Is Your Combine Ready? Pre-Harvest Inspection Checklist for SE Minnesota

Posted September 22, 2026


The combine has been sitting since last fall. Maybe you pulled it out and ran it through a field of beans to make sure it still moved. Maybe it’s been sitting since October and nobody’s opened a panel. Either way, there’s a difference between a machine that starts and a machine that’s ready. Here’s what’s […]

Read More

Harvest Parts You Don’t Want to Run Out Of: Case IH Wear Parts Guide

Posted September 14, 2026


Every fall, somebody in Winona County finds out the hard way that a $40 part can shut down a $400,000 machine. It’s rarely the dramatic failure. It’s a belt that finally let go, a bearing that had been talking to you since August, a set of knife sections you meant to replace last spring. And […]

Read More

Maximize Your Farm Savings with Section 179 Tax Exemptions

Posted December 1, 2025


Farming is about planning ahead — for the next season, the next crop, and the next challenge. But as the year winds down, it’s also about planning smart purchases to take advantage of valuable tax incentives. One of the most powerful tools available to farmers and business owners is the Section 179 Tax Deduction, and […]

Read More

Black Friday Toys: The Perfect Christmas Gift This Black Friday

Posted November 15, 2025


The holidays are right around the corner, and nothing lights up a child’s face quite like a gift that connects them to the farm. At Kalmes Implement in Altura, MN, we’re excited to feature Case IH kids’ toys on sale this Black Friday — just in time to make Christmas morning unforgettable. Why Case IH […]

Read More

The Advantages of Servicing Your Equipment Before Storage

Posted November 3, 2025


As the growing season winds down and equipment is put away, many farmers breathe a sigh of relief. But before you shut the barn doors, there’s one more step to ensure your machinery will be ready to go in the Spring: end-of-season service. Why Post-Season Service Matters Think of it like Winterizing your home. By […]

Read More

How to Shop for Parts via Kalmes Online Shop

Posted October 9, 2025


We know farmers are busier than ever — and sometimes, you don’t have time to stop in for parts. That’s why Kalmes Implement is proud to be connected to MyCNHStore.com, where you can order genuine Case IH parts online, anytime. Why Shop Online? 24/7 Access: Order parts when it fits your schedule. Fast & Convenient: […]

Read More

Why Case IH Tractors Are a Perfect Fit for Minnesota Farms

Posted October 9, 2025


Minnesota farmers know that the land and the seasons don’t take it easy on equipment. From the heavy snows of Winter to the long days of planting and harvest, you need machinery built to last. That’s where Case IH tractors come in — and at Kalmes Implement in Altura, MN, we’ve seen firsthand how well […]

Read More

Planter Maintenance Weekly Checklist- week 4

Posted March 25, 2025


In the final blog in our Planter Maintenance series, check-out the last three items on our checklist! Downforce Setting Setting the correct downforce is key to maintaining a structurally sound seed furrow with consistent moisture, temperature, and soil density for uniform emergence and optimal yield. Too much downforce causes compaction, restricting root growth and making […]

Read More

Planter Maintenance Checklist- week 3

Posted March 25, 2025


Week three of our Planter Maintenance Checklist! Ready..set…go! Meter Drive System Mechanical vibrations from worn components can cause skips, doubles, and spacing errors in seed placement. To prevent this, regularly inspect and maintain key parts: lubricate and replace chains annually, check sprockets for worn teeth, and replace idler pulleys if they create chain vibration. Test […]

Read More

Planter Maintenance List- Week 2

Posted March 25, 2025


Join us for week 2 of our Planter Maintenance List! let’s dive right in! Disk Openers Proper disk opener maintenance is essential for consistent seed placement and emergence. Replace disk openers once they wear ½ inch from their original diameter to prevent seed shoe wear. Ensure 1-2 inches of contact for most row units to […]

Read More