Precision Planting, Planter Maintenance & Ag Tech Innovation
In the latest episode of the Germinate Podcast, we sat down with two powerhouse voices in agriculture: Vaughn Koehn, founder of New Day Precision in Aberdeen, Mississippi, and Marc Adams, VP of Sales at GBGI. Hosted by Joe Sampson, this episode provides an inside look at what it truly takes to build a successful agricultural dealership, why planter maintenance is non-negotiable, and how quick-to-market innovations are shaping the future of farming.
Whether you’re a farmer, dealer, or simply a student of the agricultural industry, this conversation offers unmatched insight into the evolving world of modern agriculture.
Building a Precision Ag Business from the Ground Up
Vaughn Koehn has spent over 20 years building New Day Precision into one of the leading precision ag dealerships in the South. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a full-service shop specializing in planter builds, maintenance, and retrofits with a growing presence in seed and sprayer technologies.
One unique twist? Vaughn is also one of the few people in the U.S. selling floating catfish feed, a soybean-based meal that supports the robust aquaculture industry across Mississippi. It's just another example of the creative diversification that’s helping ag businesses weather the current economic downturn.
How the GBGI & New Day Partnership Was Born
Marc Adams recalls how the relationship with Vaughn started: a cold call during a FEMA conference that turned into a strong business partnership. Vaughn needed precision parts fast — GBGI delivered. From there, the collaboration expanded into a shared commitment to innovative, durable products, like GBGI’s hybrid shank and bulletproof parallel arms.
Marc explains that the GBGI product line isn't developed in a vacuum:
“Everything we build starts with the dealer and the grower. They're the ones telling us what needs to be fixed.”
That responsiveness has become GBGI’s secret weapon, and it’s one reason why dealers like New Day are thriving even in challenging times.
Why Planter Maintenance Matters More Than Ever
One of the biggest themes in this episode is the importance of fundamentals. Vaughn emphasizes that, no matter how high-tech your setup is, poor parts or inadequate maintenance will sabotage your results.
“You can spend $300,000 on technology,” Vaughn says, “but if your maintenance isn't right, you've got nothing.”
He details how GBGI’s precision-built parallel arms and disc openers are saving his team hours in the shop — and delivering real ROI to customers in the field.
The Future of Farming: Ag Tech, Autonomy & Adaptation
As the discussion turned toward the future, both Vaughn and Marc agreed: autonomy and AI are no longer fringe concepts; they're becoming essential tools.
But they also raised a critical point: the need for smart equipment, not just smart tractors. A machine’s performance is only as good as the parts it's dragging behind it. And in a world where farming might one day be managed from a laptop or control center, reliability becomes even more crucial.
Younger farmers are already adapting, Vaughn says, while some older operators risk being left behind if they don’t evolve with the times.
A Purpose-Driven Industry
Beyond the tech, Vaughn and Marc share why they love agriculture. For them, it’s about faith, family, and purpose. Marc quotes Colossians 3:23:
“Whatever you do, work at it willingly for the Lord, not for men alone.”
Farming isn’t just business, it’s stewardship. It’s putting food on tables, caring for the land, and taking pride in a job well done.
Learn More & Stay Connected
Listen to the Full Episode
Contact the Guests:
Vaughn Koehn – New Day Precision
🔗 newdayprecision.com
📞 662-694-0188
📱 Facebook: [New Day Precision]Marc Adams – GBGI
🔗 gbgiusa.com
📞 440-226-4832
📱 Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Final Thoughts
This episode of the Germinate Podcast is more than just a conversation, it’s a blueprint for how the ag industry can move forward: with collaboration, innovation, and an unshakable commitment to customer service.
If you're in ag sales, service, or farming, this one’s for you. And if you’re just tuning in for the first time, welcome. We’ve got more powerful episodes coming soon.
