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Editor's note: This story and accompanying photo are advertorial content that is part of the 2022 "Jamestown Has It" special edition of The Jamestown Sun. The annual Progress Edition features stories on unique experiences in small business, dining and culture in Jamestown.
When the snow starts to melt and the sun starts to shine, Aaron Raap and the staff at Valley Plains Equipment in Jamestown ready themselves for the storm.
"It's a busy time for us right now," said Raap, Valley Plains Equipment general manager. "With the snow melting, farmers are getting ready to plant and getting all of their spring work done so this is typically a busy time for us.
"We get those machines through the shop and get them fixed up and get them prepared for the planting and spring work seasons so there's a lot of activity going on right now."
Those customers flooding the business can expect a whole new line of machines that can help out with their farming, landscaping or construction projects this spring.
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"In the past, we've always had the agriculture contract and we've expanded that now," Raap said. "We brought on the compact construction line recently. We have skid steers and mini excavators so that should help with some of the small construction type customers."
Raap said even homeowners with rural property and home sites who need a skid steer for snow removal or just working around their property can benefit from the site's recent machinery additions.
Raap said the addition of skid steers and more compact machinery models will also likely make it easier to serve agricultural customers who typically use skid steers around their property.
Making things easier on the customers is one of the things Raap said differentiates Valley Plains from other farm equipment manufacturers.
"Our people are what make the difference," Raap said. "I think we've got the best customer care out of anyone in the area and we're very customer-focused. We try to provide them with a high-quality customer experience."
Valley Plains Equipment has six locations, including the Jamestown site, across Minnesota and North Dakota. Valley Plains offers the full John Deere Agriculture line of machinery. Raap said the site will typically service any product that complements the John Deere products.
"We wouldn't exist without our customers and we really appreciate their business and the opportunity to take care of them and help their farm be successful," Raap said.
