New Machinery

Could Your Future Tractor Run on Corn? John Deere Thinks So

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:38:14 GMT

As the ag economy searches for the next evolution of demand, Deanna Kovar says the future tractor might not just sip diesel, it could run on E98 ethanol grown by farmers themselves. In an exclusive interview with Farm Journal , Kovar said the tractor is still in trials and testing, but John Deere is debuting the E98 tractor, and engine, during Commodity Classic next week.

Kovar, president of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, Production & Precision Ag for John Deere, says the company is actively testing an ethanol-powered tractor in Iowa and other locations. While diesel remains the dominant fuel across production agriculture, Deere engineers are exploring whether high-ethanol blends could offer a cleaner, farmer-driven alternative.

“We’re not just thinking about diesel,” Kovar says. “We’re also considering how might we fix this problem another way. And that’s an ethanol tractor.”

A Tractor Fueled by the Farm

With so much talk about E15 and what that would mean for added domestic corn demand, Deere is taking it a step further for farm equipment. The concept centers on E98, a fuel blend made up of roughly 98% ethanol (the remaining 2% is denaturant). Unlike traditional diesel engines, an E98-powered tractor would burn clean enough that it would not require diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to meet emissions standards.

That’s a notable shift in an era where emissions systems add cost, maintenance and complexity to modern equipment. But for Kovar, the opportunity goes well beyond simplifying aftertreatment systems.

“The idea that we could use E98 to run a tractor, it’s so clean you don’t need diesel exhaust fluid to run it,” she says. “It would allow a farmer to grow the fuel that they put in their tractor to grow next year’s crop.”

That means corn grown in the field could be processed into ethanol, then returned to the farm as fuel — creating a tighter, more circular production system while generating more demand for the crops farmers already grow.

From Concept to Cornfield

One of the farmers helping test that concept is Tim Burrack of Arlington, Iowa, who recently shared his experience on “AgriTalk”.

Burrack first heard about the ethanol tractor while traveling and speaking with Deere representatives.

“They were talking about this tractor they had built that ran on 100% ethanol — or actually 98%, because ethanol is denatured,” Burrack says. “And I said, ‘Well, I’d sure like to have that tractor on my farm.’”

Before fall harvest ended, Deere delivered.

For five days, Burrack put the prototype to work, four days on a grain cart and one on tillage. The tractor, which Burrack says looks like a traditional John Deere 8R, is rated at 350 HP. Burrack says Deere has built only a handful of the prototypes, with one reportedly operating in Brazil and another in Iowa this past fall.

“I’m really thankful I got to run it, and I’m extremely impressed by it,” he says.

Unlike today’s high-horsepower diesel machines, the E98 tractor uses a spark ignition engine, a major departure from the compression ignition systems farmers are accustomed to.

“If you can imagine this, though, having 350 horse using electronic ignition, we’re not used to that in agriculture anymore at that large scale,” Burrack says.

In the field, however, he says performance spoke for itself. Hooked to an 1,100-bushel grain cart, the tractor handled full loads during harvest without issue. On tillage, Burrack says it performed “really well.”

Fuel consumption, he notes, ran about 1.65 gallons of ethanol to equal the energy performance of one gallon of diesel, which is consistent with the lower energy density of ethanol compared to diesel fuel.

The prototype isn’t perfect. Burrack says cold-weather starting remains a challenge, and Deere engineers are still refining the system.

“They know the problems they’ve got to resolve,” he says. “But I think John Deere is committed to making this work.”

The Infrastructure Hurdle

Kovar emphasizes the biggest barrier to adoption isn’t necessarily the engine itself.

“I don’t think it’s the engine technology that limits how long,” she says. “I really think it is the infrastructure.”

For E98 to become viable at scale, the industry would need:

Reliable production and distribution channels
Fuel retailers equipped to handle high-ethanol blends
On-farm storage and dispensing systems
A coordinated effort from fuel companies and equipment manufacturers

“There is a ton of infrastructure that would need to follow to allow an E98-type fuel to flow and be on [the] farm,” Kovar says. “Are the fuel companies ready to deliver it to the farm? Do we have the on-farm ability?”

If that system were in place, she suggests, the technology could move more quickly. Without it, adoption becomes a longer-term play. Kovar wouldn’t give an exact timeline on how long it could be before it’s commercially available to farmers, but she says the technology in the equipment will more than likely be ready before the infrastructure to support it.

A Local Fuel Loop

Burrack emphasizes the close, convenient loop the idea creates.

“Just imagine, within 20 miles of my farm, I can grow the corn, take it to the ethanol plant, they’ll make the fuel and all the liquid fuels that I need will be made right here,” he says. “I think it’s a transformation of equipment. And John Deere needs some encouragement to keep moving, but it actually works.”

Diesel isn’t going away anytime soon. But as Deere continues testing, and farmers like Burrack put E98 prototypes through real-world paces, the idea of tractors powered by the very crops they harvest is moving from thought experiment to field trial, and possibly, one day, to a field near you.

Watch the complete interview with Kovak on YouTube.

Exclusive: In the Eye of the Cycle, John Deere Charts a Path Through Ag’s Slump

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 20:36:50 GMT

After months of workforce reductions and sliding equipment sales, John Deere is reversing course, announcing it will bring 140 employees back to its Waterloo, Iowa, operations as demand ticks higher for its 8R and 9R tractors.

The recall comes even as Deere forecasts the North American ag equipment market will decline another 15% to 20% in 2026, underscoring the push-and-pull shaping today’s farm economy. Large equipment sales remain under pressure from lower commodity prices and tighter margins, yet pockets of global demand are forcing Deere to recalibrate production in real time.

In an exclusive interview with Farm Journal this week, Deere & Company President Deanna Kovar laid out how the company is navigating that tension: tightening its long-standing build-for-retail manufacturing model, adjusting output month to month and working to protect farmers’ equipment equity during a downturn.

At the same time, Deere is attacking costs where it can, reducing prices on 187,000 parts over the past two years and preparing to roll out a new lower-priced tier of replacement parts later this summer. The company is also testing a tractor powered by E-98 ethanol, technology that could eventually eliminate the need for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) altogether while driving even more demand for the crops farmers already grow.

For Kovar, who grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm before spending 26 years rising through Deere’s ranks, the stakes are personal. Now, just months into her role leading Deere’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, she is steering the company through one of the sharpest equipment pullbacks in recent memory, while positioning it for what comes next.

A Cyclical Business in a Prolonged Downturn

The ag equipment cycle has clearly turned. Industry data show steep drops in large equipment sales, and Deere’s internal outlook aligns with the broader trend.

“Deere is 188 years old, so we know we’re part of a cyclical business of ag equipment, but definitely we’re seeing similar numbers. Our expectations that we shared in our last quarterly earnings was that the North American equipment market would be down 15% to 20% again in 2026. We recognize the ag economy is in a tough spot at the moment, and we’re working hard to make sure we can help farmers become more productive and more profitable through using our equipment and technology solutions, but it’s tough out there.”

She says the Association of Equipment Manufacturers figures for 2025, which show sales of 4WD tractors fell nearly 42% and combine sales are down 36%, align with what Deere is seeing.

The significant slump in sales doesn’t come as a surprise to row crop farmers who’ve seen several consecutive years of declining net farm income following a record high in 2022. USDA’s first official forecast for 2026 suggests continued pressure and another year of declining net farm income, with not much relief on input prices and stagnant commodity prices. Kovar says Deere understands the financial strains producers are seeing.

“Overall, the outlook for 2026 is that farmers are going to continue to be under pressure from a commodity price standpoint,” she says. “We’re certainly seeing input costs somewhat flatten for producers, and, of course, many producers are grateful for the government payments that will help them start 2026 maybe in a better place than they would have without it. Certainly great yields last fall were a good positive thing for producers, but it’s still putting a lot of pressure on commodity prices today.”

For Deere, that pressure translates directly into lower equipment demand and tough decisions inside its factories.

Manufacturing Adjustments: Building for Retail in Real Time

Over the past year, Deere announced workforce reductions across multiple Midwestern facilities. Since 2024, it’s reported John Deere laid off over 2,000 employees in the U.S., with those jobs primarily located in Iowa and Illinois. Recently, it reversed course in a couple locations, announcing it would bring some of those employees back.

Back in January, Deere also announced it was returning 99 workers to the job in Iowa, impacting both its Davenport Works and Dubuque facilities. But Deere said this week it’s also bringing back jobs at its Waterloo facility.

“We’re constantly evaluating what we think the market will be. And it’s not an annual thing. It’s a month to month, a quarter-to-quarter opportunity. And yes, we just announced 140 workers to come back to our Waterloo operations. This is the operations where we make the drive trains for 8R tractors, where we pour the castings for the new high horsepower 9R tractors, where engines are made, and where we put tractors final assembly together. So we’re always happy when we can bring workers back into our factory. And it’s because we’re starting to see a little tick up in demand for those tractors,” she says.

Kovar says it’s not necessarily just a North American phenomenon. The uptick in demand is coming globally.

“We are seeing some signs that there could be some opportunities, but much of this is going to be iterative over time. It won’t be from a very low point to a very high point. We expect over time that we can start to see things normal,” she adds.

Kovar emphasizes Deere’s long-standing “build-for-retail” philosophy, avoiding overproduction that would flood dealer lots and depress used values.

“We’ve been in business for 188 years, so we’re always making sure that we’re being as efficient and effective as we can at building the quality products that farmers come to rely on. So we’re all always adjusting how we manufacture, how we make sure we have the quality checks and the automation to make sure we’re making every tractor as good as we can,” says Kovar.

She says the company is also working to forecast demand expectations and where that additional demand could surface. But she says for the past 25 years, the company has been focused on a build-to-order mentality, especially in the larger ag equipment space.

“We are a build for retail mentality,” says Kovar. “We don’t want to build it unless somebody wants it. So this has been something we’ve been working on for 20 years, and we will continue to be focused on really understanding the demand in the market and making sure we’re setting up schedules and plans to build for that amount.”

Equipment Prices: It’s About the Trade Differential

Few issues generate more coffee-shop debate than equipment prices. Farmers have seen machinery values dramatically climb over the past five years. Kovar points out that looking at sticker price alone misses the bigger financial picture.

“We’re always looking at making sure we’re delivering value for farmers when they buy our equipment, when they buy our technology,” Kovar says. “When we think about the price of equipment it’s really important we understand that farmers, when they buy a new piece of equipment, it’s really about the trade differential from the product they’re trading in to the one they’re buying, and if we were to lower the price of equipment, it would lower the trade-in value of their used equipment as well. We’re always very mindful of the equity farmers have in their equipment fleet and the fact it’s a huge part of their balance sheet.”

Not only does Deere need to be careful that changes don’t impact the trade differential, but she says the company is also focused on making sure there’s a balance between products being affordable and creating the value farmers expect.

That balance, of affordability versus protecting used values, according to Kovar, shapes Deere’s pricing philosophy in a down cycle.

Lowering the Cost of Technology and Parts

While base machine pricing remains complex, Deere is targeting affordability in other ways. The first, she says, is on the technology side, and lowering the upfront cost.

“We’re lowering the barrier to entry to amazing technologies like ExactShot fertilizer systems, See & Spray sprayer systems and a combine automation system so that more farmers can afford to get into the technology. These technologies are saving inputs, ensuring we’re getting all of the grain out of the field and increasing yields. That strategy to lower the upfront cost of those technologies, and help the customer pay for it as they get the value from it, is a huge step forward in allowing affordability of the technology.”

On repairs and parts, she points to self-service tools and direct price reductions. She says the company is constantly looking at the cost of parts for their equipment.

“Over the last two years, we’ve reduced the price on over 187,000 part numbers in the John Deere system. Later this summer, we’re going to be announcing a new tier of parts from John Deare that will allow us to give customers choice when they buy parts from us as to whether they want the traditional OEM, that likely has a longer life, or if they want to look at a lower cost option,” Kovar says.

Deciding between the two parts tiers depends on:

How much a farmer uses the machine
Equipment age
How long a farmer intends to keep that piece of equipment

Retrofit Kits: Precision Without the New Iron Price Tag

As new equipment sales slow and more farmers turn to the used market, Deere sees retrofit technology as a critical bridge, allowing producers to upgrade performance without taking on the cost of a brand-new machine.

Kovar says retrofit kits are designed to separate technology adoption from iron replacement.

“I think the beauty of retrofit kits is you don’t have to buy a brand new piece of equipment to get brand new technologies. Just last year we launched what we call our precision ag essentials kit, which is the foundation of our technology stack. It’s where farmers start to go from no precision to a more precision mentality, and this ability allows them to put a John Deere GPS receiver, a display and a modem on any piece of equipment, Deere or non Deere,” Kovar says.

The strategy fits squarely into Deere’s broader push to lower the barrier to entry for precision ag. By allowing a GPS receiver, display and modem to be installed on any brand of older equipment, the company is effectively expanding the addressable market for advanced automation and data tools.

“We’re seeing people put these kits on 20-year-old tractors and then being able to do things like AutoTrac, AutoPath and turn automation, section control, the things that can save 10% of inputs and make sure your stand is better in the spring and your weeds are deader during the season,” Kovar says. “This is a huge opportunity for every farmer to get more into precision. Once you get into that base of the technology stack, the sky’s the limit to be able to go to other products like ExactEmerge or See and Spray — these technologies that really drive savings to the bottom line for farmers.”

