The African swine fever in China has led to the slaughter of more than 900,000 hogs. Fewer pigs means a diminished need for soybeans, which further complicates the future for soybean farmers in this essential export market.

Editors at Farm Equipment magazine invite shortline manufacturers to nominate dealerships for the 15th annual Dealership of the Year award.

Returns on an acre of corn this year should eclipse returns on an acre of soybeans on high-productivity farmland in central Illinois. One researcher said the shift is unprecedented.

Richard James Tapper, founder of Buchanan Metal Forming, died Jan. 20.

The U.S. dairy sector last week sent a study to President Trump to stress the need for expanding market access overseas. The report noted that every major dairy-exporting country except the U.S. is included in one of two trade agreements with Japan.

Farm equipment dealers in North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota soon will belong to the same association. The historic merger is effective April 1.

The formula for a successful Supply Summit calls on attendees to take part not only in the sessions and showcase but also to seize opportunities to connect personally with others in the industry. Product problems can be solved on the ninth hole.

Lessiter Media has promoted Kim Schmidt to executive editor of Farm Equipment and Rural Lifestyle Dealer magazines. Schmidt succeeds Dave Kanicki.

The Summit includes a tour of a manufacturing training center lauded by one member executive as “one of the best places I’ve seen in my 40 years in manufacturing.” (video)

As the game changes on social media channels, more marketing pros are celebrating old-fashioned email. Unlike tweets or Facebook posts, no one company controls emails. And the platform allows manufacturers to address their most loyal customers.

An organization that advocates for broadband access in rural America has built a digital map to illustrate broadband use in your communities. It also provides you a direct link to tell lawmakers you want better.

A number of ag groups have asked the White House to resolve the North American trade deal and put an end to tariffs among the countries. Meanwhile, researchers at Purdue University have placed dollar values on what the trade deal, or lack of a deal, might mean for ag.

Art’s Way Manufacturing Co. reported a drop in sales in 2018. Chairman Marc McConnell says the company had made changes that will “allow for better results under similar conditions and substantially increased opportunity for profitability in an improving market.”

Ag industry leaders will join with manufacturers and other business representatives on Capitol Hill later this week to deliver a message to lawmakers that the time is now to increase pressure on Trump and his administration to end the trade war.

When AFBF President Zippy Duvall took the state recently at an agribusiness and farm expo in South Carolina, he did not mince words about challenges such as the labor shortage and farmers’ struggling bottom lines. In spite of the challenges, he is encouraged that ag has “a seat the table” in Washington.

Walmart is adjusting its pay structure to bring the average trucker salary to $87,500. It’s tossing in a couple of other incentives, too.

OSHA has eliminated requirements for businesses to electronically submit two forms related to injuries and illnesses. The move comes amid concerns that information on the forms could compromise employees’ privacy.

Major fire destroys JLD Laguë Group’s Deere facility in the Lennoxville sector of Sherbrooke.

China surprises Trump administration with Oval Office announcement of five million metric ton bean purchase. Causes early confusion regarding if the five million was tons, bushels, one time or some reports of daily purchases.

Canada’s House of Commons Agri Committee has published its report on the Advancements of Technology in the Agriculture Industry to support Canadian Exports. Calls for expedited tax deduction for new farm equipment.

Many market analysts are warning farmers to watch for the glut of data from USDA shocking the market when released.

North Dakota Implement Dealers Association and Minnesota-South Dakota Equipment Dealers Association Announce Merger

CoBank outlook report examines key factors that will shape agriculture and markets sectors that serve rural communities throughout the U.S.

Scientists from the University of Illinois have researched a new conservation practice known as saturated buffers and say it could reduce nitrogen from agricultural drainage by 5 to 10 percent.

Inflation in Canada unexpectedly accelerated in December, pushing up the average rate of inflation for all of 2018 to the highest level in seven years.

Transport Canada has announced new rules for drones effective June 1. The rules require registering a drone, passing an online exam, and limiting aircrafts’ altitude.

