Great Plains, manufacturer of grain drills, planters and soil management equipment from the U.S., celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It marks five decades of innovation and expansion. Today, Great Plains is a global player, owned by Kubota.
Founded in 1976 in Salina, Kansas, by Roy Applequist, the company introducing its folding press drill, capable of being transported down the road full of seed. This innovation addressed a critical challenge for farmers, improving efficiency and productivity in the field and setting the stage for decades of advancement.
In 2000, Great Plains acquired Kent Manufacturing in Tipton, Kansas, adding tillage equipment to its product lineup. Great Plains was instrumental in bringing the concept of vertical tillage to the marketplace through such products as the Turbo-Till, Turbo-Chopper, and the Turbo-Max. Through the years, the company also added air drills and planters to the portfolio, as well as a new line of Stealth Pro™ branded implements designed for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
In 2016 Applequist sold the company to Kubota Corporation from Japan, but the production facilities continue in eight central Kansas communities. Today, the company serves agricultural producers across the United States and international markets, delivering solutions designed to enhance seedbed preparation, and support long-term soil health.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we look at how far we’ve come and how agriculture has changed over the past fifty years,” said Tony Wisker, Vice President of Sales. “Looking toward the future, we remain committed to innovation by providing the tools and technology farmers need to succeed in an everchanging agricultural landscape.”
“We are grateful to our employees, dealers,and customers, past and present, who have made this milestone possible”.