In a downturn defined by lower commodity prices and cautious equipment purchases, Deere is betting the future of precision ag won’t be limited to the newest machines on the lot, but will increasingly ride on tractors that have already been in the field for decades.

Right to Repair, EPA and DEF: Seeking Clarity

Right-to-repair and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) rules have been flash points between manufacturers and producers with two major announcements from EPA.

In early February 2026, EPA made a right-to-repair guidance announcement guidance and actions supporting the right to repair for farmers and equipment owners, specifically addressing issues with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems and emission controls. The guidance clarifies the Clean Air Act allows for temporary overrides of emission systems during repairs, prohibits manufacturers from restricting access to tools or software, and enables repairs in the field.

The following day, EPA announced the agency is demanding detailed failure data from major diesel engine manufacturers as it considers additional rules aimed at reducing DEF-related shutdowns and derates that have plagued farmers, truckers and equipment operators for years.

“I think if you step back and think about what EPA’s done over about the last nine months, there’s been two important messages. One was last summer when they gave voluntary guidance that said we should extend the time from when a customer might have an issue with their DEF systems and not cause them to go into an inducement or a derate within two hours, which was the original rule. We’re very glad EPA has come out and said we can extend that time to give farmers more time to maybe finish the field, finish the day before they have to execute a derate or go through a regen on their DEF,” Kovar says.

She calls it a huge opportunity for Deere and one to which the company is already responding.

“We’re in the process of making sure we can extent that time on all the equipment we’re producing. We’ll do that over the coming months and years to help make sure we’re extending that time and not putting people in jeopardy of having a shutdown opportunity,” Kovar says.

On off-road right-to-repair clarity, Kovar says EPA’s right-to-repair guidance announced in February directly responds to a formal request the company made to the agency in June 2025 .

“[EPS] had already shared that on-road equipment didn’t have to go to the original equipment manufacturer or an authorized repair shop to turn your tractor or your truck back on after you had a deratement issue. We said, ‘Hey, we have tools that a farmer can do this on their own, but the way we read your rules, we believe we need you to tell us it’s OK.’ We’re grateful that last week EPA came out and said, yes, it is OK for off-road equipment for farmers to fix their own issues. We’re in the process of making sure John Deere Operations Center ProService, which is our self-repair tool any farmer can access, by early March, mid-March, we want to have the ability for a farmer to, if they run into a deratement issue on their tractor or combine or whatever, use Operation Center Pro Service to get their tractors back up.”

If DEF Goes Away, It’s Not a Quick Switch

With political discussions swirling around eliminating certain environmental regulations, and President Trump specifically stating he wants to see those regulations removed on equipment , some farmers wonder whether equipment could quickly be built without DEF systems.

When Trump was in a roundtable with farmers in December, he claimed removing those requirements on equipment would prevent breakdowns and make equipment cheaper. During the one-on-one interview with Kovar, Farm Journal asked if removing DEF on equipment would bring down prices.

“We have to really understand what they mean and how they want to go about it before we can really answer, does it make equipment cheaper? I think we’ve spent 15 years perfecting the system we have today, so we’ll have to continue to understand how far back do we think we’re going to go, how long would it take us, because we don’t have all of the technologies that don’t have DEF today,” Kovar explains. “If it were called tomorrow, we couldn’t start building tractors without it the next day.”

Removing DEF is not as simple as flipping a switch on the assembly line. Instead, she says Deere is focused on making sure farmers have the ability to repair their own equipment if it would go into derate. She thinks that’s a huge step forward in solving some of the issues that farmers have had with DEF.

Deere Tests an E-98 Ethanol Tractor

Even as debate continues in Washington over DEF requirements, Deere is exploring a future that could bypass the issue entirely.

While the company says it remains engaged with EPA on next steps surrounding DEF and emissions policy, Deere is also investing in an alternative fuel platform, an ethanol-powered tractor designed to run on E-98. The tractor will debut at Commodity Classic in two weeks.

“We’re not just thinking also about diesel, right, we also considering how might we fix this problem another way. And that’s an ethanol tractor we’ve been using across Iowa and other places. It’s early for us, but the idea that we could use E-98 to run a tractor, it’s so clean you don’t need diesel exhaust fluid to run it. We’re early in trying to pioneer what is an alternative to diesel that would allow a farmer to grow the fuel they put in their tractor to grow next year’s crop. It’s something we think we need to continue to talk about. There is a ton of infrastructure that would need to follow to allow an E-98-type fuel to flow and be on farm, but we think it’s an opportunity in the long run to help agriculture grow the fuel they use to grow the food we all eat.”

Deere confirms the early results are promising.

According to Deere, the limiting factor isn’t the engine technology itself, it’s the infrastructure needed to support it.

“Do we have the fuels available? Do we have the on-farm ability? Are the fuel companies ready to deliver it to the farm? At this point, there is a much bigger system challenge that will have to work,” Kovar says.

Advocating for Demand: Ethanol, Exports and E-15

Turning the ag economy around, in Kovar’s view, is about demand, both domestic and global. Not only is Deere working on equipment that could run with higher blends of ethanol, but Deere is also advocating for more demand.

“Certainly, we’re focused on helping farmers grow more with less. At the same time, we’re focused on helping to make sure there are markets for the crops our producers sell. We certainly spend a lot of time advocating for agriculture and for producers to have access to markets. We’re grateful for all of the trade deals that have happened here recently. We’re hopeful they start to materialize, and we see more and more grains flowing outside of the U.S. in exports. We also know we’ve got a huge opportunity here in the U.S. to drive ethanol and renewable fuels,” Kovar says. “We’re focused on making sure we’re using our voice at Deere to advocate for agriculture to not only feed the world, but fuel it. It starts with E-15, which we are hopeful we can get across the finish line at some point very soon. But it can’t end there. We have to continue to advocate for renewable diesels and an ethanol future, so we have to make sure farmers can sell their grains at a price that’s profitable, and it’s all about creating demand.”

The Next Five Years: From Data Collection to Real-Time Decisions

For Deere, which sees itself as a technology company, Kovar says she also sees Deere as a smart industrial company. With a focus on technology, she thinks the future isn’t about a single breakthrough machine, but rather about what happens behind the scenes in the data.

When asked what the biggest shift will be over the next five years, Kovar points to the evolution of information rooted in data.

“I think if you look back over those 25 years of technology, data has been such an important part of it. It started with yield maps, yield monitoring and binders on a shelf and has evolved over time to a cloud-based system. Everything’s connected. With Deere, it’s about John Deere Operation Center and how farmers can leverage that data, share it with partners, with their seed dealer, with their ag retailer, with the banker and with their landlords and have this really cohesive opportunity to bring all of the data they have in agriculture into one place,” Kovar says.

Personally, she sees the next step involving Deere helping farmers move beyond timely insights to timely decision-making.

“How do we help [farmers] get insights, timely information, that helps them make the best decision they can make in that moment on their unique piece of land in the middle of wherever they are farming and really give them confidence the data can help them drive to even better decisions,” she adds. “If we’re going to help them be more productive and be more profitable, it really starts with all the decisions they make. I think this next three to five years is a huge opportunity for us to make sure we are connecting all of their data in one place and helping them make really important decisions in real time that help them become more.”

Instead of one sweeping, industry-altering change, Kovar sees steady gains driven by machine learning, automation and in-the-moment decision-making, sometimes by the operator and sometimes by the equipment itself.

“I think that’s a huge part of the next three to five years, and those decisions happen because they’ve consciously made them or the machines are making them. If you think about See and Spray, it is deciding whether that’s a weed or a plant and only spraying the weed to save 50% to 60% of the herbicides,” Kovar says. “Those kind of in-the-moment decisions are a huge opportunity over the next 3 to 5 years as computer vision and machine learning compute and all of these things continue to accelerate at a pace that is very hard to keep up with.”

For Deere, the future isn’t just bigger iron or even more automation, it’s about connecting every data point on the farm and turning it into actionable insight, fast enough to matter in the field.

Watch the full interview here:

No More Waiting: Operator-Free Grain Cart System Improves Harvest Efficiency

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:48:39 GMT

At first blush, the benefits promised by new autonomous retrofit grain cart system, OutRun, seemed too good to be true to Ken Ferrie and his agronomic team.

The system, now commercially available, promises to help farmers increase harvest efficiencies while reducing labor needs in the process.

Ferrie and team’s skepticism quickly turned to appreciation as they put the system to work harvesting large-scale Farm Journal Test Plots in central Illinois.

“Once it’s in the field, it’s kind of like a dog with a shock collar,” says Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist. “It can’t leave the field, meaning that there’s a GPS fence around that field that keeps it from leaving that defined area.”

OutRun, developed by PTx Trimble (formed by AGCO and Trimble), enables a tractor and auger cart to team up and move autonomously to catch a combine on the go.

The system uses Starlink connectivity and PTx Trimble location technology, while the combine’s guidance and steering system remains unchanged. Field boundaries loaded into the OutRun system keep the cart/tractor team where it needs to be.

Less Manpower Potentially Required
Nebraska farmer Geoffrey Ruth says he is pumped about the practicality and ease-of-use of driverless grain cart automation. The opportunity to reduce manpower needs or redeploy a worker is especially appealing.

“We’re usually pretty short on labor at harvest time, so we’re looking to purchase one outright and take that operator and throw them in a semi to haul grain,” Ruth says in this recent article by Farm Journal’s Matthew Grassi: Smart Harvest: How One Farmer Is Hitting Harvest Windows, Helping Others With Grain Cart Tech

As Ruth and Ferrie quickly learned, the grain cart can be staged or called for unloading without the need for another driver.

Once full, the combine operator can then send the grain cart to a predefined truck unload zone for unloading. An operator is still needed, however, to unload the cart into a truck.

“Once you get a full tank, you call for the cart, and the cart will pull up beside the combine and unload on the go for you, or you could stage it at the end, so it’s waiting for you when you get there,” says Ferrie, whose agronomic team at Crop-Tech Consulting are running the system.

The truck driver can then disengage the cart, fill the truck and then reengage the cart so the combine operator can take control of the system again.

“Your combine operator can put the cart anywhere he wants it to go,” Ferrie says. “If you’ve got tile holes, terraces, or other places in the field you don’t want that cart to go, the combine operator can draw those areas on the screen and tell it, ‘these are no-go areas,’ so it doesn’t get itself into trouble.”

Ruth adds that the system also knows where the farmer already cut corn and will use that area as a path instead of mowing over crops that haven’t been harvested yet. It’s similar to how a drone already knows the safe path home when the pilot hits return to home on the controller.

OutRun is currently available for model year 2014 or newer John Deere 8R tractors with Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) and will be commercially available on Fendt models in 2026.

You can learn more about PTx Trimble’s OutRun system at www.OutRunAg.com

Sign of the Tariff Times? Claas Shifts LEXION 8000 Combine Production From Omaha to Germany

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:47:33 GMT

German farm machinery manufacturer Claas has issued a statement reading, in part, that “to remain competitive in the Canadian market under current tariff and trade conditions, CLAAS will transition production of 2026 model year LEXION 8000 Series combines destined for Canada to Germany.”

By implementing this production shift, Claas would avoid paying the 50% steel and aluminum tariffs currently in place between the U.S. and Canada. Products manufactured in Germany and shipped into the U.S. are subject to a 15% blanket tariff, with some exemptions.

Related - From the Factory to Your Fields: Where Farm Equipment Is Made

Claas says the change will only apply to machines that will eventually harvest grain on farms in Canada. LEXION combines built for U.S. customers will continue to be assembled in Omaha, Neb., with most parts sourcing remaining local to the U.S.

A bit of good news amid the bad is Claas also says it will maintain stable prices in the U.S. until Dec. 31, despite the impact of tariffs.

So, if you’re looking at buying a new Claas combine, tractor or forage harvester, it sounds like you should think about locking in that pretariff price before the end of the year.

A busy 2025 at Claas

(Claas)

Claas recently soft launched its new Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters (shown above) for the U.S. dairy market. That machine will hit the dairy industry in time for the 2026 forage harvest season when the first units manufactured over in Germany hit dealer lots.

Earlier this month, the company hosted a groundbreaking on its Omaha campus for a new North American R&D Center. And it recently expanded its dealer-network throughout a handful of states in the Midwest.

Back in August, we talked with senior vice president Eric Raby at the manufacturer’s booth at the Farm Progress Show . He told Farm Journal that Claas was absorbing the extra expenses from tariffs and “not passing all that on to the customer” but that the new-at-the-time 50% aluminum and steel tariffs would pose a significant challenge going forward.

“We’re still trying to figure out what are the implications because that is going to affect our industry much more broadly than just the tariffs on a country of origin for a specific machine,” Raby said at the time.

The manufacturer says it is currently reviewing preorder sales data to determine combine production requirements in Omaha . The company “sees strong potential in the future of U.S. agriculture and, with it, opportunities for continued growth.”

Despite the decision to move some combine production back to Germany, CLAAS is also actively recruiting new hires for sales and service throughout the U.S.

Your next read: How Much Does It Cost to Run a High Horsepower Tractor?

What Farm Equipment Manufacturers Are Saying About 50% Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:00:17 GMT

Farm equipment manufacturers have spent the past nine months dealing with tariff fallout and implications. It’s an effort borne out of sheer necessity — that’s because the various tariff levels and targets have changed faster than a Kansas prairie headwind during spring planting.

