Learn from other dealers how to successfully implement different best practices into your operation. https://www.farm-equipment.com/rss en-us kschmidt@lessitermedia.com In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at John Deere’s proposal for a 2-year labor contract extension with the UAW. Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at John Deere’s proposal for a 2-year labor contract extension with the UAW.]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25470 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25470-podcast-john-deere-labor-talks-autonomy-adoption-and-ag-economy-trends mlessiter@lesspub.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/blogs/6/post/25478 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/blogs/6-opinions-columns/post/25478-part-2-personal-observations-ahead-of-the-hands-on-workshop-at-dealership-minds-summit Mike-Lessiter-Author-image-2023.jpg kschmidt@lessitermedia.com Ballweg Implement staff works closely with its customers to explain trade-values and used equipment inventory. http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25467 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25467-video-ballweg-implement-works-with-customers-to-explain-used-equipment-market Ballweg-Implement-Works-with-Customers-to-Explain-Used-Equipment-Market.png kschmidt@lessitermedia.com For Ballweg Implement owner Tom Ballweg, respect is a nonnegotiable. That goes for customers as well as employees. http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25466 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25466-video-managing-customer-and-employee-emotions-with-clear-speak Managing-Customer-&-Employee-Emotions-with-Clear-Speak.png kschmidt@lessitermedia.com Ballweg Implement owner Tom Ballweg explains how the wet spring in 2026 contributed to parts sales for the Wisconsin John Deere dealership. He says the longer customers take preparing to go into the field, the more parts they buy because they have time to get their equipment ready to plant. http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25465 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25465-video-wet-spring-boosts-parts-business-for-ballweg-implement Wet-Spring-Boosts-Parts-Business-for-Ballweg-Implement.png kschmidt@lessitermedia.com Ballweg Implement owner Tom Ballweg shares the benefits and challenges he's found with demoing equipments. http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25464 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25464-video-ballweg-implement-finds-success-with-equipment-demos Ballweg-Implement-Finds-Success-with-Equipment-Demos.png kschmidt@lessitermedia.com Sheila Jaeckel, Ballweg Implement precision ag consultant, shares how the John Deere dealership's 2-person precision team balances calls during the busy season. Customers have their direct numbers, and the team has a goal of getting back to any missed calls within an hour. http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25463 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25463-video-ballweg-implements-precision-team-tackles-busy-season Ballweg-Implement's-Precision-Team-Tackles-Busy-Season.png mlessiter@lesspub.com Part 1 in this series is based on a profile assessment conference call on May 21, 2026 by Bryan Arzani, vice president and co-founder of Results Group and president of Innermetrix North America. The following is his description of key trait indicators from research that he shared before delving into a profile assessment exercise into matching positions to a future candidate. Part 1 in this series is based on a profile assessment conference call on May 21, 2026 by Bryan Arzani, vice president and co-founder of Results Group and president of Innermetrix North America. The following is his description of key trait indicators from research that he shared before delving into a profile assessment exercise into matching positions to a future candidate.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25469 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25469-part-1-2-time-proven-traits-for-human-capital-success-from-2026-dealership-minds-summit-presenter How well do you know your farm equipment news? Test your knowledge of recent ag industry updates! Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by Kelly Tillage. Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by Kelly Tillage.]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25453 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25453-farm-equipment-news-iq-july-2026-quiz-1 FE News IQ Logo.png Most equipment dealers can recite their parts and service numbers down to the percentage point. Far fewer can say how much of that revenue is quietly walking out the door. Most equipment dealers can recite their parts and service numbers down to the percentage point. Far fewer can say how much of that revenue is quietly walking out the door.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25441 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25441-the-revenue-signal-the-aftermarket-revenue-you-dont-know-youre-losing nnewman@lessitermedia.com AGCO, CNH & Kubota leaders reveal insights on dealer development, key adoption trends & autonomy outlook AGCO, CNH & Kubota leaders reveal insights on dealer development, key adoption trends & autonomy outlook 

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25447 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25447-oem-leaders-share-roadmap-for-precision-growth OEM Leaders Share Roadmap for Precision Growth.jpg Joe Michaels, Nathan Greuel and Jake Ridenour (pictured l-r) answer questions from their dealers during the 2026 Precision Farming Dealer Summit. Jeff Lazewski  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. 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. 

