Manufacturer & Dealer Issues

Efficiency: No Longer Optional

mlessiter@lesspub.com — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Efficiency is calling for the changes of industry in 2026 and beyond, but leadership, as always, will define success.

The Technician Shortage Begins Before the Job Opening

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Dealers, schools & students want the same outcome: a steady, reliable tech pipeline, but
getting there requires a willingness to build it together

Dealers Grade OEM Performance in Annual Dealer-Manufacturer Relations Survey

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Bourgault once again claims Dealers Choice recognition

Are You Ready for the Changes that Could Come with a Move to Autonomy?

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

While it’s not what dealers want to hear, Quint Pottinger says, he plans on shifting to smaller equipment that can run autonomously 24/7 (or at least close to it) on his Kentucky farm.

The Next Evolution of Dealer Representation: Why the NAEDA-AED Merger Is Good for Dealers

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Last fall, I wrote that dealers don't benefit from divided representation; they benefit when associations coordinate efforts, share resources and amplify one another's strengths.

DataPoint: U.S. Manufacturers’ Inventories of Farm Machinery & Equipment

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400

Manufacturers serving the U.S. market remain cautious about production as they work to bring dealer inventories into balance with demand. AGCO, CNH and Deere have all reported lower production hours and a focus on balancing production with demand.

Equipment Manufacturers See Equipment Demand Improving

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400

During a Farm Progress Show press conference aimed at the foreign press, AGCO leadership stressed its focus on growing the Fendt brand in North America.

Record Diesel Prices Pressure Farm Margin

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:00:00 -0400

The average price of U.S. diesel reached a new all-time high of $5.94 a gallon on Wednesday, up 4 cents from the prior record set Monday, according to AAA. That puts prices up 61% from a year ago, reports Agri–Pulse.

Canada Imposes Retaliatory Tariffs on Ag Equipment

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

New tariffs went into effect on August 22 on billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. imports from Canada after trade talks between the neighboring countries collapsed.

AI in the Dealership: What's Real, What's Hype, and What to Do About It [Webinar]

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Watch a practical, no-hype session on where AI is already saving dealers time and money today, where it still can't replace your people, and how to evaluate AI tools so you invest in the ones that actually move your business forward.

2026 Farm Equipment Dealer Hall of Fame Ceremony

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Among the highlights of last week’s Dealership Minds Summit in Illinois was the annual Dealer Hall of Fame ceremony. Humorous, heart-felt and touching personal remarks from each of the recipients on their life’s calling as farm equipment dealers can be watched here.

Deere Settlement with FTC Adds Enforcement Mechanism to Right to Repair MOUs

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:00:00 -0400

During a special panel discussion at the Dealership Minds Summit, we brought in John Schmeiser, retired dealer association exec, and COO of TI Technology Corp; Eric Wareham, vice president of policy with AED and Brett Davis, CEO of NAEDA, to help break down the impact the FTC/Deere agreement will have on dealers of all colors.

Dealers Voice 6 Areas of Concern over FTC Rulings vs. Deere in Right-to-Repair Suits

mlessiter@lesspub.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Deere settled its larger potential risks as an equipment-maker but the ‘cost’ to dealers remains unknown. Regardless of color dealers are expressing concern over the slippery slope this settlement may mean to their investments & survival.

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.

New Dealership Minds Summit Session Added: The Impact for DEALERS on Recent Right to Repair & FTC Rulings

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:24:54 -0400

In this special session, industry experts candidly cover the immediate, intermediate and long-range ramifications – and risks – for dealers on the just-announced FTC rulings and class-action settlements.

Pioneer Issues Notice to Members on FTC & States Right to Repair Settlement with John Deere

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 16:40:47 -0400

The FTC’s settlement requires Deere — for the next 10 years and under the supervision of the FTC and plaintiff states—to provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same equipment repair resources, including applicable software capabilities, that it currently provides to authorized Deere dealers.

ONGOING COVERAGE: Right-to-Repair Impact on Dealers, Deere, Other OEMs

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 12:50:39 -0400

On July 8, the Federal Trade Commission and the Attorneys General of Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin filed a joint motion in the Northern District of Illinois (Case No. 3:25-cv-50017) asking the court to enter a stipulated order that would resolve their right to repair lawsuit against Deere & Co.

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

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — 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.

Deere Settles RTR Lawsuit with FTC, States

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The settlement represents the FTC’s “latest commitment to reducing the cost of living for Americans, including both farmers and downstream consumers of the products those farmers produce,” the agency said.

Built for Tough Times: Streamlined Repairs and Smarter Service with SDI's Dealer-Driven Solutions

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Shop Dog Industries (SDI) helps dealers work more efficiently and economically to improve farmer satisfaction during economic downturns.

John Deere Undermines Industry Learning Event

mlessiter@lesspub.com — 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.

First-ever Ag Equipment Intelligence Executive Summit Held in Chicago on May 19-20

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The inaugural Ag Equipment Intelligence Executive Summit, a first-ever peer learning and networking event diving into ag machinery market intelligence, brought together all corners of the ag machinery industry — dealers, distributors, manufacturers, lenders and suppliers.

Where’s the Class in Class-Action?

mlessiter@lesspub.com — 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.

Dealer Panel: Facility Projects That Maximize Operational Efficiency

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Dealership of the Year Alumni Leo Johnson, Johnson Tractor, 2025. He’s joined by Farm
Equipment Dealer Hall of Famer and owner of B&G Equipment, Tim Brannon.

SATISFYD Releases Analysis of Customer Dissatisfaction, Aftermarket Revenue in Equipment Industry

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

New research analyzing 20 million equipment industry transactions identifies measurable revenue-risk patterns tied to customer dissatisfaction and operational execution. Leading equipment dealers validate the findings.

Associations: The ‘Behind the Scenes’ Work Nobody Sees

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Former dealer association exec John Schmeiser provides a ‘behind-the-curtain’ look at manufacturer relations, warranty wars & meetings that saved the industry from hundreds of lawsuits.

AI in the Equipment Dealership: A Practical Guide to What Works, What Doesn’t & What to Look For

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

The industry is moving fast. But the dealers getting real value from AI aren’t chasing every trend, they’re making smarter choices about where technology helps and where their people still lead.

Industry Shares Comments on CNH’s Color-Mixing of its Dealer Network

mlessiter@lesspub.com — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Big changes for Case IH and New Holland machinery dealers, customers – and rival colors.

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.

Successful First-Ever Summit, But Some Conspicuous Absences

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — 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.