It’s why we talked with executives from a handful of farm equipment manufacturers to learn more about how they are managing the situation. John Deere, for example, recently went as far as attaching a hard number to the tariff pain: a projected $600 million in balance sheet impact for 2025 is the figure shared by John Beal, director of investor relations, during Deere’s 2025 Q3 earnings call.

On Aug. 18, a 50% tariff on all foreign steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. went into effect. That alone has had a huge impact on the companies building farm machines here in the U.S. and abroad, and it’s even restricting the movement of used farm equipment across the border.

Almost All American Made

Case IH’s Kurt Coffey, who serves as the companies’ vice president of its North America division, says the executive team he is on meets daily to unpack global trade developments. Case IH is in a good position overall, he says, with 80% to 90% of its machines produced in one of four U.S. production facilities, and 95% of its machinery base material (i.e. steel) sourced domestically.

Related - From the Factory to Your Fields: Where Farm Equipment Is Made

(Case IH)

“What we’re trying to do is scale across our business to where there are impacts in the short term, in the transitory period, and make sure that we continue to flow product so we’re a reliable partner for our customers,” Coffey says. “But it is anybody’s guess where this is going. So, we’re maintaining focus on the customer and our supply flows.”

That supply flow is worth the extra effort in Racine, according to Coffey, due to this fact: Anywhere from 60% to 90% of Case IH machinery is presold, so a new tariff today means a big, unexpected extra cost tacked on the back end.

“We’re executing on product that was sold three, five or even eight months ago,” he adds. “So, no comment on [financial] impacts, but we’ve continued to focus on how we make sure our customers have what they need as they’re going to harvest.”

Coffey doesn’t come right out and say it, but reading between the lines, it seems clear that Case IH has had to flex its creative muscles and figure out how to manage, for example, a new 50% tariff bill on a brand-new AF-11 combine that was sold six months ago. That extra 50% wasn’t part of the equation when the deal was signed, so who pays for it?

More EU Than U.S.

While Case IH has a large manufacturing base in the U.S., German-based manufacturer Claas is a different story. While the company builds its Lexion combines and self-propelled corn detassler machine at a 250,000-sq.-ft. facility in Omaha, Neb., four-fifths (80%) of its row crop machinery portfolio is built over in Europe and shipped to dealer lots in the U.S.

In a Trump Tariff world, that means significantly higher production costs for Claas, and potentially, the farmers that buy their tractors and combines. That’s because tariffs are taxes, and most companies will pass that extra cost down the line to consumers in the form of higher retail prices.

Eric Raby, senior vice president of the Americas region, Claas, says his outfit is actually taking on some of those extra costs.

(Claas)

“From an EU [European Union] perspective, and in Canada and some other major countries, we’re pretty even keel right now on where the tariffs are, and I think the industry as a whole has pretty much absorbed [a lot of] those,” he says. “We’ve absorbed a lot, as well. We’re not passing all of it to the customer.”

The new-ish 50% tariff on steel and aluminum is a different story, however.

“We’re still working [on that] right now and trying to figure out the implications, because that really is going to affect our industry much more broadly than just the tariffs on a country of origin for a specific machine,” Raby says. “We’re always looking for local [material] suppliers as well, because our time to market gets shortened considerably. So, it’s much more efficient for us as well.”

One way to manage those costs is to onshore more of its material sourcing network here into the U.S. We visited Claas’ Omaha factory this summer, and efforts were already underway to find more suppliers in Nebraska and the Midwest.

“We’re always looking at broadening our supplier base,” Raby says. “If we go back to COVID, I think the whole industry suffered from a lack of versatility within the supply chain. So we’re always looking for different suppliers. And then obviously, with the tariffs now, we’re looking even more intently on sourcing locally.”

Nearly 50/50

New Holland is largely viewed as a Euro-brand in farm equipment circles, but it’s closer to an even split. The company manufactures about 50% of it’s row-crop machinery in the EU and 40% in North America, with the remaining 10% built in the Asia-Pacific region.

JEAN-MARC GIUBOUX PHOTOGRAPHY

(New Holland)

New Holland’s vice president of North America, Ryan Schaefer, has been in the leadership role for the brand’s domestic operations for about a year now. He says CNH Industrial has eight manufacturing plants in the U.S. as well as a significant presence in western Canada, but managing the tariff situation has been anything but easy, he says.

“We produce tractors and combines all over the world, as well, so we truly have a global footprint,” he says. “So really, I wouldn’t go so far as to call the situation difficult, but the challenges are something that many in our industry have never had to deal with firsthand. It’s been a learning experience for all manufacturers, I would say, throughout North America and the globe.”

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New 2026 Balers and Hay Tools Launched By Case IH, John Deere, New Holland, And Vermeer

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:01:15 GMT

Case IH’s new RB6 series variable chamber round baler offers durability and less maintenance with triple seal bearings throughout the machine. This ensures contaminants stay out while lubricants stay in to maintain optimal operation.

The RB566 model includes several enhancement options:

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New double roller windguard increases compression and control for OSF pickups, allowing for increased capacity and ground speed.
The new Bale Weigh capability allows operators to monitor and record individual bale weight on an ongoing basis via in-cab monitoring. This capability weighs the bale in chamber without pausing the machine.
Pro 700 Plus display or Pro 1200 display compatibility.
FieldOps machine and telematics data via mobile and web apps have the ability to monitor individual bale data such as drop location, weight and moisture content.

“Another thing we’ve done is, on our pickup, we’ve went to a double roller windguard on the 566. Our customers who are bailing a lot of corn stalks, they’re dealing with some big windrows,” says Brian Williams, livestock product specialist, CNH Industrial. “And what this does is it pushes those windrows down and smashes them out and allows them to feed into the baler more fluidly so they can go faster.”

The RB6 series is manufactured in the U.S. in New Holland, Penn. , and order writing is open now. Orders signed this fall will begin shipping in March 2026.

John Deere intros V452M Round Baler with stepped-up automation features

(John Deere)

John Deere says its new V452M round baler provides enhanced productivity and precision ag tech integration for hay and forage operations.

The V452M headlines a newly updated lineup of VR and CR round baler models, introducing a new naming convention and advanced features purpose-built for heavy crop and silage conditions, while the current 1 Series round balers will continue to serve customer baling needs.

Expanding the versatility of John Deere’s round baler lineup, the VM, VR and CR lineup updates include variable-chamber and variable-wrapping combination models.

Key features of the V452M include:

Advanced Bale Chamber Technology: Three starting rolls and two belt drive rolls ensure consistent bale rotation.
Larger Bale Chamber: 4-by-5½ feet chamber width to maximize bale weight.
High-Density Silage Capability: Produces silage bales up to 11.7 pounds per cubic foot.

The full updated Model Year 2026 Deere baler lineup introduces several features to boost productivity (capabilities vary by model):

Industry-Leading Gate Cycle Time: As fast as three seconds for more bales per hour.
Moisture Sensors and Bale Scales: Seamlessly connect to the free John Deere Operations Center for near real-time bale documentation and yield insights.
G5 or G5e Monitor for in-cab adjustments and data-driven decisions.
High-Capacity Feeding System: A 7.2-foot-wide five-bar pickup handles heavy windrows with ease.
Baler Automation With New Unplug Assist automatically stops the tractor when the target bale size is reached and manages the gate cycle. When needed, Unplug Assist automatically stops the tractor and disengages the PTO when a plug is detected.

The VM, VR and CR balers will begin shipping in November 2025. For more information, contact your local John Deere dealer

New Holland rolls out Roll-Belt 1 Series Balers

(New Holland)

New for model year 2026, New Holland is introducing three updated Roll-Belt 1 Series models designed to work smarter, bale faster and ensure producers stay connected.

New Holland says feeding performance gets a boost with its Roll-Belt 451, 461 and 561 models. A newly designed single roller windguard now comes standard on all OSF (OverShot Feeder) pickup models. And a larger 8.4" roller — 60% larger in diameter than its predecessor — helps better compress the crop mat and improve feeding into the chamber.

For those baling larger windrows, a new dual roller windguard is available as an upgrade option on the 561 model. The front and rear rollers pivot independently, providing adaptive control in variable crop and ground conditions. Operators can also lock both rollers together when compressing loose or fluffy windrows.

“Each of these three models has a distinct fit. Take, for example, the Roll-Belt 561. In corn stalks, it truly shines,” says Alex Berwager, livestock and dairy business manager, New Holland. “We’re seeing a 16% improvement in feeding capacity thanks to the dual roller windguard, jumping from 43 to 50 tons per hour. That means less plugging from the controlled crop flow and greater productivity to tackle more when your time is short.”

Vermeer launches fleet of new baler and hay tools for 2026

(Vermeer)

Vermeer’s new model year 2026 baler and hay tool launch is led by the all-new ZR-2200 self-propelled baler.

The launch fleet also includes:

604 S series balers
605S Rancher baler
ZR-2200 self-propelled baler with the Z604S bale chamber
3 new models of carted wheel rakes.

“We’ve taken feedback from dealers and hay producers to build equipment that’s intuitive, durable and designed to deliver results,” said Shane Rourke, managing director of forage, Vermeer.

604S Premium Baler

(Vermeer)

The new 604 S series balers come in three models: Rancher, Signature and Premium (shown above).

Vermeer says the machines are built to help producers get more 6’x4' (1.8-m by 1.2-m) bales put up in a day.

The 604S Rancher is a reliable, straightforward option for value-focused producers who want durable components and convenient operation.
The 604S Signature features enhanced driveline capacity and rugged components, ideal for high-volume operations.
The 604S Premium pulls out all the stops with smart automation, comfort-focused features and productivity tools that help operators work faster, smarter and with less effort.

All three models share common components — including the camless wide pickup with a hydraulic pickup lift, a mechanical netwrap system and the Atlas Pro control system with in-cab density adjustments.

ZR-4S self-propelled baler.

(Vermeer)

Since the launch of the ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler in 2017, producers have consistently asked for a 4' (1.2-m) model that delivers the same level of automation, comfort and productivity.

Vermeer says it is answering that request with the new ZR-2200 self-propelled baler with the Z604S bale chamber (ZR-4S). The ZR-4S (pictured above) features zero-turn maneuverability, integrated automation and a premium cab packed with operator-focused features.

From auto tie and eject to real-time bale data and TempSense bearing temperature monitoring, the ZR-4S self-propelled baler is built to keep operators productive, informed and comfortable.

VRC Carted wheel rake

(Vermeer)

Three new carted wheel rakes — the VRC820, VRC1022 and VRC1224 — offer robust construction, updated hydraulics, and simple adjustments to help producers get the most out of every pass.

With raking widths ranging from 20' (6 m) to 24' (7.3 m), these rakes are designed for longevity and ease of use for operators of all sizes.

Full availability on these new hay tools is expected in Spring 2026.

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First Look: Fendt’s New Autonomy Ready Vario Tractors, Split Fold Optimum Planter

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:51:57 GMT

AGCO is not sitting idly by waiting out the new farm equipment sales downturn. The manufacturer is launching new Fendt-branded machines with integrated technology for row crop farmers.

That means new for Model Year 2026 is a massive 1000 Vario Gen4 high horsepower tractor series featuring four models (426 hp to 550 hp) already setup for autonomous tasking via factory-integrated PTx OutRun autonomy kits. And its Optimum 12-row, Precision Planting tech-packed planter represents a significant milestone for the German brand: It’s the first Fendt stack-fold planter to hit the U.S. market.

(AGCO/Fendt)

We’ll start with the new 1000 Vario Series tractor (shown above), which Fendt says is powered by a 12.4-liter MAN engine featuring DynamicPerformance. The new adaptive power feature reportedly optimizes the engine’s horsepower output and improves fuel efficiency.

Fendt is also saying its Gen4 tractor “raises the bar” with new cab improvements and smart farming tech integrations that help operators feel less fatigue and get more work done.

Most notable overall though is factory integrated autonomous tillage and grain cart robotics. The technology was previously marketed by PTx Trimble as a retrofit-only kit, but now it’s available from the factory on select Fendt 2026 tractor series.

“For farmers that are struggling with labor, efficiency or just trying to do timely operations on their farm to enhance their agronomic outcomes, we’re announcing both Fendt tractor integration and tillage,” says Bryce Baker, North America tactical marketing lead, PTx. “So with that, OutRun becomes a retrofit, mixed fleet, multitask autonomy system with more to come in the future.”

(AGCO/Fendt)

Arthur Santos, marketing manager, Fendt, says the top takeaway he is excited to share about the new Optimum stack-folding planter (shown above) is how it enables ultra-precise seed placement in raised bed farming.

Stack-fold planters, Santos adds, are popular with farmers in the Mississippi Delta, across the southwest in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as in different pockets of Nebraska.

“Everything revolves around seed placement, right? And farmers understand that. Farmers can see how the row unit technology is important, but sometimes farmers don’t focus that much on where the row unit is, that environment that you create for the row unit technology,” Santos says. “This is what the Optimum planter will bring. That tool bar flex placing the row unit where it needs to be, and that adjusting hitch placing the row unit where it needs to be. That row unit technology can’t do its job if it’s not placed where it needs to be.”

Santos also points to the row units themselves on the new 12-row, split fold planter offering. He says the units are equipped with a full-suite of PTx-Precision Planting row unit technology.

