Mood at Farm Shows is Upbeat

With corn prices languishing under $4, the outlook for the agricultural economy continues to be sour, but the mood among farmers does not.

“It’s amazing how much different we see the attitude today of producers,” said Alan Hoskins, president and CEO of American Farm Mortgage during the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville.

“They’re more optimistic about the coming year, and I think that is a direct result of them doing a better job of looking at costs and understanding where profit potential exists, and doing a better job of marketing and putting sales on the books.”

According to Hoskins, those producers are positioned to have a better 2017.

“The marketing is a huge component of the profitability cycle, and the top producers will be spending much more time on their marketing,” said Hoskins.

Among Association member companies at the show, the mood was equally optimistic.

“I heard from member after member that they were leaving the show with more solid leads on sales than they’d seen in recent memory,” said Executive Vice President Vernon Schmidt.

“The greater interest was definitely in the implements rather than the high-dollar mega-machines, but the interest was there.”

Schmidt also expressed appreciation to members who took time to talk with him and staff members at the shows.

“Whether we talked on the floor or we’ve chatted by phone since, your insights and observations were invaluable to us,” he said. “Your input helps us focus our work on issues and services that matter most to you.”