The unknown resulting from the current trade negotiations have had a major impact on the positive feelings that existed just a few months ago. Farmers and ranchers are facing reduced incomes coupled with rising interest rates for their necessary operating capital and that does not produce a bright, cheery outlook.
Planting is completed and the crop is beginning to reach the point of showing what the harvest might look like and all eyes are on commodity prices. Some farmers were astute enough to hedge their production costs earlier when commodities were selling at acceptable levels.
The Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers reported tractors under 40 HP experienced a significant increase in January shipments as compared to the January 2015 number, but retail sales dropped from 4,129 last January to 1,550 last month.
Each monthly issue of Ag Equipment Intelligence is like getting one-on-one personal advice from the world's most trusted ag equipment industry experts. Advice that hasn't been watered down or distorted by outside influence, providing the latest and most insightful farm equipment analysis. AEI explores where the ag equipment industry is going — not just where it's been. No filler. No bias. No conflict of interest. You can access the PDF issue archive by clicking here.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we take an initial look at the Dealer Business Outlook & Trends Report and what dealers are forecasting for 2025.