With approximately two million acres under management, Farmers National Company (FNC) and its local farm managers are closely monitoring the planting progress unfolding across the U.S. With farmers in the fields, planters are running earlier than usual thanks to the warmer than normal spring weather. In the southern part of the U.S., crops have been in the ground for some time, and many have emerged and are growing rapidly. The far northern areas of the country are still waiting for ground temperatures to meet minimums acceptable for planting. In the heart of the Corn Belt, planting is in full ..read more

Oxbo, a leader in specialty harvesting and controlled application equipment, is pleased to announce Tom Fagen has joined Oxbo as Sales Manager for the North American High Value Crop team. With decades of experience in sales leadership roles, Fagen’s proven track record aligns with Oxbo’s commitment to team development and customer satisfaction. “I am thrilled to have Tom at Oxbo,” said Curt Schaben, Director of Marketing & Sales for Oxbo’s High Value Crop Division. “Tom brings extensive sales and management experience that will help Oxbo get closer with our customers.”  www.oxbo.com ..read more

Farmer sentiment declined sharply in April, as indicated by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, which fell 15 points from March to a reading of 99. Both subindexes of the barometer also declined: The Current Condition Index dropped by 18 points to 83, while the Future Expectations Index fell by 14 points to 106. April marked the lowest farmer sentiment reading since June 2022. This month’s survey again included questions about leasing farmland for solar energy production. There was a noticeable uptick in the percentage of respondents who reported a discussion with a comp ..read more

John Deere is laying off 34 production employees at its Moline Cylinder Works factory at the end of the month. A company spokesperson confirmed that the employees were informed on Friday, May 3, that they would be placed on an indefinite layoff effective May 31.  John Deere Cylinder Works currently has around 280 employees, with about 190 of them working in production and maintenance jobs. In October, the company laid off over 200 production employees at John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline. There have also been company layoffs recently at Iowa factories in Ankeny  ..read more

The Stevener family recently traveled to Chicago for Distance Night in Palatine, a special event bringing the best high school runners together from the Midwest. The meet is also a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Sarah’s son, Graham, qualified for the meet, competed in the 1 Mile Main Event race, achieved a personal record, and came in 5th for a spot on the podium. Graham, a Junior, is ranked 2nd in the state of Missouri in the 1600m, 10th in MO in the 800m, and is #84 in the US for the high school outdoor 1 Mile. Graham’s talent must “run” in the genes since Sarah’s husband, Scott, earne ..read more

The Association has launched an app that will keep you informed all year round. Whether it’s fall or spring meeting schedules, attendee lists, booth details, or venue information, it’s all at your fingertips. Plus, with this app, you can access our membership directory, find products and farm show dates, and stay updated on the latest industry news—any time of year. Download it now and stay connected throughout the seasons ..read more

U.S. soybean exports to China are set to decline further in 2024 as Argentina and Brazil increase their share in the world’s largest soybean market. Argentina’s production is expected to surge to 50 million metric tons, more than doubling from last year’s drought-stricken 21 million tons, thereby heightening competition for U.S. suppliers. As Brazilian and Argentine soybeans offer more competitive prices, U.S. share in China’s soybean imports has dropped significantly, falling to under a quarter last year compared to 51% in 2009. Traders point out that rising Chinese demand is increasingly bei ..read more

by Richard Hadden, CSP (2024 Supply Summit Keynote Speaker) Leading a workforce has never been the easiest job on the planet, but the workplace of 2024 has served up a special menu of challenges that leaves many managers looking for a new playbook to keep their teams producing the results they need. It’s natural to blame the changes we see on the pandemic that upended so many parts of our lives over the last few years, and it was clearly a potent accelerant to these changes, but it can’t claim credit as the igniter. Almost everything we’re struggling with today was already on its way long bef ..read more

As a member of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, we’re committed to boosting business success and profitability through networking, effective communication, and technology. Explore the range of benefits our membership offers. • Networking at Fall Marketing & Distribution Convention • Networking at Spring Supply Summit & Showcase • Online Farm Show Calendar • Exclusive Member Social Functions at Farm Shows • Online/ Print Membership Directory with Product and Personnel listings • Sample Dealer Contracts • Shortliner Newsletter (20 times/year) • Press Release Distribution Opp ..read more

Danuser Machinery is a proud supporter of Wounded Warriors in action and VFW Post 2657 and donated an auger bucket for their auction with all proceeds going to Wounded Warriors in Action. If your company supports a charity or cause, we’d love to hear about it! Share your story with us at news@farmequip.org, and it could be featured in our newsletter ..read more