336. Doing something with your data + the ag equipment market with Gripp’s Tracey Wiedmeyer

Tough commodity markets and a challenging ag economy is putting pressure on all elements of the agbiosciences. One of those is equipment. New data from the Equipment Manufacturers Association shows that tractor sales in the U.S. were down nearly 20% in the most recent month reporting. That's year over year. One entrepreneur is bringing to market a new technology to help those farmers maybe keep their tractors a little longer and better manage their fleet. Tracey Wiedmeyer, CEO of Gripp, joins us this week. We discuss:  

• The current state of the ag equipment market (not such a spoiler: it’s tough on everyone). 
• Challenges facing farmers when it comes to the maintenance of existing equipment – from depreciation to staff coordination on-farm. 
• The greatest opportunity for innovation in the ag equipment market right now and how Gripp was born. 
• What it’s like for producers to interact with Gripp + their feedback. 
• How their partnership with Purdue DIAL has accelerated growth on the farm. 
• Bringing tech talent back to their roots. 
• What’s ahead for Gripp.