USDA released their August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, the first report of the year to incorporate farmer surveys and field plot measurements to projected yield and production potential indicates a record crop.

August’s WASDE report projected the 2013 corn crop at 13.763 billion bushels, which would be a record crop, if realized, and a 2.98 billion bushel increase from…

According to NOAA’s July 2013 State of the Climate report, the average temperature this past month for the contiguous U.S. was 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit. While this monthly average is 0.8 degrees above the 20th century average, and ranks as the 30th warmest July on record, nobody is complaining about temperatures after last year’s heat wave, USAgNet reports.

All those long international trips and the expense of developing your overseas market looks like it’s finally paying off!

You’ve just received the first order from your new overseas customer! Then, while you are doing the victory lap around the office it suddenly dawns on you: “how will you support the ‘after the sale’ in the overseas market?”

When you visit with members of our Association regarding the annual Fall Convention and why they attend, you quickly learn just how diverse our membership has become and how our fall meeting has changed to meet the needs of our members.

What began as a funding mechanism for a social function with FEWA wholesalers in the late 1940’s had grown into an association by 1951 when the first Fall Convention was held at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago.

Wholesale distribution of the products our members manufacture was the reason for the meeting; many members brought in their entire management and sales team. For some members, the Fall Convention would account for the majority of the coming year’s sales.

As much as distribution networks have changed over the last 60 years, meeting with your independent sales representatives or wholesalers still can’t be done more effectively than during our annual Fall Convention.

Here are just a few of the issues to be addressed at this year’s Fall Convention in Indianapolis:

The New York Times reports that hedge fund billionaire Philip A. Falcone is in a litigious mood. Just three days after suing Dish Network in a last-ditch attempt to maintain control of LightSquared, the bankrupt wireless broadband company he owns, Mr. Falcone has turned his focus on the GPS industry.

Falcone’s hedge fund, Harbinger Capital, and its subsidiaries sued Deere & Company, Garmin International and Trimble Navigation, along with the Coalition to Save Our GPS and the United States GPS Industry Council, accusing them of preventing LightSquared from operating a crucial 4G network.

The lawsuit which seeks $1.9 billion in damages, contends that lobbying from the GPS industry, and the resulting FCC decision to deny LightSquared a license helped to …

The Obama administration has quietly delayed a key provision in the U.S. national healthcare law that would limit out-of-pocket insurance costs for consumers until 2015.

The cap, which includes deductibles and co-payments, was supposed to limit consumer costs to $6,350 for an individual and $12,700 for a family. The change means some insurers could set higher limits or set no limit at all on out-of-pocket costs starting in 2014.

A group calling themselves Iowans for Animal Liberation is taking responsibility for coating the Butter Cow with red paint at the Iowa State Fair.

The group painted the words “Freedom for all” on the window of the Butter Cow and then put paint on the…

ASABE has revised its standard on the lighting and marking of agricultural equipment operating on a highway.

The revised standard, ANSI/ASAE S279.17, Lighting and Marking of Agricultural Equipment on Highways, adds provisions for self-leveling lamps, as well as significant updates to the Normative References.

Buhler Industries, Winnipeg, Manitoba, reported that revenue for the company’s third quarter set a record of (Canadian dollars) $100.1 million, surpassing last year’s record of $95.8 million.

Sales of $271.7 million for the first nine months were off last year’s record of $274.8 million. The high level of sales are a result of the continued strong demand for…

Mahindra has more than 400 dealers, up from 250 in 2010, and plans to have as many as 650 by 2015. Japan’s Kubota has more than 1,100 dealers in the U.S.; Deere has 1,542 outlets across North America.

Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India’s largest tractor conglomerates, may be bigger than Deere globally but the company has just begun competing on Deere’s…

Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, MySpace and other social media sites are continuing to mushroom in popularity. It is highly likely that your employees are using at least one form or another of social media — in some cases to post information about their workplace, supervisors, or coworkers. As a result, many employers have implemented, or at least considered implementing, internet or social media policies in an effort to protect their reputations, protect their employees, and prevent the dissemination of confidential or proprietary information on the internet.