While the farm equipment sales index has not yet tipped toward growth, it has made consistent gains in the Rural Mainstreet Index. Meanwhile, the overall index shows economic growth in rural America.

An agriculture policy expert who spoke at the recent American Farm Bureau Federation convention said an export market for ag is critically important. In addition to immediate losses, the U.S. must consider what it will take to regain markets as countries build relationships with other suppliers.

Producers’ interest in making large investments in their farm operations waned somewhat in December. The research suggests farmers are wary of making substantial farm investments given current financial conditions on their farms.

LinkedIn saw dramatic growth in 2018 in terms of users and their level of engagement. In an analysis of its potential for B2B operations, one expert says building personal profiles builds business.

Growers can earn $200 to $400 an acre growing hemp for use in textiles, plastics, insulation and construction materials. Hemp grown for cannabidiol could earn farmers thousands of dollars an acre.

Member companies who report net annual sales of less than $5 million spend proportionately more on materials than their counterparts but spend less on overhead. Participate in the benchmark survey this spring and find out how your operation compares.

Ag Growth International Inc., or AGI, has acquired Improtech Ltd., an engineering services firm. Improtech joins Danmare, Sabe, and Mitchell Mill Systems as recent additions to AGI’s food platform.

Join us in Myrtle Beach for a three-day immersion in exploring top-of-mind industry issues, connecting with suppliers, and learning from one another. Register by Feb. 4 and save as much as $200.

Heritage Tractor has acquired Legacy Farm and Lawn. Shearer Equipment will sell its assets to Ag-Pro Ohio LLC.

The partial government shutdown could cause tens of thousands of businesses to make a tough choice about whether to claim one of the biggest perks in the 2018 tax overhaul. Owners of pass-through entities have to file their businesses’ returns by March 15, and they still don’t have the final word from the Internal Revenue Service about who qualifies for the 20 percent deduction.

Members most enjoy reading news about other members: promotions, expansions, acquisitions, new hires, awards, and other successes. Send us yours.

Steel producer Nucor Corp. said it will spend about $1.35 billion to build a plate mill in the Midwest, taking advantage of federal tax cuts that have resulted in windfall gains for several companies.

The speaker lineup continues to take shape for the 2019 Supply Summit, but it’s off to a fantastic start with experts on the economy, trade and tariffs, implementing lean principles, and cybersecurity.

Executive leaders in the work comp industry say topping their list of worries in 2019 are risks associated with an aging workforce, unskilled workers, independent contractors, and new technology.

U.S. and Chinese trade officials are in talks to reopen China’s market to U.S. chicken exports as they seek to forge a new trade deal. China’s immense appetite for chicken feet has made the loss of that market painful for chicken processors.

The needle moved in the right direction in December in Creighton University’s farm equipment sales index. Still, there’s room to improve. Agriculture continues to trail in progress being made in the broader rural economy.

When Herb Kelleher co-founded Southwest, he threw out the playbook on how to run an airline. His unconventional approach earned him the reputation as perhaps the best CEO in America. Kelleher died last week. His legacy will be these universal ideas on how to lead.

Mashana Moore, who “always finds the way to get it done” for PEER Chain, has been promoted.

The U.S. is in some stage of negotiations with China, Japan, and the European Union. Take a quick look at the status of each, and see which pact could be most affected by the federal government shutdown.

Jeff Gibson has joined S3 Wireform Inc. He brings “in-depth knowledge” of the industry as well as a “passion and admirable work ethic.”

The shutdown of the federal government has entered its third week. See what it means to farmers seeking financial assistance in response to retaliatory tariffs, production data, and the new NAFTA.

The Association welcomes a new member applicant and wishes a happy anniversary to other companies celebrating milestone anniversaries in January.

Fatigue costs U.S. employers more than $130 billion a year in health-related lost productivity. Wearable technology in the workplace can reduce injuries and increase productivity, according to a recent study.

Members of the Association who hold product liability policies with Sentry Insurance that expired in December should have received dividend checks from the company recently.