Association Commits to Serving, Supporting Members

This issue of Shortliner is a collection of current news stories that reinforce what we have long known: These are challenging days for many in the agriculture industry.

In the context of these circumstances, the Association has doubled down on its commitment to serve members and bring value to their membership.

This single priority will frame the conversation when the Association’s Board of Directors gathers in two weeks for its summer meeting. This is one of three meetings a year in which the full board convenes. It also is the meeting in which the board approves the budget for the 2017 fiscal year and affirms our priorities for the coming year.

I do not know what the board will decide, but I am certain our leadership will consider ways to accommodate their industry colleagues who are making difficult decisions every day with a razor-thin margin.

I will report the board’s decisions in the June 21 issue of this newsletter.

Beyond the economic news in this issue are other stories that also reinforce what we have long known:

Our Association is comprised of hard-working, civic-minded people. The tribute we reprinted (link) that describes the contributions of Roy Applequist to his community and the asset that his company has been to Salina, Kansas, could repeat itself in countless agricultural communities with countless company founders. We are honored to do our small part to support your success.

You also will see on these pages news that does indeed affect your business. Whether it’s identifying an emerging market shift (more women running farms), helping you keep your contact list current (personnel updates), or advocating on your behalf when state laws hurt shortline manufacturers (Association files brief with Supreme Court), we want to keep you informed on both trends in the industry and day-to-day news.

This newsletter is only one of the primary channels in which we communicate with you. We’re pulling together the summer issue of Ag Innovator magazine and the speaker roster for the Marketing & Distribution Convention in San Diego this fall.

The magazine will offer tips on preparing to sell your business, assess the latest news on the Department of Labor overtime rule, explore the impact of federal regulations on agriculture, and suggest strategies for engaging Millennials in the workplace.

For the convention, the Association is assembling a panel of dealers to discuss dramatic changes in the dealer landscape. We also will hear from experts on preparing for and recovering from a plant disaster. We’ve seen recent stories of fire, flood, or workplace shooting, and we have recognized that few of us are as prepared as we could be.

There’s no sugar-coating the reality. Farmers are facing low commodity prices. They’re delaying capital investments. Equipment manufacturers are reporting consistently lower revenue. Analysts have said this is not a repeat of the 1980s, but that’s little comfort in the midst of it.

I hear from members that the best manufacturers can do is plan well and prepare for better days. Through your sustained participation in the Association, you’ve made it possible for us to assemble tools on a national scale so we can now, when you need it most, support you as you plan and prepare.

Thank you for your membership.

Vernon Schmidt – Executive Vice President