Hay and Forage

Used Farm Equipment Heating Up: Experts Predict Buying and Selling Explosion Ahead

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 18:01:58 GMT

Casey Seymour and Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson are encouraged by what they are seeing from farmers-buyers and dealers in the used farm equipment market.

On the farmer side of the coin, Pete says they are using auction price data to understand market dynamics and find good deals for the equipment they need to run their operations. Once commodity prices rebound, he sees momentum building for an explosion of farmer buying activity on dealer lots and at auctions.

“It’s a powder keg sitting there waiting to go off, and that’s where if you’re able to through the rest of the year into ’26, be aggressive and call your dealer about any used equipment on lots you’re looking at updating,” Pete says. “It’s still a good time to do that.”

And on the dealer side of things, Seymour and Pete think increased dealer consolidation has imparted greater efficiency and bounce back upside into the network. There are currently 203 farm equipment dealers with five or more retail stores in North America, so these larger, professional dealer organizations can respond to market forces faster and more effectively today.

“A decade ago, when there were more owners with two, three, four stores, they kind of had to hold on and hope for better days, but it’s just so much more efficient right now,” says Pete.

Seymour and Pete also agree hay tools and livestock equipment — like utility loader tractors — are trending up. That’s because cattle ranchers have enjoyed a solid year profitwise, while row crop farmers are still stuck in a down cycle. And the gap between auction and dealer lot prices has tightened up, leading more farmers to explore both options before pulling the trigger on a buy.

“It’s the tale of two tapes there, but when I’m looking at how things are moving along, that space in between $50,000 to $150,000 and maybe up to $200,000, is really, really attractive [to buyers],” says Seymour. “And a lot of that has to do with, we’re at the bottom of the marketplace.”

Commodities Market Update

Rich Posson, host of the Critical Point podcast, joined Seymour to talk about the general state of the economy and Wall Street as “stagflation” continues to curtail growth in the economy.

“My model is willing to lean on the side of a growing GDP into 2027, but at the same time it’s suggesting this inflation has turned a corner — you can’t see it that way that much yet — but it looks like it’s ready to recover going into next year,” Posson says, adding he’s concerned inflation will actually get worse in 2026 before it goes down in 2027.

What’s Happening on the High Plains?

Dealer sales of new and used hay tools — like balers, windrowers and rakes — were a mixed bag this year, according to Aaron Fintel, used equipment specialist, 21st Century Equipment.

“We had a pretty good flow with new windrowers, and that second [year] never hit the lot and the third was sold right away,” Fintel says. “Balers have not been what I thought they would be this year — there’s been used 3x4s that we get in; those have sold pretty good. And new round balers were quiet this year.”

Fintel adds that forage choppers, typically a machinery segment he jokes an equipment salesman “runs away from” at the dealer level, were a pleasant surprise and sold strong all year long.

Head on over to YouTube to watch the full episode . Go ahead and give it a “Thumbs Up” and hit the “Subscribe” button to get each new episode as soon as it drops.

Your Next Read: Machinery Pete’s 5 Pointers For Equipment Auctions

Record Breaking Used Hay Baler And Seed Drill Headline Pete's Pick of the Week

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:22:49 GMT

Hay and livestock equipment is scorching hot on the used farm equipment auction market. This week’s Pete’s Pick of the Week is a shining example of positive momentum within the segment.

At a Jason Aycock Auctioneering sale Saturday in South Hill, Va., a “really sharp” New Holland BR7060 round baler (shown top of page) with 7,700 bales on it sold for $31,000. That topped the previous record auction price by $2,000.

(Jason Aycock Auctioneering)

In the same auction lot, a Hayduster 107 10-foot no-till seed drill (shown above) with 1,110 acres on it sold for $22,000, which once again broke the previous record high at auction by $2,000.

Here is a video from Machinery Pete’s Facebook page showing both machines being auctioned off:

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And a few weeks ago, at a Richie Brothers auction in Saskatchewan, a 2017 John Deere 569 round baler with 5,968 bales under its belt (shown right) sold for $56,000 CA, which equates to just over $40,000 USD. Machinery Pete says that’s the seventh highest price all-time on a John Deere 569.

Used utility tractors with loader attachments also remain in high demand in the livestock/cattle producer markets.

(Jason Aycock Auctioneering)

At the Aycock sale in Virginia over the weekend, a New Holland T5070 with over 4,000 engine hours on it (shown above) with a NH 852 T loader implement included sold for $41,000. Pete says that’s not a record, but it still represents a “pretty, pretty strong price.”

And what about other livestock farming equipment, like feed trucks? Are those machines also bringing big dollar bids at auction? Yes, they sure are, says Pete.

(Purple Wave Auctions )

A 2024 Kenworth C500 feed mixer truck with a Rotomix 7002016 XD mixer (shown above) and 16,424 miles on it sold for $203,500 at a PurpleWave.com online auction last Wednesday.

“Whether it’s a round baler or a loader tractor, one of the things driving the market here is, you know, what’s a new one cost? When you’re buying horsepower on the used tractor market, it’s such a contrast with the price of new to a good used one that, even though it’s a record price, it’s still a big gap between the [price of a] new one. And that makes it awful attractive for used buyers,” Pete says.

Upcoming Auction

On November 4 Big Iron Auctions/Sullivan Auctioneers will be hosting the Jon and Marcia Kinzenbaw “No Reserve Collector Tractor Auction” in Williamsburg, Iowa, and online at BigIron.com. Jon Kinzenbaw founded Kinze Manufacturing Inc.

You can check out the auction docket for that sale here , bidding closes November 4 at 9:00 am CDT.

Your Next Read: Machinery Pete’s 5 Pointers For Equipment Auctions

Pete's Pick: 21-Year-Old John Deere Tractor Almost Hits $150,000

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:40:07 GMT

This week’s Pete’s “Pick of the Week” is a 20-plus-year-old tractor that came in just south of $150,000, but you can argue the buyer actually secured a nice bargain when you put it in the context of how much a new high-horsepower row crop tractor will run you.

At a farm auction in Asbury, Mo., a 2004 John Deere 8420 tractor with only 1,053 hours on it sold for $146,250. Pete says it’s the 16^th highest auction price of all time on an 8420, and nine of the past 10 high auction prices have all been recorded within the past four years. It’s a trend line that continues to show farmer preference for older, good conditioned, pre-DEF used tractors.

“It was one owner, so it checked all [the boxes],” Pete says. “And to push $150k, 21 years old … it was interesting when I posted this across social media, you get a lot of discussion and people were saying ‘Yeah, it’s a big check, but again for the horsepower and given it’s good condition [used] with a little age on it … the belts are tightening, and it’s sort of indicative of … the gap between a brand new and a good used one, those price increases on the new have gotten so high the past three to four years, you’ve opened this chasm.”

Pete also notes a “beautiful 1980s tractor” from Nebraska that sold last Tuesday in a DPA Auctions online sale.

A 1986 Versatile 1150 with what Pete calls that “beautiful orange and yellow color combo” sold for an even $50,000. It had 8,117 hours on it.

One of the more noteworthy transactions from last week, according to Pete, was a 2025 John Deere 616R sprayer with 127 hours selling for $309,000 in the DPA online sale. This sprayer was noted as “severely damaged – driven into a creek.”

(DPA Auctions)

“Driven into a creek and hard cash, it still goes over $300,000,” Pete says. “For comparison, our good friends at the Steffes Group sold a ‘24 model 616R sprayer with 464 hours in June and that went for $450K. The one that sold Tuesday, if it had not been driven into a creek, it’s going north of $450K. So, if you wonder what does that cost, driving into a creek? Well, you’re talking $150K to $160K. So, now you know.”

As far as rare, unique machinery selling over the past week on the auction circuit, Pete highlights a couple pieces of iron there as well.

A New Holland 1283 self-propelled baler — Pete says you just don’t see many of them around anymore — sold for $6,200, which is the highest auction price Pete can recall on that particular machine.

And in the same Big Iron online auction, an Allis-Chalmers 60 pull type combine with a two row corn head sold for $4,510.

(Big Iron Auctions)

Your Next Read: Machinery Pete’s 5 Pointers For Equipment Auctions

Used Farm Equipment Buyer’s Market: Be Ready For Good Deals on Late-Model Machines

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 13:20:16 GMT

Stephen Spohn hawks used equipment all over the Midwest for Heritage Tractor, a 40-outlet John Deere dealer with retail stores in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri.

He says now is as good a time as any to be a buyer in the used farm equipment market. Prices have pretty much hit their bottom and will most likely only go up from here, but for now, he’s pretty confident another jump in prices won’t hit until 2027, unless something changes drastically.

