Livestock Equipment

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

Farm Equipment Auctions Soaring Despite Stagnant Economy: Unpacking What's Next

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:42:58 GMT

Casey Seymour and Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson see a used equipment market that has flipped from last year, when dealers pushed out a glut of late model, used equipment to auction.

Today, the number of 1–to-3-year-old high-horsepower tractors (300 hp and up) on the market is down 60% from last year, and late model combine listings are down 54%, according to Pete. Yet surprisingly, auction activity is up 14% from last year, too.

So, retail sales and the farm equipment market are in a prolonged slump, but auctions are still booming. It’s an odd juxtaposition, and dealers have to figure out how to navigate the uncertainty in the middle of the busy auction season.

“If I’m a dealer, and 2024 was painful and we’re having these huge losses, but we keep talking about [having] this footing – that’s why you’re not having a huge sale – but maybe [you’re] streaming out five tractors on this auction or two on that one,” Pete says. “That’s what I’m seeing. Whereas last year it was just, the spigot was open, and dealer items were everywhere.”

Seymour expected more dealer liquidation auctions in Q4, but dealer reps tell him they are not planning a big push of equipment to auction this year.

“[We] have this stagnant marketplace, where it’s not getting any better, and it’s not getting any worse,” he says. “You’re just kind of stuck in the middle. But to still see the auction activity that we’re seeing and the prices we’re seeing, it feels like we’re at the bottom.”

Pete agrees with that take, pointing to a growing trend of multi-dealer auctions, like the Rich & Rich Red Power Auction this weekend in North Carolina, as another sign the market is down. He is also seeing an increase in farm retirement auctions as farmers try to avoid losing equity.

Pete wonders if the rumored farmer aid package from the Trump administration will spark a dead-cat bounce on used machinery values and farmer buying activity?

“I don’t see that making its way to the equipment side. They’re going to shore up [debts] first, build back up and then probably [buy] inputs, but I guess it depends on if it’s taxable or not,” Seymour says.

Pete and Seymour tried to stick to farm equipment trends and what’s happening in the auction world, but the guys could not ignore the giant elephant in the room. They share thoughts on the impact of social media on political tensions in rural America, and why they think politicians should come down to an in-person auction and have some real conversations with real Americans.

The Rest of The Episode

Commodities analyst Shawn Hackett joins Seymour to break down the impact of the U.S. government shutdown on crop prices, and used equipment specialist Aaron Fintel closes out the episode with a chat about how livestock payments are driving more buying activity on loader tractors out west in his neck of the woods.

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

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

Clicking On Used? Navigate Online Farm Equipment Auctions Like A Pro

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:05:14 GMT

Whether you’re ready to sell some used farm equipment for positive or negative reasons , there are several things to be aware of before diving into the auction market at its absolute peak , which is normally from November to March.

Big Iron Auctions/Sullivan Auctioneers co-founder Mark Stock , who has been in the business for 41 years, says the first thing sellers need to do is to get in touch with your preferred auction platform. Giving advance notice is one of the many keys to a good experience selling at auction.

“If the seller can contact us by the middle of September, that’s great,” Stock says. “My advice for buyers is make sure you look at all the photos [in the auction listing], and then call the owner [before you bid]. We always publish the owner’s name and phone number, which is something most auction sites don’t do. So, call those sellers and ask questions.”

The latest auction update from Machinery Pete Facebook:

Stock also emphasizes going through those images with a fine-tooth comb. He wants new-to-the-market buyers to understand transparency is not some pie-in-the-sky, unrealistic expectation to have. There are plenty of auction companies that prioritize a truly open-ended process.

“We do a good job of showing everything that’s good and also everything that’s bad about that piece of machinery. That’s how we try to earn the buyer’s respect,” he says. “And the sellers, they don’t want to have someone mad after the end of the sale because they didn’t let the buyer know about something.”

The explosion of online equipment auctions, a space where Big Iron is currently one of the biggest players, has proven to be a bit of a double-edged sword in more ways than one. While it’s true today a farmer in Arkansas can jump on their phone and buy a used, $300,000 combine from the seat of the dentist’s chair, some bad actors have tried to weasel into the fray. Selecting a reputable auction company you’ve researched and feel good about working with can help ease any anxiety about getting wrapped up in something nefarious .

“It’s just one example, but we UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) search everything because we want the transaction to be seamless,” Stock says. “And then if there is a loan [attached to] payoff, we work with that creditor to make sure that loan gets paid off before the buyer takes possession. We handle all that stuff so there’s no surprises.”

Kinze Manufacturing founder Jon Kinzenbaw’s antique tractor collection in Williamsburg, Iowa.

(Big Iron Auctions)

When asked what’s coming up from Big Iron, Stock says the digital auction platform has a “really big fall catalog” coming out soon and to check out BigIron.com for more info. On November 4, there is a notable sale for precision ag and farm machinery history buffs. Bidding for that sale opens October 19.

“John Kinzenbaw, the founder of Kinze Manufacturing, has a huge tractor collection, and he’s going to sell off over 100 of those tractors to the highest bidder here in November,” Stock says.

Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson will be in attendance, too.

Your next read: 29-Year-Old Used Case IH Skid Steer, 2000 John Deere 8310 Draw Strong Bids

Pete's Pick: 29-Year-Old Used Case IH Skid Steer, 2000 John Deere 8310 Draw Strong Bids

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:19:57 GMT

This week’s Machinery Pete “Pete’s Pick of The Week” comes to us from the world of construction equipment.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, at a retirement auction in Gaines, Mich., a 1996 Case IH 1845 C skid steer with 1,745 hours (see Facebook post below) sold for $20,700. Xyz Auction Service handled the bidding.

“Now, if I had a nickel for every time someone told me: ‘Hey, Pete, my favorite skid steer model is an 1845 C’ I’d have a lot of nickels, [and] this one was nice,” Pete says. “I thought, you know, getting up almost over $21K for an almost 30-year-old skid steer, [that’s] pretty good stuff.”

Last Thursday must have been a good day in the used equipment auction world, because another transaction that day also caught Pete’s attention.

At the Tom Mix farm retirement auction near Clay City, Ill., a well-maintained 2000 John Deere 8310 tractor with 4,222 hours (see Facebook post below) sold for $111,200. According to MachineryPete.com sales data, that is the fourth-highest price all time on a used 8310. Schmid Auction handled the bidding there.