“We’re taking the best of the best of the Precision Planting row unit technology — V-Set 2 meters, V-Drive, DeltaForce hydraulic downforce, Speed Tubes, and the latest FurrowForce and Reveal tech — and we’re putting it on a planter right onto the frame,” he says. “This is what will distinguish Fendt planters from any other planter, we’re taking that amazing row unit technology that all the brands are chasing and we’re bringing it right to the frame.”

Order writing for the 1000 Vario Gen4 tractor will open up later this year with first deliveries taking place sometime in 2026, AGCO reps state. And Optimum will be rolled out for interested buyers with an initial presale offering in spring 2026.

Fendt is also adding dry fertilizer spreading to its Momentum 30' planter for model year 2026, and the AGCO/Fendt RoGator 900 Series sprayer is also getting a suite of upgrades.

And last but not least, Fendt’s FarmEngage FMIS machinery data platform is now included with all new machinery purchases for three years at no additional cost. The program costs $600 per farm license if purchased a la carte and offers API compatibility with John Deere’s Operations Center and CNH’s FieldOps platform, along with other popular farm management digital tools from Raven, Topcon, and AgLeader.

PTx will also offer a Starlink mini connectivity bundle through its dealer network in the coming months, PTx representatives add.

To learn more about AGCO/Fendt’s 2026 Model Year updates and releases, reach out to your local Fendt dealer.

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Machinery Debuts: Can-Am Model Year 2026 ATV Fleet; New Holland Round Baler, Utility Tractors

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:54:30 GMT

Can-Am’s Model Year 2026 ATV lineup includes:

the Can-Am Outlander Electric
the rugged Outlander MAX 6x6
the industry’s first semi-active suspension ATV
the Maverick R X rc, and an updated Maverick X3 platform

(Can-Am)

Can-Am says its 2026 Outlander Electric (shown above) is powered by the modular Rotax E-Power powerpack, delivering 47 hp and 53 ft.-lb. of torque with up to 50 miles of range (in optimal conditions). The all-electric ATV model also features instant throttle response, selectable ride modes — normal, sport, work — and charges from 20% to 80% in just 50 minutes.

(Can-Am)

Can-Am’s Outlander MAX 6x6 (shown above) is engineered to work harder with six-wheel traction, a robust chassis and powerful Rotax engine packages. The Outlander MAX 6x6 is now the hardest-working ATV in the Can-Am lineup.

For the first time in the ATV industry, Can-Am is introducing semi-active suspension. Available on 2026 Can-Am Outlander XT-P and MAX Limited packages, the Smart-Shox technology electronically adjusts the compression and rebound settings of the shocks to the terrain on the fly, Can-Am says.

(Can-Am)

And finally, the 240-horsepower Can-Am Maverick R is being updated for model year 2026. The new Maverick R X rc brings purpose-built, rock-crawling performance to the Maverick R platform, Can-Am says. The X rc package includes rock-crawling-specific features like an extra low gear range and ROCK mode for the Smart-Lok differential.

To dive into all the details on Can-Am’s Model Year 2026 ATV lineup head to Can-Am.BRP.com .

New Holland intros Roll-Belt 1 Series variable chamber round balers, two PowerStar Electro Command utility tractors

(New Holland)

New for model year 2026, New Holland introduces three updated Roll-Belt 1 Series models designed to work smarter, bale faster and ensure producers stay connected.

New Holland says feeding performance gets a boost with its Roll-Belt 451, 461 and 561 models. A newly designed single roller windguard now comes standard on all OSF (OverShot Feeder) pickup models. And a larger 8.4" roller — 60% larger in diameter than its predecessor — helps better compress the crop mat and improve feeding into the chamber.

For those baling larger windrows, a new dual roller windguard is available as an upgrade option on the 561 model. The front and rear rollers pivot independently, providing adaptive control in variable crop and ground conditions. Operators can also lock both rollers together when compressing loose or fluffy windrows.

And for the tractor segment, New Holland North America has unveiled its all-new PowerStar Electro Command utility machines.

(New Holland)

New Holland says the new models deliver serious performance in utility-sized footprints. Rated at 110 hp and 120 hp, with PTO horsepower of 85 and 99, the new machines are suitable for crop, dairy and general livestock operations as well as hay and light field work.

With a rear lift capacity of more than 10,000 lb., the Electro Command has nearly double the rear lift capacity compared to other PowerStar tractors and utility tractors available on the market.

New Holland says the two tractors feature 21-gal.-per-min. (80 L/min.) load-sensing hydraulic pumps that deliver targeted power and all PowerStar Electro Command machines can be equipped with a CNH loader.

The update that New Holland says truly sets the PowerStar Electro Command apart is its 16x16 semi-powershift transmission. Unlike the traditional 12x12 transmission or Dual Command’s high/low split, this allows clutchless shifts between key ranges (A/B and C/D) and includes up to eight automatic gear shifts.

For more information, visit agriculture.newholland.com/en-us/nar or contact your local New Holland dealer.

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New Case IH Steiger Quadtrac Tractor Offers 853 Horsepower, Subscription-Free Precision Ag Technology

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:38:28 GMT

Case IH says its new Steiger 785 Quadtrac increases the row crop tractor’s horsepower rating to 853 peak horsepower and features subscription-free, integrated precision technology and guidance, according to a press release from the company.

The higher horsepower allows farmers to handle larger implements or pull the same implements at higher speeds with a 40% torque rise.

Designed to provide more power to the ground, the Steiger 785 Quadtrac also offers a superior operator experience and cab comfort.

(Case IH)

Subscription-free, integrated precision technology unlocks automation-driven features, such as AccuTurn Pro and AccuSync, along with CNH Industrial’s FieldOps fleet and data management mobile app.

“We understand the demands of farming are only increasing. The Steiger 785 Quadtrac is a workhorse designed to meet those demands with power and productivity,” says Ken Lehmann, customer segmentation lead at Case IH. “With long days in the field, the boost in horsepower and torque allows farmers to do more in a day.”

For those seeking enhanced performance, an optional heavy-duty suspended undercarriage delivers a smooth ride, superior traction and flotation, helping minimize soil compaction in the field.

The Steiger 785 Quadtrac also holds strong value with Connectivity Included, a three-year/2,000-hour warranty and a simplified SCR-only emission system.

Farm Progress Show (Aug. 26-28 in Decatur, Ill.) will be the first public appearance for the Steiger 785 Quadtrac.

To learn more about Case IH’s precision technology, FieldOps and equipment solutions, visit the Case IH booth at this year’s Farm Progress Show (booth No. 867). You can also visit caseih.com or talk with your local Case IH dealer.

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All The Details: Inside John Deere’s New F8 and F9 Forage Harvesters

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 18:20:36 GMT

John Deere is rolling out two new forage harvesters for North American dairy producers and custom harvesting operations.

The brand new F8 and F9 Series feature three factory-installed operator cab options, a technology stack that will one day enable autonomous operation, and enhanced feed quality via an integrated inoculant dosing system.

How are F8 and F9 different?
The F8 Series (425PS to 645PS) is a narrow base model that takes the place of Deere’s 8000 Series forage harvester, while the F9 Series (700PS to 1020PS) replaces the 9000 Series. Within the F9 Series is the F9 1000, which is Deere’s largest forage harvest machine to date.

(Editor’s Note: “PS” stands for Pferdestärke, which is the German term for horsepower. PS to horsepower is not an apples-to-apples equal ratio. The F9 1000, for example, features 1020PS which equates to 1,006HP, according to the manufacturer.)

The F9 is available in two engine options:

John Deere 18X (no DEF required)
Liebherr V12 24L

It has five horsepower options, while the F8 comes with the JD14X engine and can be configured across six horsepower options.

The manufacturer last rolled out completely new forage harvesters in 2019.

How much will each new model cost?

The feed rolls on John Deere’s F8 and F9 forage harvesters have integrated metal detection to keep unwanted material out of your feed.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

John Deere is not sharing its pricing just yet, but the two new models are built at its Zweibrucken, Germany, factory. John Deere dealers will begin taking orders for the aggressively styled, technology-packed harvesters this fall, with final delivery in time for the 2026 forage harvesting season.

Deere representatives declined comment on what effect, if any, the still-developing U.S.and E.U. tariff situation could have on its launch plans.

Ahead of the launch, Farm Journal went to Madison, Wisc., to kick the tires and learn all about the new machines. The F8 and F9 harvesters we viewed and climbed into were the first finished production units off the factory line. Deere says several units will be field tested with U.S. customers ahead of the full fall launch.

“We’re really excited about the new cab and the technology we’ve added to these machines like central tire inflation, ground speed automation and the new kernel processing units,” says Bergen Nelson, go-to-market manager, combines and forage harvesters.

Here’s some of what we learned about the new forage harvesters:

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Cab Comforts: The same three operator cab options offered with Deere’s X and S Series combines — Select, Premium and Ultimate — are available on the F8 and F9 Series. A smoothly swiveling captain’s chair, as well as an all-new corner post display that shows real-time machine data, are among the additions. Operators who spend long hours in the cab will also appreciate integrated entertainment like SXM Radio and an optional mini fridge.

(Matthew J. Grassi )

Foundational Deere Tech Stack: Each new forage harvester in the series includes Deere’s baseline precision tech enablement stack — which consists of its G5 display, Starfire 7500 receiver and JDLink modem.

Central Tire Inflation System: A completely new feature (top left inset photo) within the G5 display allows the operator to adjust front tire PSI up or down from the cab.

John Deere Inoculant Dosing System 2.0

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Inoculant Dosing System 2.0: New on both the F8 and F9, a high-volume 85 gallon inoculant tank and integrated pump allow the user to accurately adjust silage inoculant dosage rates from the G5 display in the cab. The system is easy to pump and prime as well with the touch of a button located at the rear of the machine.

Ground Speed Automation: This cruise control-like option reads RPMs and throttles the harvester up or down based on crop conditions. For example, harvesting corn at higher moisture levels will increase power output, so the machine will automatically slow down to ensure it doesn’t plug up or do a sub-optimal job harvesting. This feature comes standard on all base models for both series and does not require a yearly subscription unlock or per-acre fee.

Pro Touch Harvest: Another new feature within the G5 display allows the operator to shift the machine from road transport mode to harvest mode in a single click. It can also be used to quickly engage AutoTrac and ground speed automation once the operator arrives at the edge of field.

This all-new XStream 305 Kernel Processing (KP) unit is built by Scherer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New Kernal Processing (KP) Units: The new harvesters feature two completely redesigned KP units, the Ultimate 250 (also made in Germany) and the Scherer XStream 305, which is made in Sioux Falls, S.D. An integrated winch and internal rail mounting system makes switching the machine from corn forage to hay forage in the field quick and simple. The number signifies each KP unit’s roll diameter width in millimeters.

“Both KPs will go in both machines and have four different roll options depending on how aggressive the dairyman wants their end feed quality to be,” says Shane Campbell, product marketing manager, forage harvesters.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Integrated Harvest Lab 3000: This on-demand constituent sensing module pulls over 4,000 samples per second with +/- 2% accuracy, and John Deere says it can save dairy operations time and money versus collecting and sending samples to a lab. The sensor tech (available as an add-on option) enables accurate measurement and documentation of dry matter, starch, protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber for both harvested forage and manure. The data can be stored, organized and shared via Deere’s Operations Center. Within Operations Center, users can take geo-referenced data and build out spatial starch content — as well as moisture and protein — maps for hybrid selection and fertility management. Because if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

Active Fill Control 3.0: Using sensors and cameras on the grain spout, this tech feature automatically detects the trailer or grain cart next to the forage harvester and begins filling it with a preselected fill strategy. This reduces the number of times an operator has to adjust the spout manually and also lessens fatigue and neck strain, according to Deere.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New Operating Modes: Several of the models within the F9 Series offer what Deere is calling its “Engine Power Plus” feature — which gives a sizeable horsepower boost when the machines senses it needs a little extra chopping power to the harvesting head. There is also an ECO mode that can be toggled on when the machines don’t need the extra torque.

Ease-Of-Access: Both models have side and rear panels that easily open to grant full access to the inner workings of the machines, making the new forage harvesters much easier to service and maintain without a lift or other heavy specialized equipment. The machine is setup so techs and mechanically-minded farmers will not have to climb underneath it to perform daily maintenance.

“At the end of the day, we know it’s all about the cow, and these machines will put out quality feed,” Nelson says. “We’ll have these out at the farm shows this summer, including Farm Progress Show, World Ag Expo, World Dairy Expo and the U.S. Custom Harvesters Convention.”

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Transform Your Farm: Discover New Seed Drills, ATVs and Utility Tractors

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:39:13 GMT

Great Plains Adds Narrow Transport Box Drills for Minimum-Till and No-Till Operations

New Great Plains BD7510 No-Till Drill

(Great Plains Manufacturing)

Great Plains is expanding its line of narrow-transport box drills with new sizes of the BD7410 min-till drill and the BD7510, a new box drill for no-till producers.

Great Plains says farmers can easily move field-to-field and navigate narrow gates and roadways with the new narrow-transport setup. The BD7410 and BD7510 fold to under 10' and both models feature hydraulic tongue latches and fold/unfold with a single hydraulic lever from the cab.

