Sentry: Helping FEMA Members Protect Their Businesses, People and Future
Watch Sentry’s video to learn how its insurance, workplace safety and retirement solutions can help protect your business and your people.
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Making the Most of the 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention
Heading to New Orleans? From preparing your schedule and downloading the FEMA app to must-see sessions and the AgTech Arena Pitch Competition, here are a few tips to help you make the most of this year’s Marketing & Distribution Convention.
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Rolling Out Chat GPT Isn’t AI Strategy
Giving your team ChatGPT licenses isn’t an AI strategy. NorthBuilt CEO Chris Morbitzer shares five practical steps equipment manufacturers can take to turn AI access into measurable business results.
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Before a Buyer Asks: Get Your Employee Handbook in Order
Pinion explains why an up-to-date employee handbook can help protect your business, strengthen operations, and prevent surprises during due diligence.
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Grab a Bite and Talk Business with Pinion in New Orleans
Pinion invites FEMA members to stop by its Preferred Provider Pop-up Meeting Space in Studio at the Marketing & Distribution Convention for drinks, bites, and tips on what’s ahead for your business.
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What the Rate Signal Says About 2027 and 2028
Interest rates point to muted growth in 2027 and renewed pressure in 2028. Economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce share practical strategies to prepare your business and turn economic signals into smarter decisions.
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FEMA App Tip: Get the Most Out of the Convention
Heading to New Orleans? The FEMA app puts the schedule, program, booth map, attendee list to help make the most of your time at the Convention.
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Tractor & Combine Sales Decline in September
According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, U.S. sales of agricultural tractors decreased 16.4% in September 2026.
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Celebrating 50 Years of FEMA Membership
Five FEMA member companies are celebrating 50 years of membership! Meet the companies we’ll honor during the 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention in New Orleans.
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Five Startups. Big Ideas. The Future of AgTech.
Five startups. Five bold ideas. One stage. Meet the finalists competing in FEMA’s inaugural AgTech Arena Pitch Competition and discover the technologies that could shape the future of agriculture.
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Market Pulse
Steel, aluminum and diesel costs continue to challenge manufacturers, while rising fertilizer prices and a delayed harvest could put added pressure on farmers. This week’s Market Pulse looks at the key market trends to watch as the industry heads toward year-end.
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Claim One of the Last Four Booths at Industry Showcase
There’s still time to exhibit at FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention. Just four Industry Showcase booths remain for companies looking to connect with industry professionals in New Orleans.
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The 2026 Shortline Legends Are Here!
The 4th annual class of Shortline Legends Hall of Fame inductees has been announced by Farm Equipment. And is equally impressive as the 16 recipients inducted in the industry’s first three classes of Legends.
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Get Ready for FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention in New Orleans!
New Orleans is calling! With more than 300 already registered, FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention is shaping up to be one of our strongest fall gatherings in years. See what’s in store for October 27–29, and make plans to be in the room!
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Welcome, and Happy Anniversary
October is a month for celebrating! Take a look at the FEMA members celebrating anniversaries and the newest companies joining our association.
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Headlines, Rates, and the Farm Equipment Cycle
Interest rates can signal where the farm equipment cycle is headed. In Part 1 of this two-part article, Stantec, our breakout session presenter in New Orleans, explores the link between interest rates and equipment demand.
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NAEDA Announces 2025 Dealer’s Choice Awards
We congratulates all of this year’s winners, with a special shoutout to our FEMA members: Bourgault, Meyer Manufacturing and Grasshopper.
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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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Farmer Sentiment Drops as Input Costs Increase
Farmer sentiment took a step backward in September. The Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell from 135 in August to 123, with the biggest deterioration coming from producers’ assessment of current conditions.
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Attend the Sentry® Learning from Loss and Risk Management Sessions
Don’t miss Sentry’s sessions on “Learning from Loss” and “Risk Management” on Thursday, October 29, at 10:30 a.m. during FEMA’s Marketing & Distribution Convention.