The organizer DLG (German Agricultural Society) reports that 2,200 exhibitors from 46 countries have already registered for the international exhibition of agricultural machinery and equipment, Agritechnica, to be held in Hanover from November 12-16, 2013. (Preview Days November 10-11). This is around 10% higher than it was at the same time for the record event two years ago. The exhibition area has also grown by around 15% compared with 2011. For the first time more than half of the exhibitors come from outside of Germany.

“We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it…” may have been said in reference to the Affordable Health Care Act, but many manufacturers who supply goods to publicly traded corporations are learning the quote made famous by the former Speaker of the House, also applies well to other legislation.

Publicly traded corporations must now disclose whether the products they manufacture or contract to manufacture contain minerals whose sale proceeds may be used to fund armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and surrounding countries. Derivatives of such minerals, identified as “conflict minerals,” include gold, tantalum, tungsten and tin.

Enter the three year old, Dodd-Frank Act, which we were told was written and passed to protect Americans from the excesses and ruthlessness of Wall Street and to

The U.S. House has approved legislation that would give the Department of Energy the right to block the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) energy-related regulations when it believes those rules would hurt economic growth. The Energy Consumers Relief Act, H.R. 1582, passed the House in a 232-181 vote.

Now comes the next formatting challenge. Last month, farmers were getting their first glimpse of Google Glass and talking with Agriculture.com about some of the ways they see putting the device, or others like it, to work on their farms. How would you use a “wearable” device like this? Some of the first comments went right to equipment maintenance, repairs and safety training.

Alamo Group Inc. has reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. Net sales for the quarter were $178.1 million compared to net sales of $167.0 million for the second quarter of 2012, an increase of 7%. Net income for the quarter was $11.8 million, compared to $9.3 million for the same period of 2012, an increase of 26%. Net sales and net income for both the second quarter and first six months of 2013 were records for Alamo Group

A southern Illinois businessman has paid off part of a court-ordered legal settlement with nearly four tons of quarters packed into dozens of bags.

Roger Herrin, of Harrisburg, was ordered by an appellate court to repay $500,000 in insurance money related to a 2001 car accident in which his teenage son died. The reimbursement followed years of legal disputes about how the insurance money was apportioned to the crash victims.

More than 400 U.S. businesses, advocacy and farm organizations called on the House to enact immigration reform legislation. In a letter signed by a broad cross section of industries that includes agriculture, housing, retail, tourism, hospitality, technology and more, the coalition asked U.S. House Speaker John Boehner and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to enact legislation that would bring meaningful reforms to critical components of the nation’s immigration system

The Steel Index (TSI) is a leading provider of impartial price information for key steel, scrap and iron ore products around the world, based on spot market transactions. Graphs below show USA(domestic mill) Average Delivery Lead-Times in weeks and Reference Prices.

As the August recess begins, it’s once again difficult to see where a compromise can be found between the House and the Senate that would provide the needed Farm Bill legislation prior to September 30, when the current extension expires.

Some progress has been reported with the Senate leadership of both parties’ naming conferees to reconcile the differences in legislation approved by both bodies. Ranking member of the Conference Committee, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS) was pleased with the leadership’s appointing conferees prior to the August recess and believes it sets the stage for finalizing a 2013 farm bill but added that reconciling the differences will be a challenge.

When things get this complicated regarding farm policy it’s time to turn to an expert we have come to rely on. One who has provided sound advice to both parties over the years, one who can provide our members with a clear understanding of what outcomes are likely, and what it will to mean to manufacturers of shortline farm equipment.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Barry Flinchbaugh will be our Keynote Speaker for the Indianapolis Fall Convention this October. Regardless of the Farm Bill’s status, Flinchbaugh will apply his vast knowledge and experience in agriculture, economics, and politics to create a straightforward and entertaining blend of these three topics.

His blunt technique and approach will not only be informative, it will be a refreshing break from the games both sides are currently playing with our

Farm Journal’s AgWeb is reporting a honeybee crisis playing out in California almond fields, where producers can’t get enough hives to pollinate their crops. A high rate of overwinter losses from the 2012 drought and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) reduced hives available for deployment.

