On May 29, U.S. President Donald Trump recently won a temporary reprieve for his aggressive tariff strategy, with an appeals court preserving his sweeping import duties on China and other trading partners — for now.
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The U.S. labor force participation rate remains below pre-pandemic levels. The country has roughly 2 million fewer workers active in the labor market than it did in 2020. In rural areas, where domestic migration continues to draw people away, immigrants are often the ones keeping local economies afloat.
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Thank goodness we can celebrate 75 years with FEMA in the life and fabric of agriculture. I shudder to think what “might not have been” if those early ag leaders had not taken a chance on creating a voice for small manufacturers.
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Did you know that Sentry has earned an A+ rating from AM Best, the top authority in insurance ratings? We encourage our members to leverage this expertise by exploring Sentry’s free resources and tapping into their experienced safety team.
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Farmer sentiment improved for the second consecutive month in May, reaching its highest level since May 2021. The sentiment boost was driven by a more optimistic outlook on U.S. agricultural exports and a less negative view of how tariffs will impact farm income in 2025.
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On May 30, Donald Trump revealed that he is doubling his tariff on steel imports to 50% from 25%.
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Member company, Gripp, has emerged as the winner of this year’s Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, securing $100,000 to expand its groundbreaking approach to farm recordkeeping and communication.
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At FEMA’s last convention, Michael Bird of member company, Spindustry, presented eye-opening research on farmers’ online buying habits. As digital transformation reshapes the industry, manufacturers must ensure their websites meet evolving expectations.
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FEMA is thrilled to welcome four exceptional logistics companies as our newest preferred partners.
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John Deere recently acquired Minnesota-based Sentera, a provider of remote imagery solutions for agriculture.
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Member company, Yanmar America, has taken a major step toward its sustainability goals with the installation of 914 high-efficiency solar panels at its headquarters in Adairsville, GA.
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The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Malone as Vice President of NAEDA Canada.
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EMDA and FEMA are excited to offer a curated travel experience to Agritechnica, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery. This professionally guided journey combines industry insights with the opportunity to explore Germany’s most historic and scenic regions.
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Embo Sales Consulting, LLC was created to help manufacturers grow—not just in revenue, but in purpose, alignment, and long-term impact. With over 20 years of experience in the ag equipment space, we work alongside shortline and specialty manufacturers to sharpen their sales strategy, strengthen customer relationships.
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Join us in commemorating a milestone—75 years of FEMA—at our Marketing and Distribution Convention at the stunning Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas October 27-30.
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To reduce postage costs, we’re shifting to digital delivery as the default. Starting September 1, members will receive the Shortliner by email unless they opt in for a printed copy.
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In the midst of celebrating its 75th anniversary, FEMA has partnered with Lessiter Media to chronicle the association’s past through an in-depth multimedia project that will include a comprehensive history book (pictured left) on the association that highlights the significance of the organization and its independent shortline members and their innovations.
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The Association proudly recognizes our member companies celebrating milestone anniversaries this June—thank you for your dedication and contributions!
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U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley paid a visit to Montag Manufaturing’s Emmetsburg, IA facility on Thursday, May 29.
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A federal court on Wednesday blocked many of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff executive orders, saying the president overstepped his use of emergency powers to enact them.
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At the recent FEMA Convention, AGTIVATION delivered a striking message: Ignoring AI is like ignoring the invention of the tractor. While others harness smart machines and systems, clinging to outdated methods could mean getting left behind—holding nothing but a hand plow.
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The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and this Association are working together to create a resource for shortline manufacturers to stay on top of safety standards.
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A policy advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago says land values in the Seventh District were up slightly from a year ago in the first quarter of 2025.
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During the Q2 2025 earning’s call, John Deere Chairman and CEO John May announced a bold commitment to invest $20 billion in the United States over the next 10 years, underscoring the continued dedication of John Deere to American workers, communities, and manufacturing.
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Unusually high number of tornadoes, with more than 850 reported—far exceeding the typical 600 by mid-May. Recent storms have devastated Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia, killing dozens.
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Titan Machinery Inc., West Fargo, North Dakota, a leading network of full-service agricultural and construction equipment stores, announced that it has completed the acquisition of the dealership assets of Farmers Implement & Irrigation, a two-store New Holland dealership in Brookings and Watertown, SD. The transaction closed on May 15.