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/blogs/6/post/25443 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/blogs/6-opinions-columns/post/25443-future-proofing-means-selling-systems-not-machines Jim-Henderson Preston McGhee, Corporate Rental Director at James River Equipment, shares a practical conversation on what it really takes to build rental into a dealership. Preston McGhee, Corporate Rental Director at James River Equipment, shares a practical conversation on what it really takes to build rental into a dealership.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25439 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25439-dealer-q-and-a-diversifying-revenue-streams For many ag equipment dealers, the challenge isn’t just moving iron—it’s protecting profitability in every deal. For many ag equipment dealers, the challenge isn’t just moving iron—it’s protecting profitability in every deal.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25422 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25422-slower-market-smarter-deals Ag Guard Bundled Deals.png kschmidt@lessitermedia.com Delayed planting in south-central Wisconsin provides time to fully prepare equipment for the field, resulting in a busier parts department for Ballweg Implement. Farm Equipment's Boots on the Ground series is brought to you by Yetter Farm Equipment. Delayed planting in south-central Wisconsin provides time to fully prepare equipment for the field, resulting in a busier parts department for Ballweg Implement. Farm Equipment's Boots on the Ground series is brought to you by Yetter Farm Equipment.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25431 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25431-wet-spring-brings-improved-parts-sales Boots-on-the-Ground-Tony-Peiricks-farm-Watertown-Wis-1.jpg For this installment of Boots on the Ground, we visited Ballweg Implement owner Tom Ballweg and precision ag consultant Sheila Jaeckel at customer Tony Peirick’s farm in Watertown, Wis. Jeff Lazewski kschmidt@lessitermedia.com Best-in-Class dealership King Ranch Ag & Turf operated as a single store up until 2020, but since has grown to a 13-store operation across Texas Best-in-Class dealership King Ranch Ag & Turf operated as a single store up until 2020, but since has grown to a 13-store operation across Texas

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25429 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25429-acquisition-growth-diversifies-dealership-business King-Ranch-Ag-and-Turf-Leadership-Team.jpg The King Ranch Ag & Turf leadership team (l-r) Chris Maher, project manager; Kirby Braband, operations manager; Justin Lutz, corporate parts manager; Peyton Garrett, marketing manager (seated); Meghan Roach, director of finance & accounting; Lance Hancock, vice president/dealer principal; Allen Menn, director of operations; and Adam Bielamowicz, corporate sales manager. King Ranch Ag & Turf mvogel@lesspub.com The 9-store Pennsylvania-based Dealership of the Year utilizes several outside-the-box practices and protocols to foster success and positivity. The 2026 Dealership of the Year is brought to you with the support of Associated Equipment Distributors (AED). The 9-store Pennsylvania-based Dealership of the Year utilizes several outside-the-box practices and protocols to foster success and positivity. The 2026 Dealership of the Year is brought to you with the support of Associated Equipment Distributors (AED).

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25427 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25427-family-values-and-emphasis-on-customer-service-drives-success-for-messicks-equipment DOY-Messicks_FE_0726_1.jpg Members of the Messick family include (L-R) Bob, Bryan, Scott, Neil, Lucas, Ken and Kevin. The family has run the dealership for 3 generations since Merville and Marlin Messick opened the first store in 1952. Messick’s Equipment Messick’s Equipment named 2026 Farm Equipment Dealership of the Year, with King Ranch receiving Best-In-Class Honors. The 2026 Dealership of the Year is brought to you with the support of Associated Equipment Distributors (AED). Messick’s Equipment named 2026 Farm Equipment Dealership of the Year, with King Ranch receiving Best-In-Class Honors. The 2026 Dealership of the Year is brought to you with the support of Associated Equipment Distributors (AED).

