of existing policies to update information.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Monitored customer feedback and identified areas of improvement.
- Negotiated contracts and terms of sale with potential customers.
- Evaluated competitors' products and services to gain competitive advantage.
- Created sources for continuous client referrals within community and with businesses using extensive networking skills.
Seed Salesman
Shane Bendfeldt
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and exceptional customer service.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate products based on their needs, boosting satisfaction rates.
- Increased sales by offering advice on purchases and promoting additional products.
- Increased sales revenue by identifying potential clients and conducting persuasive product presentations.
- Upheld high standards of customer service by promoting and upselling new products and services.
- Continuously updated product knowledge, staying informed of industry trends and competitor offerings.
- Provided after-sales support, addressing any issues promptly to ensure ongoing client satisfaction.
- Promoted and up-sold products and services to meet needs of customers.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline sales processes, resulting in an efficient workflow.
- Negotiated contracts with clients to secure mutually beneficial terms and conditions for both parties.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
- Negotiated prices, terms of sales and service agreements.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Recorded accurate and efficient records in customer database.
- Built relationships with customers and community to promote long term business growth.
- Gained customer trust and confidence by demonstrating compelling, persuasive and composed professional demeanor.
- Presented professional image consistent with company's brand values.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Monitored service after sale and implemented quick and effective problem resolutions.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
- Identified new business opportunities through cold calling, networking, marketing and prospective database leads.
- Fielded customer complaints and facilitated negotiations, resolving issues and reaching mutual conclusions.
- Developed, maintained and utilized diverse client base.
- Met existing customers to review current services and expand sales opportunities.
- Increased sales with execution of full sales cycle processing from initial lead processing through conversion and closing.
- Met with customers to discuss and ascertain needs, tailor solutions and close deals.
Education
No Degree - Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska, NESkills
- Farm safety protocols
- Horticulture expertise
- Market research and analysis
- Pest control techniques
- Record keeping
- Crop management
- Irrigation systems management
- Crop rotation planning
- Grain storage management
- Weather monitoring
- Soil fertility analysis
- Sustainable farming methods
- Precision agriculture technologies
- Farm machinery operation
- Agribusiness marketing strategies
- Water conservation practices
- Cultivation
- Heavy equipment operations
- Grounds maintenance
- Farm equipment maintenance
- General maintenance
- Mechanical maintenance
- Irrigation techniques
- Sustainable agriculture
- Crop rotation
- Budget management
- Soil augmentation
- Farm operations management
- Supply management
- Budget development
- Harvesting
- Crop planning
- Pest control
- Soil analysis
- Dumping and loading
- Grain handling
- Harvest operations
- Grain drying
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Organizational management
- Disease control
- Documentation skills
- Task prioritization
- Equipment operation
- Self motivation
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Crop harvesting
- Goal setting
- Professionalism
- Staff management
- Interpersonal communication
- Scheduling
- Quality control
- Strategic planning
Certification
- Certified Pesticide Applicator, - 2006-2024
- Certified Nitrogen Applicator, - 2006-2024
- License Certified Chemigation, 2006-2024
- Certified Crop Insurance Salesman, 2020-2024
Timeline
Crop Insurance Salesman
The Home Agency
02.2020 - 12.2024
Seed Salesman
Shane Bendfeldt
01.2020 - 01.2024
Farm Operator
Self Employed Owner at H6 Farms, LLC
01.2006 - Current
No Degree - Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
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