Now available in 13', 15' and 20' models, the BD7410 is a min-till drill offered in 5", 6", or 7.5" row spacings, and it has an opener sub-frame with multiple pin positions to fine-tune the down pressure that the hydraulic cylinders apply.

New for no-till producers, the BD7510 comes in 15' and 20' models that the company says provide a rugged option with a leading coulter for tough soil conditions. The BD7510 models are offered in 7.5" row spacing and the 15' has an option for 6" row spacing. Both working widths are available with a native grass box option.

Visit GreatPlainsAg.com for more information.

Honda Offers Updated FourTrax ATVs for 2026 Model Year

Honda 2026 FourTrax Rancher

(Honda Motorsports)

Honda has confirmed the return of its FourTrax Rancher, FourTrax Foreman 4x4 and FourTrax Foreman Rubicon ATVs for the 2026 model year. All three ATVs are designed in Ohio and manufactured in North Carolina, using domestically and globally sourced parts.

Honda’s FourTrax lineup offers a wide range of trim levels and configurations to suit various riding applications. From the hardworking FourTrax Rancher to the heavy-duty capabilities of the FourTrax Foreman and the comfort and handling of the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon, each model is engineered for durability and capability.

The 2026 updated models will be available for order starting in May; Honda says some options within its Foreman Rubicon line won’t be available until June.

Check with your local Honda ATV dealer for more information.

New Bobcat Compact Tractors Feature Enclosed Cabs and Front Loader

(Bobcat)

Bobcat is adding to its compact tractor lineup with the introduction of two new sub-100 hp utility models.

Bobcat says the CT4545 (45 hp) and CT4558 (58 hp) are dependable machines for feeding livestock, clearing snow, handling materials, grading, backfilling and a multitude of other farm tasks.

With similar features and functionality to the Bobcat 4000 platform compact tractor models, the 4500 platform adds on a fully enclosed, heated and air-conditioned cab. Beyond offering protection from the elements, the cab helps to reduce noise levels and minimize vibrations.

Bobcat is also introducing a new front-end loader size with the FL9-2, which is compatible with the two new models. The 4500 platform tractors can also be paired with dozens of attachments and implements, including pallet forks, utility grapple, auger, angle blade, snowblower, tiller, bale spear and more.

The CT4545 and CT4558 models will be available at Bobcat dealerships in Q2 2025. For more information, contact your nearest Bobcat dealer.

Kioti Adds Two Models to HX Utility Tractor Series

(Kioti Tractor)

Kioti Tractor is releasing the HX1302 and HX1402, two new models within its HX Series utility tractor line.

The company says the new models represent Kioti’s most powerful tractors yet, delivering up to 35 more horsepower than previous models, and are built to excel in heavy-duty farming, bailing, tilling, cultivating, excavating and grading applications.

The HX1302 and HX1402 feature a state-of-the-art power shift transmission and 8,492-lb. maximum lift capacity and a category II three-point hitch. A standard rear PTO, with 540/540E/1,000 rpm speeds, is also included on both models.

Powered by a four-cylinder, water-cooled, diesel engine, which delivers up to 140 hp and 120 PTO horsepower, the HX1302 and HX1402 are built to handle tough jobs around the farm.

For more information, get in touch with your local Kioti dealer.

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From the Factory to Your Fields: Where Farm Equipment Is Made

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:25:58 GMT

The global agriculture equipment market is currently valued at $181 billion (USD) and is expected to grow by 4% over the next eight years. That’s according to a recent analysis from global consulting firm IMARC Group.

While IMARC Group pegs Asia-Pacific as the leading region for farm equipment manufacturing market share, it would stand to reason most of those machines are being sold to farmers in that region. The farm equipment U.S. farmers use is most commonly built in Europe, North America and South America.

Brand Breakdown
For example, John Deere’s manufacturing footprint is mainly based in North America. Of the 60 John Deere machines relevant to row-crop producers, 50 of them (83%) are manufactured in North America. Drilling down further, the three states with the largest John Deere manufacturing presence are:

Iowa at 61%
North Dakota at 17%
Illinois at 15%

Case IH builds 66% of its row-crop machines throughout North America, while 24% of them are manufactured in Europe.

Fellow CNH brand New Holland maintains a fairly balanced manufacturing presence between Europe (30%) and North America (43%).

AGCO’s Germany-based brand, Fendt, builds 57% of its row-crop machines in the European Union (EU) with North America hosting roughly 43% of its manufacturing. Claas has a large manufacturing presence in Europe, but it also manufactures its LEXION combine in Omaha, Neb., and has facilities in Columbus, Ind., and Regina, Saskatchewan.

McCormick and Landini machines are built entirely in EU factories. In contrast, Buhler Industries’ manufacturing footprint is fully based in North America.

Check out the data to see where your favorite tractor, planter, sprayer, combine and other farm machines are built in 2025.

Click here to download a printable version of the table above.

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Case IH Unlocks Fee-Free Technology Subscriptions, Launches Mobile App And Expands APIs

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:01:00 GMT

Case IH is launching a series of technology initiatives that the manufacturer says places the farmer user-experience at the forefront.

Case IH’s all-new FieldOps™ mobile and web application enables farmers to connect, view and manage their operations remotely.
Expanded API integrations allow farmers to connect with third party providers and manage mixed fleets.
Connectivity Included eliminates subscriptions on new qualifying equipment (purchased after October 1, 2024)
Precision Technology Packages pledge to simplify the aftermarket technology purchase experience for farmers.

Case IH FieldOps Is Now Live in App Stores

The all-new Case IH FieldOps web and mobile app is available now for download in the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Case IH says FieldOps seamlessly connects and integrates agronomic insights and machine performance data, providing farmers with a comprehensive, real-time overview of their operations.

“Launching FieldOps gives us the opportunity to provide solutions for three main challenges farmers face every day: operation logistics, data management, and mobile access to information,” said Kendal Quandahl, precision technology segment lead, Case IH.

Key features include:

See all aspects of the primary Pro 1200 display using Remote Display Viewing through an upgraded mobile app – including external AV and backup cameras, with pinch-to-zoom and horizontal and vertical orientation for simplified operator and dealer support.
View and track machinery usage, fuel consumption, and performance with continuous, real-time updates, ensuring optimal operational efficiency, labor management and maintenance scheduling.
Customize views based on what’s most important: mute notifications, set alarms and adjust settings for each machine; create machine parameter favorites by machine or machine type; enable dark or light mode.
Send and receive agronomic data from machines while they are operating (e.g. guidance lines, as applied maps, etc.).

Brandon Hunt, a cash crop and small grain farmer from Southwest Kentucky, was among the Case IH customers who provided input on the development of FieldOps.

“FieldOps not only has agronomic data and yield data, but now we have the ability to control and influence the iron side. Technology and iron are in one area and on one device,” said Hunt. “The layout of the app is user friendly. It can funnel all your data and you can remote monitor into a tractor to see exactly what’s going on.”

FieldOps offers a consistent interface across mobile devices and web browsers, ensuring ease of use for farmers on the go. FieldOps integrates with CNH brands and third parties and is a one-stop location for Case IH data.

Case IH Expands API Partnerships

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Case IH is expanding its API partnerships, which today the company says totals more than 40 providers.

This gives Case IH customers easier access to their agronomic and operational data, eliminates hurdles navigating within digital platforms, and ultimately, increases farmer productivity.

Case IH Launches Connectivity Included Initiative

Case IH is introducing Connectivity Included, which removes subscription fees from Case IH technology for qualifying machines built and purchased after October 1, 2024.

Case IH says this new initiative ensures that once a customer purchases equipment, on-board technology is available for the life of the modem. With Connectivity Included, farmers can move forward without ongoing technology subscription costs.

“Connectivity Included represents our commitment to supporting tech throughout the lifecycle of the equipment,” says Quandahl. “By eliminating most subscription fees, farmers can be assured they not only own the iron but also the tech for as long as they have the machine.”

With Connectivity Included, operators gain access to the following:

Agronomic data
Machine data and telematics
Proactive dealer support

Customers who wish to activate the Connectivity Included feature on existing machines with PCM or PCMF modems also can do so for a one-time fee by contacting their dealer.

Case IH Precision Technology Packages Simplify Add-Ons

Case IH Precision Tech Packages are available for farmers that wish to outfit existing machines with precision technology tools. This includes aftermarket kits offering advanced auto-guidance, in-cab displays, ISOBUS, and connectivity, plus the option to bundle more advanced technologies.

Farmers can choose between two package options – Core and Advanced – across a variety of equipment, according to Case-IH

For more information on the launch of Case IH FieldOps, please visit the website.

Machinery and Tech News: John Deere Expands Tillage, New Kioti RX40, New Holland Combine Release, and More

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 20:20:00 GMT

John Deere Expands Tillage Lineup

John Deere announced the launch of a new and improved Minimum Tillage (MT) Series In-Line Ripper and Coulter Chisel (CC) Series, a first for the company, completing its tillage offerings.

The manufacturer says its new MT Series offers increased wear component longevity, enhancing dependability, while the CC Series achieves a working speed of 7 mph.

“The new CC Series has been developed to give farmers the ability to tackle primary tillage needs faster than before,” said Michael Porter, John Deere go-to-market manager for tillage equipment. “With working speeds of 7 mph, this is a highly productive primary tillage tool.”

Head here to learn more about John Deere’s tillage tools.

Kioti Adds RX40 Utility Tractor

Building upon its utility RX20 line, Kioti Tractor’s new RX40 Series boasts significant upgrades from its predecessor, providing operators an enhanced experience both in the field and during long work hours, the company says.

Some notable new features on the RX40 include:

A new spacious five-pillar cab with increased visibility, ample head- and legroom, and a deluxe air-ride suspension seat. The new cab is also climate controlled and offers an option buddy seat.
An electronic 3-point hitch for control of implements along with power steering, a tilt steering wheel, and an LED instrument panel.
A fuel efficient, inline, water-cooled four-cylinder turbocharged CRDI diesel engine with a large 26-gallon fuel capacity is available across five models ranging from 66-73 horsepower.
The RX40 Series has a three-point lift capacity of up to 4,327 pounds.

You can learn more about the RX40 at Kioti.com.

New Holland Unveiling New Combine, T7 Tractor Upgrades and More

New Holland will unveil a new Class 9 CR combine, a new telehandler series, upgrades to the T7 tractor line, an all-new Forage Cruiser harvester and a suite of precision and digital technologies, according to a press release from the manufacturer.

Additional details about the new launches will be released over the next week.

To check out the latest additions to the New Holland portfolio and updates to its digital and precision farming technology stack, visit with your local New Holland dealer or check out agriculture.newholland.com

Swiss Smart Sprayer Group Names North America CEO

Ecorobotix, the North American division of the Swiss AgTech and AI company, appointed Cameron Holbrook as the new CEO of the company’s North America business.

Cameron, a passionate AgTech enthusiast, brings extensive industry knowledge and a global perspective from his previous leadership roles at Nutrien, John Deere, and Amazon.

“Given Cameron’s vast experiences in the agricultural industry, we are fully confident in his ability to advance our business in North America while providing our customers with high value solutions,” says Dominique Mégret, CEO, Ecorobotix SA.

Learn more about Ecorobotix here.

Topcon Names Di Federico Next-in-Line, Announces O’Connor Retirement

Topcon Positioning Systems has announced that Ivan Di Federico will succeed current president and CEO Ray O’Connor, who will retire in September 2025.

Di Federico currently serves as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. After two decades with the company, Di Federico will assume his new role on September 1, 2024.

O’Connor will transition to the role of Chairman of the Topcon Positioning Systems Board of Directors effective September 1, 2024. The company says he will guide and support the executive leadership team during the transition.

Nebraska U Project Explores Ag-IOT Sensor Tech

With a half-million dollar-plus grant from the National Science Foundation’s Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace program and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) University of Nebraska–Lincoln computer scientist Nirnimesh Ghose aims to develop solutions to enable smart, scalable and secure wireless operations in a modern farm setting.

Ghose will collaborate with Mehmet Can Vuran, Dale M. Jensen Chair and Professor in the School of Computing, and Yufeng Ge, professor of biological systems engineering, on the project.

The Ag-IoT field is interesting because it has not been explored much, and the security of it has not been explored,” Ghose said. “There are a lot of wireless devices that are deployed to collect data, but if the data is not secure, someone could inject malicious data into the network.”

Learn more about the project here.

Deere's Stock Price Pops After Company Reports Better-Than-Expected Q3 Earnings

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 13:05:38 GMT

Deere & Company’s stock saw an early rise after the company reported better-than-expected earnings for its fiscal third quarter. Deere announced earnings per share (EPS) of $6.29 from equipment sales of $11.4 billion, surpassing Wall Street’s expectations of $5.68 EPS from $10.9 billion in sales. Despite these positive results, Deere’s earnings and sales have declined compared to the previous year, where EPS was $10.20 from $14.3 billion in sales.

This earnings beat led to a 5% increase in Deere’s stock price in premarket trading. However, the broader agricultural market remains challenging. Lower crop prices, driven by higher inventories, have reduced farmers’ incomes, limiting their ability to purchase new equipment. As a result, farm equipment demand has weakened, and inventories at U.S. dealers have risen, indicating a mismatch between production and sales. This surplus has led to discounted prices and increased reliance on auctions to clear excess stock, further complicating the market dynamics for new equipment sales.