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25426 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25426-22nd-annual-award-recognizes-top-farm-equipment-dealers FE-Award_DOY_2026.jpg mlessiter@lesspub.com “Ask not what the Summit can do for you, but what you can do for your fellow conference-goer …” “Ask not what the Summit can do for you, but what you can do for your fellow conference-goer …”

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/blogs/6/post/25418 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/blogs/6-opinions-columns/post/25418-the-equipment-biz-is-a-team-sport-get-in-the-game DMS-3.jpg Dealership of the Year Alumni Leo Johnson, Johnson Tractor, 2025. He’s joined by FarmEquipment Dealer Hall of Famer and owner of B&G Equipment, Tim Brannon. 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.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25398 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25398-dealer-panel-facility-projects-that-maximize-operational-efficiency Alex German (1).png View the correct answers to the latest Farm Equipment News IQ quiz. Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by A&I Products. View the correct answers to the latest Farm Equipment News IQ quiz. Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by A&I Products.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25389 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25389-farm-equipment-news-iq-june-2026-quiz-2-answers Mark Reid, co-founder of Opervia and CEOof Atlantic Tractor, pitches his all-in-one software platform, Alex German, CEO of German-Bliss Kubota, details DealerTech Solutions’ suite of AI tools that are purpose-built for farm equipment dealerships, Mark Reid, co-founder of Opervia and CEO
of Atlantic Tractor, pitches his all-in-one software platform, Alex German, CEO of German-Bliss Kubota, details DealerTech Solutions’ suite of AI tools that are purpose-built for farm equipment dealerships,

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25395 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25395-general-session-dealership-shark-tank Alex German.png kschmidt@lessitermedia.com In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at Compeer Financial and PepsiCo’s pilot program to help lower the cost of strip-till equipment for farmers. Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at Compeer Financial and PepsiCo’s pilot program to help lower the cost of strip-till equipment for farmers.]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25402 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25402-podcast-making-strip-till-more-affordable-big-dealer-list-contracts Dean Devore, general manager of Parts Academy, shares 4 operational ideas that will maximize your parts inventory ROI. Dean Devore, general manager of Parts Academy, shares 4 operational ideas that will maximize your parts inventory ROI.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25394 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25394-general-session-metrics-and-benchmarks-that-maximize-your-service-parts-inventory-roi Dean Devore.png How well do you know your farm equipment news? Test your knowledge of recent ag industry updates! Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by A&I Products. Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by A&I Products.]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25388 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25388-farm-equipment-news-iq-june-2026-quiz-2 FE News IQ Logo.png The New Holland and Kubota dealership acquired 4 dealerships in 2025 — nearly doubling its size and signaling the need for a change in management structure  The New Holland and Kubota dealership acquired 4 dealerships in 2025 — nearly doubling its size and signaling the need for a change in management structure

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25391 Wed, 17 Jun 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25391-kick-off-session-is-it-time-for-a-new-management-structure Neil messick.png Each episode of Built on Iron features conversations with dealership leaders navigating the real pressures of running a modern equipment business, staffing shortages, rising customer expectations, and a rapidly evolving technology landscape. http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25390 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25390-brilliant-harvest-launches-new-podcast-for-equipment-dealership-leaders Built On Iron Cover.jpg View the correct answers to the latest Farm Equipment News IQ quiz. Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by A&I Products. View the correct answers to the latest Farm Equipment News IQ quiz. Farm Equipment News IQ is brought to you by A&I Products.

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25356 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25356-farm-equipment-news-iq-june-2026-quiz-1-answers Devon McGwin, development and compliance director with Warranty Consulting Services, notes that with nearly two decades of experience, he has seen the "gravy train" of simple warranty reporting disappear. Devon McGwin, development and compliance director with Warranty Consulting Services, notes that with nearly two decades of experience, he has seen the "gravy train" of simple warranty reporting disappear. 

]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25362 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25362-beyond-broke-fixed-how-ag-equipment-dealers-can-secure-warranty-approvals kschmidt@lessitermedia.com In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at President Trump's tariff reduction on ag equipment, the latest dealer sales forecasts, and how high input costs are keeping farmer sentiment down. Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at President Trump's tariff reduction on ag equipment, the latest dealer sales forecasts, and how high input costs are keeping farmer sentiment down.]]> http://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25368 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.farm-equipment.com/articles/25368-podcast-ag-equipment-tariff-cut-to-15-plus-cnh-reorg-consideration-and-latest-dealer-sales-forecasts