Within the next few days most of you will be receiving the October/November issue of Farm Equipment that features our 2013 Dealer Outlook & Trends report. This is based on the annual survey we conduct of North American dealers.
Results from the most recent Dealer Sentiment & Business Conditions Update survey shows that North American farm equipment dealers are feeling a bit better about their business prospects these days. At the same time, commentary from the survey indicates that dealers are still gun shy about making big plans for 2013.
From my experience in manufacturing, I always found it just as difficult, if not more so, coming out of a recession then it is going into it. From what farm equipment dealers tell me, the same is true when agriculture goes into or comes out of a significant weather event like this year's Midwest drought.
It wasn't that long ago that the dealers we spoke with weren't feeling at all certain about their business prospects for the year ahead. Many of their customers who were most impacted by the 2012 drought were in a "bad mood" as they watched their crops wither in the field. Talking about buying new ag equipment wasn't high on their list of priorities.
Versatile is pleased to announce that Alan Graff will assume the role of Dealer Development Manager for North America. This new position has been created to help identify and support strong new dealers for the Versatile brand through-out North America. Additionally the position will entail evaluating dealer prospects and working with existing dealers in expansion or acquisition planning. Working with the regional territory managers, Alan will evaluate the facilities, staff (service, sales and finance) and the financial situation of each dealer and proceed accordingly in targeted market areas.
The next phase of precision farming technology ” autonomous farm equipment” is no longer just an experiment. For the first time, farmers took the control panel and showcased Kinze Manufacturing's autonomous row-crop harvest system during a recent demonstration in Monmouth, Ill.
In the past few weeks I've begun hearing from some dealers about how the major farm equipment manufacturers seem to be getting "pretty aggressive on pricing,"? as one dealer put it. That's code for they "are cutting prices for any number of reasons,” gaining market share, reducing inventory, whatever.
Kubota Tractor Corporation recently recognized local Kubota Dealer Messick's of Abbottstown, Carlisle, Elizabethtown, and Halifax PA, with the company's prestigious President's Kaizen Award for outstanding performance as a dealership in 2011.
Dealer sentiments about equipment sales for the rest of the year look to be taking a "cautious"? turn and, in all likelihood, reflect the mood of their customers in the wake of the worst drought in the Midwest in more than three decades.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at President Trump's tariff reduction on ag equipment, the latest dealer sales forecasts, and how high input costs are keeping farmer sentiment down.
Since 1980, A&I Products has become a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of aftermarket replacement parts for the agricultural, turf, and industrial equipment markets. A&I Products' experience and expertise has greatly contributed to the company's reputation as a top supplier of quality, reasonably priced parts. Founded with roots as a small machine shop and repair facility, the company made the transition by manufacturing new parts to replace those that were identified as commonly needing repair. Throughout the 1980s, the company quickly garnered a reputation for offering quality parts at a reasonable price.
Built on 90 years of expertise, Yetter Farm Equipment leads the agriculture industry in designing effective and innovative equipment for residue management, seedbed preparation, precision fertilizer placement, harvest attachments, strip-tillage, and more.
At Machinery Scope, we believe you deserve the best risk management solutions for your investments in heavy equipment. Since 2013, we have been proud to offer extended warranty, appraisals, and inspections. Machinery Scope is a family-owned business built on our experience in farming and equipment dealerships. We understand your business and provide a personalized and professional level of customer service. Machinery Scope has built a strong warranty product with our customers in mind, offering the same professional level of service from the time you get a quote, through the processing of a claim.