USDA Predicts Better 2020 for Ag, More Aid Possible
In spite of challenges such as the coronavirus and competition from Brazil, the USDA’s chief economist sees “more hopeful signs” for farmers.
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Author: Kristi Ruggles
Alamo Reports Financials, Comments on Coronavirus
Specific to agriculture, Alamo saw a 45.9 percent increase in bookings compared to the fourth quarter of 2018. CEO Ron Robinson said that while “this is certainly not a trend, any improvement in the agricultural market is a welcome development.”
Read moreNorth American Irrigation Sales Stable for Valmont
CEO Stephen Kaniewski said even “with the impact of muted net farm income and trade uncertainty, our North American irrigation business performed well, supported by higher sales of advanced technology solutions.”
Read moreDeere Reports Earnings, Allen Resigns as Board Chair
Deere recently reported better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter results and said the U.S. farming industry is showing signs of improvement.
Read moreCNH, Deere Announce Layoffs
Deere plans to lay off 42 workers in Waterloo, Iowa. The Case New Holland plant in Fargo, N.D. is laying off 35 people.
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Survey Shows Promising Direction for Farmer Stress
Farmers feel better than they did a year ago about long-term profitability, commodity prices, and financing options.
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Truckload Market Changes May Lift LTL Market
A YRC executive says a ripple in the massive truckload market can create a tidal wave in the less-than-truckload market, and such a wave may be surging.
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Virus Puts Pressure on Farm Equipment Supply Chain
Executives say they are taking measures that include tying up sources outside China and booking air freight to fly in parts and components from China. One said its company is paying 40 percent more to domestic vendors for components that used to come from China.
Read moreKubota’s Year-End Earnings Show Gains
In the farm and industrial machinery segment, revenue increased by 2.9 percent compared to 2018. Domestic revenues for the segment increased by 3.8 percent.
Read moreDealer News
An executive from RDO Equipment has moved to 21st Century Equipment, and a dealership destroyed by fire is back in business.
Read moreTopcon Ag, CropZilla Partner to Share Data
Topcon Agriculture and CropZilla have finalized a licensing agreement for use of the Topcon Agriculture Platform application programming interface in the CropZilla Web Mobile Analytics platforms.
Read moreASABE Revises Standard for Ag Sprayers
Members of this Association who are not also members of ASABE can receive at no cost the compilation of industry standards produced by ASABE—a $650 value.
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Real ID: Bill Would Mitigate Travel Headaches
Travel data shows that 57 percent of Americans are unaware of the Oct. 1 deadline to have a Real ID to fly. An estimated 99 million do not have the necessary ID or alternative form of accepted identification.
Read moreFarmer Coalition Forms to Tell Story of Sustainability
The group’s guiding principles call for policies that support science-based research, voluntary incentive-based conservation programs, investment in infrastructure, and solutions that ensure vibrant rural communities and a healthy planet.
Read moreTrade Deals Push Confidence to Seven-Year High
The confidence index in the Rural Mainstreet survey shows a boost that researchers have not seen since 2013.
Read moreLegislation Would Mitigate Headaches Around Real ID
Citing the potential for “mass confusion, chaos and delays” at U.S. airports starting Oct. 1, members of Congress last week introduced legislation to head off travel disruption caused by the Real ID deadline.
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Farmers Join Forces for Responsible Climate Policy
Farm and ranch groups representing millions of U.S. producers are launching a coalition committed to environmental and economic sustainability.
Read moreYRC CEO Sees Light at End Tunnel for LTL Long-Haul
YRC Worldwide will benefit from closures and reduced capacity in the $340 billion full truckload (TL) market, according to analysts and YRC’s chief.
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Tell a Teacher: Apply for Funds to Train Equipment Builders
Educators may now apply for scholarships that will prepare them to train students for careers in farm equipment manufacturing. They have until Feb. 29. Find the link to apply here.
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Supply Summit: Walk, Run, Crawl, Shoot, Golf, Network!
Each Summit comes together in partnership with the Supplier Board of Governors, who host the networking opportunities and think creatively about new ways to engage. Here’s what’s in store in Albuquerque.
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Tillage Council Talk: How IoT, Data Create Value
Summit attendees are invited to the Tillage Council session to meet Michael Gomes, who will discuss the digitization of agriculture and how sensors, specifically in the tillage process, can create value for manufacturers, dealers and farmers.
Read moreSpouses Will Explore Food, Art of Albuquerque
The Association invites executives to bring a spouse or guest to the Supply Summit. Registered guests are invited to Summit sessions, the showcase, and networking events, and we’ve planned a special outing on Thursday.
Read moreCaution: Members Received Unauthorized Email
Do not respond to emails or phone calls offering special hotel room rates for the Supply Summit in Albuquerque. They are not legitimate.
