U.S. Senator Grassley visits Montag’s Emmetsburg facility
U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley paid a visit to Montag Manufaturing’s Emmetsburg, IA facility on Thursday, May 29.
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News
US Court Blocks Trump’s Sweeping Tariffs
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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AI Is the Next Tractor: Why Ag Marketing Should Embrace AI Now
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 While others harness smart machines and systems, clinging to outdated methods could mean getting left behind—holding nothing but a hand plow.
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ASABE Updates Relevant to FEMA Members
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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Midwest Farmland Values Slightly Up in First Quarter
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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Deere Announces $20 Billion Investment to U.S. Over Next Decade
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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Large Tornado Outbreaks Are Becoming More Common
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 Acquires South Dakota Dealership
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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Cost of Producing Corn & Soybeans in Illinois
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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Rural Mainstreet Reflects Weak Rural Economy
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 Partners with Starlink
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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Apply by June 9 for Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge
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 Reports 16% Drop in Second Quarter Sales
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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Agencies Aggressively Looking at Solutions to Farm Labor
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says a multi-agency effort is underway to help improve the nation’s farm labor crisis.
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AEM Promotes Pro-Manufacturing Policies on National Mall in D.C.
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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Tariff Truce Will Not Spark Cargo Boom at Busiest US Seaport
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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New Member Profile: Forge Industries
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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Canadian Sales Tractor Sales Rise in April as U.S. Sales Drop
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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Reciprocal Tariffs to Resume for Some Nations After July 9
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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Oxbo Announces Retirement of Hay & Forage President Craig Harthoorn
Marshfield, Wisconsin, May 14, 2025 – Oxbo announced the retirement of Craig Harthoorn, Hay & Forage President, effective June 2, 2025.
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Deere Reports 16% Drop in Q2 Sales
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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FEMA Partners with Lessiter Media to Chronicle 75th Anniversary
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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Navigating Tariff Challenges: Tax Deductions and Credits for Farm Equipment Manufacturers
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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Planting Progress Shows Strong Early Season Gains
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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Update Your Shortliner Subscription Preference by Sept. 1
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 for Females, Minorities and First Time Farmers
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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U.S.- China Trade War: Can the U.S. Cut Its Reliance?
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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EPA Allows Sales of E15 Gasoline
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 N.A. Appoints New President
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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Rural Mainstreet Index Reflects Weak Rural Economy
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 Q1 Net Sales Drop
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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Loftness Appoints Integrated Marketing Manager
Member company, Loftness Specialized Equipment, announces the appointment of Ashley Lathrum to the position of Integrated Marketing Manager.
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Deere Breaks Ground on $13.5 Mil Remanufacturing Facility
On May 5, Deere & Co. hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the John Deere Reman Core facility in Stafford, Mo. Deere & Co. first announced last fall.
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New Member Profile: Celsan
Established in 1965 in Manisa, Turkey, Çelsan continues to shape both the legacy of the past and the needs of the future under the philosophy of “Reshape Excellence.”
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Guiding a Manufacturing Business Through Tariffs: Webinar Recap
Rapidly changing policies from Washington may be difficult to manage, but leaders can take action by switching from planning to preparation, by better communicating with everyone in their organizations and by getting creative with their vendors.
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Titan Reports Q1 Earnings
Titan International, Inc. reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $490.7 million.
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CNH Reports Q1 Earnings
CNH Industrial N.V. reported May 1, 2025, results for the 3 months ended March 31, 2025, with net income of $132 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.10.
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Summers Manufacturing Launches New Strip-Till Equipment Lines
Member company, Summers Manufacturing, has launched two new Strip-Till models—the Verdant and Apex—designed for precision tillage and efficient fertilizer application.
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Celebrating 75 Years: Help Us Tell Our Story!
As we celebrate 75 years of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, we’re reflecting on the incredible journey of our industry. From groundbreaking innovations to defining moments in agriculture, this anniversary is all about honoring the legacy we’ve built together — and we’d love your help telling that story.
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NTN President Pete Eich Retires
NTN Bearing Corporation of America (NBCA) announces the retirement of President & CEO Pete Eich. Stepping into the role is Tom Mohrdieck, currently VP of the Industrial OE Business Unit.
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New Member Profile: Zimmerman Manufacturing
Zimmerman Manufacturing is a family-owned agricultural equipment company based in southeastern Iowa. We design and build durable, innovative solutions for strip-till, manure injection, anhydrous application, and side-dress operations.
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Farmer Sentiment Improves as Long-Term Optimism Outweighs Tariff Concerns
Farmer sentiment improved in April as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer climbed 8 points to a reading of 148. Somewhat surprisingly, this month’s improvement in farmer sentiment occurred despite ongoing trade disputes with many of U.S. agriculture’s largest trading partners, including Mexico, Canada and China.
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Happy Anniversary and Welcome!
Happy Anniversary to our members celebrating milestone anniversaries in May. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our newest members.
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Tariff Pause Puts Shortliners in the Crossfire
As President Trump hits pause on new tariffs for most countries — with China remaining the exception — both global farm equipment giants and North American shortliners are navigating uncertainty. The existing 10% tariff on imports holds steady, but future shifts remain on the table.
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How To Strike a Balance Between Benefits and Drains of Today’s Technology
You don’t have to ditch your digital toolbox to feel better at work. With a few smart shifts, you can keep the benefits of technology while dialing down the noise.
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Producer Sentiment Slips Due to Rising Policy Uncertainty
Farmer sentiment declined in March as concerns over agricultural trade and farm policy weighed on producers’ outlook for the future
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OXBO Consolidates Wisconsin Manufacturing to New York
Oxbo, an international farm machinery and equipment manufacturer, has announced plans to permanently close its farm machinery manufacturing facility in Clear Lake, WI., laying off 68, according to a March 26 statement released by the company.
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Lessiter Media Appoints New COO and VP of Finance
Lessiter Media Inc., has announced two Leadership Team appointments that coincide with the long-planned-for retirement of Vice President Michael Storts.
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Loftness Appoints New Leaders
Loftness Specialized Equipment has appointed Shannon McComas as Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Sarah Lamers as Director of Operations.
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Supplier Board Elects Leadership During Supply Summit
The Supplier Board of Governors of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association elected new officers during the recent Supply Summit in Fort Myers, FL.
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