Recently, Eau Claire County Farm Bureau member Allen ‘Bud’ Sonnentag purchased a John Deere 835R Gator to save some steps. He used the Farm Bureau John Deere member benefit to save even more than just steps.
Bud was born and raised in Cadott and co-owns Sonnentag Custom Farming with his wife, Cassie, and parents, David and Karen Sonnentag.
“We offer a variety of custom services from planting to harvest,” said Bud.
The Sonnentags offer custom planting and harvesting services in their home area, and often travel across state lines for summer harvest, as well.
“We have harvested in South Dakota, Iowa and Missouri on separate occasions,” said Bud. “It is a rewarding business that I enjoy being a part of.”
The salesman Bud worked with was Ryan Schesel at Tractor Central in Chippewa Falls.
“We have a great working relationship and have made several purchases from Tractor Central,” added Bud. “While owning and operating a custom farming business, their staff is always a phone call away when we need a part or service and are excellent people to work with.”
Bud mentioned that at the time of purchase Ryan wasn’t aware that he was a Farm Bureau member but his wife, Cassie, who works for Farm Bureau, was aware of the John Deere member benefit.
“Ryan is a great salesman who we’ve done business with several times,” said Bud. “This was the first time using the John Deere member benefit and it saved me $500 on a brand new 835R John Deere Gator.”
“Once we worked out the details with the John Deere member benefit, everything worked out really well for Bud,” said Schesel, who has worked in sales at Tractor Central for 10 years. “It was a pleasure to work with him once again.”
“We don’t have immediate plans to purchase more equipment, but when we do, we will probably work with John Deere again,” added Bud.
Wisconsin Farm Bureau members receive an upgraded John Deere Rewards membership (Platinum 1) unlocking extra discounts on equipment, parts and merchandise.
To use the John Deere member benefit you must be a member of Farm Bureau for 30 days and have a valid email address.
Bud added that he’s been a member of Farm Bureau for about four years and has used the hotel discount member benefit “quite a bit while traveling” and the family also uses the Office Depot discount on products and printing services.
For more information about Farm Bureau member benefits, please visit wfbf.com/membership/member-benefits.
Testimonial featured in June | July 2021 Rural Route.