“There will be opportunities for guys that maybe have [always] purchased new, but now they can buy some lightly used equipment at a good discount compared to new prices,” he says. “And there’s just a lot of good equipment [out there], and it’s probably [already setup] the way they want it, so just lots of opportunities right now.”

Big Iron’s Kurt Campbell, national account manager – dealer partnerships, agrees with that take. On the auction side, he shares that Big Iron has listed more late-model machines on its online auction platform in the past 24 months than it has in many, many years.

“If you’re thinking about updating and you find the piece of equipment that you’re looking for, I would encourage you to take advantage and buy it,” he advises.

Trending machinery segments

Spohn says Heritage Tractor is one of the most active sellers of used hay tools and baling machinery in the lower 48. And just as Machinery Pete and Casey Seymour have said for months now on the “Moving Iron Podcast,” he agrees the price of a new hay rake or big square baler is driving buying activity on the used side.

“[The] cattle market is strong like we’ve never seen it before, and it doesn’t show any signs of letting up; it just keeps getting stronger and stronger. So [used] hay equipment is at a premium , and we do have a lot of equipment ready to sell, ready to go to the field right now,” Spohn says, adding that demand is also strong for mid-sized utility tractors and windrowers.

“As long as we get the rain, we need to put the hay or the alfalfa out there for the guy to get it pulled in, and then we’re good to go,” he adds. “But yeah, that market is just incredible.”

Both Spohn and Campbell, who we spoke with at the Moving Iron Summit this week in Austin, Texas, are seeing a supply gap come into play across one machinery category: new high horsepower combines.

“I think most dealers of all makes, [John] Deere included, and the red and the yellow combines, too, there’s limited production and limited orders on new machines right now,” Spohn says. “I think everybody’s cutting that back, but there’s plenty of lightly used combines that can fill in that gap. To me that’s going to be a really good opportunity for the farmer to maybe get that price break on that lightly used combine compared to the new.”

“In ‘20, ‘21, ‘22, and into ‘23, the supply [of used machinery] was very limited, which obviously created demand,” Campbell adds. “We’re in a position now, we’re trying to get that back under control. The decrease in production from the OEMs is helping. So, to our dealer partner’s point, if you’re looking, there’s a good selection to look. And of course, when you’re shopping online or you’re using an auction company such as Big Iron, there’s always good inventory.”

Spohn says there’s enough good machinery in both the retail and auction worlds for everybody to eat this winter. Again, a win-win for buyers.

“I think the retail market is priced right,” he says. “Yeah, there’ll be some [nice deals] at auction, too, but I think the retail opportunity is there to get a good price on a combine. And then of course the benefit to the farmer is if they buy from the retail side, then you get dealer support.”

Your next read - Farm Equipment Buyer Hacks: 3 Insights From Fellow Farmers

John Deere Layoffs Continue Amid Sales Downturn, 142 Iowa Employees Notified

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:38:28 GMT

Farm equipment giant John Deere has confirmed it is laying off 101 employees at its Waterloo Operations (last day on October 17) and 41 employees at the Des Moines Works (October 31) plant, according to an official statement emailed to Farm Journal.

It is a little over a month since the last round of layoffs , which affected over 200 employees across factories located in the Quad Cities region of western Illinois and eastern Iowa.

Deere says in the statement: “Production schedules at each John Deere factory vary to align with seasonal farming needs. When fewer orders come in, each factory adjusts accordingly.”

Despite the layoffs and an overall tough farm economy that some think will stretch well into 2026, Deere still intends on moving forward with its $20 billion investment strategy here in the U.S., according to the statement.

During John Deere’s earnings call in August, the company issued a warning that tariff costs could total $600 million for fiscal year 2025. The company’s share price dipped 6% immediately following that call. Deere’s net income for Q3 also sank 26%, and its total net sales decreased by 9% compared to Q3 in 2024.

At the beginning of August, John Deere addressed long-standing Right To Repair concerns with a new digital diagnosis and repair product for John Deere machines and Hagie STS high-clearance sprayers. That tool costs $195 per tractor for farmers and $5,995 per year for independent service technicians.

And in May, Deere acquired Minneapolis-based drone and sensor provider Sentera . Financial terms for that deal have not been disclosed.

John Deere also just dropped a new commercial featuring injured San Francisco 49ers quarterback and Iowa State Cyclone Brock Purdy cooking meals for farmers with tractor influencer @JustAJacksonThing. You can check that out below.

Additional Information

Deere shares the following bullet points regarding compensation benefits available to laid off employees:

Affected employees are eligible to be recalled to their home factory for a period equal to their length of service. Those laid off are automatically placed in seniority order for openings they are qualified to perform at the factory.
Weekly supplemental unemployment benefit (SUB pay), dependent on number of years of continuous employment.
Transitional Assistance Benefit (TAB) pay, which may cover up to 50% of their average weekly earnings for up to 52 weeks. 
Profit sharing, calculated based on hours worked, average earnings and the company’s profit margin.

Healthcare benefits employees can receive during a layoff include: 

Employees can keep healthcare coverage for at least six months, or as long as they are eligible for SUB pay.
Weekly Indemnity (WI): Employees who become disabled while on layoff can get WI benefits for the same duration as their SUB pay.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees and their household members can access EAP services for the duration of their recall rights. EAP provides up to eight sessions of in-person or virtual therapy per year.

Other benefits laid-off employees may receive include: 

Life insurance
Legal assistance
Tuition reimbursement and job-placement assistance.

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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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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.

Your Next Read: Sorbe To Lead PTx, Farmall Tractors And Case IH Round Baler, Claas Jaguar Forage Choppers

Machinery News: Sorbe To Lead PTx, Farmall Tractors And Case IH Round Baler, Claas Jaguar Forage Choppers

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 16:46:39 GMT

AGCO Names Brian Sorbe as New PTx Leader

Brian Sorbe joins AGCO as President of PTx, bringing precision ag leadership to accelerate the company’s offerings of smart farming solutions for almost any brand.

(AGCO Corporation)

AGCO appoints Brian Sorbe as president of PTx, effective Aug. 25, 2025.

Sorbe brings nearly three decades of experience in precision agriculture, global sales and product development to this pivotal role, AGCO says.

“I am confident under Brian’s leadership, PTx will achieve our goal of $2 billion in precision ag sales by 2029 and help us deliver our vision to be the trusted partner for smart farming solutions,” says Eric Hansotia, AGCO chairman, president and CEO.

Sorbe spent 14 years at Topcon Positioning Systems in leadership roles, including senior vice president and general manager. His career arc also spans construction and industrial automation, but agriculture has always been at the core. Raised on a farm in Iowa, Sorbe began his precision ag journey at Ag-Chem Equipment in Jackson, Minn.

He will be based in Tremont, Ill., which is a key PTx site. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Purdue University, and Sorbe’s postgraduate work includes certifications in AI and machine learning and agricultural autonomy and robotics as well as a Master of Business of Administration program.

You can read the full news release here.

Case IH Launches 3 Farmall Tractors, RB6 Round Baler

Case IH Farmall C utility tractor.

(Case IH )

Case IH is debuting new machinery solutions ranging from compact to utility tractors to upgraded round balers. This includes an enhanced line up of Farmall tractors, including the Farmall A, Farmall C and the return of the Farmall M.

Case IH is also unveiling a new RB6 series variable chamber round baler.

The new Farmall medium utility A series (90HP to 120HP) tractor features performance enhancements and a higher-horsepower model. Simple, factory-fit technology improves the operator experience, ensuring efficiency no matter the season or task.

The Farmall medium utility C series (90C, 100C, 110C, 120C) tractor (shown above) caters to a wide range of needs, offering both 12-speed PowerShuttle and 24-speed Hi-Lo transmissions. The Farmall C now offers subscription-free factory-installed telematics, including track-and-trace fleet management and optional ISOBUS compatible implement control.

Case IH Farmall M utility tractor

(Case IH)

And the Farmall utility M series (110M, 120 Super M) tractor (shown above) is making its return, promising farmers a premium experience with exceptional power and high-quality design. The M series is ideal for the needs of farms with both cash crops and livestock.

(Case IH)

The RB6 series variable chamber round baler (shown above) offers durability with triple seal bearings throughout the machine to ensure contaminants stay out while lubricants stay in. Round baler automation paired with the easy-to-use display interface ensures precise bale quality and in-field productivity.