Upcoming auctions
On Tuesday, Steffes Auction Group is hosting the Rost Farms Retirement Auction in Ivanhoe, Minn. Bidding for that sale (see Facebook post below) closes tomorrow at 8 p.m. CT.

And on Wednesday, in Dyersville, Iowa, the Alex Lyon and Son Auction Co. Rental Fleet Construction & Utility Equipment auction will feature a healthy selection of heavy duty machines pulled from rental fleets from around the country. Pete will be attending that sale in person, so be sure to say hello if you’re also checking out the auction in person.

“There are 13 skid steers on the docket, 17 excavators, 13 wheel loaders, and eight tractor loaders/backhoes,” Pete says. “I love covering all types of auctions and any chance I get to hang out with Jack Lyon and his son, Alex, I’ll take. They have sales all over the U.S. and the world, and it will be fun to have him in Iowa.”

Your next read: Navigate The Used Farm Equipment Market With 5 Smart Buyer Hacks

Used Farm Equipment Swindle Alert: BBB Warns Virtual Vendor Vehicle Scams on the Rise

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 16:49:31 GMT

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning used equipment buyers nationwide about another sophisticated scam involving used farm equipment.

This particular grift, according to a press release from BBB, involved a fake online heavy equipment retailer impersonating a legitimate Missouri dealership, Cook Equipment & Trucking (Marble Hill, Mo.).

Buyers from across the U.S., some even from as far away as California and Arizona, reported losing a total of $223,000 after attempting to purchase heavy equipment and farm machinery through fraudulent websites and Facebook Marketplace ads.

Related: Essential Advice for Safely Buying Used Farm Machinery

Victims say they were “ghosted” after wiring money for equipment that never arrived. The BBB does not say whether the victims were able to dispute the fraudulent charges and claw back the proceeds from the scammers.

The reported fraudulent transactions include:

$45,000 for a skid steer loader from a buyer in Oak Hills, Calif.
$32,000 for an excavator from a buyer in Hancock, Mich.
$29,500 for a trailer from a buyer in Amanda, Ohio
$29,000 for a trailer from a buyer in Greenville, N.C.
$28,000 for a skid steer loader from a buyer in Eastman, Wis.
$31,000 for an excavator from a buyer in Des Moines, Iowa.
$29,000 for a skid steer from a buyer in Blue, Ariz.

BBB says the real Cook Equipment & Trucking, a small business operating since 2010, confirmed it has no website and is not affiliated with any online sales. The impersonators registered three fake websites, the most recent on July 14, and continue to run deceptive ads on social media.

“Those shopping for heavy equipment and farm machinery online should do their due diligence so they don’t fall victim to a virtual vehicle vendor scam,” says Michelle L. Corey, president and CEO, BBB St. Louis. “If an item is priced well below market value, that’s a red flag.”

To avoid getting swept up in an online virtual vehicle vendor scam the Better Business Bureau offers these tips:

Research the business at bbb.org or call 888-996-3887
Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true
Verify the website and contact the business directly
Read all terms and understand refund policies
Use a credit card for added protection
Report scams to BBB Scam Tracker, your state attorney general, the FTC, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center , and notify the social media platform where the fraud was discovered

To learn more about how to avoid online fraud in the used equipment auction world, check out BBB’s 2024 study on virtual vehicle vendor scams.

Your next read: U.S.-Canada Trade Spat Leaves Farmer’s New Holland Combine Stranded Up North

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

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.

Your Next Read: EPA Rolls Out Streamlined Diesel Engine Fluid Guidelines

Farmers, Truckers and Gear Heads Rejoice: EPA Rolls Out Streamlined Diesel Engine Fluid Guidelines

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:08:48 GMT

EPA is rolling out new guidance for manufacturers of farm equipment and other heavy-duty vehicles, removing regulatory red tape requiring diesel-powered farm equipment to reduce engine torque dramatically when a problem arises with the machine’s Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system.

You can read EPA’s statement on the announcement here.

The new rule making goes into effect immediately for all new diesel engines on model year 2027 machines. It should also be noted the new guidance from EPA is voluntary for all non road equipment. Ultimately, each manufacturer will have the right to choose whether it implements the new inducement strategy or maintains the status quo with its own machines.

To fix the problem for farm machinery already in the field, EPA’s new guidance, developed in collaboration with farm equipment manufacturers, will work to ensure necessary software changes can be made on the existing fleet.

(EPA)

EPA administrator Lee Zeldin says now all non-road equipment, like farm tractors, combines and sprayers, must be configured so there is no impact on engine power for up to 36 hours when a DEF system malfunction occurs. Once 36 engine hours have passed, a 25% reduction in engine torque will go into effect until the machine is serviced. If the farm equipment is not fixed within 100 engine hours, then a 50% reduction in torque is activated until the machine can be serviced.

Additionally, farm equipment can be restarted with full engine power three times for up to 30 minutes after inducement, according to the EPA release.

“This is the first crack in the ice toward saying we don’t need these expensive systems on our farm equipment,” says Ben Reinsche, owner, Blue Diamond Farming Company in Jesup, Iowa. “We don’t need to immediately shut off an engine or be restricted for 36 hours if you have DEF unavailable or a malfunction.

“This is a positive step and maybe a formative step toward saying that having these emission standards on farm or off-road equipment is not critically necessary,” adds Reinsche. “There are so many other things farmers can do that are planet positive, like using conservation and sustainability practices, rather than having an after treatment system on our diesel engines.”

Small Business Administration (SBA) leader Kelly Loeffler says the new rule will save 1.8 million family farms across America a staggering $727 million per year while offering “vital financial and operational certainty.”

“This announcement today is such a big deal, especially on behalf of our farmers and ranchers,” says USDA secretary Brook Rollins. “At a time when our ag sector is really hurting, our farmers have had to endure a 30% cost increase in inputs, and a $30 billion Biden-era trade deficit, these everyday regulations being lifted makes such a difference.”

The new guidance greatly reduces a machine setting known as DEF derating and allows operators more time to secure DEF, refuel and make repairs. The new guidance also reportedly retains the environmental benefits of Tier 4 engine and DEF regulations for farm equipment and trucks.

“Today we are taking another important step forward by undoing these diesel fluid guidelines that have hurt our farmers and small rural businesses,” says U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). “Not only will these new guidelines save family-run farms hundreds of millions of dollars per year, but it is also just common sense, folks. No farmer should have their tractor come to a halt in the middle of a field due to Green New Deal-style regulations from Washington.”