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New Member Profile: Fenix Industrial Group
Meet new member Fenix Industrial Group, a specialty performance coatings manufacturer helping OEMs and heavy equipment manufacturers meet demanding production and performance requirements with innovative, high-performance coating solutions.
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Trump Unveils Plans for $15 Billion Steel Mill in Iowa
President Trump announced on Monday a plan for a $15 billion steel mill in Iowa. The plant is the first new iron ore mine in the U.S. in more than 50 years.
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Meet Mechro: New Member Profile
Meet new member company Mechro, which uses AI to help equipment manufacturers and service organizations give technicians the knowledge they need to troubleshoot and repair equipment.
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The Latest ASABE Updates Are Here
Discover the latest 2026 ASABE national and ISO standards relevant to our members.
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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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What would you do if you couldn’t fail?
Don’t miss Alex Weber’s presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in New Orleans, “The Unstoppable You,” as he challenges convention attendees to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and unlock new levels of personal and professional achievement.
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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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Take Advantage of Sentry’s Library Resources and Webinars
We encourage our members to take advantage of Sentry’s free resources and tap into the expertise of their experienced safety team.
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Explore Global Opportunities at FEMA’s International Committee Meeting
Join FEMA’s International during the Marketing & Distribution Convention to learn more about Agritechnica 2027.
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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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Please Welcome Kelley Kraus to the FEMA Team
Meet Kelley Kraus, FEMA’s new Operations and Admin Assistant. Learn more about Kelley, her background and the role she’ll play in supporting FEMA members and strengthening the association’s operations.
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New Breakout Sessions Added
New breakout sessions have been added to FEMA’s 2026 Marketing & Distribution Convention lineup. Check out what’s new and start planning your agenda!
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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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Husker Harvest Days Showcases Innovation in the Field
FEMA members were out in force at Husker Harvest Days, showcasing equipment, connecting with customers and representing the shortline industry.
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Market Pulse
Diesel prices are surging, putting pressure on agriculture and equipment manufacturers. Get the latest market signals and hear more from Stantec economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce on the Germinate Podcast.
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Meet Linni, Montag Manufacturing’s Chief Morale Officer
Is your office mascot ready for the spotlight? Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, or another beloved workplace companion, we’d love to feature them in The Shortliner. Just send us a photo and a few fun facts, and they could appear in an upcoming issue.
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NAEDA and AED Announce Merger
The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) and Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) today announced plans to merge, effective January 2027.
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Celebrating the Shortline Manufacturing Industry
Celebrate Manufacturing Week, September 28–October 6, with FEMA! Share your company’s story and photos for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of the Shortliner.
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Upgrade Your Experience in New Orleans!
A limited number of luxury suites are still available within FEMA’s official room block at the New Orleans Marriott for the Marketing & Distribution Convention.
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Experts Needed to Review Baler & Mower Safety Standards
Your expertise can help shape equipment safety standards. ASABE is seeking industry experts to review proposed revisions for balers and mowers. See how you can participate.
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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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3 Shortline Dealers, 3 Different Distribution Models
From a single-brand dealership to diversified, manufacturer-owned stores, these three shortline dealers are taking very different paths to market.
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Will AI “Kill Us All”? What Can We Do About It?
Will AI “Kill Us All”? Chris Morbitzer of NorthBuilt cuts through the hype and explores what manufacturers really need to know. Join the conversation and book a free AI Working Session in New Orleans.
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Industry Panel to Focus on Manufacturer, Distributor and Rep Relationships
Stronger relationships, better results. Industry leaders will share insights on strengthening manufacturer, distributor and rep relationships at FEMA’s October 29 panel in New Orleans.
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Rural Mainstreet Index Falls Back Below Growth Neutral
According to the September survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below growth neutral for the fourth time in the past six months.
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Farm Bill Heads to Senate Floor Debating SNAP, Prop 12
The Senate farm bill is moving toward the floor, with lawmakers still debating key SNAP provisions and California’s Proposition 12.
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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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