Claas Intros New Jaguar 1000 Series Forage Harvesters

(Claas)

Claas is unveiling its new Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters. The German outfit says its new self-propelled lineup features greater throughput, power and operator comfort.

The series encompasses four models — the Jaguar 1080, 1090, 1100 and 1200 — that range from 850HP to 1,110HP with throughput rates of up to 500 tons per hour.

Claas says it designed the machines in partnership with North American growers to deliver enhanced chop quality and efficiency.

Noteworthy features on these new machines include:

The widest crop flow channel on the market, according to Claas. A new precompression system and four precompression rollers guarantee uniform feeding of the V-FLEX knife drum.
A transversely mounted 24-liter V12 MAN engine, delivering torque and reliable power.
Intelligent engine load management via CEMOS Auto Performance and all-wheel drive.
The new Multi Crop Cracker XL, a 12.2" (310 mm) diameter roller conditioning system that ensures optimal grain and stover processing at high throughput rates. It’s available in both classic and shredlage configurations.
Claas connect Chop Quality Analysis, which uses artificial intelligence to deliver Corn Silage Processing Score (CSPS) feedback directly to a smartphone.

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Why Used Specialty Machinery Is Trending Right Now

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 16:56:35 GMT

Right now is the time to sell used hay equipment and versatile loader tractors at auction. That’s because farmer interest in both of those machine segments has likely hit its ceiling for the year, according to a recent episode of the “Moving Iron” podcast.

Another trend in the market is spiking farmer demand for economically priced machines.

“You’re looking at that $50,000 to $150,000 [range], that’s like the peak thing right now,” says Casey Seymour, host of the podcast. ”And you know, if you look at the cattle side of the business, there’s a lot of cash out there right now and a lot of things moving.”

With fall auction season right around the corner, Machinery Pete thinks dealers should monitor the volume of units that flow into the auction world, because he thinks the used market can go either way at this point.

“I wonder if there’s going to be some dealers that wish they would have sold at the end of the first quarter, or early second quarter,” Pete says. “We’ll see how the market holds up for the rest of the summer here.”

Seymour expects we’ll see a lot of auctions booked for November and December, and Pete agrees.

“Q4 has been an optimal time since 2003 or 2004 basically, with the Bush tax cuts that happened so long ago,” Pete says. “Last year was only the second year I saw a dip in the fourth quarter, and the only reason it dipped was sheer volume. That’s why I still think it pays to steer clear of when everybody else is selling.”

And all of you classic tractor fans out there will just love this fun little story that Machinery Pete shared on Facebook:

The rest of the episode

Rich Posson, business cycles analyst, Critical Point, joins the podcast to talk about implications of a recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report and Federal Reserve meeting.

“The CPI came out at 2.7% this morning annualized, and that was shocking to Wall Street. First they bought and then sold, and now they’re back buying today under the idea that it’s lower than what we thought – therefore lower interest rates are coming,” he says. “But that 2.7% was actually unchanged (from last month). Years ago I learned from watching USDA data that when the government gives you an unchanged number, it basically means they don’t know what to do next.”

Aaron Fintel, used equipment specialist, 21^st Century Equipment, also joins this week to talk about how unique, specialty used farm equipment, like sugar beet harvesters, dry bean Pickett headers and hay steamers, are all “right on the cusp” of taking off on the High Plains.

“My biggest thing with keeping machinery moving is ‘Lot Rot’. On the sugar beet equipment, that’s the beauty – it’s nonexistent,” Fintel says. “In that specialty equipment (market) it’s pretty much ‘We’re upgrading to get bigger.’ or ‘We’re upgrading because we have to.’ That’s a world where a bigger percentage of your trade-ins are past their (useful) life.”

Head over to YouTube to watch the full episode. Hit the “Thumbs Up” button to “Like” the video and click on the “Subscribe” button to get a notification when a new episode drops.

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Instead of Making Hay: 4 Profitable Alternatives For Cattle Producers to Consider

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:11:28 GMT

If you didn’t make hay, what could you do instead?

Carson Roberts, Missouri extension state forage specialist, says the consensus in the beef industry is making your own hay is the cheapest way to feed cattle through the winter.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth,” he explains. “Hay is expensive to make and expensive to feed.”

Encouraging producers to think outside the box, Roberts recently shared “ 10 Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay .” His point No. 6 suggests producers consider profitable alternatives instead of traditional hay production.

He recommends these four alternatives will often pay more per acre than producing hay:

1. Stockers

“Often, you’re lucky to break even on your hay enterprise — especially if you’re a small operation with a lot of overhead,” Roberts says. “With stockers, you’re looking at $766 per acre in gross revenue.”

He refers to research done by Eric Bailey, Missouri extension beef nutrition specialist, that found one acre can produce approximately 350 lb. of beef and with a $2.19 value of gain. If you add in the cost, it is about $200 more per acre than a hay crop.

He adds this approach can be nearly as profitable as crop production in some years. This year, crop production is not profitable at all, meaning that you would make approximately $200 more by running stockers than row crops, too.

2. Custom Grazing

“Custom grazing offers lots of flexibility with very little expense,” he explains.

Roberts says, on average, custom grazing rates are $1.75 to $2.50 per day per head.

“Let’s say a cow is consuming 30 lb. of forage per day. During that spring flush, you’re able to produce 1,000 to 3,000 lb. of grazable forage. Let’s be conservative and assume that we can harvest 1,500 lb. of forage. Divide that by 30, and you’ll see that you can graze 50 animals per acre for one day. At a rate of $1.75 you’re looking at $87 per acre or $116 per ton of forage during that 3-month spring flush.”

3. Grazing Home-Raised Cattle

He says this option is particularly effective for fall-calving herds using excess springtime forage when cattle can gain up to 3 lb. per day during spring flush, increasing their market value.

Home-raised stocker calves are a great low-hanging fruit. They are already adapted to your farm and management style. You can utilize the spring flush to put weight on weaned calves to sell them mid-summer.

4. Cull Cow Grazing

Roberts says cull cows may be the only class of animals that increases in per pound value as they get fatter. Traditionally, the cull cow market is at its annual peak during mid-summer, which is a perfect time to start destocking in preparation for stockpiling fescue.

He suggests purchasing or retaining thin cull cows in the spring and then grazing for a few months. You can then sell in July or August for a profit with a cheap cost of gain.

Roberts summarizes the goal of all these enterprises is to turn that cheap springtime grass into a high value product. These alternatives focus on maximizing land use, reducing feed costs and creating additional revenue streams beyond traditional hay production

“The key is matching cattle production cycles with forage availability,” he says.

He emphasizes these strategies are most applicable in the fescue belt but can be adapted to various regions across the U.S.

“You must have an open mind if you want to make a profit,” he adds. “Things are different now than they were 50 years ago. We can be far more profitable if we adapt.”

Your Next Read: 10 Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay

Moving Iron: Used Farm Equipment Auction Activity Heats Up, Inventory Shifts Drive Machine Values Higher

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 17:37:14 GMT

An uptick in used farm equipment auction activity recently leveled the playing field for buyers, but now auction prices are swinging the other way and stabilizing. Moving forward, dealers should be able to command solid value for low-hour, well-conditioned equipment.

The market shift is most likely the result of mounting uncertainty in the farm economy, says Casey Seymour. Corn prices are down 16¢ off the summer high ($4.06) and agronomic problems like tight tassel wrap, derecho-level wind storms in the Upper Midwest this week , and pollination issues are clouding corn price projections for the time being.

Related: Insights From Seed Companies on Tackling Tassel Wrap Challenges

Not to mention, used machinery inventories are down from last year, as well.

“There’s definitely been a change in the feel of how things are looking,” Seymour says. “Go out and check how many $700,000 combines are on the market at this time last year compared to how many are out there today. It’s like 90% of them aren’t there anymore.”

With less late-model, used equipment inventory out on the auction market overall, Machinery Pete believes prices are stabilizing and dealers might be able to regain footing over the next few months. A Merit Auctions online dealer consignment sale last Wednesday is a prime example.

“They sold a ’22 model (John Deere) S780, 428 engine hours that went for $342,500. For comparison the average auction price on a ‘22 model S780 this year was just over $299,000, and the highest (price) I’d seen this year was $350,000,” Pete says. “And on the red side, they had a (Case IH) ’22 model 8250 – a few more hours on it, 681 engine – that did $282,500. [The] average auction price on an 8250 this year was $263,000 and change.”

“You start seeing people at the auction market look at the dealer side and say: ‘Well, maybe that’s not such a bad deal after all,’ and we’re seeing that now,” Seymour says.

