BKT Adopts Mitigation Plan, Resumes Production in India
The company has introduced a series of safety protocols, including providing housing to workers.
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Farmers’ Moods Reflect National Mood of Caution
Data released Tuesday shows that the optimism farmers felt after the 2016 election has all but faded as a result of uncertainty around COVID-19.
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Farmers to Receive Cash Payments, Mass Purchases
The White House announced a $19 billion economic rescue package for farmers and ranchers. The plan calls for making cash payments to producers as well as mass purchases of commodities to be distributed to food banks.
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Lawmakers Propose More Workplace Virus Protections
The new standards would require companies to develop protocols for each element of an entire program. The so-called emergency temporary standard would give regulators the power to issue citations or fines.
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Virus Idles Steel Plants
U.S. mills are operating at 56 percent of capacity, down from 80 percent in 2019, and steel output across the country has fallen by a third in three weeks.
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China Still Expected to Dial Up Soy Purchases
China’s hog herd is recovering well from African swine fever. The country is expected to accelerate soybean purchases from the U.S. between May and August.
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More Funding for Small Business Certain But Stalled
Lawmakers agree that small business businesses need more in a COVID-19 rescue package, but negotiations stalled over details. Resolution is expected this week.
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Opinion: Unemployment Pay Hike May Drive Up Wages
The extra $600 benefit enacted by Congress is overkill for many workers, leading to perverse incentives.
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Q1 Sales Rise at Art’s Way
The company enjoyed top-line growth in every segment during the quarter that ended Feb. 29, but COVID-19 has dashed optimism for a strong 2020.
Read moreVermeer Announces Intermittent Shutdowns
Vermeer plans to schedule intermittent shutdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting reduction in product demand.
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Trump Calls for Additional Support for Farmers
The White House wants the USDA to move quickly in distributing a new $16 billion aid package to U.S. producers.
Read moreCNH to Suspend Production in Grand Island
Because of COVID-19, the Case New Holland manufacturing facility in Grand Island, Neb. will temporarily suspend operations after Thursday. General
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Shift in Consumer Dining Habits Hits Farmers
The COVID-19 pandemic has left restaurants shuttered and created a frenetic pace at grocery stores, which has led to a shift in the food supply chain that stands to reshape agriculture in the short-term.
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Industry Moves
Find out what’s been happening with Kubota, CNH Industrial, Raven Industries, and DOT Technology.
Read moreBraking Standard to Affect Towed Implement Makers
A years-long industry project to develop five new braking standards for agriculture equipment is complete. ASABE also recently published a revised standard for lighting and marketing requirements on field equipment.
Read moreUSMCA Delayed, Tariff Relief Likely
In response to the all-consuming demands of COVID-19, the administration is considering suspending tariffs, with exceptions. The implementation of USMCA also is on hold.
Read moreAlamo Group To Move To Virtual-Only Annual Meeting Of Stockholders For 2020
SEGUIN, Texas, March 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Alamo Group Inc. today announced that due to public health concerns relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic,
Read moreStimulus Offers Loans with Option for Forgiveness
The $2.2 trillion response deal allows small businesses to acquire grants and loans up to 125 percent of their payroll with the opportunity for loan forgiveness for businesses that can quickly ramp up or sustain their workforces.
Read moreDeere shuts down Dubuque Works for disinfection – after positive COVID-19 case
John Deere Dubuque Works is temporarily shut down after a confirmed case of COVID-19 in an employee of the facility.
Read moreMember-Relevant Highlights of $2 Trillion Stimulus
New stimulus bill provides billions in loans to small businesses that can be converted to grants that will not require repayment.
Read moreDeere Suspends Operations in Brazil
Deere & Co. is halting production in agricultural behemoth Brazil as the coronavirus outbreak erodes sales for the world’s biggest
Read moreCEO for CNH Industrial Resigns
The Board of CNH Industrial N.V. reached a unanimous decision and accepted the resignation of Hubertus Mühlhäuser as chief executive
Read moreAlamo Group Inc. Temporarily Closes Its French Operating Facilities
SEGUIN, Texas, March 18, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE: ALG) today announced that it will temporarily close its French operating
Read moreBill Calls for Paid Leave at Small Companies
The bill requires employers of small companies to pay up to $511 a day for sick leave and up to $200 a day for family leave.
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At Times Like This, Your Membership Matters Even More
A trade association can shine at a moment like this by seeking answers to your collective questions and serving as a clearinghouse for information.
Tell us what you need.
Carrie Gunnerson to Retire from Art’s Way
Carrie Gunnerson, CEO of Art’s Way Manufacturing, will retire in the third quarter of the 2020 fiscal year.
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Trade with China: Leaders Stay Focused on Phase One
Trade leaders for U.S. and China stay focused on deal amid global pandemic.
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Regular Members Should Receive Survey Email Today
Regular members of the Association should have received an email today connecting you to a benchmark survey. This confidential survey is a benefit of membership that offers insights into plant profitability, productivity, and financial management. The deadline to complete the survey is April 17.
Read moreAlamo 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.”
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Myers Spring Expansion
Myers Spring last week welcomed members of its community and the shortline industry to celebrate the opening of a new
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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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 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 moreAllen elects to retire as Deere Board chairman
After a 45-year career, Samuel R. Allen has elected to retire May 1 from his current position as chairman of the Deere &
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 more2020 Spring General Session Speakers
2020 Public Policy Analysis By late March, we will be immersed in campaign season, and Ray Starling will join us
Read moreGreat Time to Join Association
New members pay NO registration fee for Supply Summit in Albuquerque.
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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Breaking Down the Breakout Sessions
The Supply Summit March 25 to 27 offers a mix of industry analysis with a series of roll-up-your-sleeves and dive-in
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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.
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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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 …”
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