Episodes
-
Economists Expect 'Muted Growth' in Ag Equipment Industry
In this edition of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we share an economic outlook on the ag equipment industry from Patrick Luce and Jeremy Bess, principal economists with Stantec.
-
Don Landoll: Farm Equipment Industry Loses a True Industry Great
A text Saturday brought some difficult news, that Landoll Corp. founder and legend Don Landoll had passed at age 83. His story of meager beginnings is not only one of the greatest in industry history, but one of the most inspirational stories in all of American business and industry.
-
FTC, USDA Launch Public Inquiry on Ag Equipment Manufacturing & Distribution
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we take a look at the FTC and USDA’s announcement that they are seeking public comment on farm equipment manufacturing and distribution practices. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman examines Greeneye...
-
From Disappointment to GRIT ... and the Journey’s Deeper Reward
The last couple of weeks drew a lot of LinkedIn posts citing “last day summaries and ‘open for work’ updates.” And after a solid week of resume studies, phone screenings and interviews, I found relevance in a Wall Street Journal headline yesterday.
-
A Closer Look at the Planned AED-NAEDA Unification
In this episode of the Farm Equipment podcast, brought to you by Precision Farming Dealer Summit, I sat down with Brian McGuire, president and CEO of Associated Equipment Distributors, and Brett Davis, CEO of the North American Equipment Dealers Association.
-
Efficiency: No Longer Optional
Lots of things to keep track of these days. There’s dealer consolidation (see “Dealers on the Move”), OEMs buying stakes in others (Yanmar-Ariens, Bad Boy-Stanley Black & Decker), brand management consolidation (Case IH and New Holland), strategic alliances (CNH-Bourgault), and even OEMs buying…
more -
Dealer Associations Plan to Unify
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we report on the recently announced plans to bring United Equipment Distributors and the North American Equipment Dealers Association together under one unified organization — Equipment Equipment Dealers.
-
Are You Ready for the Changes that Could Come with a Move to Autonomy
I’m down in Louisville, Ky., this week for the Moving Iron Summit. This morning, Quint Pottinger, a no-tiller based here in Kentucky was part of a farmer panel discussion focused on the financial pressure on today’s producers. A lot of the questions posed to Pottinger had to do with the big steps...
-
What Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Lab Teaches Us About Goal Setting — 150 Years Later
The days after a knee replacement surgery last week, I’ve learned, creates a fair amount of reflection and contemplation — at least during the brief periods of painkiller-free coherent thought.
-
Diesel Prices Pressure Improving Ag Equipment Demand
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we report on the impact rising diesel prices are likely to have on farm margin and equipment demand. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman shares an up-close look at AgZen’s RealCoverge AI powered precision...
-
Shortlines Offer More than Sales Dollars
For most of the farm machinery business, the big sign out front commands the lion’s share of investment, time and attention — and the major-lines monitor it, of course. But for those who still regard shortlines as a sales and traffic generator, it’s also not chump change.
-
Canada Responds to with Tariffs on Farm Equipment
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at the retaliatory tariffs Canada is enacting on U.S. goods, effective September 8. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman shares how precision dealers measure a successful customer clinic. Also in this...
-
Find, and Face, the Struggle
A to-be-remembered keynote at the Dealership Minds Summit challenges frustrated managers to act now by instilling critical thought via getting those who want to avoid the difficult to step up and into it.
-
AGCO & CNH Announce Precision & Technology Leadership Shifts
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at the implications Deere's settlement with the FTC has on the broader industry.
-
How to Identify Your ‘Code of Success’
https://www.farm-equipment.com/blogs/6-opinions-columns/post/25478-how-to-identify-your-code-of-success This year, for our 2026 Summer Intern Cohort at Lessiter Media, we’re doing something we haven’t done before. We’re giving each of the interns a parting gift as they start to wrap up their...
-
Deere’s FTC Settlement & the Future of Ag Tech Innovations
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at John Deere’s settlement with the FTC and whether it’s a win or a loss for the OEM and dealers more broadly.
-
Personal Observations Ahead of the Hands-On Workshop at Dealership Minds Summit
Experience with Innermetrix Profiles: Free to Dealership Minds Summit Workshop Attendees 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
-
Big Companies are Putting Big Dollars Behind the Trades, but Where Does It Leave Diesel Techs?
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....
-
John Deere Labor Talks, Autonomy Adoption & Ag Economy Trends
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. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman explores the PTx OutRun autonomous platform. Also in this episode, the Farm Capital…
more -
John Deere Undermines Industry Learning Event
Allowing its independent dealers to gather at the all-colors Dealership Minds Summit apparently makes the Deere corporate office uneasy ..,
-
Making Strip-Till More Affordable, Big Dealer List Contracts
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. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman visits with Rob Saik, founder and CEO of Vi by…
more -
Ag Equipment Tariff Cut to 15%; Plus, CNH Reorg Consideration & Latest Dealer Sales Forecasts
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. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman visits with...
-
Successful First-Ever Summit, But Some Conspicuous Absences
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. But you never quite know how the customer is...
-
Future Interest Rate Cuts Unlikely
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we look at the impact interest rates are having on the ag market. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman visits with strip-tiller Robert Boyle. Also in this episode, coverage from the first-ever Ag Equipment...
-
Know When to Hold ‘Em & When to Fold ‘Em
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."
-
Farmer Sentiment Drops in April with Current, Future & Capital Investment Indices All Down
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we review the decline in farmer sentiment in April, which saw the Ag Economy Barometer and the Farm Capital Investment Index drop to their lowest levels since October 2024. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman...