High Plains Region and Commodities Updates

Aaron Fintel, used equipment specialist with 21^st Century Equipment and CEO of High Plains Wholesale, says we’re in the preharvest ramp-up period in the used equipment buying cycle. He says he is getting the most calls from buyers on used combines right now.

And Chip Nellinger, co-owner, Blue Reef Agri-Marketing, provides an update on the row crop commodities markets. He says heavy rains have increased yield projections and driven future prices lower, but he is also seeing a nice uptick in demand for corn exports and ethanol. Nellinger thinks the market is still sorting through tight tassel wrap and how that problem will impact prices heading into fall harvest.

Head over to YouTube to watch the full episode , and give it a “thumbs up” and hit the “subscribe” button to get every Moving Iron episode as soon as it drops.

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Pete's Pick: Pair of John Deere 6M Tractors, Mower Conditioner Take Top Billing

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:13:28 GMT

This week’s Machinery Pete “Pete’s Pick of the Week” comes from a farm estate auction sale that took place over the weekend in Rogers, Ohio.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

At the James D. Bowersock auction, which was helmed by Kiko Auctions, a 2023 John Deere 6120M tractor with a 600R loader attachment (65 hours) sold for $122,500, which is a new record-high auction price for that model.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And a 2023 John Deere 6140M with 252 hours (no loader included) sold for $112,500. Pete says that is the second highest auction price of all time on a used 6140M tractor without a loader.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

That same sale also had a used John Deere 630 9’x9" discbine mower conditioner implement sell for $17,250.

If you’re interested in what else sold at that Ohio sale, you can check out the full report over at MachineryPete.com.

Although Pete had to record his AgriTalk segment (embedded above) from the road this week, he did have a second to offer up some quick advice on how farmers can make their used equipment stand out on a crowded auction docket. A personal touch is the key, Pete says.

“Our auction price data has shown over the years very clearly that when you personalize what you are selling — whether it’s private for sale by owner, at auction or through a dealer — it sells for more money,” Pete says. “It attracts more potential buyers.”

Big Online Sale Tuesday
Speaking of attracting more buyers, Merit Auctions is holding its first virtual consignment sale from its Bainbridge, Ga., equipment lot on Tuesday, July 15, starting at 10 am E.T.

Check out Pete’s Facebook post for more information.

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Classic Iron: Farmer Fred Pflugh's Iconic Oliver 1855 Tractor Shines in Western PA

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:27:08 GMT

The western Pennsylvania borough that birthed NFL legend Joseph Willie “Broadway Joe” Namath is home to another legend of the green-and-white: farmer Fred Pflugh’s beautifully restored Oliver 1855 tractor.

(Fred Pflugh)

Pflugh, 70, has cobbled together an impressive collection of classic Oliver tractors; he thinks he acquired the 1855 back in 1988 or 1989. The old workhorse hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down just yet: “This tractor just wants to run,” Pflugh says. “It’s strong … it likes to throttle.”

Pflugh’s collection started with his Oliver 1655, and he just kept adding to the fleet over the years. He still farms corn, soybeans and hay to feed to his beef cattle on just over 120 acres, while his son and wife manage a local farm meat market that sells fresh freezer beef.

(Fred Pflugh)

“The 55-series is just a nice tractor,” he says. “They dressed them up from the fifties.”

Pflugh says it was the eye-pleasing look of the Oliver line that drew him in right off the bat. From the two front headlights to the styled grill and iconic white trim that sets off the engine compartment, the classic tractors have that timeless, from-another-era-Americana feel that you can’t replicate today.

Don’t let the good looks fool you, though: Plugh still uses the Oliver 1855 around the farm, grinding feed, mowing hay, disking fields and hauling manure to spread across his rolling Alleghany valley fields.

The tractor’s engine, a Waukesha Turbo, features a straight pipe exhaust that triumphantly juts to the heavens from the front hood scoop. Waukesha Motor Company (Waukesha, Wis.) was founded in 1906 and built over 400,000 lightweight, powerful tractor engines before closing shop for good in the early 1970s. Oliver Tractor Co. was reportedly the engine builder’s largest customer, according to the Waukesha Engine Historical Society.

(Tractor Tales)

Pflugh makes no bones about how he envisions the future for his Oliver fleet: These steeped-in-history tractors will never leave the family farm.

“I think my son will keep them all up, and I wouldn’t doubt that he’ll be showing them, too, ya know,” he says. “I like that they still go to the field, and I like them on this farm, I can tell you that.”

Want more classic Tractor Tales? Head over to YouTube and hit the “Subscribe” and “Thumbs Up” buttons to get the latest episodes on your YouTube feed.

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Farmers Are in the Buying Mindset for Used Equipment

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 15:10:24 GMT

Used machinery values are still picking up steam while sales of new equipment are spiraling downward. May’s AEM U.S. Ag Tractor and Combine Sales flash report shows new 4WD tractor sales down almost 40% compared with May 2024, and combine sales are down 21%.

Yet farmer buying sentiment when it comes to equipment is more positive now than it was at this time last year, and that’s helping used equipment auctioneers and dealers get solid returns.

“The pricing we’re seeing is solid,” Machinery Pete says. “And if you drift into anything with a little age on it, that’s in good condition, the pricing is actually almost going up.”

He says a pair of 2020 John Deere 9RX tractors that sold this week (pictured below) show farmers are getting back into the buying mindset.

(Big Iron Auctions)

“One 9620 RX had 1,105 hours, and it brought $348,000. The other 9620 RX with 1,623 hours sold for $341,750,” Pete says. The average auction price for that model is only down 6% from last year, which Machinery Pete anticipated would be lower.

Casey Seymour hopes the rise in used values is a sign that better times for dealers and machinery manufacturers are right around the corner.

“We’re coming out of a downturn, and we’re leveling out,” he says. “It’s also that time of the year where we’re setting the tone, we’re setting up for what the rest of year looks like. What it feels like now is in line with what we’ve talked about here so far this year. So, fingers crossed.”

When it comes auction format, Machinery Pete and Seymour continue to see a shift in the market to more online auctions. They agree the lines are starting to blur between dealer consignment, retirement auctions and estate sales. That makes building trust with farmers and buyers crucial.

“I think these days, even more so than ever, it’s super important for auctioneers and the dealers to just be super, super upfront and honest,” Pete says.

How well is hay equipment selling?

Out on the western Plains, hay season is right around the corner.

Aaron Fintel, CEO of High Plains Wholesale and used equipment specialist, 21^st Century Equipment, says he isn’t seeing a big push on baling equipment in his area just yet, but it’s coming soon.

As with most farm machinery types, new baler prices are elevated, so Fintel is comfortable predicting a wave of used buying activity. Once producers start firing up those balers and something inevitably breaks that isn’t an easy, cheap fix, that’s another driving force for upgrades. That’s often how a lot of hay operations will end up running multiple balers at the same time, Fintel adds.

“Once you fall under that $15K mark on balers, I mean, there’s just hundreds of them,” he says. “You get up to the middle of the alphabet and up level of buyer, and those guys go ‘We gotta go get that baler. Let’s roll.’”

Hay rakes are another story completely, Seymour adds. It’s often an impulse buy, and buyer beware when picking up a used one.

“My running joke with what that kind of stuff is, if someone’s trading one of those in, it’s used up or they’ve bounced it off of the bridge for the eighth time,” he jokes.

Swathers are another machine that farmers will run until the wheels fall off before they decide to upgrade. Basically, if you’re a dealer looking to move some used hay equipment, keep your expectations in check, because the buying cycle is nothing like it is in the row crop world.

“it’s just so wild how all the different parts of hay land operate compared to in the crop world,” Fintel adds.

Watch the full episode of “Moving Iron Podcast” on YouTube and hit the “Like” and “Subscribe” buttons to get new episodes as soon as they are released.

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No, John Deere is Not Freezing Production or Stepping Away From its U.S. Factories

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:48:43 GMT

An online report last week claimed John Deere is shutting down ALL manufacturing in response to the ongoing tariff situation in the U.S.

But we looked into it, and we’re here to tell you: don’t take the bait — or, as the kids say, feed the trolls — because it’s simply not true.

An article authored by Kieran Schalkwyk and titled “John Deere Freezes U.S. Manufacturing in Unprecedented Shutdown” appeared on MSN.com and was aggregated by Google News feeds last week, claiming the manufacturer is “making a radical move that some might think is ‘un-American.’”

John Deere shared the following LinkedIn post Friday afternoon. You can also visit Deere.com for more information on the company’s U.S. manufacturing presence.

