New Orleans: 25 Days and Counting!
The countdown is on! Just 25 days until FEMA heads to New Orleans for three days of networking, education, innovation and industry connections.
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The Room Block Deadline Is October 5: Make Sure You’re in the Room
Nearly 90% of FEMA’s hotel room block is filled, and the 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention is taking shape. Join manufacturers, suppliers and industry leaders for three days of connections, conversations, the Joint Industry Showcase and opportunities to move business forward.
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Ready to Put Your Company at the Center of AgTech Innovation?
What if your company could be in the room when the next big agtech idea takes the stage? Five emerging startups will compete live at FEMA’s AgTech Arena on October 28 in New Orleans. Discover how your company can get in on the action.
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New Orleans Hotel Scam Alert
FEMA has received reports of unauthorized third-party companies—commonly referred to as “hotel poachers”—contacting members and offering to book hotel accommodations on their behalf.
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What Are You Going to Miss If You’re Not in the Room?
What happens when you’re in the room? Nearly 300 industry professionals are already registered for FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention. From new business connections to ideas, insights and opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, the conversations you miss can’t be recreated. Will you be in the room?
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AgTech Arena Pitch Competition Deadline Extended to September 28
AgTech Pitch Contest deadline extended to September 28. Five startups will compete in New Orleans for a $10,000 grand prize.
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Have You Refreshed Your FEMA App Lately?
Planning your next farm show? The FEMA app’s Farm Show Directory makes it easy to find upcoming events, view dates and locations, access show websites and contact information, and RSVP to let fellow members know where you’ll be.
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John Tye to Be Honored at 2026 Heroes Luncheon
FEMA congratulates longtime industry leader and former FEMA President John Tye on being honored at the 2026 West Texas Heroes Luncheon.
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The Future Is in the Room. Will You Be?
Get a look at what’s ahead at FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention—big ideas, industry insights and valuable connections await!
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Mardi Gras Style Comes to the Industry Showcase
Explore exhibitors, discover new products and services, and connect with industry peers – all with a little New Orleans flair.
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A Survival Guide to FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention
Three days. New Orleans. Dozens of opportunities to learn, connect and discover what’s next. Here’s your unofficial guide to making the most of FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention.
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Guest Tour: Experience the Flavors and History of New Orleans
Experience New Orleans beyond the convention with a delicious cooking demonstration, authentic Creole cuisine, and a guided tour through the city’s rich history.
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Seven of Your Main Responsibilities as Fiduciary of Your 401(k) Plan
Fiduciary responsibilities come with real accountability. Sentry breaks down seven key responsibilities—from protecting participants’ interests to reviewing fees, investments and cybersecurity.
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From Idea to Industry: FEMA AgTech Arena Pitch Competition
FEMA’s new AgTech Arena Pitch Competition is designed to connect emerging agtech companies with the manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors and industry leaders who can help turn promising ideas into real-world products and businesses.
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Build Relationships. Discover New Ideas. Grow Your Business.
Save the Date! Join us October 27–29 in New Orleans for FEMA’s Marketing & Distribution Convention—the can’t-miss event to connect, discover new opportunities, and grow your business.
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Maximize Your Visibility with a FEMA Sponsorship
Get your brand in front of 400+ industry leaders. Maximize your visibility before, during, and after the convention—but act fast. Sponsorships are selling out quickly!
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Farewell Event on the Mississippi
Wrap up the convention with an unforgettable evening aboard the City of New Orleans, featuring a Mississippi River cruise, authentic Creole cuisine, live jazz, and exclusive networking opportunities.
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By the Numbers: 7 Reasons to Attend FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention
The numbers tell the story. From unmatched networking opportunities to industry-leading education, FEMA’s Marketing & Distribution Convention is where the shortline equipment industry comes together to connect, learn, and grow.
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New for 2026: The FEMA AgTech Arena Pitch Contest
The future of farm equipment innovation is taking the stage. Get a first look at the new FEMA AgTech Arena Pitch Contest, where emerging technology companies will showcase the next generation of ideas shaping agriculture at the Marketing & Distribution Convention.
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Tractor/Combine Sales
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of combines increased 3.9% in June 2026 compared to the year before.
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Know Before You Go: 2026 Fall Convention Questions Answered
Planning to attend FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention? Find answers to the questions we hear most often—from registration and hotel reservations to networking opportunities and what to expect in New Orleans.
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The Future Is in the Room. Will You Be?
Don’t miss the farm equipment industry’s premier networking event. Register today for FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention, October 27–29 in New Orleans, featuring educational sessions, the EMDA/FEMA Showcase, unmatched networking, and the inaugural AgTech Arena.
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Deere Owners Get Right to Repair Under FTC Settlement
The Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from several states secured a right-to-repair settlement Wednesday with John Deere that requires the company to let farmers and independent shops fix their own equipment.
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Weekly Market Pulse
The following market indicators provide a quick overview of economic and commodity trends influencing agriculture, equipment purchasing decisions and manufacturing costs across the shortline industry.
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Ag Tractors and Combine Sales Decline Across US/Canada in May
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of agricultural tractors dropped 21.6% compared to May 2025, with combine sales dipping 56.1% in the same period.
