Dave Kanicki is Editor & Publisher of Ag Equipment Intelligence (AEI) and its related research, reports and broadcast channels. He joined Lessiter Publications in 2005 after decades of experience as an Editor & Publisher of metals manufacturing titles. His Farm Equipment and AEI work has been nationally recognized by both trade business and business press associations. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University.

Contact: dkanicki@lessitermedia.com

What About Capital Expenditures?

By Dave Kanicki posted on March 2, 2020

So, we’ve heard a lot from USDA about commodity prices and projected planted acres for 2020, but little or nothing about capital expenditure expectations. It exists but doesn’t capture much attention from much of the ag industry. I suppose this is because most farm spending is dependent on commodity prices.

Leasing, Automation & Brand Loyalty

By Dave Kanicki posted on January 28, 2020

“With all of the automation coming … and the cost of repairs and parts … along with cost of new machinery, it’s getting ridiculous,” said Robert Blair during the Ag Equipment Intelligence Executive Briefing virtual event held last month. The Idaho grower added, “The cost of parts is really starting to drive some of my decisions, as well.”

Another Decade Down: More of the Same Ahead?

By Dave Kanicki posted on December 23, 2019 | Posted in Data & Forecasts

It’s just about a wrap on the second decade of the 2000s and from my perspective things are looking a “little” better than they have in a while in some respects, but not so much in others. For the most part, the first half of the last decade is very different from the second half. But it’s simply a matter of ag cycles and plateaus, according to some.

Everybody’s Looking for Some ‘Real’ Good News

By Dave Kanicki posted on November 19, 2019

Most of the dealers and others I’ve spoken with or heard from in the past couple of months seem to agree — 2019 was a weird year. It was hard to get a fix on what was going on and very little was “typical.” There are more variables than usual, I think.

North-American-Dealers-Outlook-for-New-Equipment-Revenue.jpg

2020 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends Summary

Dealer Optimism in Short Supply for 2020

Poor planting conditions in major ag regions combined with ongoing trade disputes are contributing to more uncertainty than usual for North American farm equipment dealers.

By Dave Kanicki posted on October 22, 2019 | Posted in Data & Forecasts

In the past year, the Ag Equipment Intelligence “Dealer Optimism Index,” which measures sentiment among dealers compared to the prior month, has yet to move into positive territory. The index is based on a monthly survey of North American farm equipment dealers that asks if they are more or less optimistic about their business prospects or feel about the same as they did in the previous survey.

Trade Issues Cloud Dealers’ View of 2020

By Dave Kanicki posted on October 21, 2019

The 2020 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends report has just been released to Ag Equipment Intelligence subscribers. There’s little doubt that current trade issues have added to agriculture’s usual uncertainties (weather, commodity prices, etc.) and everyone is guessing about the potential outcome.

Single-Store Deere Dealer Calls It Quits

By Dave Kanicki posted on September 9, 2019 | Posted in Dealer News

We heard from an old friend, and now an ex-equipment dealer, last week. He said he’s thrown in the towel, sold his single-store John Deere dealership and is now looking at other possibilities for what to do with the rest of his working career.

From the Desk of Dave Kanicki

Is Ag’s Next ‘Big’ Disrupter on the Horizon?

By Dave Kanicki posted on June 11, 2019

When I was involved in the metalcasting industry, I often felt like a voice in the wilderness in urging foundries to stop commoditizing the engineered cast iron and steel components they were manufacturing by selling them by the pound. I don’t know how much good it did.

From the Desk of Dave Kanicki

On Average, Big Dealers Still Operate 23-24 Stores Each

(About the Same as 9 Years Ago)

By Dave Kanicki posted on April 23, 2019

There is one fewer big dealer on Ag Equipment Intelligence’s Big Dealer list than there was a year ago at this time. A year ago, we showed 188 dealership groups vs. 187 this year. Is the consolidation of North American farm equipment dealers finally slowing?

Margin or Volume: Both Require Discipline

By Dave Kanicki posted on March 25, 2019

Two years ago in this space, the discussion centered on “Margin or Volume?” It appears this may deserve some more attention as dealers continue to confront this age-old retail battle.

Farm Equipment Videos

Being a Pessl Instruments Representative in the California Market

Farmer and independent ag consultant, Jim Britton, discusses his experience as a Pessl Instruments representative for growers in the California market.

Events

Equipment Manufacturers Teams with National Agri-Marketing Association to help Small Companies Survive and Thrive

Date: 04/15/20

Location: San Diego ,

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) are coming together during NAMA’s 2020 Agri-Marketing Conference with a pre-conference workshop with content targeted specifically for these types of organizations.

View Event

More Events

Top Directory Listings

Yetter Mfg Co

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.

Montag Mfg

At Montag Mfg., we specialize in fertilizer equipment. Our complete fertilizer application system will help you start reaping the benefits of deep band fertilizer.

Machinery Scope

Machinery Scope offers premier risk management tools for farm equipment. We provide timely, personalized, and flexible solutions to protect more farm equipment investments than anyone in the industry. We add value and peace of mind when you are buying, selling, or managing your farm equipment by offering extended warranty plans.

Dave Kanicki

ARTICLES