How Did We Get Here?

EPA ushered in DEF requirements for large farm equipment when it enacted broader Tier 4 emissions standards in 2004.

Tier 4 Interim rules, which required DEF for farm machines 750 horsepower and up, then went into effect in 2008.

In 2015, EPA’s final Tier 4 regulations were put in place, meaning all new non-road diesel engines — regardless of horsepower rating — had to comply with new emissions standards.

Curious where your farm equipment is made? Check out Farm Journal’s “Who Makes What Where” feature to learn more.

Why Do Many Farmers Hate Using Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?

American farmers say they detest using DEF due to the challenges and additional fuel cost it tacks onto their operations.

Here are some reasons farmers aren’t big fans of DEF:

Higher Costs and More Maintenance: DEF adds on extra materials costs for machinery-based field work. Farmers must purchase large amounts of fluid, and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) framework that processes DEF is prone to malfunctions and expensive to repair. Often a simple-but-unexpected repair can pop up out of nowhere and end up costing farmers thousands of dollars and leave equipment inoperable.
Field Work Interruptions: If a tractor runs out of DEF or if the system breaks down, under the now-defunct previous guidelines engine power was greatly reduced, which is known by many farmers as “going into limp mode.” For farmers who rely on their equipment to operate consistently and reliably during planting and harvesting, any issue quickly becomes a major headache.
Storage Issues: DEF has a limited shelf life and is sensitive to temperature ups and downs. A quick Google search says DEF freezes at around 12°F and can degrade if stored in temperatures above 86°F. And who wants to look at a giant pallet of DEF cartons stacked in their machinery barn? Nobody, that’s who.
Contamination/Quality Control: DEF fluid must be pure and free of contaminants. Accidentally using the wrong type or getting foreign substances in the tank during refilling can wreak havoc throughout the system, leading to repairs and downtime.
Engine Performance Concerns: There are farmers who believe newer emissions systems, including those that use DEF, reduce the machine’s total power output and lower fuel efficiency.

Your Next Read: MAHA Policy Announcement Delayed, Agriculture Waits For Any Implications From Earlier Report

Used Equipment Values Have Stabilized in 2025, But the Surprising Trend Might Not Last

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:03:22 GMT

If you’ve been in the market for used equipment, you know it’s undergone a dramatic shift since 2023. Whether as a buyer or a seller, the prices of used equipment within the row crop sector have dropped more than 20% in that time, marking one of the largest declines in history. Used equipment values for high-horsepower equipment have stabilized in 2025, but it’s a surprising trend at risk of reversing, especially if commodity prices continue to fall.

According to the Machinery Pete website , the price of used high-horsepower tractors fell between 18% and 23% from 2023/24 levels. Machinery Pete says the biggest surprise during the first seven months of 2025 is the fact used equipment prices have stabilized.

“After the huge rate of drop we saw in 2024, which mirrored the biggest drop I’ve ever seen back in 2014 to 2015, I thought it would keep sliding a little bit longer,” says Greg Peterson, who’s also known as Machinery Pete. “Instead, it has leveled off through the first half of the year. That, to me, has been the biggest surprise this year.”

The Catalyst for the Dramatic Drop

The catalyst for the dramatic drop in used equipment values in 2024 was the amount of used equipment flooding the auction market.

“It was a total supply issue,” Pete says. “For dealers, when the sales of new [equipment] slow down, the merry-go-round slows down. Then you’re paying 8% interest on this hugely expensive, late-model stuff sitting on your lot. The pressure just builds up.

The trifecta of a lack of buyers, too much equipment on dealer lots and high interest caused dealers to offload equipment on the auction market. That exposed a tough reality starting last year: strains in the farm economy meant not as many farmers were in the market to buy.

“I’ve seen it through different cycles. It’s just right now with the dollars involved in 2024, I’ve never seen dealers collectively be as aggressive as they were. Now, it’s easier for them to be aggressive because there’s fewer of them — but it was very painful for them, and there was a lot of loss,” Pete explains.

Why Used Equipment Prices Have Stabilized in 2025

The trend shifted in 2025, largely because the volume of equipment from dealers at auction hasn’t been the same this year. Prices have stabilized in 2025, but now the question is if they’ll stay that way.

“My gut and the data are telling me that used equipment values are still holding. So, unless there’s an uptick in the volume of large, late-model equipment — which could happen — or if new sales on high horsepower or large, new equipment like planters or sprayers continue to be soft, that will create more pressure on dealers possibly to move that excess used,” Pete says.

“Watching a Knife Fall”

Alex Kerr, owner of Kerr Auction and Kerr Equipment , owns one of the fastest growing auction companies across the U.S., hosting auctions in six states. Kerr is seeing the shift in equipment values first-hand, and like Machinery Pete, he’s also seeing used equipment prices find footing in 2025.

“I feel like we had flattened,” Kerr says. “In March of 2024, it was like watching a knife fall. If you were going off the balance sheet, using the value of your one- and two-year-old equipment, you lost 40% so fast that you couldn’t hardly write it down.”

Kerr says once the flood of used equipment from dealer lots quit hitting the auction market after 2024, values found footing and started to stabilize in 2025.

“Everybody just kind of pumped the brakes,” Kerr says. “Now we’re waiting to see if we’re going to have a demand spike. So, if for some reason grain would jump or interest would soften, maybe we could go back up. But at the moment, it really looks like we’re headed the other way, and we could start sliding again. But we had kind of planed out for a while.”

Financial Pressure Mounts

The ag economic picture doesn’t seem to be improving on the row crop side, Commodity prices continued to slide last week , while prices of important inputs — such as fertilizer — continued to climb from recent highs .

“We’re certainly feeling some pressure. Fortunately, we were able to come into the difficult season that we’re in right now with strong liquidity reserves that were built the prior two to three years. However, we are definitely seeing some pressure at this time,” says Josh Babb, a financial officer in Illinois with Compeer Financial.

Babb works with farmers across western Illinois, and with high input prices, it’s adding to the financial pinch farmers are feeling and seeing right now.

“In most situations, $4 corn price is going to be below break-even numbers for most operations. So yes, there is concern there,” Babb says. “However, we are built and structured in a way we want to be a resource for our clients, both in good times and the bad. So one thing we would really emphasize to our growers, and I really emphasize to my clients, is let’s be in communication. Let’s talk through this now. Don’t wait for it to become a problem. Let’s talked through it now and start putting a plan in place to navigate this.”