Analysts expect a continued decline in farm equipment demand, potentially leading to production cuts at Deere and other manufacturers. Deere’s operating profit margin is projected to slightly decrease to around 19% for fiscal year 2024.

The agricultural sector’s struggles have already impacted Deere’s peers, such as AGCO and CNH Industrial, both of which have lowered their financial guidance and seen stock price declines this year. Despite the positive earnings report, Deere’s stock is still down about 12% for the year, underperforming the broader market.

Investors will closely watch Deere’s conference call for any announcements about production cuts and their potential impact on profit margins, as the agricultural market’s weakness could continue to pressure the company’s stock. The company stated that “global ag fundamentals are expected to remain weak as construction moderates,” and it noted the “employee-separation plans that it put in place in the third quarter for salaried employees which were “largely involuntary.” The company said they expect pre-tax expenses of $150 million from the effort with $124 million recorded in its third quarter with the rest to come in 2025.

Looking forward, Deere’s fiscal 2024 net income is projected to be around $7.0 billion, unchanged from previous forecasts despite the challenging environment.

Machinery News: AEM Reports 4WD Tractor Sales Up, Firestone Ag Intros New Grain Cart Tire

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:15:44 GMT

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) shared its sales data report for July 2024 this week.

According to July 2024 sales data provided by The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, the sale of four wheel drive farm tractors increased 19% year over year while the sale of two wheel drive tractors fell nearly 15%. Self-propelled combine sales also dropped 19% in July.

(The Association of Equipment Manufacturers )

The numbers contained the following revelations:

Despite recent reports of decreasing demand for new tractors and combines from farmers besieged by higher operating costs and low commodity prices, four-wheel drive tractor sales in July actually increased by 19% compared to July 2023.
Self propelled combine sales were down 19% over the same comparison period.
The two-wheel drive tractor segment also decreased year-over-year by nearly 15%.

You can download the report over at AEM.org here.

New grain cart tire option launching at end of the month

Firestone Ag is releasing its new Destination Cart radial tire at the end of August, according to a press release issued by the company. It says the new option provides farmers with a heavy-duty grain cart tire designed to support soil health and fluctuating cart weights.

“Specifically designed with soil health in mind, Destination Cart features a shallow skid depth and wide lug spacing that creates a flotation effect,” said Bill Durivage, senior agricultural product strategy manager, Firestone Ag. “This minimizes soil compaction, and the shallower, wider-spaced lugs create less soil disturbance as the grain cart carries heavy loads.”

The tread design also promotes uniform wear, a smooth ride and self-cleaning to maintain traction in wet, slippery field conditions, according to Firestone Ag.

Constructed with Advanced Deflection Design (AD2) technology, Destination Cart enables producers to carry heavier loads at lower inflation pressures—another feature that optimizes the larger footprint and helps minimize soil compaction. A premium formulation of tire compounds helps protect the tires against stubble damage. Additionally, the tires are backed by Firestone Ag’s nine-year radial tire limited warranty.

Kinze to Lay Off 24% of Its Workforce in Iowa

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 21:03:56 GMT

The ongoing downturn in the ag economy is forcing another U.S. based ag manufacturer to make cuts. Kinze Manufacturing, which is based in Iowa, notified employees on Wednesday.

The company announced it is laying off 193 people out of the 815 that work at it’s facility in Williamsburg, Iowa. That equates to 23.7% of its workforce at the one location.

Employees were notified on Wednesday, and the layoffs went into effect on Thursday.

“We deeply regret the necessity of this action. This decision was not made lightly, and it is a direct response to current ag market realities,” said Kinze in a statement.

The company release also said no other reductions are planned for this time.

The company, which was founded 59 years ago, is known for its planters, grain cards and tillage equipment.

The news comes as John Deere also announced additional workforce reductions last month. Layoffs at Deere production facilities started in September of last year.

AGCO also making the decision to cut a portion of its workforce. The company, which owns equipment brands such as Fendt and Massey Ferguson, announced in a filing in June plans to cut up to 6 percent of its salaried workforce.

Just this week, AGCO reported net sales of $3.2 billion for the second quarter of 2024, which marked a 15.1 percent drop compared to the same period last year.

AGCO’s CEO says the second quarter results were influenced by weakening market conditions and significant
production cuts, which were aimed at reducing company and dealer inventories.

EXCLUSIVE: John Deere Speaks Publicly For the First Time About Layoffs, New Challenges in the Ag Economy

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:13:18 GMT

John Deere recently laid off a significant number of salaried employees as part of the company’s ongoing workforce reductions. The official number of layoffs is still unknown but are part of a broader trend of workforce reductions at John Deere, which have been ongoing for several months.

Cory Reed, president of the company’s Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division for Production and Precision Ag , spoke publicly about the layoffs for the first time in an exclusive interview with U.S. Farm Report this week.

What You Need to Know

Reed addressed everything from the recent layoffs to the company’s decision to move a small portion of its production to Mexico. Here are highlights from Farm Journal’s exclusive interview:

John Deere says recent layoffs of both its salaried and production workforce are due to lower net farm income, higher interest rates and market volatility.
Reed says John Deere expects equipment sales to be down 20% in 2024, due to economic pressures on the farm.
John Deere is addressing cost concerns by reducing the prices of some new technologies, such as the See & Spray retrofit kit.
John Deere is investing in automation to improve manufacturing efficiency and reliability.
Reed emphasized the job cuts are unrelated to the 2021 strike by production workers.
He also stressed that John Deere’s decision to move its cab production to Mexico is separate, saying that production site in Mexico has been in operation for nearly 70 years, calling it “an important part of our global footprint.”

The Reality of the Farm Economy

USDA is forecasting net farm income in 2024 to be $116.1 billion, which is a 25.5% drop from 2023 following a 16% drop in 2023 versus 2022. Those two consecutive years of significant decline mark the largest drop in net farm income in U.S. history.

“Net farm income is expected to be down in the mid to high 20s, and when that happens, and commodity prices pull back, interest rates are a little bit higher and we see volatility in the weather, it creates uncertainty that interrupts demand. We’re experiencing that today. Looking out across our industry, we’re expecting to be off roughly 20% year-over-year from 2023,” Reed told U.S. Farm Report.

USDA’s 2023 and 2024 Net Farm Income projections point to the largest drop in history.

(Lori Hayes )

The mounting economic pressures are showing up across the equipment industry. The latest Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) flash report released in June showed just how drastic of a drop the ag equipment sector is currently experiencing. AEM’s report showed combine sales in June dropped 31% compared to last year. Total farm tractor sales were down 16%.

While the company forecasts equipment demand to fall 20% overall in 2024, Reed says the second half of the year looks to be even more challenging than the first.

“We kind of have the tale of two ends of the year, “ he says. “If you looked at the front half of the year, in fact, if you took the large row-crop tractor business, what you would have seen is a market that was still peaking in the April and May time frame. A lot of buyers were in the market, based off of performance last year. As we hit May and going into June, used inventory levels started to grow and you saw buyers starting to pull back. Those trade differentials look different for them, and they started pulling back at a faster rate.”

As farmers pull back on purchasing new equipment, the short-term market outlook is hard to project, according to John Deere.

“I think what you see is markets that are cycling faster today. When you see what was going on in the commodity market, it’s been more volatile here recently. So obviously, we’d like to have better predictability of those things. What I would tell you is the long-term outlook for global commodities grown here in the U.S. still look really strong. We’re still bullish on that,” Reed says. “It’s the reason that even when we see these cycles potentially coming, we invest directly through them. We’ve never invested more in research dollars than we did this year, and in the next five years we will invest more than we have over the past five years. That’s a testament to what we believe about the future of the agricultural industry. We’re doing that around the world.”

John Deere Says Layoffs Are Unrelated to 2021 Strike

With the drop in equipment demand, came cuts to the salaried workforce this week. But the company had already cut more than 1,800 workers in its Iowa and Illinois production facilities.

In October 2021, those same production sites were in the news after 10,000 production workers went on strike . But a month later, John Deere and the United Auto Workers (UAW) Union reached a new six-year deal. With a 20% increase in pay granted by John Deere, UAW ended its month-long strike. But Reed says the job cuts today are not tied to that.

“Certainly, cost, availability and reliability of labor in the workforce is a factor all the time. Cuts right now are not related to that, they’re related to demand,” he adds.

As a result, Reed says John Deere is turning internally to manage its own cost structure, which means layoffs. Those started last September and have accelerated in 2024.

“We don’t like making workforce adjustments. We don’t. But that’s all about the cost structure we have, so we can hold the line on costs. We’re deploying more of our engineering resources to cost-reduce each part without sacrificing any reliability, durability or quality. We’re doing that in a big way,” Reeds adds.

John Deere has committed to providing severance packages to the affected employees. The packages include up to 12 months of severance pay based on years of service, pro-rated pay based on short- and long-term incentives, payment for unused vacation or paid time off, ongoing access to health and wellness benefits and a year of professional job placement services.

The Question on Every Farmer’s Mind

The question on every farmer’s mind: Does John Deere have any plans to cut the price of equipment? Reed says John Deere is addressing cost concerns by reducing the prices of some new technologies, such as the See & Spray retrofit kit.

“We’re taking some of our latest technologies, and we’re cutting the upfront price of it,” Reed says. “If you take See & Spray, which is a great example, that product would normally cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to add to a machine. We lowered the upfront price for a retrofit kit to be able to put it on for tens of thousands of dollars. A customer who wants to manage their herbicide cost differently has the opportunity to buy into that, on an acre-by-acre basis, and only pay based on what they save.”

John Deere’s Decision to Move Cab Production to Mexico

John Deere is also catching some backlash for its decision to move its cab operations from Waterloo, Iowa, to Mexico, which impacts a couple hundred U.S. jobs. According to Reed, John Deere’s production site in Mexico has been in operation for nearly 70 years. What started in 1956 became one of the company’s first operations outside the U.S., and Reed calls it “an important part of our global footprint.”

“First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the movement of certain components or products to Mexico is entirely separate from what we’ve seen in terms of layoffs today,” Reed says. “When we move a product, we make the announcement and say, ‘This portion of this product is going to move here.’ And by the way, we’re doing that all the time. It’s a part of what we do in our global network.”

Reed says what’s not reported when John Deere makes such an announcement is how they are replacing their production in the U.S. with the manufacturing of a new product or piece of equipment. While the cab production might be moving to Mexico, he says they are now building the new 9RX 830-hp four-wheel drive tractor there.

“If you drove to Waterloo today and went into the operations, what you’d see is that brand new tractor going down the very place in the factory where those cabs were manufactured before,” Reed says.

What John Deere Wants Farmers to Know

As John Deere aims to align production inventory levels with current market demands, the down cycle of agriculture is hitting all of the industry hard, but Reed says he’s still bullish on agriculture long-term. When asked what he wanted farmers to know, Reed’s message was this:

“We have 80,000 employees in the company. We wake up every day with the same purpose. That purpose is quality, innovation, integrity and commitment to our customers. We want to grow value on each and every one of those farms. We want to do it in a way that every day they wake up, with every pass they make through the field, they have confidence they’ve partnered with someone in the industry, John Deere and our John Deere dealers, working to drive value, working to drive profitability, on each and every one of their farms,” Reed says.

You can watch the full interview with Reed here.

New Air Boom Applicator Promises Unprecedented Efficiency And Accuracy

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:53:19 GMT

Salford Group is introducing its new air boom applicator: the AB640 .

This 90-ft. applicator is one the company says will deliver unprecedented efficiency and accurate application of fertilizer, crop protection products, and seed.

“Salford’s Valmar air boom applicators are known for robust performance and precision,” said Gavin Held, application equipment product manager at Salford Group. “With the AB640, we’ve improved these machines with a greater application width, enhanced hydraulic metering, and other great features. These advancements benefit crop producers by boosting efficiency and enabling more precise input management. These are critical factors in crop production.”

Salford shares the AB640 has the capability to cover 22% more ground than traditional 70 ft. models. This reduces the overall number of passes needed - which not only saves time, but also minimizes soil compaction.

“The AB640 demonstrates Salford’s leadership in soil management and nutrient application equipment,” says David Webster, president of Salford Group. “This applicator meets the evolving crop fertility and protection needs of modern producers.”

Some of the machine’s notable features include:
• 640 cubic ft. hopper
• A heavy-duty walking tandem
• Dual 800r/65 tires
• 100 cubic ft. micro-bin with optional secondary metering

Raven integrations include a rate control module (RCM) that controls precision application, manages variable rate functions and left/right section control for the main hopper metering and the micro-bin. An optional Raven XRT auto-boom technology is available for help in maintaining a consistent boom height - protecting the boom from ground strikes and keeping proper pattern overlap.

Ease of use was also top of mind for the product’s designers, as it includes built-in sight windows, an electric roll tarp, and grease banks that simplify maintenance.

The AB640 90-foot air boom applicator is available now from select Salford dealers.

____________________________________________
Related Stories:
Latest AEM Data Reveals Weak Farm Equipment Demand

Machinery News: AGCO Reorganizes Ohio Dealer Network, John Deere Launches New Gator UTVs

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 15:23:57 GMT

AGCO Details Ohio Dealer Reshuffle, AgRevolution Expanding North

When word leaked online that AGCO was pulling its brands out of a long-standing dealer, Ohio Ag Equipment, at the end of 2024, many were left wondering what would become of AGCO’s presence in Ohio?

