MELVIN, Ill. — Many farmers in Illinois have heard of Arends Brothers; this John Deere dealership offers four locations in Melvin, Hoopeston, Urbana and Ashmore.

In business for more than 75 years, the company is a generational family business that started in Melvin, in the fall of 1932. Henry Arends and sons Roy and Walt acquired the franchise to sell John Deere agricultural equipment.

Among their first sales that fall, according to the business website, was a model “D” tractor with steel wheels and a Model “C” two-bottom plow. After two years, the business was moved from the back of a grain elevator to a large brick-front building that housed the dealership for the next 43 years.

The family operation expanded in 1946 to include Phil Arends, who joined his father, Roy. In 1948, Phil’s brother, Rick, also joined and soon after, the dealership name was changed to Arends Bros., Inc. The dealership remained at its original location until 1979 when, because of expansion, it relocated to Melvin’s east side.

This location has been expanded over the years to serve the growing needs of the business. Today it occupies a 14-acre location along Illinois Route 54 and serves as the headquarters of Arends Bros LLC.

Brothers Mark and Kent Arends are the next generation to take part in this agricultural business. The four locations employ more than 100 people and the dealerships sell both new and used equipment and offer a wide array of services. With decades of experience, the Arends have seen many farming trends and changes over the years.

Salesman Brent Bowen said farmers today are focusing on precision farming. “Auto-steer and GPS mapping are very popular and many farmers are going to 20-inch rows for corn and some 20-inch rows for beans. This is by no means standard, but they are becoming more popular,” he explained.

Growing up on a farm, Bowen attended a community college and later graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in agricultural business. Focusing these days on Internet sales, he said popular equipment right now includes sprayers, combines and planters.

“You have to buy new to sell the old,” he added. “Sales on all fronts have been good. Farming is keeping the rural economy going, and it is a trickle-down effect.”

Good farming yields and prices have kept sales going at a good clip. Those looking for a particular item may turn to the website to see the latest listings.

“The Internet is a powerful tool and every dealership relies on it,” Bowen said. “Farming is global business and everyone in the world wants what we have (Deere equipment).”

At Arends, selling is not just a chance to pass a piece of equipment from the lot to the farm, but to fit the right equipment to the right owner. “We always try to put the best choice of what will fit best for the customer,” Bowen explained.

Arends carries lawn and garden equipment along with commercial mowers, too. In addition to equipment, the company works with AB Wind Co., helping customers interested in wind farming. For those looking for distinctive John Deere items, Arends also offers Green Dealer Genuine parts and JD accessories.

To see Arends products or find a location near you, visit http://arends bros.com or call 800-356-6811.