The MSN.com post has since been taken down and brings up an error page:

MSN.com screenshot

(MSN.com)

It’s somewhat bewildering timing for this particular misinformation ploy.

John Deere recently put out a blog post outlining its commitment to U.S. manufacturing. The statement says John Deere will invest $20 billion into its U.S. footprint over the next decade, which includes major expansion projects in Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Today, the company has 60 manufacturing facilities in more than 16 U.S. states and employs over 30,000 American workers.

What is true is over the past 18 months, the company has been forced to lay off some employees , and it strategically slowed manufacturing at some production facilities in Iowa in response to depressed farmer demand for new tractors and combines.

Of course, John Deere is not alone navigating a treacherous global farm economy. Machinery rivals AGCO and CNH also made the tough choice to layoff factory workers over the past 12 months. CNH even completely shutdown its overseas machinery imports during the first few days of the tariff policy rollout, although that pause was only temporary.

In February, we updated our popular “Who Makes What Where” feature showing where major farm equipment is manufactured around the world.

Our analysis of John Deere’s global factory network shows that of the 60 John Deere machines relevant to U.S. farmers, 50 of them (83%) are manufactured here in North America. Of all the major farm equipment manufacturers we polled, John Deere has the largest U.S.-based manufacturing footprint other than Canadian-based Buhler Industries, which is 100% North America based.

So, it feels safe to say we can put this rumor to bed once and for all: No, John Deere is not shutting down its factories. Myth Busted. Shutdown the rumor mill.

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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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Machinery News: John Deere Debuts Forage Harvesters, Ecorobotix Lettuce Algorithm, Kubota-Agtonomy Deal

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:50:04 GMT

John Deere has announced the launch of new F8 and F9 Series self-propelled forage harvesters, which the manufacturer says are built from the ground up with customer input to elevate forage performance and farm productivity.

Deere says the new F9 Series comes in two engine options — John Deere 18X and Liebherr V12 24L — with five horsepower options ranging from 700PS to 1020PS; the F8 Series comes with the JD14X engine bringing six horsepower options, ranging from 425PS to 645PS.

It also says the new machines offer improved automation with a higher level of comprehensive technology offerings compared with previous models.

The technology options include:

Ground speed automation — Deere also offers this feature on new S7 combines. The manufacturer says it helps maintain ideal load and prevent operator stress by adjusting ground speed in real time based on crop conditions.
ProTouch Harvest — A feature allowing operators to initiate multiple harvest-ready settings with the push of a button, while Active Fill Control ensures consistent truck fills even under the toughest harvesting conditions.

(John Deere)

“A higher-quality forage output with more power, more precision and more uptime, that’s the focus of the new forage harvesters for our customers,” said Bergen Nelson, John Deere go-to-market manager for harvesting equipment. “We’ve combined our strongest hardware with our newest and smartest precision ag technology to create higher-quality forage.”

More information on the new F8 and F9 Series SPFHs is available from a local John Deere dealer or deere.com.

Check out this test drive video from Farmworld_TV!

Specialty crop AI tech startup Ecorobtix unveils lettuce-thinning algorithm

Ecorobotix has announced the launch of its new lettuce-thinning algorithm, expanding the capabilities of its ARA Ultra High Precision (UHP) Sprayer to offer what it claims is one of the most advanced automated thinning solutions on the market.

The new functionality is available to ARA users via a software license.

“We’ve combined the power of AI with the reliability of ARA’s ultra-high precision spraying platform to eliminate one of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks in the field: thinning,” said Katerina Lee, regional crop care manager for Ecorobotix.

Ecorobotix says its algorithm enables users to replace manual labor, grow crops with superior uniformity and cover fields faster than hand-labor crews.

Learn more here.

Kubota-Agtonomy join forces to develop autonomous specialty crop machinery

Kubota North America has announced a collaboration agreement with Agtonomy, an agricultural autonomy software provider, to commercialize autonomous operations on Kubota diesel tractors for spraying and mowing.

Kubota says the partnership reflects its commitment to pioneering solutions and equipping growers with smart technology.

“Our working relationship with Agtonomy represents a significant milestone toward commercializing our vision for autonomy by merging our expertise and technology with Agtonomy’s autonomous platform,” said Brett McMickell, chief technology officer for Kubota North America.

The initial phase of the partnership will focus on integrating Agtonomy’s capabilities with Kubota’s M5N specialty crop diesel tractor.

Learn more about Kubota’s vision for autonomous technology in farming here.

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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.

Your Next Read: U.S. Tractor and Combine Sales Still Struggling, But Better Days Could Be Just Ahead

Discover Equipment Trends: From Tractors to Hay Tool Innovation

Thu, 01 May 2025 17:00:58 GMT

As May arrives, bringing warmer weather throughout much of the country, two segments in the used equipment auction world are also heating up: lower horsepower utility tractors and unique antique tractors.

Machinery Pete says the utility tractor class (125 hp to 175 hp with a loader) has been fairly strong for the past two years now, and noted a recent sale that shows higher price upside coming into play for those machines.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

A John Deere 6115M MFWD tractor (962 hours) with a H310 loader with grapple sold for a record $107,500 at an auction last week in Plano, Texas.

Another transaction that caught the eye of Pete and host Casey Seymour took place Tuesday evening at an Almond Vintage Power auction near Nicomas, Ill.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

A 1911 Imperial 4070 tractor in beautiful condition sold for $955,500. Only three tractors in that year/model are known to exist.

“It’s a very extreme example, but it shows there’s no shortage of money in the market right now, whether it’s the right piece of land or a crazy collector’s item like that,” Pete says.

Seymour, who has over 20 years of experience in the used equipment space, then spent some time with Pete unpacking some of the best practices they’ve picked up over the years for visual marketing up-for-auction equipment.

“The more information you can put out there, the better opportunity you have to spark somebody’s interest,” Seymour says. “And it’s a way to set yourself apart, whether you’re an auction company or a dealership or even selling it privately, to show you’ve got nothing to hide.”

Hay Tool Technology Evolves
Kaylene Ballesteros, go-to market manager – hay and forage products, John Deere, talked about the company’s approach to technology and automation in hay equipment.

She says adding automation to hay tools is no different than the evolution from horses pulling steel plows to diesel tractors working the ground. The idea is the technology has to make hay producers lives easier and also bounce some ROI back into their operations.

Years ago, John Deere launched its baler automation technology, and it recently built onto that ecosystem with Weave Automation. The feature automates “the art of weaving back and forth over the row really carefully” to make sure you get a perfectly square shoulder bale every time.

“Now, the hitch of the baler does the weaving for you, based off bale size and threshold settings it will make sure that bale is a square shoulder bale,” Ballesteros adds. “So, they can sit in that cab with a little less to worry about or go to their kid’s basketball game and put somebody else in the seat. It takes the stress out of that situation, too.”

Is Demand for Used Combines and Utility Vehicles On the Rise?
Aaron Fintel, used equipment specialist, 21^st Century Equipment, says 2025 is still the year of the last-minute equipment purchase. He had a farmer call him just a few days ago, on the cusp of full bore planting season, looking for a used planter. Fintel is also predicting higher demand coming into play on used combines and utility tractors in the 100 hp to 175 hp segment.

“It’s almost like everybody heard how cheap they were and said ‘Well, I suppose we should probably look into one,’” he says of buying behavior in the used utility tractor segment.

Another insight Fintel shares is the current tariff situation and uncertainty in the economy is stifling buying activity among livestock producers. Cattle ranchers, unlike their corn and soy raising counterparts, are riding a wave of strong prices for beef and other proteins.

Watch full episodes of the Moving Iron Podcast and Machinery Pete TV for FREE on our new streaming platform, Farm Journal NOW.

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Top Prices for Used Hay Tools and Tractors Among Farm Equipment Auction Trends to Watch

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 19:05:27 GMT

Used hay tools – whether it’s a pull-behind hay steamer, large round baler or silage chopper – are drawing strong prices on the auction circuit. Right there with them are mid-class combines and row crop tractors.

“It’s a pretty good time of year to be selling a baler, if you have one,” Machinery Pete says on the latest episode of the Moving Iron podcast .

Pete also shared tractor auction transactions that have caught his attention:

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

On April 13 at a consignment sale in Edinburgh, Ill., a 1996 Case IH 7220 2WD with 713 original hours (pictured above) brought $73,815 — the second highest price recorded for that year and model at auction.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

On April 12 in Uniontown, Ala., a customized “Steiger Green” Case IH STX 440 4WD machine with 1,786 hours (shown above) brought $70,000.