Kerr says the most surprising trend he’s seeing in Illinois is the difference between farmers who are in a strong financial position and able to buy equipment, versus farmers who have a high break-even cost and aren’t in a position to make large investments.

“What’s been surprising is the divergence between the typical farmer who farms a lot of acres, maybe rents a lot of ground — they just shut off from buying. They went cold,” Kerr says. “Then, you have the smaller farmer who maybe owns everything he farms and doesn’t have any kind of debt problems. They are very specific about what they buy, and they like the smaller, high-quality equipment. Demand for that stuff hasn’t backed off.”

Prices Could Explode

Kerr says for those farmers in a position to purchase equipment, there are some value buys out there today.

“Right now, anything within five years old is a really, really good buy,” Kerr says. “And if you’re one of the guys in the position to buy, you better buy it because the next leg up will be dramatic.”

Kerr says he doesn’t know what the catalyst will be for the next big shift in used equipment values, but last time it was post-Covid.

“This market is like a volleyball being held under water. And when it explodes, you’re going to see used tractors selling for $650,000 to %700,000. And the reason for that is the new ones have just kept going up in price while we’re all on the pause button. We’ve also stopped selling so many new ones. As the dealers quit rolling, instead of having a glut of tractors when the money supply finally shows up, the supply of used equipment will not be there.”

Kerr says when the pendulum shifts back the other way, and used equipment values trend higher, many buyers will be shocked how high used equipment values will go. Because unless a farmer has been in the market for a new piece of machinery lately, they don’t realize how high new equipment values have risen. That will force more buyers back to used.

Livestock Equipment Values Are Strong

Machinery Pete says the one sector of used equipment that’s seeing higher values today is good, used loader tractors.

“You’re getting into the livestock and dairy sectors where the times have been better. Auction pricing has been very strong. Not quite as high as it was in 2021 and 2022, but still holding up very solid,” Pete says. “We just saw a record price on a 24 model John Deere 6R145 last Wednesday. Hardly any hours on a loader, but it went $19,000 over the record auction price. So, we see that commonly now with that livestock-related equipment that’s holding up pretty well.”

Pete says the other segment that is continuing to post strong values it the pre-DEF equipment.

“That equipment is almost getting a little stronger,” he says. “Now the dollars are tight. But for farmers, it’s all relative. So, when a new one costs this much, and there’s a low-hour 13-, 14- or 15-year-old one, it’s not two people that want it. It’s like seven people. And then the pricing holds very strong.”

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.

Your Next Read: Right To Repair Granted? John Deere Launches Digital Self-Repair Tool for $195 Per Tractor

Machinery Pete: Versatile Skid Steers, Used Tractors Are Hotter Than Fish Grease

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:07:15 GMT

What goes well alongside sweltering summer Midwest heat and humidity?

Well, if you answered used farm equipment auctions, you’re on the same wavelength as our used equipment-obsessed friend, Machinery Pete. He hit the road last week, capturing all of that sweet, sweet iron moving at auction.

All jokes aside, the extreme heat and humidity that hit the Upper Midwest this weekend can indeed be a bad omen for farm auction results, Pete says. Good thing there’s plenty of online auctions this summer so you can avoid the sweaty, sunburned crowds while still getting down on all the bidding action.

Here’s a quick sample of what Pete says stood out from the past seven days of red-hot farm equipment auction sales:

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

In an online Pifer Group auction that pulled used farm equipment from Minnesota and the Dakotas, a 2024 John Deere 335 P-Tier skid steer (pictured above) with 275 hours sold for $94,000. Pete says that’s a pretty good deal considering the only comparable model listed for sale at MachineryPete.com right now is a 2025 335 P-Tier. That bad boy starts at $159,000, though.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And a 2009 John Deere 325I skid steer with only 124 hours on it sold for $36,000 at the Harry and Lola Blackburn farm estate sale in Iowa.

On the tractor front, on Tuesday of last week, the folks at DPA Auctions moved a pair of late-model John Deere tractors that originated from farms in South Dakota.

(DPA Auctions)

In that sale, two 2024 John Deere 8R 280 MFWD tractors, one with just under 1,200 hours (pictured above) and another with 1,451 hours on it, sold for $315,000 and $296,000, respectively.

“Those were both above the average auction price this year, which is just over $282,600,” Pete says. “And interestingly, that’s up from last year’s average which was just over $258,000.”

And finally, Pete’s “Pick of the Week” is a pair of used tractors:

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

At the Blackburn estate auction in Iowa, a Gold Key Certified 2009 John Deere 7230 Premium 2WD tractor (above) with only 1,076 hours sold for $94,500.

And at the Al Bruhn farm auction sale Saturday in Mapleton, Iowa, a vintage 1968 International Harvester 756 German diesel tractor set a new all-time record at $29,000. The previous high for that year/model was $21,000.

Auction to Watch This Week

Sullivan Auctioneers and Big Iron Auctions is having a “No Reserve Dealer Inventory Reduction” online auction for Sinclair Tractor featuring a huge collection of machines from the dealer’s Iowa stores. Check out the video preview from auctioneer Dan Sullivan above.

Your Next Read: Farmers Are in the Buying Mindset for Used Equipment

Load ’Em Up: Used John Deere Tractors Set Auction Records in New York

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:51:49 GMT

An auction in Whitesville, New York, featured a pair of record-setting John Deere utility tractors, making the pair of farm workhorses Pete’s “Pick of the Week.”

The Scott Acomb & Family Dispersal Auction, where the two loader tractors were sold, was facilitated by auctioneer Adam Fraley with Fraley Auction Company.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

The first machine to smash a record was this John Deere 6430 utility tractor (shown above) with only 278 operating hours. It sold for $128,000, beating the previous record for that make/model by $5,000.

(MachineryPete.com)

Pete shared the screenshot above showing the Top 5 high prices at auction on John Deere 6430 tractors.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And another John Deere utility tractor with a loader, a 2003 7420 model, sold for $122,500, beating the previous record-high by $18,000.

“Even in a belt-tightening ag economy, the nicest used stuff with a little age on it is still red hot,” Pete says.

Here is a list from Pete showing the Top 5 auction results all-time on a John Deere 7420:

(MachineryPete.com)

You can listen to Pete’s full appearance from Monday’s AgriTalk episode via the media player below.

Upcoming Auctions To Watch

Pete is gearing up for a big week on the used equipment auction circuit.

