We like to know what boots-on-the-ground, dirt-in-the-shirt producers like you think about issues ranging from politics to production methods. We compiled a collection of our most recent polls for your enjoyment. 

Producers divided on brand loyalty

Where do you go to buy new equipment? The dealership? Craigslist? The classifieds?

In a recent poll, Progressive Forage asked, "Is equipment brand loyalty dead?" 

Just over half of the respondents (53.4%) answered that price is a bigger factor than loyalty to a dealership or brand when it comes to buying equipment.

The minority (46.6%) indicated that they would stay loyal to their dealership.

Hay sellers stick to traditional forms of payment

If you're planning to buy hay, you had better bring cash or your checkbook.

In a recent online poll, Progressive Forage asked, "What forms of payment do you take when selling hay?"

The majority of responders indicated that they take personal checks or cash, at 49.8% and 44.6%, respectively. 

The remaining 5.6% is comprised of the 3.1% that accepts credit cards, the 1.8% that use PayPal and the 0.7% that use Google Pay. 

Most producers try to avoid hiring out custom work

How much do you rely on custom workers to take care of business on your operation?

Progressive Forage asked readers this question: "How often do you hire someone to do custom work?"

The largest segment of respondents (45.6%) said they only hire a custom operator when absolutey necessary. The next largest group (29.1%) said they never hire out custom work.

The remainder of respondents indicated that about half of their work is completed by custom operators, or that they rely on them to get the work done – 11.4% and 13.9%, respectively.

Producers tune in during tractor time

There are plenty of options when it comes to filling long stretches of time in the tractor. 

In a recent online poll, Progressive Forage asked readers, "What is coming out of the speakers while you are on a tractor?" with the option to select all applicable options. 

Almost half of the respondents (47.3%) answered that they stick to the local radio during tractor time. The second-largest group (32.4%) said they don't listen to anything but the sound of the tractor.

The rest of the group said they listen to satellite radio, a music streaming service, podcasts or audiobooks.    

2020 planting season gets a thumbs up from producers

As everyone knows, Mother Nature can be a pretty fickle lady when success or failure hinges on the weather, like planting and harvest season. 

ˆ recently asked producers in an online poll to rate their planting season on a scale of 1-5, denoted by emoji, on a scale of "Excellent" – big smile – to "Terrible" – angry face.

The majority of respondents rated their planting season "Good" or "Excellent." Roughly a third gave their planting season a "Can't complain" rating, with the remainder giving the lowest ratings of "Poor" or "Terrible."

Want to submit a poll question? Email your suggestions to editor@progressiveforage.com.