Guest Blog: Opinion from John Schmeiser
John Schmeiser, an ag industry consultant, most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for the North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA).
The recent announcement that the North American Equipment Dealers Assn. (NAEDA) and the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) represents a defining moment for our industry. While the agreement itself is a framework for cooperation, the intent behind it signals something much larger — that the time has come for equipment dealers across North America to unite around a shared message and purpose.
Both the agricultural and construction equipment sectors have endured tremendous disruption in recent years. The pandemic and supply chain shocks were followed by another “black swan” event — the imposition of tariffs that disrupted decades of seamless trade between Canada and the U.S. For as long as most of us can remember, equipment, parts and materials have moved freely across the border, supporting an integrated North American market. That certainty has now been replaced by volatility.
Tariffs have been turned “on again, off again” with little warning, often influenced by political rhetoric or executive action. Dealers and manufacturers alike have faced challenges in forecasting costs, managing inventory and maintaining competitiveness. As we approach a new renegotiation of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), the stakes are even higher. The equipment industry cannot afford to speak with fragmented or regional voices. It must present a unified, continental message that reflects the shared realities of dealers in all 3 countries.
The MOU between NAEDA and AED is an important step toward that goal. It formalizes collaboration where there was once parallel effort — and in doing so, strengthens our ability to advocate for the long-term health and competitiveness of the equipment industry across North America.
This partnership brings together the complementary strengths of two respected organizations. NAEDA has long represented the interests of farm, construction and outdoor power dealers. Its leadership in manufacturer relations and its deep understanding of dealer contracts, policies and OEM strategies have earned it trust and credibility throughout the equipment sector.
AED, on the other hand — while also representing agricultural, construction and material handling dealers — has built an exceptional reputation for its government affairs and policy advocacy. The association’s presence in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa ensures that the voice of equipment dealers is heard where it matters most — in the halls of government. During the recent tariff debates in Washington, AED was highly active in communicating the impact that trade disruptions would have not only on U.S. dealers but also on their Canadian counterparts. Its advocacy underscored the interdependence of our markets.
By working together, NAEDA and AED combine their respective strengths — NAEDA’s deep ties with manufacturers and AED’s political reach — to create a stronger, more effective platform for the entire dealer network. If the 2 organizations can achieve their goals within this framework for cooperation, their partnership will mean that dealers can rely on unified leadership that understands the full spectrum of their challenges — from the policy environment to the front lines of equipment sales and service.
The timing of this collaboration could not be more critical. Dealers across North America are managing through declining sales, tight margins, shifting customer expectations and an uncertain economic climate in both the farm and construction sectors. While these challenges vary by region and market segment, their underlying causes — trade disruptions, capital pressures and evolving technology — are universal.
In the past, NAEDA and AED were sometimes perceived as representing different sides of the same industry, or even as competitors for influence. That perspective no longer fits today’s realities. The complexity of the current business environment demands cooperation, not competition. Dealers don’t benefit from divided representation; they benefit when our associations coordinate efforts, share resources and amplify one another’s strengths.
Both organizations already provide extensive programs, training, data and services to their members — many of which overlap or complement one another. Through alignment, those offerings have the potential to become more efficient and impactful. The result will be a stronger voice for dealers, greater policy influence and improved access to shared tools and expertise.
A Positive Step Toward the Future
This MOU is not the final destination — it’s a starting point. But even at this stage, it sends a powerful message: that the equipment industry recognizes the importance of unity and is willing to act on it. Whether it’s advocating for fair trade policy, addressing workforce shortages or ensuring access to critical parts and components, our associations can achieve more together than they ever could alone.
Both NAEDA and AED carry legacies of integrity, service and leadership that span generations. Their collective experience in serving dealers is unmatched. This collaboration honors that heritage while adapting to the demands of a modern, integrated North American marketplace.
As the relationship between the 2 organizations evolves, there will undoubtedly be opportunities to refine and expand their cooperation. But what’s most important today is the intent — a shared commitment to advancing the interests of dealers, supporting fair and open trade and ensuring that our industry remains competitive and resilient in the years ahead.
For decades, the farm and construction equipment industries have powered the North American economy — feeding our people, building our communities and driving innovation across borders. To continue doing so in an era of uncertainty, we must speak with one voice.
For those not familiar with my background with the Canada West, Western and North American Equipment Dealers Associations, a major responsibility I had was merging regional associations together — ultimately into NAEDA. The MOU between NAEDA and AED represents a logical, forward-thinking next step toward that unity. I commend the leadership of both organizations for taking this step. It’s good for dealers, good for manufacturers and good for the industry as a whole. When our associations collaborate, everyone benefits — and together, we can build a stronger, more stable future for equipment dealers throughout North America.