The Duluth, Georgia-based manufacturer says it will lean on what it is calling several “well-established” local dealers to provide expanded service within the state. The company will also begin expanding its AgRevolution hub-and-spoke mobile dealer and service business model into the Buckeye State.

According to AGCO:

• The Ohio dealerships will all offer AGCO’s full brand portfolio, including Fendt, Massey Ferguson® and PTx products and services, going forward.

• Lowe & Young (Wooster, Ohio), Mayer Farm Equipment (Jeffersonville, Ohio), and North Star Hardware and Implement (North Star, Ohio) - the three local dealers AGCO has selected to fill Ohio Ag Equipment’s void - will continue operating in their current geographic areas with expanded product lines and services.

• AgRevolution will open multiple new locations across northern Ohio while also offering commercial application retail services throughout the state.

AGCO is asking that customers seeking more information on the dealer situation in Ohio contact one of the dealers listed in this article.

John Deere Launches New Gator Utility Vehicles

John Deere launches new gas Gator™ XUV 845 and diesel Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles designed to assist farmers and ranchers with a variety of jobs.

(John Deere)

It’s been a challenging last month or so at John Deere HQ : the company has been roundly criticized in mainstream media and by farmers on social media for laying off a large portion of its domestic workforce and its plan to move some U.S. production to factories in Mexico.

Today, a bit of positive news for the company: John Deere announced the launch of its new gas Gator XUV 845 and diesel Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles. The new utility vehicles notably offer several options for integrated precision ag technology.

According to John Deere, each new model can be customized to include a factory-installed GreenStar Ready option, giving owners the ability to add a StarFire receiver and universal display to the machine. A JDLink modem can also be included, enabling the Gator to be integrated into the John Deere Operations Center. John Deere says these integrations make it easier to accomplish tasks around the farm such as boundary mapping for autonomous technologies available today and in the future.

“This gives farmers a plug-and-play solution for adding precision ag components to the Gator,” said Eric Halfman, John Deere go-to-market manager for Gator utility vehicles. “The Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 make tasks easy to complete at a lower operating cost.”

The new models also feature enhanced operator comfort features and a larger, more versatile cargo box, according to the company. To learn more about the John Deere Gator XUV 845 and Gator XUV 875 utility vehicles, visit JohnDeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

Machinery News: AGCO Confirms Ohio Dealer Exit, John Deere Reveals its Chief Tractor Officer

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:50:49 GMT

AGCO Confirms Ohio Dealer Exit, Hosts Precision Ag Tech Day

AGCO has confirmed online reports that Ohio Ag Equipment is ending its distribution agreement with the manufacturer at the end of 2024. Ohio Ag Equipment operates eight stores throughout the Central Ohio region, featuring equipment from AGCO, Claas, Geringhoff, and Woods Equipment. The dealership is the exclusive dealer of Claas combines in Ohio.

AGCO leadership shared the following statement with Farm Journal regarding the development:

“AGCO is transforming its Ohio dealership network to meet growing farmer demand and ensure comprehensive access and superior customer experiences of our popular brands, including Fendt, Massey Ferguson and PTx. As Ohio Machinery Co. exits the agriculture market, well-established dealerships will expand to provide full services throughout Ohio Ag’s former territories. More details regarding this transformation will be released on/around the week of July 1, 2024.”

AGCO did not confirm any plans to extend its AgRevolution mobile service and dealership campaign into the Buckeye State in the wake of Ohio Ag Equipment’s exit. The company detailed it’s next generation mobile dealer and on-farm service strategy this winter at National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville.

AGCO is also hosting its annual Tech Days event this week in North America on June 26-27, 2024. The event will take place over two days in Salina, Kansas, at Ade Farm.

The company says the event will highlight AGCO’s commitment to farmer-focused solutions for the mixed fleet. Those solutions are delivered through AGCO’s brand portfolio, which includes Fendt, Massey Ferguson, Valtra and i ts newest precision ag brand, PTx.

AGCO will webcast an investor conference as part of its Tech Days activities. The event will begin at 5:15 p.m. MT on June 26, 2024. A live webcast of the presentation is available by accessing the “Events” section of the company’s Investor Relations website here. The webcast will also be archived immediately afterwards for 12 months.

John Deere Names Rex Curtiss to Chief Tractor Officer Post

Just weeks after announcing hundreds of production and management layoffs throughout its Iowa operations , John Deere is hiring recent college graduate Rex Curtiss as its Chief Tractor Officer.

The cheeky social media campaign was launched back in April with the help of San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.

Deere says “as the new face of John Deere’s social media, including its brand new TikTok channel, Rex will bring awareness to the people and industries who work tirelessly to support all of us every day.”

Curtiss was hired due to his standing as a budding content creator on TikTok and, as a recent graduate in Environmental Studies, Deere says his knowledge and passion for the industry aligns well with the mission of the Chief Tractor Officer.

You can follow @JohnDeere on TikTok and Instagram to catch Rex as he heads to Indiana for his official training with tractor enthusiast and TikTok sensation, Jackson Laux (@justajacksonthing), according to the company.

Herbicide Resistance Battle: Weed Seed Destroyer Gets New Distribution

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:54:05 GMT

In a collaboration aiming to bring weed seed destroying technology to the market, Global Neighbor Inc. (GNI) has teamed up with Redekop.

GNI is a pioneering startup using its patented Directed Energy Flora Control (DEFC) technology for its Weed Seed Destroyer (WSD). The light neutralizes weed seeds collected during harvest, preventing their spread and reducing future weed issues. GNI sees a market fit for the DEFC system to battle herbicide resistance and organic farming.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Redekop, a global leader in harvest technologies that enhance farm efficiency and profitability,” said Jon Jackson, Founder and President of GNI. “Redekop’s extensive experience and operational strength will expedite the commercialization of our Weed Seed Destroyer (WSD), a complementary product to their existing offering.”

GNI and Redekop will adapt the WSD for various combine models starting in 2025, and the companies say its low-power usage and price point are well suited for class 7 combines or below. As a co-branded product, WSD will be marketed and installed by Redekop’s dealer network.

“The WSD is perfect for combines that we are not currently targeting, while our SCU will remain a fit for larger harvest equipment,” said Trevor Thiessen, President of Redekop. “Together, we can provide a full range of products to meet diverse farming needs around the world”

“Our close working relationship over the past two years has highlighted the synergy between Redekop’s engineering expertise and GNI’s technology,” said Dean Mayerle, Chief Technology Officer of Redekop. “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with this agreement.”

About the companies:

GNI, based in Dayton, OH area, is dedicated to reducing chemical use in home and farm environments. Supported by the US Air Force and the USDA Small Business Innovation Research programs, their Directed Energy technology was first commercialized as a handheld weed destroyer for home and garden use. Now, GNI is focused on tackling herbicide-resistant weeds and lowering labor costs in agriculture. Partnering with AgLaunch, a national agtech entrepreneurial support organization, GNI conducted two years of farm trials through the AgLaunch Farmer Network, proving the concept and refining their product.

Redekop Manufacturing Ltd. is an award-winning developer and distributor of innovative agricultural equipment technologies that reduce labor and improve farm profitability. Redekop partners with equipment manufacturers to develop value-focused residue management and crop production technologies. In the company’s 42,000 square foot manufacturing plant outside of Saskatoon, SK, they use state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to design and produce high-quality, dependable products for customers worldwide.

John Deere Layoffs: What We Know So Far

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 13:50:34 GMT

Farm Journal has learned via public records from the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) that nearly 60 salaried Intelligent Solutions Group (ISG) employees based out of the Urbandale, Iowa, office will be laid off in the first week of August. John Deere reported the initial number of ISG layoffs at 58 employees.

John Deere ISG leads the design and manufacture of custom, integrated electronic solutions for Original Equipment Manufacturers. The division was created in 1987 and was based in Fargo, North Dakota, before moving to Urbandale.

Additionally, John Deere has confirmed with News 8 WQAD in Moline that over 120 production workers in Moline will be placed on indefinite layoff effective June 28.

One of John Deere’s chief rivals in farm equipment manufacturing, CNH Industrial, is itself the subject of rumors the company intends to lay off 25% of it’s workforce based in Racine County, Wisconsin. Its flagship farm equipment brand, Case IH, was founded in 1842 in Racine.

Unconfirmed sources on the Reddit community r/johndeere are reporting a global all ISG employee meeting is scheduled for Friday, June 7 at 9:30 central. The purpose of that call has not been confirmed.

Iowa’s WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to give 60 calendar day written notice when there is a plant closing or mass layoff. The filing shows a notification date of June 6, 2024, meaning the affected ISG employees due to be notified on June 6 will no longer have a position effective August 7, 2024.

This is on top of recent reporting by AgDay TV Host Clinton Griffiths that the equipment manufacturer has offered 103 early retirement buyouts and eliminated 650 total jobs across its Iowa operations as of June 1. John Deere has also announced its intention to move its production of mid-frame skid steer loaders and compact loaders from its plant in Dubuque, Iowa, to a proposed new production facility in Mexico.

AgDay TV also notes that a total of 773 layoffs have been reported to the state of Iowa in 2024. John Deere employs a global workforce of 70,000 people.

What’s Going On At Deere?

Looking back over the last six months, John Deere has undeniably had a busy first half of 2024.

In February, the equipment manufacturer launched its 2025 model class of tractors, combines and sprayers at the annual Commodity Classic convention in Houston.

The company also focused on marketing its precision ag technology retrofit strategy, Precision Upgrades, to capture additional revenue by helping farmers retrofit precision ag technologies to older machines already on the farm.

John Deere also struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink global low Earth orbit satellite connectivity network to provide corrections and data telematics services to customers in South America in 2024 and North America in 2025. In addition, the company signed 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to an endorsement deal, although the financial details of that arrangement have yet to surface. Farm Journal has reached out to John Deere reps for a status update on the search for its newly-created Chief Tractor Officer post, to which the company has yet to respond.

John Deere has projected a 20% to 25% downturn in farm equipment sales as farmers grapple with low commodity prices, high operating expenses and high interest rates for financing large capital investments. Sky rocketing labor costs and inflation are also having downward effects on net farm income.

Sources familiar with the inner workings at Deere have shared the belief that the equipment giant may have over projected recurring revenues from software as a service (SAAS) offerings “big time.”

Farm Journal’s Margy Eckelkamp reported on John Deere’s shift to a recurring revenue model back in 2022 , stating “with more embedded technologies delivering value to customers, John Deere is starting to shifts its business model with the goal of having 10% of revenues by 2030 be recurring revenue — or subscription based. Company officials say this aligns its business with the value customers realize in use of the equipment. They give autonomy as an example. ”

At the same time, John Deere executive leadership team compensation levels have seemingly opened the manufacturer up to additional criticism from online commentors on the r/johndeere Reddit thread.

According to salary information aggregation website Salary.com , data reported to the SEC from fiscal year 2023 shows the companies’ current Chairman, CEO and President received a compensation package that eclipsed $26 million total, with a base pay of $1.5 million combined with $5.9 million in bonuses and non-equity cash payouts. That position also received a total of $18 million-plus in non-cash stock and equity distributions.

John Deere’s current President of Lifecycle Solutions, Supply Management and Customer Success, received just over $10 million in total compensation.

Finally, John Deere’s President of its Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, Production & Precision Ag, Sales and Marketing Regions of the Americas and Australia, pocketed just shy of $7 million in total compensation.

Reddit commentators at r/johndeere also note that the companies’ recent return to office mandates have not sat well with some current employees. They claim the company has not presented a compelling case to force workers back to its corporate offices.

Editor’s Note: Reddit is an online social networking community and the linked thread above was created with the stated intent of collecting thoughts from current and former John Deere employees. Reddit does not verify whether a poster actually is or ever has been employed by John Deere.

Start Here When Building A Farm Shop

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 21:44:26 GMT

The first steps when building a farm shop are site selection and site preparation. Here are the necessary considerations, a few of which are sometimes overlooked.

Experience matters.
“With big buildings, it’s important to hire an experienced earthmoving contractor who knows the soils in an area, or even a geo-technical engineering firm to do soil borings and create a site preparation report,” says Dave Flewelling, owner of Flewelling Earthmoving, Moville, Iowa. “Different soils require different processes, sheepsfoot rollers or vibratory rollers, to get things compacted and stabilized right.”

Start with a blank slate.
Many contractors who specialize in erecting farm buildings recommend starting fresh with a new site, accessed by a new driveway direct from the road. “Grandpa wanted his corn crib close to his hog house,” says Wayne Stubbenbeck, owner of Mi-Way Enterprises, a Wick Buildings distributor in Elmwood, Neb. “Today, we need to allow enough room to turn around a semi beside a combine with a 30' platform.”

Choose a site that’s as level as possible.
“No spot is totally flat,” Stubbenbeck says. “You’re probably going to have to either haul in dirt, or cut-and-fill to create a level spot. Cutting and filling on-site is generally cheaper than hauling dirt from somewhere else.”

Know what’s under the potential site.
“If the building will be on virgin soil like crop land, treated wood posts or laminated columns are probably the economical way to go,” Stubbenbeck says. “But if there was a feedlot in that area, the soil may be so acidic I’d recommend either a short concrete stem wall with the posts or columns mounted on top of that wall, or concrete Perma-Columns in the ground with the laminated wooden columns on top of them. Old cisterns, abandoned wells, buried building foundations, any inconsistency in the soil under a building can cause problems down the road.”