On Saturday, there are two notable auctions he says will have some nice machinery scores for farmers. Machinery Pete will be making the trek out to the Harry and Lola Blackburn Farm Sale in Lime Springs, Iowa, to check out an “amazing list of low-hour machines.” You can check that auction out here.

Also on Saturday, the Al Bruhn Farm Auction in Mapleton, Iowa, features six John Deere Hillco Sidehill combines. You can check that auction out here, and Pete shared this video preview for the sale on Facebook:

Your Next Read: Machinery Pete’s Advice For ‘Young’ Farmers

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.

Your Next Read - All The Details: Inside John Deere’s New F8 and F9 Forage Harvesters

Machinery Pete Runs Down Buying Activity on Everything From Applicators to Skid Steers

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:36:01 GMT

They may not dominate farmers’ attention quite like tractors and combines do, yet skid steers and wheel loaders are versatile, practical pieces of heavy equipment for farming and livestock operations.

Pete’s Pick of the Week highlighted a pair of recent transactions for both machines on the auction circuit:

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

A 2023 Bobcat T770 skid steer on tracks with only 32 operating hours (shown above) sold for $69,750 at an auction in Michigan. That’s the ninth-highest auction price ever on a used Bobcat T770, according to MachineryPete.com data. The record sale price, which is over $98,000, was set in December 2022. Pete says equipment dealer inventories were at historic lows coming off the COVID-19 slowdown, and that likely influenced the price.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

A 2023 Kubota R640 Wheel Loader with 209 operating hours sold for $74,750 at the same auction in Michigan.

Interested in used wheel loaders? Here’s a page from MachineryPete.com showing auction data for 406 wheel loader transactions from Jan.1 to today.

“Right now, with the uncertainty in the market – the stock market is dropping and my 401(k) lost 800 points – it just gives you a little back-off. That’s the harsh reality and brutal honesty of these auction prices,” Pete says. “$98,000 was the market at the end of 2022, and right now it’s $69,750. The good news is I think you might get a good buy.”

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

Last Wednesday at a Big Iron online auction, a pre-def, pre-Tier IV 2010 John Deere 8320R tractor with 3,280 hours (pictured above) went for $166,000. Average auction price for that make/model over the last six months is just over $138,000.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And a 1970 John Deere 4020 diesel tractor (pictured above) sold for $22,250, besting the average auction price for this year by over $11,000.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

A pair of John Deere S690 combines that sold in that same Big Iron auction were also worth noting, Pete says. A 2017 model with 1,227 hours went for $131,250 (pictured above) and a 2014 model with 1,395 hours went $125,000.

And lastly, Pete noted two sprayer transactions he found interesting.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

At a DPA Auctions sale, a 2022 John Deere 410R sprayer with 347 hours out of Illinois sold for $362,000.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And a 2022 Case IH Patriot 4440 with 1,058 hours from Minnesota sold for $210,500, making it the highest price paid in the U.S. for a Patriot 4440 this year.

Auctions To Watch
For interested buyers looking for the right deal, Pete advises them to be on the lookout for multi-state online auctions.

“This is an interesting trend I’m seeing in the market. They actually label their sale the Tri-State sale, so they pull in equipment from Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. There’s another auction company in Nebraska, and they pull equipment out of Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas. They tend to do these about once a month,” he says.

On Saturday, June 21, he’s looking forward to a farm auction for Harry and Lola Blackburn in Lime Springs, Iowa, hosted by Joel’s Tractor and Auction.

Machinery Pete will be boots-on-the-ground with a camera crew, so you might get to meet him in person if you show up for the sale. There’s a trio of good condition, used John Deere machines that he says make it worth a look.

Your Next Read: Three Proven, Post-Planting Practices to Use In Corn

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.

Your Next Read: Big Bud Tractor Roars to Life After Farmer’s Awesome Restoration

Pete's Pick of the Week: 45-Year-Old Massey Ferguson Smashes Record High, Vintage Farmall and More

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:32:37 GMT

On the heels of a busy week of buying and selling activity on the used farm equipment auction circuit, Machinery Pete recalls a handful of vintage tractors that caught his attention.

For his weekly Pete’s Pick of the Week honor, he picked a tractor (video above) that has been chugging along crop rows for the last 45 years: A 1980 Massey Ferguson 2705 tractor with original paint sold for $19,500 at a consignment auction in Mount Pleasant, Penn. The previous record for that year/model was $18,000.

“You’re buying horsepower, and some people will say that’s nuts to spend almost $20K on a 45-year-old tractor, but then more than half the people will go ‘No, no, no, that’s not nuts. That’s a solid working tractor’,” Machinery Pete says. “If I want to get into anything newer, it’s going to cost a lot more. We keep talking about it - there is so much money going into these solid older machines, and they are going up in value.”

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

Another record-setting sale took place last Wednesday over in Plano, Ill., at a farm estate auction helmed by Merit Auctions. A John Deere 6115M utility tractor with a loader sold for $107,500. That model’s previous record high was $101,000.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

And on Saturday in Dunlap, Tenn., a Farmall M tractor (model year not disclosed) sold for $7,100 at a farm auction. Machinery Pete says it’s the second highest price he can find across over 2,500 Farmall M series transactions dating back decades.

(Machinery Pete Facebook)

Then there is this funky looking John Deere tractor that spent its days moving snow for a city maintenance department in North Dakota. At an April 15 consignment sale in Ashton, N.D., the 1972 John Deere 4620 with a cab, dual 3400 loader and over 7,000 operating hours sold for $37,975. The machine had been listed for sale for years by the City of Tollstoy for around $10,000. The city finally sent it to auction and received over triple the original price they were looking to get for it.

You can listen to Machinery Pete’s full segment from Monday’s AgriTalk episode here:

Upcoming Auction Action & New Podcast Episode
This week, Machinery Pete himself will be on the scene in Merrill, Wis., to cover the four-day 2025 Spring Auction by Integrity Sales & Auction. The sale kicks off Wednesday and will feature more than 4,000 lots of used ag and construction heavy machinery. You can take a look at the online listings here .

Machinery Pete also has a new podcast episode that dropped over the weekend. You can check that out here:

Your Next Read: Why Farmers are Flocking to Auctions for Low-Hour Equipment Deals

New Kid On The Block: TractorTuesday.com Emerges To Disrupt The Auction World And Save Farmers Money

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 19:15:36 GMT

With farmers feeling the squeeze from low commodity prices and inflation, and now there’s a trade war that is looking like it is going to drive new equipment prices up even higher for the foreseeable future, many farmers are turning to the used equipment auction world this year instead of financing a brand new machine off the dealer lot when they need a tractor, combine, or sprayer.