-
Art's Way Q1 Sales Up 27% and Yetter Finalizes Martin Acquisition as European Outlook Dips
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, Art’s Way Mfg. benefited from increased demand for its ag segment products, reporting Q1 sales up 27.3%. We also cover major business moves as Yetter finalizes the Martin-Till acquisition, catching up with…
more -
Preview of the Inaugural Ag Equipment Intelligence Executive Summit
Lessiter Media CEO and longtime Farm Equipment editor Mike Lessiter shares a preview of the inaugural, invitation-only Ag Equipment Intelligence Executive Summit that will be held just outside of Chicago-O’Hare airport on May 19-20, 2026. Learn more at...
-
Observations on the Mainline OEM ‘Cast of Characters’ Over 20-Plus Years
Veteran editor Mike Lessiter shares observations of having reported on the business of farm machinery for 20-plus years.
-
Deere R2R Settlement, Change in Tariffs & Monarch Tractor’s Shuttering
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we have details on Deere agreeing to pay $99 million into a settlement fund for the right-to-repair class action lawsuit, and what this means for dealers as Eric Wareham discusses R2R legislation in states like...
-
Jim Irwin and 'Old-School' Leadership
Jim Irwin and 'Old-School' Leadership by Farm Equipment
-
Titan Machinery Exceeds Inventory Reduction Goal, CEO Sees 'Pivotal Step' for Next Cycle
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we have details on Titan Machinery surpassing its Fiscal 2026 inventory reduction target of $150 million and CEO Bryan Knutson’s perspective on positioning the company for the next phase of the cycle.
-
Ritchie Implement Fills Gap Left by AGCO Dealers Exiting the Market in Wisconsin
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we have details on Case IH dealer Ritchie Implement adding the AGCO line to its offering, and what the additional will mean for their business. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman highlights Ag Leaders’s new...
-
45 Years Later and We're ‘Still the Same
45 Years Later and We're ‘Still the Same by Farm Equipment
-
Cattle Continues to be Bright Spot for Equipment Industry
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we share an update on the beef producers and their equipment plans. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman visits with Bane-Welker on its 3-pronged approach to precision service. Also in this episode,...
-
Data Centers & Rural Land Destruction: Hit the Pause Button
Data Centers & Rural Land Destruction: Hit the Pause Button by Farm Equipment
-
Byproduct of Trying Times: Your Chance to EARN Customer Loyalties
The pressure is real in ag’s ecosystem, including manufacturing, retail and service. The current depths will go down in history as rivaling the 1980s, which broke many backs.
-
Reporting from National Farm Machinery Show: Yetter News, R2R Updates, Technology Updates & More
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we report on Yetter Manufacturing’s acquisition of Martin Industries. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman stops by the PTx booth for a first look at Precision Planting's new ArrowTube.
-
Deputy Ag Secretary Backs Farmers in Right-to-Repair Debate
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden puts right-to-repair in the national spotlight. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman highlights the decisions HTS Ag’s Adam Gittins says he might make differently based on...
-
Technology Offers Opportunities While Equipment Sales Continue to Lag
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we bring you highlights from the Precision Farming Dealer Summit and National No-Tillage Conference. Representatives from CNH, AGCO and Kubota were on hand and shared their outlook for autonomy in the ag market.
-
A Look Back on Agritechnica 2025
This episode of the Farm Equipment podcast highlights some of the top viewed videos our editors gathered at Agritechnica 2025 in Hannover, Germany. Our associate editor Mackane Vogel spent the week in Hannover coving the show and the latest technologies on hand. This highlight reel just scratches...
-
Previewing the 2026 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends Report
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we are closing out the year by dedicating the episode to a preview of the 2026 Dealer Business Outlook & Trends Report.
-
No-Till Know How … Up Your Game at the National No-Tillage Conference
As a follow up to our last podcast talking about the Precision Farming Dealer Summit, we’ve got Technology Editor Noah Newman back with us. Noah is also heading up the 34th Annual National No-Tillage Conference, which kicks off on January 6, 2026, following the conclusion of PFDS. He joins us to...
-
Ag Industry Responds to Trump’s Emissions Comments & Interest Rate Cut
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we take a look at how removing emissions controls from farm equipment could impact the market — from cost of equipment to what it means for the used market. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman has a report…
more -
Dealer Sues Monarch Tractor for ‘Breach of Contract’
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we take a look at a recent lawsuit between Case IH dealer Burks Tractor and Monarch Tractor. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman catches up with the precision crew at John Deere dealer Riesterer & Schnell for...
-
Meet Us in St. Louis … Let’s Talk Precision Learning
We’ve got something a little different in store for you today. Joining me on this week’s episode is our very own Technology Editor Noah Newman who is our editorial lead on Precision Farming Dealer and the Precision Farming Dealer Summit. Noah share’s some highlights of the upcoming Precision...
-
To The Point: Strengthening the Next Link in the Chain
To The Point: Strengthening the Next Link in the Chain by Farm Equipment
-
Manufacturers Challenged with Balancing Tariff Costs & Equipment Prices
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we get a market update from Curt Blades, senior vice president of AEM. In the Technology Corner, Noah Newman catches up with Paul Welbig, director of precision technology for New Holland, for a conversation…
more -
Shortline Legends Take Center Stage at 2025 FEMA Convention
In this episode, we are honoring the 2025 inductees into the Shortline Legends Hall of Fame. Farm Equipment Editor and Publisher Mike Lessiter and Executive Editor Kim Schmidt honored this year’s class in front of their peers during the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Assn.’s Fall Convention in Las...
-
Results Coming in on ‘Green Policy Pitfalls’
Blog update … With changes in regulation and incentive, we’re finally starting to put out the fire on the cash-burning EVs.