In Stubbenbeck’s area, the soil has enough clay to be compacted to a good base. But 30 miles east of him, it’s a good idea to have the soil cored to know what’s under the site. Some of the buildings can be over clay at one end and sand at the other end, he says.

Big buildings might need significant ground shaping to redirect runoff.
This is especially true if the building nudges into a hillside. “Even if the initial pad is a foot or so elevated,” Flewelling says. “It’s often necessary to construct a diversion cut or terrace to keep heavy rains away from the building.”

Earthmoving must be accurate.
If one corner of a 100' long building’s earthen pad is even a couple of inches off-grade, it could potentially influence every subsequent step of the remaining building process. “We try to keep a finished pad within plus or minus 1/10 of a foot (1.2") of the proposed grade,” Flewelling explains. “We use GPS-controlled grading equipment to keeps things within the defined tolerances.”

Compacting is critical.
“Depending on the type of soil, some soils need to be spread and compacted every 6",” says Nick Horstman, Morton Buildings sales representative in central Iowa. “Others can be compacted one foot at a time. Pushing dirt around with a tractor and three-point blade and then driving a four-wheel-drive tractor back and forth over it doesn’t mean it’s fully and evenly compacted all the way to the base.”

Create and compact more than the basic building pad.
“The pad needs to be oversized 10' to 12' beyond the finished roof edge so we have room to run our machines and lift materials up onto the roof during construction,” Horstman says. “That work area needs to be level during construction, especially with tall sidewalls. Plan on final-shaping and sloping that apron for drainage after the building has been completed.”

Include aprons and driveway in the initial site plan and prep.
“A lot of people wish they had poured a bigger concrete apron in front of their main doors,” Flewelling says. “Not only do you need to shape and compact that area just like the dirt under the building, but you have to make sure there will be enough slope on the finished apron so that water doesn’t run into the shop.”

Consider the future.
“If your plan is to have a rocked parking area or turn-around for semis and equipment near the building, remember that over the next 20 years you’ll probably add more rock to those areas several times,” Flewelling says. “You need to start with the shop’s pad and apron high enough to allow for the addition of rock to the driveways and parking area over the years.”

Read more from Dan Anderson’s shop building series:

Expert Tips to Avoid Remorse When Designing A Farm Shop

Farm Shop Concrete: One Chance To Do It Right

Farm Shop Concrete: One Chance To Do It Right

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 21:35:59 GMT

Careful planning and finishing of concrete provide a shop floor you can live with for a long time. A smooth, durable concrete floor is literally the foundation for a farm shop. Here are 12 considerations to achieve the best work surface possible.

1. Final floor height is a necessary but convoluted calculation that’s part of initial site preparation.

“You need to coordinate with your grading contractor and your concrete contractor to work out the final floor height,” says Dave Flewelling, owner of Flewelling Earthmoving, Moville, Iowa. “Your earthmoving contractor needs to know in advance how much sand the concrete guy intends to use, and if you’re going to have any foam insulation sheets laid under the concrete for an in-floor heating system.”

2. A concrete floor is only as good as what’s underneath it.

Building crews often create ruts or holes in the compacted earth pad during building erection. If those ruts or irregularities are merely filled with sand or limestone fines prior to placing the floor, problems could appear in the future. It’s essential to relevel and recompact the base to optimize the concrete floor.

3. “Stiff” concrete is strong concrete.

“Some people pour concrete that’s like soup because it’s sort of self-leveling and easier to work with,” says Dave Harland, owner of Harland Concrete, Perry, Iowa. “Wet concrete isn’t as strong, and the extra moisture increases the chance of shrinkage that creates cracks during curing. I want concrete to come out of the truck stiff, so the floor is as strong as possible.”

4. General shop floors work well with a 1"-to-2"-wide slot drain in the center and the concrete’s surface sloped to that drain.

Wash bays, where there will be lots of debris washed off trucks and machinery, need drain pits. Some farmers design their pits large enough to use their backhoe or mini-excavator to remove sediment when the pits are full.

5. Sidewalk-grade concrete is usually rated at a crush strength of 3,000 psi.

Custom mixes that might require special handling and finishing can achieve ratings in excess of 6,000 psi. “Concrete in the 4,000-psi range works well for most
flat work on farm operations,” says Alan Sparkman, executive director, Tennessee Concrete Association. “In most cases, the best way to increase load-carrying capacity is to increase slab thickness. Going from a thickness of 4" to 6" increases the load-bearing capacity by 50% using the same mix.”

6. Some contractors recommend mixing tiny, high-strength synthetic fibers into the concrete mix rather than laying panels of reinforcing wire or a grid of rebar.

“All those fibers can provide the same strength and support as wire or rebar,” Harland says. “I prefer rebar to provide strong support under every cut or crack. Plus, when you put a smooth finish on fiber-reinforced concrete, the fibers stick up and give the floor a ‘hairy’ look. They’ll eventually wear off, or you can use a propane torch to singe them off.”

7. “Four inches and finished” no longer describes a durable shop floor.

“For today’s farm shops, I recommend 6" of concrete with ½" rebar every 2',” Harland says. “Six inches with rebar will easily handle loaded semis and grain carts that are parked or moving at slow speeds. If you’re pouring concrete that will handle equipment moving at higher speeds, go with 8".”

8. Be aware of regional differences in concrete.

“Sand in our area [glacial drift region of the Midwest] has a small percentage of expansive aggregates like coal and shale,” Harland says. “The light weight of those aggregates means they can float to the top of the slab during finishing. When a slab is hard-troweled for a shop floor, it traps moisture in the surface. Those lightweight aggregates can expand from the moisture and cause ‘pop-outs.’ They don’t hurt the strength of the floor, but it’s a cosmetic issue. We can use ‘import sand’ that doesn’t have those lightweight aggregates and avoid that problem, but the import sand costs about $25 extra per yard of concrete.”

9. Install bollards at the inside and outside corners of overhead doors.

The concrete-filled posts prevent damage to door frames. Consider installing bollards inside to protect supports for balconies or the office.

10. “Cutting” finished concrete will control cracks.

Concrete will crack, so cutting is an attempt to control where the cracks will occur. Harland recommends cutting 6"-thick concrete every 10'.

11. Joint sealant in cuts inside buildings is primarily cosmetic, but cuts in outdoor concrete slabs benefit from caulking.

“Joint sealant in outdoor concrete slabs keeps water and ice-melting products from getting into the cuts and causing problems,” Harland says.

12. Beware of concrete coatings that can flake and wear under traffic.

Sealants that soak into new concrete might not leave a glossy surface, but they reduce oil and chemical absorption and have other benefits.

Read more from Dan Anderson’s shop building series:

Start Here When Building A Farm Shop

Expert Tips to Avoid Remorse When Designing A Farm Shop

Expert Tips to Avoid Remorse When Designing A Farm Shop

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 21:30:18 GMT

Deciding how big and what type of structure to use when building a dream farm shop is a challenging decision with the potential to echo for years. “Buyer’s remorse can be horrible with that big of an investment,” says Jon Richardson, co-owner of Richardson Brothers Construction, a Butler Building dealer in Hutchinson, Kan. “Buildings aren’t like pickups or tractors, where you can trade out of a bad decision.” He and other agricultural building contractors offer considerations to minimize second-guessing.

Wood vs. steel frame considerations.
“As a rule of thumb, buildings wider than 50' favor steel frames, cost-wise. There are buildings 80' wide with wooden roof trusses, but the bigger the building, the better the up-front cost of steel-frame buildings looks compared to wood trusses that can span those distances,” Richardson says.

Don’t neglect clearance requirements.
Standard wood roof trusses have their bottom chord in line with the top of the sidewalls. Scissor trusses have their bottom chords angled up toward the center of the building, creating 2' to 3' of additional clearance over the middle of the floor. The “ceiling” on steel frame buildings is the bottom of the rafters. Depending on the slope of the roof, the center of steel frame buildings can be 5' or higher than the sidewalls.

Industrial-quality doors help discourage intruders.
“Traditional” pole barn walk-through doors are foam-core doors with formed sheet metal frames. A solid kick of a heavy boot, or a little work with a pry bar, quickly “unlocks” those doors. Industrial steel doors hung in steel frames might find favor with insurance agents.

Materials influence insurance costs.
“State Farm [Insurance] offers a discount in premiums if the steel siding and roofing is Underwriters Laboratories-rated,” says Wayne Stubbenbeck, owner of Mi-way Enterprises, a Wick Building contractor in Elmwood, Neb. “It may be cost efficient to pay more up front for higher-quality siding and roofing and then save money on insurance for the life of the building.”

Richardson notes steel-framed buildings might earn better fire ratings and therefore earn lower insurance premiums.

Warranties can be finicky.
“I like the insulative qualities of spray-foam insulation, but sprayed-on foam might void the warranty for some kinds of siding and roofing,” Richardson says. “Cellulose insulation can also be a warranty issue. Don’t void any warranties by decisions you make about how to insulate the building.”

Anticipate repair costs.
“Another potential issue with spray-foam insulation is if there’s damage to the exterior sheet metal or roof,” Richardson says. “Sprayed-on foam makes swapping out damaged panels more expensive.”

Plan for the future.
“Tell your contractor anything you might add to the structure in the future, like a bridge crane,” says Nick Horstman, Morton Buildings sales representative for central Iowa. “It doesn’t add that much cost to the base structure, compared to coming in and remodeling it later.”

Interior walls: Cost vs. durability.
Richardson recommends at least 26-gauge sheet metal for inner walls because, “If somebody unplugs a power cord by jerking on the cord from across the shop, there’s a good chance the electrical box will get ripped off thinner sheet metal. Plus, thinner sheet metal dents real easy.”

Minimize echoes.
Many building manufacturers offer perforated sheeting that reduces noise. Tectum, an acoustical panel made of shredded wood that comes in sheets of varying size and thickness, is often used in school gymnasiums and other large buildings. “[Tectum] can be applied to existing walls and ceilings to minimize echoes and reverberations,” says Jackson Strom, an architect in Fargo, N.D. “It’s a go-to recommendation from acoustical engineers.”

Main door options.
The pros and cons of sliding doors, overhead doors, and hydraulic bi-fold/mono-frame doors will be discussed in a subsequent story, but it’s good to make that decision as early as possible.

“Overhead doors require at least 2' above the top of the door frame for their actuators,” Horstman says. “Some types of hydraulic doors need to have the end walls of the building reinforced to support them, but others are self-supporting and don’t require any extra engineering of the building. The type of main door should always be part of the early stages of designing a building.”

Reinforce concrete for the future.
The two- or four-post vehicle lifts now popular in many farm shops can be added later but benefit from having their footings and electrical/hydraulic controls incorporated in the original building design.

AGI Standardizes Grain Bin Materials, Closes Nebraska Manufacturing Site

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 20:01:44 GMT

On Tuesday, AGI announced it is standardizing its North America grain bin materials, and therefore closing the Grand Island, Neb., manufacturing facility.

The Grand Island site was part of AGI’s acquisition of Global Industries in 2017, which included brands MFS, York, Brownie, and Stormor. It primarily manufactured 2.66” narrow corrugated bin walls as well as material handling and engineered structures.

Going forward, AGI is expanding its 4” corrugated material across the North America product line, which was previously offered in the northern states and Canada.
“Our bin standardization is driven by market demand,” says Scott McKernan, AGI Sr. Vice President of U.S. Farm. “This strengthens our position in the US market. We have manufacturing all over the Midwest. AGI is here to stay and grow. We’re in this for the long game.”

He says the change in material will not lead to any kind of price increase for AGI grain bins, and he adds it will increase efficiency for the company in how it supplies its dealer network and fills customer orders. According to McKernan, dealers have been very positive on the change.

The shutting down of the Grand Island manufacturing site will be a gradual process through the summer and fall.

“We are continuing to take orders through the summer, and we foresee a wind down of operations for our grain bin materials at the end of the summer, and by the early fall for our material handling and structure lines because those are engineered to order and take a bit longer to go through the system,” McKernan says.

AGI employs 114 individuals in Grand Island 100 of which are affected by this transition. AGI does have a warehouse across the street from its manufacturing, and that warehouse will remain in operation.

“Our focus right now is on our employees—having group meetings and one-on-one meetings this week. We are committed to host job fairs, facilitated job search training, as well as making them aware of other opportunities with AGI across the Midwest,” McKernan says.

AGI manufactures its 4” corrugated materials globally, and for the North American market most is sourced from its Winnipeg, Manitoba site.

McKernan says the company has a positive outlook for its storage business.

“We’re in the middle of the year, and we know our growers are faced with challenges. However, we believe storage could be strong in the second half of this year. Growers will be sitting on more crop at the end of the year and need a place to put it,” he says.

Regarding a longer-term outlook, McKernan says the great opportunities are on-farm storage and commercial.

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Herbicide Resistance Battle: Weed Seed Destroyer Gets New Distribution

John Deere Layoffs: What We Know So Far

What’s Going On At Deere?

Start Here When Building A Farm Shop

Farm Shop Concrete: One Chance To Do It Right

Expert Tips to Avoid Remorse When Designing A Farm Shop

Read more from Dan’s shop building series:

AGI Standardizes Grain Bin Materials, Closes Nebraska Manufacturing Site