Hastings, Nebraska, sixth generation farmer Zach Bosle saw those shifting market dynamics coming into play and decided he wanted to do something about it. So this fall he hit the launch button on his latest venture, the online auction marketplace TractorTuesday.com.

Bosle says so far the platform has held two virtual auctions and signed up over 8,000 registered users in just under six months.

Now might be a good time to check out the new site and get registered, because TractorTuesday.com has another sale coming up on March 18. We met up with Bosle at Commodity Classic in Denver this week to learn more about this “Machinery Pete Approved” new entrant to the used equipment auction space.

Farm Journal (FJ): Tell us about the upcoming sale on March 18, Zach.

Zach Bosle (ZB): Sure. It will be a strictly online auction, and we’ll be featuring equipment in seven different states across the Corn Belt and into the Plains States.

FJ: I understand there is a pretty special machine that you’re planning to auction off in that sale?

(TractorTuesday.com)

ZB: Yes, and we recently had Machinery Pete with us on site as well (video below) to look at this unit. It’s a 1995 Case IH 7240 Magnum Mark 50 Edition tractor with only 3,412 operating hours on it. What makes this tractor so special, besides the very low hours, is they only made 100 of these. We’re hoping to see it set the all-time record for that model.

FJ: You just launched the website back in October, and you are already doing some interesting marketing campaigns to get your name out into the world. Tell us about the Name Image Likeness (NIL) program you’ve put in place.

ZB: We have signed 20 college student athletes this year , and I believe 18 of them are Division 1 athletes. We’ve got some phenomenal farm kids that are playing ball, including Bailey Maupin out of Texas Tech , who is currently one of the best women’s basketball players in the country. We also have a great pitcher at the University of Nebraska by the name of Ty Horn , and we’ve got Caden Matson at Iowa State from the Cyclone football program. We’ve got kids from Long Beach State all the way out to the University of Virginia and everywhere in between. So, we have a widespread NIL program in place and it’s just amazing to me where some of these farm kids come from and where they end up athletically.

FJ: A lot of farmers right now are kind of struggling with the economics of this new and used equipment marketplace right now. What would you say to those farmers if they asked for your advice?

ZB: I would just say to hang in there. And if you do have to sell, you know, really that $80,000 to $140,000 price range is holding quite strong right now. Now, if it’s a machine that is nearly new or just off lease, I’d be a little hesitant and I probably wouldn’t sell it just yet unless I really had to or if the banker told me I had to. But, you know, either way we think the best option for any farmer is going to be with TractorTuesday.com, because we’re offering zero commission on sales and there’s only a 2% buyer’s premium. When some of these auction sites are charging anywhere from 5% to 10% on commissions and buyer’s fees, listing with us can put more dollars back in those farmers pockets.

Check out TractorTuesday.com if you’re interested.

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.

Your Next Read: How to Fix Simple Machine Issues

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 .

Your Next Read: Rediscover Classics from John Deere and International Harvester

Monarch's MK-V Dairy Tractor Rolls Out Autonomous Feed Pushing

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:28:37 GMT

Monarch Tractor announces its first-in-class, fully-autonomous Autodrive feature is now commercially available on its MK-V driver-optional dairy tractor (EV or diesel) , according to a press release from the startup.

“Autonomous feed pushing offers value to dairy farmers by improving efficiency and increasing milk production,” says Praveen Penmetsa, CEO and co-founder of Monarch Tractor. “It allows the dairy farmers to focus on what matters most – the health and well-being of their animals.”

Autonomous feed pushing helps dairy farmers manage through labor shortages, and the ability to monitor feed pushing remotely while tending to other critical tasks ensures cows can be consistently fed every hour.

Additionally, the “smart tractor” is armed with Monarch’s Wingspan Ag Intelligence and WingspanAI technology stack , which tracks performance data while 360-degree cameras record video footage for real-time and historical insights. The MK-V Dairy is also a mobile power bank with 12v, 110v, and 220v plugs.

Monarch is hosting an in-person Autodrive demonstration at a working dairy on February 12, at 3 p.m. in Tulare, California, during World Ag Expo. Monarch reps and engineers will be on hand to talk to attendees and give them the opportunity to engage with the tractor. Reservations for the demonstration can be made here.

If you can’t make it to California next week, Monarch says dairy farmers can reach out and set up a demonstration at their farm.

Less Work, Better Bales: John Deere Intros Weave Automation

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:50:08 GMT

John Deere has launched weave automation for select round balers, according to a press release issued by the company.

Deere says this new feature helps streamline the baling process. The operator simply places the windrow between the front tires of the tractor and lets the baler do the work.

Today, round balers have gate and speed automation, which automates stopping the tractor when the bale is full sized - wrapping and ejecting the bale. The addition of weave automation allows less reliance on the operator skill to make a uniformed bale.

“Weave automation allows the baler to align with the tractor’s movements to effectively cover windrows of varying shapes and sizes,” said Kaylene Ballesteros, John Deere go-to-market manager for hay & forage equipment.

A New Process
The weaving hitch system allows a +38-degree swing from left to right, allowing for enhanced feed system and bale feeding capabilities. Not only does the automation streamline operation, it also enhances feed quality by minimizing contamination of debris introduced by driving over windrows.

Deere also says the added maneuverability of the baler allows the machine to position bales in a way that reduces the risk of rolling on uneven terrain or hillsides, increasing operator safety, productivity and efficiency.

To learn more about the John Deere Round Baler weave automation, stop by John Deere Booth 2025 at NCBA’s CattleCon, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit deere.com.

Your Next Read: Understand How EPA’s New Herbicide Strategy Will Impact Your Farm

FTC vs. John Deere: Two Experts Answer Key Questions

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:30:00 GMT

On Jan. 15, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court accusing John Deere of creating and presiding over a monopolistic and anti-competitive repair and dealer service system that puts farmers and independent repair professionals at an unfair disadvantage.

The news of this legal action has sent shock-waves through the ag equipment world. Deere has since offered an official statement condemning the action as “meritless…baseless…brazen partisanship.”

Incoming FTC chair, commissioner Andrew Ferguson, who has been appointed to head up the agency under President Trump, issued a statement that simultaneously recognizes the importance of allowing farmers to diagnose and fix their machines while indicating he disagrees with the decision to file the lawsuit. Fergusons’ statement was cosigned by fellow FTC commissioner Melissa Holyoak.