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Tariff Relief Arrives for Equipment Manufacturers, But Only Temporarily
The Trump Administration issued a new Proclamation adjusting Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and copper, providing some agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers with temporary relief amid rising production costs.
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From Iron to Intelligence: What AI Really Means for the Equipment Industry
What does AI really mean for equipment manufacturers? Jeremy Groeteke of Syngenta explains how AI is moving from software into the machines themselves and what that shift means for future products, competitiveness, and growth in the equipment industry.
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Advertise in the FEMA Digital Shortliner
Check out the New 2026 Digital Newsletter Advertising Media Kit to learn more about ad placements, rates, and multi-issue discounts.
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U.S.–Taiwan Trade Deal Highlights Supply Chain Considerations
A new U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement underscores the ongoing importance of tariffs, supply chains, and input costs for manufacturers.
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What China’s New Ag Purchases Could Mean for Shortline Manufacturers
China recently committed to increasing purchases of U.S. agricultural products, a move that is generating cautious optimism across the farm economy and could eventually influence equipment purchasing trends as well.
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U.S. and Canadian Sales of Combines Increase in April
According to new data from AEM, U.S. sales of combines increased 3.4% in April 2026 compared to the year before.
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Iowa House Passes Farm Equipment Right to Repair Bill
The Iowa House of Representatives passed a “right-to-repair” bill intended to make it easier for farmers to repair their own equipment.
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U.S. House Passes ‘Skinny’ Farm Bill
The U.S. House narrowly passed a five-year farm bill (224–200) aimed at updating agriculture and nutrition policy after multiple short-term extensions of the 2018 bill.
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Q1 2026 Manufacturing Trends
How are manufacturers tackling 2026 so far? Wipfli’s Q1 survey of more than 300 manufacturing leaders to identify key trends reveals a nuanced picture of an industry that’s optimistic.
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Scenes from the 2026 San Antonio Supply Summit
More than 200 representatives from the shortline farm equipment industry gathered in San Antonio for the 2026 Supply Summit & Showcase, held March 24–26 at the Marriott River Center on the Riverwalk.
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Tractor and Combine Sales Decline in March
According to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers AEM, total U.S. sales of agricultural tractors and combines declined in March 2026 compared to the year before.
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DL Shortline Celebrates Grand Opening
DL Shortline celebrated its March 31 grand opening in El Paso, Ill., marking a major milestone with new product launches, live demonstrations, and strong community support.
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Suppliers Elect New Leadership at Supply Summit
The Supplier Board of Governors of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association announced new officers during the recent Supply Summit in San Antonio.
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House Ag Committee Moves U.S. Farm Bill Forward
A bipartisan farm bill has advanced out of committee and now heads to the full House. The legislation aims to strengthen the farm safety net, improve credit access, and support rural economies as agriculture faces rising costs and market uncertainty.
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Your Equipment Could Be Featured in a National Safety Video
In 2004, FEMA members partnered with members of AEM to produce a video educating end users on the safe use of rotary cutters and agricultural mowers.
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U.S. Ag Tractor and Combine Sales Down at 2025 Close
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of ag tractors and combines fell in December 2025 compared to the year before.
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IRS Bumps Up Mileage Rate for 2026
The Internal Revenue Service announced that the optional standard mileage rate for automobiles driven for business will increase by 3 cents in 2025 to 70 cents per mile.
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Present at the 2026 Tech Track at the Supply Summit & Showcase
DEADLINE EXTENDED: Call for Proposals now open until Friday, January 23! Submit yours today for a chance to present at the Tech Track in San Antonio on March 26.
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Farm Show Directory Available on FEMA App
If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, now is the perfect time. Access the Farm Show Guide Directory to stay informed on event dates, locations, and use the RSVP feature to update us on which shows you’ll be attending.
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FEMA’s 75th Anniversary Documentary
Celebrate FEMA’s 75 years in ag equipment—watch the special documentary now and discover our story.
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Shortline Legends Hall of Fame Inductees Honored in Las Vegas
The 2025 inductees of the Shortline Legends Hall of Fame were recently recognized during a presentation at the Marketing & Distribution Convention in Las Vegas.
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Supporting the Future of Agriculture: The Robert K. Schnell Memorial Scholarship
FEMA continues its commitment to the next generation of ag leaders through the Robert K. Schnell Memorial Scholarship, supporting students like Dylan McEwen as they prepare to shape the future of agriculture.
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Govt Shutdown Leaves Farmers Without Critical Market Data
The chief economist at Indiana Farm Bureau says the partial government shutdown is impacting key USDA data that farmers rely on.
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Just Announced! Shortline Dealer Panel
We’re excited to share that a Dealer Panel has been added to the Marketing & Distribution Convention! Join us during the General Session on Thursday, Oct. 30, to hear from industry experts who will bring valuable experience and insights from across the country.
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Las Vegas if Less Than 4 Weeks Away – Secure Your Spot Today!
Get ready to experience the excitement of Las Vegas, where world-class
energy meets a milestone moment for our Association. This year’s Marketing & Distribution Convention will be unlike any other as we celebrate our 75th Anniversary together at the Cosmopolitan Hotel
October 27-30.