By DEBORAH BEHRENDS
Illinois Correspondent

URBANA, Ill. — “The salespeople can see more customers (at the Midwest Ag Expo) than they can individually in a month,” said Wayne Coffin.

Although he worked for Birkey’s Farm Store for more than 40 years and retired on Dec. 31, 2010, Coffin is coordinating the company’s booths at the annual expo Jan. 26-27, in Gifford, Ill. Prior to retirement, Coffin said he served in a variety of roles, his last as the manager of the Urbana location.

Birkey’s has 11 locations selling Case IH ag equipment and four Case construction equipment contracts throughout Illinois and Indiana. Ag locations are in Annawan, Bloomington, Galesburg, Gibson, Hoopeston, Macomb, Oakland, Polo, Prophetstown and Urbana, Ill. and Williamsport, Ind.

Construction equipment is sold in Bloomington, Galesburg, Mattoon and Urbana. The company also sells lawn and garden equipment. Birkey’s was founded in 1954 in Fisher, Ill., by Floyd Birkey and his brothers. Ron Birkey, Floyd’s son, serves as company president and CEO, Coffin said.

“This particular expo is in the heart of our territory,” he added. “We take full advantage of this show. It’s been very good for us. It’s a good time to relax and talk with customers and potential customers.

“It’s indoors, it’s warm and we have plenty of time to spend with anyone who stops by our booths. It’s great for one-on-one time.”

Coffin said Birkey’s takes a wide variety of equipment, “the latest and greatest” Case IH has to offer. Although the main focus at this show is ag equipment, Coffin said they intend to show a couple of pieces of Case construction equipment, as well.

They plan to show a variety of machines, including four-wheel drive tractors and combines, self-propelled sprayers and vertical tillage tools, including the Case IH 330 vertical tillage tool.

Also on display are several mowers and other smaller consumer products.
Coffin said Birkey’s parts and service department also sets up a large booth to meet customers.

For more information about Birkey’s Farm Store, visit www.birkeys.com to find a location and to learn more about the products available.