What happens next?
According to a post at FTC.gov, once the agency files a lawsuit the respondent – in this case, John Deere – has the right to contest the charges. FTC may then issue a final order, which can be appealed to the courts. The agency may also seek civil (i.e. financial) damages or request an injunction against Deere.

Plaintiff’s counsel have requested an injunction against John Deere. The lawsuit expressly asks for “a permanent injunction and other equitable relief against Deere to prevent its unlawful conduct in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act” along with several state statutes in Illinois and Minnesota.

The Interviews
Now that we’ve set the stage, here is what two experts who have paid close attention to the case have to say about it:

James Kovacs is an antitrust attorney with Shinder Cantor Lerner (SLC), a national litigation firm that specializes in antitrust law.

Q: Is what FTC is accusing Deere of difficult to prove in a court of law?

A: “This is actually a very interesting topic that has been going on now for a number of decades, called right to repair. And right to repair within the antitrust space, which is where I practice, has to do with whether or not restrictions placed by the original equipment manufacturer, in this case John Deere, and what we call an aftermarket, which are the areas in which people compete for repair or service, whether those, you know, aftermarkets are being harmed. And so looking at whether people cannot either independently repair their own equipment or whether independent retailers or repair centers are also restricted as well. With these cases, really any monopolization case is challenging, but here I will say that the practices of John Deere, I think, are quite open and notorious.

“For a long time, people have been aware that farmers have been restricted from repairing their farm equipment. There are a variety of means, most of which are sort of technical issues in which the data and information necessary to perform the repair or the tool, which I believe is called the Service Advisor, has been restricted. And so, when the farmer or the independent repair center goes to fix the John Deere equipment, they are not able to access the necessary technical information to complete the job. And now the farmer can only do those types of repairs through a John Deere retailer, an authorized retailer.

“And so, this type of conduct within the right to repair market dates back to cases in the 1990s, in particular, with Kodak printers. And it can be found to be anti-competitive, wherein there’s an entity with basically complete control over the repair market who applies these types of restrictions. So, this is not something that is uncommon. And it’s something that’s seen quite an uptick in interest since the Biden Administration made it a priority. And when the FTC issued their initial report, called Nixing The Fix, that sort of got the ball rolling on the FTC’s interest in these types of cases.”

Q: In your opinion, does FTC have a strong case here?

A: “In my experience, the FTC does not bring complaints unless they feel like there are strong grounds to do so. Again, I also think there are a couple key factors at play here. One, I think the public is becoming quite aware of John Deere’s practices. I know that there are several reports and public sources out there who have spoken about these issues and their impact on farmers and their farming equipment.

“The second aspect to keep in mind is there is also a private litigation against John Deere alleging the same practices. That case has proceeded past a motion to dismiss. And so, what that means is the allegations have been proven to be sufficient to allow the parties to proceed into discovery. And I think that gives credence to the fact these claims are not necessarily merit-less at all. But in fact, people who have been looking at these issues believe there are merits to these claims. And I think the FTC does not typically act unless they believe strongly that an issue could be problematic.”

Q: FTC, through their legal team, has requested an injunction against Deere along with their co-plaintiffs, the state attorney generals in Illinois and Minnesota. Let’s say I’m a farmer in Illinois or Minnesota, and I’m using Deere equipment. I may be looking to have some repairs made before spring planting by a John Deere dealer. Could there be implications at play for those users?

A: “I think it’s important to note that the FTC’s jurisdiction is nationwide. And so, what the FTC is seeking through its injunctive relief, as I understand it, is access to what they call the ‘full function Service Advisor (program).’ As of right now, there is sort of an incomplete Service Advisor that the independent repair pros and the farmers have access to, but that doesn’t give them the full suite of options to repair all the needs of their farming equipment. And the allegation is that John Deere has withheld some of this technical information out of a desire to sort of capture the repair market under the injunctive relief.

“As I understand it, if the FTC were to be successful in any litigation and a jury ultimately found in their favor, then ultimately the farmers would be able to get access to this full Service Advisor tool and therefore be able to complete more repairs. Whether or not John Deere comes up with additional ways of restricting repairs is going to be open to interpretation, but at least this is a very specific injunctive relief. And there’s also sort of broader language to sort of prevent them from continuing this unlawful conduct. And so, I think it could be substantial relief.”

Willie Cade is a Washington, D.C., lobbyist and Right to Repair advocate. His grandfather was on the board at John Deere and worked for the company as a chief engineer. He can be reached by email at willie@graceful.solutions .

Q: What have you learned about this legal action that sticks out to you?

A: “A couple of things really stick out in my mind. No. 1, deep into the filing, around paragraph 111, they talk about how this monopolization of repair actually affects all repairs.

“Yes, it’s not monopolization of every repair, but it affects the price of every repair, which is remarkable. And they really call it a monopoly. They’re flat out about it. I love the way they took the time – we initially filed the complaint with the FTC and I worked on that with the attorneys that filed it three years ago. So they did their homework and they’ve done a really good job. And I really recommend to the farmers who really care about this issue, that they read the complaint because it reads really well. It reads like they know the industry, like they know what they’re talking about and that kind of thing.

“The other thing that was kind of interesting is, is they have lots (of evidence). They have a number of John Deere executives on record saying that, yeah, we knew we were doing this. So, I mean, they’ve really nailed it from that point of view. And when you look at the dissenting opinion from the two Republican commissioners, it’s a non-dissent dissent. There really was no objection to the substance of the suit, just the timing.”

Q: Are you aware of any other major farm machinery companies that might be engaged in similar conduct?

A: “They’re all doing it. They all use the same similar kind of technology — the CAN bus. Caterpillar is a little different because it’s not a CAN bus, it’s a hub. But those are just technical details. They’re still wanting to, I assert, illegally control the consumer after they sell the product. That’s a legal concept called tying. And tying has been illegal for almost a century now. And the electronics allow you to do it today where you weren’t able to do it before, other than physically. So we’re going to nail this. It’s going to take a year or two and then we’re going to move on. We’re going to move on to some even more important issues in agriculture. But I won’t tell you what that is yet.”

Q: Could you see this becoming sort of a win-win situation, where the farmers win out on this and even Deere comes out of this looking somewhat okay and maybe better for the long term?

