Farm Equipment

What the Rubik Leader Learned from Dorothy on the Way to Oz

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy begins her journey in chaos. A tornado lifts her from the familiar and drops her into a strange world where nothing works the way she expects. This is the same emotional moment every leader experiences when promoted from an individual contributor to a leadership role.

John Deere's Right-to-Repair Settlement: A New Chapter, Not the End of the Story

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:29:11 -0400

In my view, this settlement represents neither a defeat nor a complete victory for either side. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in how manufacturers, dealers, independent repair providers and equipment owners will work together in the years ahead.

Part 2: Personal Observations Ahead of the Hands-On Workshop at Dealership Minds Summit

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In part 2, Mike and Drew Lessiter describe their company’s practical experience with the tools since being exposed to them last winter, and why Arzani was hired to deliver a special small-group workshop to equipment dealers navigating similar challenges.

Big Companies are Putting Big Dollars Behind the Trades, but Where Does It Leave Diesel Techs?

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:53:13 -0400

According to reports, big companies like Ford and philanthropies are stepping up to boost programs to get more people into the trades — a boost to the tune of $400 million.

Future-Proofing Means Selling Systems, Not Machines

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

If you ask most dealers what business they’re in, they’ll point to the equipment lined up on the lot. But that’s not really what customers are buying.

John Deere Undermines Industry Learning Event

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Allowing its independent dealers to gather at the all-colors Dealership Minds Summit apparently makes the Deere corporate office uneasy.

The Equipment Biz is a Team Sport: Get in the Game

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

“Ask not what the Summit can do for you, but what you can do for your fellow conference-goer …”

Where’s the Class in Class-Action?

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Class-action 101 and observations on the race by attorneys and their subcontractors to get an even larger piece of John Deere’s $99 million settlement intended for farmers.

NAEDA Responds: CNH’s Color-Mixing of its Dealer Network

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The recent move by CNH to further align the Case IH and New Holland organizations—often referred to as the "purpling" of the brands—has generated significant discussion throughout the dealer network. While many details remain unclear, NAEDA sees both opportunities and challenges associated with this strategy.

Is It Real, or Is It Memorex?

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Is AI "dumbing down" this generation, or are they just as ingenuitive as older generations?

New Brains and Brawn for Legacy Weed Shocker

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Decentralized digital controls and tougher running gear designed to handle today’s higher horsepower tractors highlight improvements to LASCO’s new Lightning Weeder.

Successful First-Ever Summit, But Some Conspicuous Absences

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Introducing a new product — or in our case a new event — can be equal parts excitement and nerve-racking. We did the attendee survey and polling on the need and formula, we lined up key presenters and sought input for the themed roundtable discussions.

Experience: Benefit or Liability to Future Proof Your Dealership?

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

For this ‘Leadership Lesson’, let’s look at how experience impacts the future of a business. My career path has led me into many businesses and many roles. Each step on the path brought new and challenging opportunities.

Know When to Hold ‘Em & When to Fold ‘Em

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Expectations are that customers are going to treat Ballweg employees with respect. If they don’t, Tom Ballweg is clear with them. “It’s easier for me to get a new customer than a new employee."

Less (Technology) is More for Independent Tractor Manufacturer

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While many are looking for more ways to incorporate technology in their farm equipment, Alberta-based startup Ursa Ag is intentionally doing the opposite.

Little Fallout Likely in Farm Machinery Sales Model from State Franchise Exemption

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

A tightly-written exemption from state franchise law in Washington allows two EV auto makers to sell directly to consumers and affects only sales of motor vehicles.

Monarch Tractor’s Collapse Exposes Dealer Risks and a Channel in Crisis

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

As Monarch’s business faltered in late 2025, the fallout has rippled across the dealer channel, exposing a systemic weakness in how new manufacturers enter and exit the market.

Planning for the Future Requires Getting Back to Relationship Basics

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Everyone says our business depends on relationships. As we prepare for the future, will that change? The answer is no — but our focus must evolve.

Observations on the Mainline OEM ‘Cast of Characters’ Over 20-Plus Years

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Veteran editor Mike Lessiter shares observations of having reported on the business of farm machinery for 20-plus years.

One Click Won't Fix It: The Parts Availability Problem Ag Equipment Can't Keep Ignoring

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

When Farming Simulator 25 added the MacDon FD2 FlexDraper to its equipment lineup — modelled with impressive accuracy down to how it contours across uneven terrain — I was genuinely curious. So I watched someone play it.

AEI Brings Together All Corners of Ag Equipment Industry with All-New Event

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The entire industry — manufacturers, dealers and suppliers — has lacked a dedicated forum devoted solely to strategic market intelligence in which all can learn from each other.

Jim Irwin and 'Old-School' Leadership

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

What dealers want from the executives they answer to at their major-line is simple and straightforward.

AI in the Spotlight at FEMA Supply Summit & Showcase

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400

I just got back from the FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association) Supply Summit and Showcase. My top takeaway from the week can be summed up with two letters. AI.

First-Ever Dealership Minds Summit 'Shark Tank'

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:10:35 -0400

As we prepare the program for the 12th Annual Dealership Minds Summit, being held Aug. 4-5 in Springfield, Ill., I need your help on a new idea for this year's event.

45 Years Later and We’re ‘Still the Same’

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Despite the founders’ complementary talents, there was no reason to think the business — with its untimely start with the ag depression of the 1980s — would ever see 45 years.

Optimism Emerging in the Farm Machinery Market: Is it time to plan ahead?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Just as much as I was a pessimist 3 years ago, I am predicting an upswing. It won’t be as crazy a 2020-2021 but it is still going to be positive.

Large Plant Model Allows LaserWeeder Operators to Update ‘Targets’ with a Thumb Tap

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Carbon Robotics machines update global system each time they go to the field, boosting data in the machine-learning library which currently holds images of150 million plants

Future-Proofing Your Dealership

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Business advisors use the term “future proofing” to describe the discipline organizations need to prepare for generational success — economically, technologically and culturally.

Are We In for Another Wild Ride?

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Last year was like being on a roller coaster that you didn’t want to ride in the first place. And so far, the news cycle in 2026 appears to be extending the ride.

Practical Tech Series, Part 2: Smart Specs on the Farm

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0500

Noah Newman stops by a Best Buy on his lunch break to check out the Meta AI Glasses he's been hearing all about. Could these smart glasses be potential game changers for farmers, technicians and precision specialists?