Almonds, the leading crop dependent on honeybee pollination, are on the bleeding edge of the crisis. “[Farmers] are in a panic,” said David Westervelt, assistant chief of the Florida Bureau of Plant and Apiary Inspection.

The hive populations are declining, even as demand for their services increases. The result: rental prices hovering at $200 per colony, compared to $150 in 2010 and $58 in 2004. Although scientists have looked for a

We would like to recognize the following companies for their continued support of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association and thank them for their membership over the years. We look forward to many more years of having these companies, and yours, as members. Please help us congratulate the following members on

CNH Global announced that net sales for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 increased 9% to $5.5 billion. CNH’s agricultural equipment second quarter net sales increased 13% driven by increased volume, positive net pricing, and favorable product mix.

Selling in an overseas market is not much different than doing so here in the U.S. It’s pretty much the same. You identify prospects for your products, reach out to them, make a sales call (OK, make several sales calls), and close the deal. Simple!

You follow the same steps overseas as you do here. But “subtle differences” can make the difference between success and failure. Languages are not always easily translated, especially when l

AGCO reported net sales of approximately $3 billion during the second quarter of 2013, an increase of approximately 13.3% compared to net sales of $2.7 billion for the second quarter of 2012. Net income for the second quarter of 2013 was $2.15 per share.

The U.S. Senate has confirmed five members to the National Labor Relations Board. The new Board includes:

Mark Pearce (chair of the NLRB since 2011 and former lawyer representing unions in private practice);
Kent Hirozawa (Pearce’s chief counsel);
Nancy Schiffer (a long time union attorney, who has worked for AFL-CIO and UAW);
Phil Miscimarra (labor attorney representing management); and
Harry Johnson (labor attorney representing management).

Highlights from AEM’s (Association of Equipment Manufacturers) monthly Ag Flash Reports for unit retail sales are listed below. For complete data, go to aem.org.

In a quick thinking move to battle a wildfire that broke out in a Weld County hayfield on Monday, Eric Howard used his Landoll 62030-21′ DiscJ to dig a fire line just feet from the blaze. (video)

In June, a combination of low humidity, high winds and a lack of rain caused a number of wildfires that burned across 139 square miles of Colorado land, state emergency officials said, according to NBC News. One of those fires, the Black Forest Fire, is being called the most destructive in the state’s history. That fire destroyed nearly 500 homes and caused over $80 million in damage, The Colorado Springs Independent noted.

Thomas F. Jones will join Krone NA as Incoming President/CEO replacing Rusty Fowler who will retire after 26 years with the company. Jones will start with Krone on August 1, 2013 and will be in a transition period for approximately six months.

Unfortunately, a temporary delay of the employer mandate does not fix the inherent problems of the provision. While it may give businesses one more year to prepare for compliance, businesses will not hire additional personnel or increase hours simply because the provision is delayed.

Fortunately, the temporary delay provides Congress further opportunity to remedy the fundamental problems of the employer mandate.

Ray Malinowski, Chairman of Leon’s Mfg. Company Inc. and Ram Industries Inc. of Yorkton, Saskatchewan was elected as Chairman of the Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada Association at the PIMA-AMC Annual Meeting in Regina, Saskatchewan on June 18, 2013.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of likely voters view the U.S. coal industry at least somewhat favorably. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that just 29% hold an unfavorable opinion of it. By comparison, just 35% have a favorable opinion of the EPA.

Twenty-one percent (21%) of voters believe the president’s new regulations on the coal industry will help the economy, but almost twice as many (41%) think those regulations will hurt the economy instead. Sixteen percent (16%) say they will have no impact. Twenty-one percent (21%) are not sure.

Brandt Tractor announced the acquisition of Wallace Equipment.

Central Illinois Ag (CIA) confirms their business operations remain open following a fire

Swoboda Implement sold to Value Implement, Inc.

Hoober Inc. to acquire H.B. Duvall Inc.

The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association is pleased to announce the selection of San Antonio, TX as the site for the 2014 Spring Management Clinic and Supplier Product Showcase.



The Spring Clinic and 2014 Supplier Product Showcase will be held at the Grand Hyatt in the River Walk area of the city which winds through the city center, providing millions of visitors each year with scenic pathways and waterways leading to the city’s cultural and historic sites and is a picturesque link between restaurants, hotels and shops.

