On Dec. 10, the Federal Reserve announced another quarter point rate cut, lowering it to 3.5-3.75%. Similar to the cut made in October, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee said it “seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2% over the longer run.”
A year ago in the 2024 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends Report, dealers indicated 2024 would be the toughest year for business since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farmer’s perception of an improving ag economy going forward could be laying the groundwork for increased capital investments in the year ahead, according to the results of the Purdue University-CME monthly farmer survey.
The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer declined moderately in December to 127, which was 7 points below the index’s value one month earlier and 9 points below October’s reading.
While ag equipment sales continue to be soft, both farmers and dealers seem to be feeling a bit more positive about things than they have over the last few years.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we review the decline in farmer sentiment in April, which saw the Ag Economy Barometer and the Farm Capital Investment Index drop to their lowest levels since October 2024.
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.