“It’s like that ‘county orange’ paint job you see on these lawn tractors when they come through – you don’t know if it’s a Kubota or a Deere until you get up close to it,” jokes Casey Seymour, who brings over 20 years of used equipment auction experience to the table.

Used Equipment Market Update
During the episode, Aaron Fintel, who is a used equipment specialist with 21st Century Wholesale, gave an update on used equipment trends from the dealer’s perspective.

With planting season upon us , Fintel is surprised by the number of customers who waited until the last minute to buy a planter.

“In my 25 years, I don’t recall any last-minute stuff like this,” he says. “If you know what the ‘hurry-up-I-need-a-combine-now’ season is like, that’s what it’s been this spring.”

Seymour adds that often a last-minute buying push will come from farmers who have been “just getting by” with older equipment and suddenly they realize they won’t have time to fix a machine and don’t want to risk being down for repairs during planting season.

Another trend Fintel and Seymour are watching is price strength in used, mid-class combines. Seymour says these higher-hour harvesters normally go for $180,000, but right now they are consistently fetching $225,000 to $250,000 — even sometimes going as high as $280,000.

“That combine in my area is an ’18 to ’20 S7 Series, and it’s because it’s technology upgradeable. That’s what’s pushing them from 180K back over 200K,” Fintel says. “You can upgrade that ’18 combine close to what a new, off-the-line combine is (technology wise).”

The crew agrees used row crop tractors at auction are seeing a slow climb in price, and right now Fintel says he’s seeing a “steady, light flow” as far as sales go.

“Auction values are (like) an elevator: it free falls down and it really slowly climbs back up. You can beat it by taking the stairs,” Fintel adds.

Farm Economy Update
Ag Financial analyst Rich Posson also gave an update on how the farm economy is faring. He says consumer sentiment has almost hit rock-bottom, and consumers appear to think inflation is headed even higher in the near term.

“The consumer is clearly worried about inflation and assuming they’re going to have to pay,” he says, warning we could be heading toward a recession as tariffs accelerate the issue.

Posson’s predictive model on grain price futures is showing strength, but there’s also a harbinger of rough seas ahead in mid-May.

“I’d be cautious as we look toward May, but if we didn’t have all the political and tariff stuff, it looks like it could be higher into the summer,” he says, noting the market could turn bullish if the weather wipes out some acres.

Your Next Read: Iowa Farmers Report Breakneck Planting Pace, Some Even Say They’ll Finish Planting Corn This Week

Want more Machinery Pete and feel like taking a deeper dive into used hay tools on the auction market? Check out his recent AgDay segment below.

Pete's Pick Of The Week Elevates Hay Steamers, Balers and a Unique Case IH Tractor

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:37:26 GMT

This week’s Machinery Pete “Pete’s Pick of the Week” shines a spotlight on used hay equipment and a unique custom-painted tractor.

On Thursday, the Juniper Valley Ranch Auction in Juniper, Idaho, featured a Staheli West Dewpoint 6210 pull-behind hay steamer with 464 operating hours. The machine brought $162,000 as the final bid in an auction helmed by Van Tassel Auction Co.

(Van Tassell Auction Co)

While $162K for a hay steamer seems like a steep price tag, it seems this lucky auction goer found a bit of a bargain: TractorHouse.com currently has 16 used 6210 hay steamers listed for sale ranging in asking price from $112,000 (model year 2015) all the way up to $234,000 for a zero-hour 2023 model. Those listings have an average asking price of $176,500, so if this machine was in good condition — considering the low hours on it — it is indeed a solid deal.

Pete also highlighted a couple large square baler machines that sold at auctions in New York and Texas:

In Plattsburgh, N.Y., a 2022 John Deere L330 with 919 bales on it sold for $100,000.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

In Seminole, Texas, a Massey Ferguson 2270 XD with over 3,800 bales on it sold for $72,500.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

Intrigued by the activity on hay tools, Pete went back and crunched the data from the last 36 large square balers sold at auction since 2024. It provides a snapshot of the current asking price range on used large square balers today. You can check that out over at MachineryPete.com.

“When the cost of new is already sky high with farm equipment, and then going higher potentially, it focuses attention on the good condition used machines and those values are holding really strong,” Pete says.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

On the tractor side of things, Pete took stock of a unique machine that you don’t come across very often: a custom “Steiger Green” Case IH 440 AWD with 71,146 hours sold for $70,000 at an auction last week in Uniontown, Ala.

“That was a pretty good price. I think the tires on it need to be updated — and we all know what that could cost,” Pete says. “So, to bring $70K, it was interesting. It generated a lot of discussion on custom paint jobs, which you know, my deal is if it makes you happy, how do you put a price tag on that?”

Can’t get enough Machinery Pete in your life? Well, you’re in luck. The latest episode of his podcast dropped over the weekend. The new episode features Pete’s take on the farm equipment auction market and also brings in guest Jack Lyon for an update on the used construction equipment market. You can check that out over at MachineryPete.com by clicking here.

Your Next Read: Follow These 3 Rules To Manage Commodity Market Uncertainty

Used Hay Tool Demand Is Booming As Online Auctions Connect Buyers and Sellers Worldwide

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:00:16 GMT

The used hay tool market – that includes windrowers, square and round balers, mowers, rakes and tedders – has shown strength with some nice upside. That’s because the cost of brand-new hay and forage implements remain on the high side, so more farmers are looking to buy used.

“It’s amazing what a new round baler costs these days, when you sit down with the dealer and start looking at pricing,” says Casey Seymour, who was practically bonked over the head with a case of sticker shock looking at new hay machines for a client this week. Seymour has over 20 years of experience in the used equipment market

“I was completely shocked,” he adds.

For Machinery Pete that recalled a two day stretch recently when two New Holland RB560 round balers sold back-to-back and set the all-time record for used baler prices.

“One went for about $56,500, the other was right around that $55,000 neighborhood,” Pete says. “Once you start getting up into $50,000 people will say ‘Yeah, well, what’s a new one cost?’ so that high price on new keeps demand strong on the really nice, good condition used machines.”

It doesn’t seem to matter whether we’re talking balers, pickup trucks, or a dozen eggs down at the local supermarket – the cost of everything is higher today than one year ago.

Another factor keeping auction pricing strong is how interconnected buyers and sellers are today with online auctions being so commonplace. Farmers aren’t just shopping locally for used equipment anymore. If it’s a deal, farmers can track it down and bid on it from practically anywhere in the world and then get it back to the farm.

“Now I’m going to click the button and buy it, and you guys are going to ship it whether that’s to Florida or Romania or wherever. We’re going so fast now, and the world is becoming a small place,” says Machinery Pete.

Diving Into The Mid-Atlantic Market
Used equipment manager Kevin Vandervort with Maryland-based dealer Hoober Inc., talke d about how the market is moving in his neck of the woods. Vandervort covers a sales territory that stretches from the New York-Canada border all the way south to North Carolina.

It’s an interesting market because of how diverse the cropping operations are throughout the Mid-Atlantic. You have everything from dairy, beef and poultry producers to large specialty vegetable and fruit growers all up and down the East Coast, and then there’s a ton of peanuts, corn, and soybeans mixing in on the row crop side. That crop mix makes for a busy used equipment market demand-wise with a lot of different machines moving around from dealer to farmer, and vice-versa.

“Last year we didn’t have that last two weeks of the year rush that we usually have,” says Vandervort. “And then the dealers were not as busy because everyone had time to look at everything. It kind of reminds me of pre-COVID, we didn’t carry a bunch of last year’s business into this year. And now a lot of dealers are playing catch-up to the (sales) budget.”

Vandervort says his area is in good shape when it comes to used sprayer inventory and availability of retrofit technology kits, and the same goes for planters and hay tools, too.

The equipment segment that is not faring so well in his region right now – and it can be chalked up to last summer’s extensive drought conditions and many large farms not getting a big crop out of the ground – is row crop tractors.

“Our new sales were soft last year,” Vandervort says. “And it was a direct result of that drought. You’re not going to get people to spend money when they don’t have it.”

Commodities Update
Ag Financial’s Rich Posson shared an update on the commodities markets. Posson is bullish on the European markets while thinking the U.S. and many other markets around the world are in a “minor long-term bear market.”

“I’m looking out to 2026, 2027 to be optimistic, but right now I just think the U.S. economy is dragging,” he says. “It’s lagging and the rest of the world is moving forward. And the U.S. is moving backwards.”

Posson says when it comes to corn and soybean futures specifically, he’s in wait-and-see mode for the time being. It would take a large catastrophe like another summer drought or some other major climate event to lower supply and drive demand and prices higher.