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In 2024, total economic costs per acre for growing corn in Illinois averaged between $1,154 in the southern section and $1,251 in central areas with high-rated soils. Soybean costs ranged from $863 to $931 per acre.
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The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which covers 10 regional states across 200 rural communities, reports that in May, the overall index fell below growth neutral 50.0 for the 20th time in the past 21 months.
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CNH Industrial has inked a deal with Starlink, a SpaceX subsidiary, to deliver cutting-edge satellite connectivity to farmers. This collaboration will provide users of CNH’s brands, Case IH, New Holland and STEYR, with reliable and cost-effective high-speed connectivity, even in the most remote rural areas.
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The American Farm Bureau Federation is seeking entrepreneurs to apply for the 2026 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. The overall winner of the competition will receive $100,000 in startup funds, the runner-up will be awarded $25,000 and two additional business owners who advance to the final four round will receive $10,000.
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Deere & Company reported net income of $1.804 billion for the second quarter ended April 27, 2025, or $6.64 per share, compared with net income of $2.370 billion, or $8.53 per share, for the quarter ended April 28, 2024.
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Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says a multi-agency effort is underway to help improve the nation’s farm labor crisis.
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Dozens of congressional leaders joined the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) for the 2025 Celebration of Construction held last week on the National Mall.
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The head of the Port of Los Angeles says a major rebound in imports is unlikely following last week’s temporary tariff truce between the United States and China, which reduced tariffs from 145% to 30%.
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Forge Industries, formerly Farm Aid Equipment, is a leading manufacturer of feed mixers for livestock producers. With more than 50 years of experience and machine-shop ingenuity, the company is dedicated to providing durable, efficient, and innovative solutions.
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According to recent data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Canadian sales of agricultural tractors grew 3.4% in April year-to-date, while sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors jumped 46.3% during the same time frame.
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The United States will reinstate reciprocal tariffs first announced April 2 for countries it is unable to reach deals with during the current 90-day pause, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in multiple interviews last week.
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Marshfield, Wisconsin, May 14, 2025 – Oxbo announced the retirement of Craig Harthoorn, Hay & Forage President, effective June 2, 2025.
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Deere & Company reported net income of $1.804 billion for the second quarter ended April 27, 2025, or $6.64 per share, compared with net income of $2.370 billion, or $8.53 per share, for the quarter ended April 28, 2024.
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In the midst of celebrating its 75th Anniversary, the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA) has partnered with Lessiter Media to chronicle the Association’s past through an in-depth multimedia project that will culminate at FEMA’s Marketing & Distribution Convention in Las Vegas, NV., on Oct. 27-30, 2025.
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Tariffs continue to create uncertainty for farm equipment manufacturers, driving up costs on raw materials and disrupting supply chains. While these trade shifts pose challenges, tax deductions and credits can offer relief.
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The USDA released its eighth Crop Progress Report of the 2025 growing season on May 5. Here’s a look at the most recent corn, soy, wheat, and oat numbers.
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The Shortliner will be going digital after September 1. If you prefer a paper copy, you must update your preferences, or you will receive only the email version.
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Farm grants are available for female farmers needing help managing their crops and livestock, buying new equipment, seed/fertilizer, or building infrastructure.
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As the latest trade war escalates, agricultural exports to China have plummeted, posing serious risks for U.S. farmers. While high tariffs on cotton (140%), pork (172%), and soybeans (over 150%) have hindered trade, reports suggest China is quietly exempting 25% of U.S. imports, though no official confirmation exists.
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 gasoline—gasoline blended with 15% ethanol—during the summer driving season.
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Yanmar Compact Equipment North America has named Anna Christine Sgro President, and reports that the seasoned industry leader brings over 25 years of diverse equipment experience to drive performance and customer success across the region.
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The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which covers 10 regional states across 200 rural communities, reports that in April, the overall index fell below growth neutral 50.0 for the 19th time in the past 20 months.
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AGCO reported net sales of $2.1 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, a decrease of 30.0% compared to the first quarter of 2024.
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Member company, Loftness Specialized Equipment, announces the appointment of Ashley Lathrum to the position of Integrated Marketing Manager.
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