John Beardsley's Blog – September 2009 Archive (1)

Upcoming winter Ontario farm shows

Farmers never stop learning

Ag superstitions for Friday the 13th

Passing a baby through cheese is a form of blessing

Could Pumpkin Seeds Find New Life as Coffee Creamer?

Pumpkin seeds may have more value than previously thought. Scientists have turned pumpkin seed protein into a plant-based coffee creamer that beat a commercial nondairy option in an initial taste test.

CANZA Expands Climate-Smart Farming Program by 36,000 Ontario Acres

CANZA is expanding its Million Acre Challenge in Ontario, adding 36,000 acres and approximately 60 farms while increasing financial, agronomic and program-navigation support for producers.

Take a Quantitative Approach to Assigning Territories

Veteran consultant shares data-driven methodology for sales departments Dr. Jim Weber, veteran consultant in the farm and construction equipment industry, identifies territory assignment as a core tactical activity that increases wholegood sales. Rather than treating sales territories as geographical boundaries or a route for sales reps to drive around, Weber presents a mathematical approach to defining, segmenting and staffing territories based on market data, customer value and call capacity math.  “I don’t care if the territories are geographical. I don’t care how they are,” he says. “But we have to assign the territory. We have to have territories for these individuals.”  By replacing guesswork with real data, dealership leaders can transform sales reps from passive into proactive people who manage their assigned market potential.  The Trade Area Formula  The foundation of Weber’s territory model is built on calculating the market size within a dealership’s geographical boundari