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Bayer, BASF to Appeal $265 Million Dicamba Verdict
A jury ruled last week that the makers of dicamba herbicides should pay $250 million in punitive damages atop a $15 million compensatory damages ruling.
Read moreFarmers Receive Final Round of 2019 Trade Support
USDA has rolled out the final tranche of 2019 payments to farmers hurt by global trade disputes. The funds could bring total payments for the year close to $14.5 billion.
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Farmers Feel Better About the Future
Farmers have become more optimistic about the future in past months. That optimism has not yet influenced their willingness to make capital investments.
Read morePerfect Storm Confronts Canadian Farmers
Anti-pipeline blockades have created a perfect storm for Canadian farmers recovering from a winter of rail disruptions that snarled ports and stalled the movement of goods.
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U.S., China, Take First Steps After Phase One Deal
The U.S. and China took the first steps last week in implementing a trade deal that ultimately could generate an additional $32 billion in agriculture exports to China.
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ASF Vaccine Shows Promise, Availability Seems Distant
U.S. officials have developed a 100-percent effective vaccine against African swine fever, but it likely will not be available for commercial use for years.
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Art’s Way Reports Strong Finish to 2019
Net sales increased by 16 percent for the fourth quarter compared to the same quarter last year. Sales in the ag segment increased by 59 percent for the final quarter.
Read moreUnverferth Buys Force Unlimited
Unverferth Manufacturing has purchased Force Unlimited, manufacturer of Pro-Force fertilizer spreaders.
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Sukup Wins Innovation Awards
Five new products from Sukup Manufacturing Co. have been named by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) as among 48 outstanding ag innovations of 2019. In other news, Steve Sukup officially assumed the role of president and CEO on Feb. 1.
Read moreAI Marketing Tool Identifies Equipment Prospects
Fastline Media has introduced a marketing product focused on identifying anonymous website visitors. It identifies online visitors and provides their name, address, and email.
Read moreDealer News
Check out the latest in dealership mergers, acquisitions, and a closure.
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EDA, Others, Unite Against Right-to-Repair
EDA’s Natalie Higgins said the association has “worked in lockstep” with AEM and other associations to oppose “an onslaught of so-called right-to-repair bills …”
Read moreEmployers: Switch to Revised I-9 Form
The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services has changed the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, as of Jan. 31. Find the new form here.
Read moreAGCO’s Sales Dip in Final Quarter
Net sales at AGCO dipped by about 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. Net sales for the full year of 2019 decreased by 3.3 percent.
Read moreNet Sales Fall at CNHi
Revenue for the agriculture segment at CNHi was down 7.2 percent for the quarter and 6.2 percent for the year. The company expects farmer sentiment to stabilize this year.
Read moreDeere Downsizes at Construction, Forestry Plant
John Deere Dubuque Works announced Friday that it will lay off 105 employees.
Read moreArt’s Way Reports Strong Finish to 2019
Art’s Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. reported encouraging news in its financial results for fiscal year 2019 and its final quarter.
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Art’s Way Sees 16 Percent Revenue Growth in 2019
Art’s Way Manufacturing Co., Inc. has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2019. Sales: Our consolidated
Read moreSeeking Applicants for Membership Director
The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association is looking for a membership director. The Association serves as an advocate and industry resource
Read moreUnverferth Acquires Force Unlimited
Unverferth Manufacturing has purchased Force Unlimited, manufacturer of Pro-Force fertilizer spreaders. Pro-Force has both pull-type and truck-mounted appication products. The
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Breaking Down the Breakout Sessions
Looking for export advise? Tips for mitigating liability risk? Help understanding what’s ahead for hemp? Tools to navigate (or influence) sales tax law? The latest on safety standards? We’ve got you covered.
Read moreSuppliers: Showcase Space is Filling Fast
Sixty-one companies have reserved their space in the 2020 Supplier Product Showcase in Albuquerque. Only nine booths remain inside the exhibit hall.
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Supercharge Your Email Marketing
Email marketing continues to deliver for shortline manufacturers. Check out these three strategies to optimize your impact.
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Jury Awards $5 Million to Widow in Tractor Fatality
A jury in Oklahoma recently awarded a woman $5 million in a civil suit claiming her husband’s death in a tractor accident was the equipment manufacturer’s fault.
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USMCA: Success in D.C. Does Not Mean Done Deal
President Trump signed his signature trade deal with Mexico and Canada last week, but the three countries still must meet many of their obligations before the pact can take effect. A former aide to the president has cautioned that the pact may not be in force until 2021.
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Final Round of Trade Aid to Farmers ‘Imminent’
Sonny Perdue told farmers that the final 2019 installment of trade was on the way. In 2020, he expects a robust export market to restore farm incomes.
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Union Membership in Manufacturing Hits New Low
The share of American workers in labor unions fell to a fresh record low in 2019. Union membership in manufacturing fell to 8.6 percent.
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