Our Supplier Section Members will be able to reserve booth space for the 2014 Showcase before the end of August on the Association’s website, FarmEquip.org.

“It just doesn’t make sense, I’ve got to wonder how USDA came up with an increase in acres from March planting intentions, when we’ve got big holes in production because of weather,” said National Farmers Organization’s Senior Grain Marketing Analyst, Pete Lorenz.

A statute just enacted in New Hampshire will subject tractors, farm implements, construction, industrial, and forestry equipment, and even lawn and garden equipment to the detailed regulatory regime applying to car dealerships….


Members who are potentially affected by the law (i.e. have dealers or distributor who serve the New Hampshire market) are advised not to delay in taking any necessary action. Again, the New Hampshire law will go into effect on September 23, 2013.

We would like to recognize the following companies for their continued support of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association and thank them for their membership over the years

An editorial in USA Today comes down on the side of the manufacture’s right to market its product as it sees fit and takes state governments to task for rewarding the politically powerful auto dealer industry with a guaranteed right to play the role of middleman between producer and consumer.

“Ultimately, it should be up to the automaker to choose its sales strategy. Tesla should have every right to go it alone. And the same goes for other automakers.”

Have you ever thought about exporting as a way to increase your top line? You probably have and if you’re like most small businesses in the U.S. you are stymied in moving forward because good information is lacking…

The Summer Issue of Ag Innovator, the Association’s quarterly magazine, will be at your office soon. This issue marks the third year since the magazine was established. We would like to thank all of our advertisers for their continued support and our readers for their feedback.

Art’s Way Manufacturing Co., Inc., Armstrong, IA, announced its financial results for the three and six months ended May 31, 2013. Consolidated net income was $514,000 and $1,334,000 for the three and six months period, compared to $936,000 and $1,129,000 for the same respective periods in 2012.

Sales Engineer wanted by U.S. and Overseas based parts and component manufacturer. BS in Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering with two to four years experience in product design, development or technical sales. Responsible for sales to establish territory, new product development or improvements to existing products. Competitive salary, commission and benefits

One of the many great features the Association website offers is the specialized distribution search and connect function found online at FarmEquip.org/distribution. This recently updated page, allows users to search for distribution partners that meet their specific needs. From language requirements, to country, state, and/or province location choices, to searching for wholesalers, independent reps, co-ops, and/or farm stores, this search function narrows down your choices, based on your input, and connects you with a distributor that is ready to help and fits the specific needs of your company.

Emails obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, from the EPA show that Ag Secretary Vilsack used a secret, non-public email account to communicate with the secret email account of former EPA administrator Lisa Jackson which used the fake name Richard Windsor.

We have several members marking major milestones in June. Please let them know you appreciate their support of our Association. We also have several companies who have recently applied for membership. Please make them feel welcome.

As of June 9, 95% of the U.S. corn crop is in the ground and 85% of it has emerged, according to the USDA Crop Progress report. The planted acreage as of June 9 compares with 100% last year at this time and the 98% average over the past five years.

Fiat Industrial said it will convene an extraordinary shareholder meeting on July 9, 2013 to approve the merger with its CNH business in the U.S. Fiat Industrial will buy the 12% of CNH it does not currently own.

Equipment makers have benefited from Brazilian crop subsidies and lower interest rates. Rousseff’s plan to stimulate agri-businesses in her country includes a 7.5% crop credit increase and a countrywide reduction in the controlled annual interest rate, down to 5.5% from 6.75%. Coupled together, the measures reduced financing costs 18.5% for farmers.

During the Supplier Section’s Board of Governors meeting, last week in Perry, IA, Terry Flanary, National Tube Supply (center), received the Distinguished Service Award for outstanding leadership and service to the Board of Governors. Flanary served as Chairman of the Supplier Board from 2012-13.

We are sad to report the recent death of Lyle Koontz, who served as President of our Association in 1986-87 and as Treasurer from 1987-1992. Lyle was loved and respected by those in our industry who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him during his days as Vice President at Great Plains Industries in Wichita, KS.