“I have a feeling corn is going to flounder around and trade both ways into April,” he adds. “And then we deal with planting in May and we watch the weather. I’m telling myself, the nice up move, if it comes, we may have to wait until June or July. But I would like to think it’s going to start to move up slowly.”

Bonus Segment
As farmers explore retrofit options for planters , sprayers, and other equipment, John Deere’s Kyle Barry and Clint Chaffer joined Seymour to talk about the latest Precision Upgrades kits Deere is offering for both tractors and combines.

For tractors, farmers are adding on Deere’s Ethernet implement connectivity kit to enable faster data transfer and connectivity from the planter to a SeedStar monitor in the cab. And Deere’s Next Generation Perception Autonomy kits can unlock driverless operation on 8RX and 9RX tractors. Deere also has a Precision Upgrades kit to automate its tillage tools.

RELATED: John Deere Introducing Next Generation Perception Autonomy Kits

In combines, the program is offering a new concave system for the X9 combine and a kit that allows the farmer to control the unloading auger right from the cab for S700 combines.

So kick your feet up, grab your favorite beverage and lock in for a wide-ranging, jam-packed episode of The Moving Iron Podcast.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE FULL EPISODE OVER ON YOUTUBE.

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Beyond Barbed Wire: A Look At Virtual Fencing

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:51:53 GMT

The concept of virtual fencing technology has been around for decades but continues to evolve. Virtual fencing uses behavior modification based on audio and electrical cues from a collar device to keep cattle within a virtual boundary using GPS. The collar can be controlled by a phone, tablet or computer using cellular data.

The advantages of virtual fencing include:

Less logistically challenging
Less labor intensive
Greater management flexibility
Gives data on how, when and where cattle graze, allowing for better resource management
Cattle location tracking
Cost effective in certain situations

Learn how these four cattle producers and families are using virtual fencing on their operations.

eShepherd: Decrease Labor Costs and Increase Stocking Rates
Virtual fencing offers Wild Olive Cattle Company flexibility in grazing the dry, brushy country of their south Texas ranch.

Halter: Solar Charged Collars Aid Rancher Response to Summer Challenges
Before the summer heat sets in, Brent Hackley can move cattle from the comfort of his home using virtual fencing technology.

Nofence: Maximize Multi-Species Grazing and Small Paddock Advantage
Virtual fencing provides options for Mark Mueller’s small pastures and not-so-great physical fences.

Vence: Innovative Grazing Solutions Post-Wildfire
After wildfires scorched about half of their BLM allotment in summer 2024, the Thompson family was still able to winter graze thanks to virtual fencing.

(FJ/UA)

When considering virtual fencing, ask yourself these questions:

What are my objectives and goals with using this technology?
Am I going to use the technology year-around or for limited seasons?
Am I going to use the technology on private land and/or public lands?
Is it worth it to my operation to purchase VF technology?
Do I have good cell coverage or not?
Do I want to change batteries or not?

Your Next Read: Making Virtual Fence More Accessible to Ranchers

Kansas Farmer Chase Larson's Ability to Overcome Adversity, and Still Grow, Will Inspire You

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 19:22:43 GMT

A pilot by training and a farmer by trade, Chase Larson runs his Kansas operation more like a Fortune 500 company than he does a farm.

“Being able to get outside of what you’re doing every day and hearing other people’s experience is crucial to making a successful company,” says Chase Larson, CEO of Bestifor Farms , which is based in Belleville, Kansas.

The Decision to Make Chase CEO
From regular board meetings to his involvement in peer groups, Chase took over as CEO just over a year ago.

Chase Larson sits in the company’s board room.

(Tyne Morgan, Farm Journal)

“He was doing a lot of the responsibilities up to that point, as far as negotiations, cropping decisions, and relationships - everything it takes to run a farm. He earned that respect and my feeling the time was right,” says Thayne Larson, Chase’s dad who also now serves as Bestifor board president.

Chase recalls the point his dad decided it was time to fully transition, “He walked in, and actually my mom was there too, and said, ‘You are CEO of all of Bestifor.”

An aerial view of harvest for Bestifor Farms.

(Chase Larson)

That moment was a surprise in a way, but Chase has always been an integral part of the operation, even buying and brokering loads of hay in college.

“That’s how I really got into it was through logistics and shipping and negotiating when we got into the trucking business,” Larson says.

Bestifor Farms is one of six companies for this sixth-generation farm family.

(Matt Mormann, Farm Journal )

Today, Bestifor Hay Company and Bestifor Farms are just two of the six businesses that make up the Bestifor family of companies.

“We hired better and better people and provided benefits. We worked off of that model, and we’re still working off that model today. But not only the farm and the hay company, but all the additional companies that we have surrounded that support it,” Thayne says.

Bestifor family of brands includes six companies today.

(Matt Mormann, Farm Journal)

Pursuit to Enter Into Pet Food
With 40 employees, 30 of which are full time, each of the Bestifor companies inject values into the overall Bestifor brand, and one of the businesses that’s sprouted within the last decade is a company called Grandpa’s Best.

“We realized we had some really good talent around us being in the hay business for a long time. We said, ‘How hard can it be to start a pet food company?’ And turns out, it’s really hard,” Chase says.

Grandpa’s Best is a small family company committed to providing premium quality Timothy Hay, Orchard Grass Hay, Alfalfa Hay, and native Kansas Prairie Hay to small herbivores and exotic animals.

(Matt Mormann, Farm Journal)

The wild idea to start a pet food company didn’t come from Chase or Thayne. The idea came from Chase’s late wife Celine.

“She came out here and she just got a curious mind,” Thayne says. “She walked the pastures and she was a K-State grad who grew up in California. She said, ‘I wonder what else can eat this grass besides cattle. So, she got seven or eight or 10 different species of grasses, and she sent samples to K-State for research asking what else will eat this? And it came back with rabbits and gerbils.”

They hired a firm to help explain the pet food business, uncovering a $3 billion pet food market worldwide.

“And we said, ‘Well, sure, there’s a piece of that we can find,’” Thayne says.

And they did - a business that’s doubled in sales every year since 2019.

“Chase and Celine, they brought a different side to the operation,” Thayne says. “They showed us there’s more to this than just local and quality for what we’re trying to accomplish as a family. And they have just taken it to another level and put it on steroids. It’s taken off in a whole different direction, and we’re excited about it.”

Constantly uncovering new opportunities, Chase’s late wife Celine was the one who came up with the idea for Grandpa’s Best.

(Chase Larson )

The Battle Against Cancer
Celine Larson was a light on the farm, in their family and in their community.

“She was someone who was an entrepreneurial spirit,” Larson says. “She enjoyed agriculture.”

In 2017, Celine was diagnosed with cancer. Their four kids were 2, 4, 6 and 8 at the time, and Chase’s focus shifted from farming, to fighting for Celine’s life with treatments in Texas.

“I think the longest stint was like 36 days that we never came back,” Chase says. “My mom took the girls to school every day, got them ready, fed them and took over that role while we were down there fighting cancer.”

Chase, along with his late wife Celine, have four daughters.

(Chase Larson )

On Dec. 9, 2019, a little over two years since she was first diagnosed with Stage 4 melanoma, Celine Larson passed away at the age of 35.

“When she passed away, it changed our perspective on what’s important in life,” Chase says. “You rethink what you want to do, what you don’t want to do. But the family support on both sides was unbelievable. And most people think, ‘How do you get through things like that?’ But it these negatives are not negatives.”

Thayne adds, “He hasn’t talked about his faith, but it’s rock solid. He’s just such an inspiration and so dedicated. And that’s part of the balance of his life.”

Water Management Software Built By Farmers
Constantly striving for balance, Chase is also always uncovering new ways to grow. One example is through is latest endeavor, which is an app for real-time water management called VandWater, a company that was built by farmers for farmers.

“We figured out how to write it, got the right coders, hired them and went from concept to that in three months,” Chase says.

Chase Larson created VandWater two years ago, which is software for anyone who manages water. The goal is to make comprehensive water management more simple through software.

(VandWater )

Today, VandWater is a fully web-based app, available on any iPhone or Android. It has thousands of wells on the system across three states.

The new ventures are allowing the operation to grow in new ways, all while not losing sight of their roots, which is the farm. Bestifor Farms has managed to double in size over the last 16 years - growing to 12,000 acres today.

Sixth Generation Farm With Sights Set on the Future
And Chase says this sixth-generation farm isn’t finished growing yet.

“We’re very entrepreneurial driven,” Chase says. “We’re not afraid to fail, not to figure out a mistake here or there. You’re not going to grow without constant change and being outside of your borders.”

Chase’s constant hunger to find value, while not losing sight of the fact quality is their legacy here, makes Chase Larson a finalist for 2025 Top Producer of the Year.

Your Next Reads:

2025 Top Producer of the Year Marc Arnusch Looks for Success Beyond Commodity Farming

How Iowa Farmer Mark Hanna is Investing in Innovation and Giving Ag Startups a Fighting Chance

Dalton Dilldine: Next-Generation Producer Follows in His Father’s Footsteps

Texas Rancher Kimberly Ratcliff Trades the Big Apple for Community Beef Business

Small But Capable: Is 2025 The Year of The Utility Tractor?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:30:00 GMT

Several farm machinery companies are releasing new low-to-medium horsepower utility tractors for model year 2025.

Which begs the question: If 2024 was The Year of The Combine , is 2025 already shaping up to be The Year of The Utility Tractor? It doesn’t have the same ring to it though, now does it?

Many of these machines feature redesigned operator cabs and revamped engine transmissions. It seems tractor manufacturers are increasingly integrating technologies, such as in-cab monitors, LED lighting packages, and machine guidance and telematics, which are usually reserved for higher horsepower models.

Ease-of-use, versatility and operator comfort seem to be the common threads that tie all of these introductions together beyond engine output.

The following new machinery introductions were announced last week during the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky., and World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif.

AGCO announces the launch of its Massey Ferguson 2025 compact tractor lineup, which includes a new Premium Series model and MF Economy and Sub-Compact Series models.

(Alex Visciotti )

AGCO’s Massey Ferguson brand has announced its 2025 compact utility tractor line, which is comprised of three distinct series.

Premium Series (24.8 hp to 60.3 hp) tractors designed for daily use and ideal for a variety of applications from snow removal and landscaping to fieldwork and property maintenance.
Compact-Economy Series (24 hp to 57.3 hp) tractors balance affordability with capability and offer a variety of configurations.
Sub-Compact Series (22.5 hp to 24.5 hp) tractors that Massey Ferguson says are perfect for hobby farmers and first-time operators.

Each utility series features updated ergonomics and operator comfort features, a wide range of compatible attachments and implements, and user-friendly options for enhanced ease-of-use.

RELATED: AGCO Launches Massey Ferguson 2025 Compact Tractor Series, New Double Square Baler

Case IH’s new Farmall C Series tractor

(Case IH)

Case IH has announced its new medium utility Farmall C tractor Series.

The four-model lineup offers a 12-speed PowerShuttle and a 24-speed Hi-Lo transmission alongside a suite of factory-installed technology updates.

The manufacturer says the Farmall C Series has a larger, reinforced front axle, boosted hydraulic flow, heavier gross vehicle weight and increased rear lift capacity. All models in the series feature fully integrated base telematics to geo-locate the tractor and monitor the machine for service.

Additional new features include an auto PTO function to automatically engage and disengage the PTO, and an advanced loader joystick in the cab to simultaneously lift and shuttle control for fast material handling.

Dealers are taking orders now, and Case IH says Farmall C will ship in the fall.

Kubota Tractor Corporation’s new MX4900 utility tractor.

(Greg Latza/Kubota)

Kubota Tractor Corporation has unveiled its all-new MX4900 utility tractor.

The company says it is designed to be a workhorse at a new price point. From transporting hay bales to grading a driveway, or performing general property maintenance, the sub-100 hp machine provides a capable solution that ranchers and farmers have been waiting for.

There are two types of transmissions available on the MX4900 and both models are equipped with a Kubota engine and Common-Rail System (CRS) with electronically controlled fuel injection.

The MX4900 also features both ROPS and Cab options with ergonomically placed controls. Some of the comfort features include a spacious operator station, optional suspension air ride seat with optional armrests on the cab model, and all-new optional dealer-installed LED lighting kits.

The MX4900 will be available at authorized Kubota dealers in spring 2025.

New Holland’s PowerStar Series utility tractor.

(New Holland)

New Holland’s brand new PowerStar Series offers four distinct utility tractor models ranging from 86 to 117 hp.

The company says the next-gen series offers new styling, greater operator comfort inside a refined VisionView cab with independent suspension, and a wide array of productivity-enhancing features. Underneath each hood is a FPT Industrial 3.6-liter four-cylinder engine, and the lineup complies with Stage V emissions standards.

The PowerStar series also offers all-new, factory-installed LU Series front loaders standard on all models. These loaders offer more lifting capacity, greater lifting height, faster cycle times, improved visibility, easier coupling and refined control.

The new PowerStar Series tractors will arrive in dealer inventory in Q4 2025.

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Why the Boom-or-Bust Forage Harvester Market Is Surprisingly Stable

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:21:46 GMT

A line graph of the typical forage harvester market would look a lot like a rollercoaster — thrilling ascents and deep drops, though the lows tend to last much longer than the highs. “With forage harvesters, it’s feast or famine,” says Casey Seymour on the latest Moving Iron podcast . “There’s no steady business on the used side. You have to have really high milk prices or a drought to make that forage harvester move, and we don’t have either one of those conditions right now.”

New Moving Iron co-host Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson agrees. “Outside of those conditions that you describe, there’s not a lot of spike in activity,” he says. As producers start getting ready for haylage season, some dealers might expect a bit more activity in the market for forage harvesters, AKA “choppers,” but at the moment, Seymour says, it’s just “bumping along.”

While both have seen an occasional old pull-type forage harvester at auction, those models have become rare, especially in the past five to ten years. “When I see them, they make me smile,” Peterson says. It’s been a busy week for him, traveling to three states for auctions, and he has noticed an optimistic outlook among buyers and sellers of ag equipment. “We are starting to see a strengthening on auction prices,” he reports. “Over the past couple of months, the general attitude is more hopeful with what has transpired politically.”

Adam Verner from Elite Ag, a dealership in southern Georgia, and used equipment specialist Aaron Fintel join the podcast this week to offer their perspectives on the forage harvester market. Verner has seen dairies in his area relying more on custom chopping services rather than investing in their own equipment. Beef cattle producers, however, have been more active in chopping their own silage, creating, he says, “a little uptick in the 500 to 600 horsepower market, mainly on the used side.”

Fintel is seeing similar activity for lower horsepower forage harvesters. “If there is a chopper that is hot right now, it’s that. We have some big feedlots that have their own choppers, but the bigger dairies are, for the most part, using custom services.” While the “chase for a thousand horsepower” is still being run by custom service providers, Fintel says even some of those businesses have dropped down to slightly lower horsepower equipment.

“It’s not like combines, where everything is getting bigger,” Seymour says. “On the chopper side, you have these swings from bigger to smaller to bigger. You have that ebb and flow.”

Watch the full episode of Moving Iron.

AGCO Launches Massey Ferguson 2025 Compact Tractor Series, New Double Square Baler

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

AGCO has announced the launch of its Massey Ferguson 2025 compact tractor lineup as well as a new double small square baler for hay producers.

The 2025 lineup offers solutions tailored to smaller agricultural operations and AGCO says its model year class empowers operators to achieve better results with better value.

Included in the 2025 Model Year Class of compact tractors:

New Premium Series (24.8 - 60.3 hp) tractors designed for daily use and ideal for a variety of applications from snow removal and landscaping to fieldwork and property maintenance.
New MF Compact-Economy Series (24 - 57.3 hp) tractors balance affordability with capability and offer a variety of configurations.
New MF Sub-Compact Series (22.5-24.5 hp) tractors that Massey Ferguson says are perfect for hobby farmers and first-time operators.

For more information about the Massey Ferguson MY2025 compact tractor lineup, visit https://www.masseyferguson.com/en_us.html.

Hesston by Massey Ferguson Double Small Square Baler

The MF SB.1436DB is designed to help producers meet tight harvest windows with minimal costs and maximum productivity, according to Massey Ferguson.

(Massey Ferguson)

AGCO’s new Hesston by Massey Ferguson SB.1436DB small square baler is capable of producing two rows of bales per field pass. Massey Ferguson says this enables double the output of a single baler producing 14-by-18-inch bales. By producing two rows of bales per pass, the new machine effectively doubles production capacity while reducing the need for additional labor, equipment and fuel.

Its 105-inch pickup width is also the widest configuration in the high-capacity small square baler segment, according to Massey Ferguson. This helps improve field efficiency and reduce labor needs by optimizing movement of hay into the baler.

For more information on the MF SB.1436DB small square baler, visit https://www.masseyferguson.com/en_us.html .

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