A: “Well, here’s the interesting thing. Due to the lack of rights to repair their own farm equipment, farmers stand to lose $4.2 billion a year. About 20% of that is realized in higher prices for repair and services. The rest is in lost yield. So, could you imagine if farmers could get that rough number, that $3.8 billion back or even $3.7 billion back? And it’s all profit, by the way. By the time you get the yield, it’s all profit. If they could get that as profit, of course John Deere is going to do better with sales.”

Watch this video for additional coverage from the Jan. 18, 2025, episode of U.S. Farm Report.

Your Next Read: How a Con Man Pulled the Evilest Agriculture Fraud in History

BREAKING: FTC Files Right to Repair Lawsuit, John Deere Issues Statement

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:07:03 GMT

It is bone-chillingly cold throughout the Midwest, yet the Right to Repair issue is heating up once again.

Farm Journal Washington correspondent Jim Wiesemeyer learned early Wednesday morning that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is filing a lawsuit against Deere & Co. for allegedly violating U.S. competition laws.

The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 15, 2025, in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Western Division. You can review the redacted filing by clicking here.

Update (6:31 pm CST): John Deere has released a statement vowing to fight the lawsuit, characterizing the FTC’s claims as “baseless” and “meritless.” It can be viewed here.

Wiesemeyer shared the following summary of key points from Deere’s response:

Commitment to repair access: John Deere emphasized its long-standing dedication to customer self-repair, noting its history of publishing manuals, selling parts directly, and providing digital tools like Customer Service ADVISOR.
Defense of innovation: The company stated that the lawsuit “punishes innovation and pro-competitive product design.”
Settlement efforts: John Deere disclosed ongoing settlement negotiations with the FTC prior to the lawsuit and criticized the agency for relying on “inaccurate information and assumptions.”
Recent initiatives: Highlights included the launch of Equipment Mobile in 2023, upcoming upgrades to the John Deere Operations Center, and a pilot program to enhance farmer’s repair options.

RELATED: What Does Right to Repair Really Mean?

What happens next?
According to a post at FTC.gov, once the agency files a lawsuit the respondent – in this case, John Deere – has the right to contest the charges. FTC may then issue a final order, which can be appealed to the courts. The agency may also seek civil (i.e. financial) damages or request an injunction against Deere.

According to the Jan. 15 filing, Plaintiff’s counsel has asked for an injunction against John Deere. The lawsuit requests “a permanent injunction and other equitable relief against Deere to prevent its unlawful conduct in or affecting commerce in violation of Section 5(a) of the FTC Act” along with several state statutes in Illinois and Minnesota.

Farm Journal has reached out to its contacts in the ag law realm to find out what the implications are if an injunction is granted against Deere in Illinois and Minnesota, and what that would mean for Deere customers in those states. We’ll update with more information as soon as we have it.

Why is FTC filing against Deere?
Reuters and other news sources confirm the agency has been actively investigating John Deere since 2021 .

Weisemeyer has been following the situation closely. He has learned the agency claims Deere’s equipment design often necessitates proprietary software available only to authorized dealers, which in turn limits farmers and independent repair shop’s ability to perform repairs.

Deere had previously agreed in January 2023, through an accord with the American Farm Bureau Federation, to expand access to its repair tools, but according to Weisemeyer and reporting from Bloomberg, concerns over compliance with that agreement persist.

According to reporting from online publication Agriculture Dive, a court last year ruled against the heavy equipment giant’s bid to dismiss a similar lawsuit from a group of farmers.

In yet another twist in this ongoing saga, FTC Commissioner Andrew N. Ferguson has issued a dissenting opinion, which is cosigned by FTC Commissioner Melissa Holyoak. President Trump announced on Dec. 10 that Ferguson will serve as the new Chair of the FTC under his administration.

You can review that dissenting opinion here.

Deere’s news release on expanding self-repair solutions
On Jan., 14, 2025, John Deere issued a news release outlining its commitment to expanding access to various digital tools and resources to help independent repair technicians and farmers diagnose equipment and make repairs.

The full statement is posted to Deere’s online newsroom.

The statement details what Deere calls its “Commitment to Repairability” and includes a list of tools that are available today to “support customers throughout their machine ownership and repair journey.”

Deere also writes that a “latest addition to Deere’s suite of digital solutions will further empower customers and independent repair technicians by, among other things, enabling them to reprogram Deere-manufactured electronic controllers.” The new capabilities are being integrated into the John Deere Operation’s Center, Deere adds, and will “offer more comprehensive solutions for diagnosing and repairing equipment while ensuring machine reliability, safety, and compliance.”

The manufacturer also says it will have additional announcements regarding a “customer and independent repair technician pilot” which is due to launch in the U.S. and Canada by the second half of 2025.

The news release directs interested parties to visit Deere.com/repair for more information.

Your Next Read: 5 Tech Companies Embracing Electrification, Autonomy

5 Tech Companies Embracing Electrification, Autonomy

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:25:36 GMT

Tractors and robots powered by electrification and autonomously tasked using Artificial Intelligence were without a doubt the main points of emphasis among the handful of farm tech companies exhibiting at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Here’s a brief rundown of what some ag tech and ag tech adjacent companies showed off:

John Deere – After wowing attendees last year with a remotely operated tractor exhibit where users stopped and started a large 8RX tractor doing tillage work thousands of miles away at Deere’s Austin, Texas, test farm, the manufacturer extended its autonomous capabilities across a wider breadth of its machine portfolio to include lower horsepower tractors and autonomous spraying technologies for tree, fruit, and nut growers , as well as an autonomous lawn mower for commercial landscapers and a massive articulated yellow-and-black dump truck for construction firms. Deere also debuted a 130 hp, fully electric battery powered, autonomous-ready concept tractor at the show.

RELATED: John Deere Introducing Next Generation Perception Autonomy Kits

Behold, the hustle and bustle of John Deere’s CES booth:
Kubota – the Japanese firm captured a CES Innovation Award for its KATR robot (video clip below), a four-wheeled all terrain, multi-functional field robot that maintains a level deck across rugged terrain and operates autonomously and in “follow me” mode to help specialty crop producers get more done in a day. However the stars of the show at the Kubota booth, in this author’s humble opinion, were Flash, a plant health imagery solution that uses AI for analysis, and the Smart Plant Imager that bolts onto the top of the KATR robot and enables acquisition of hyperspectral plant health data in real-time. Both products spit back management recommendations to help high value crop growers know where to focus management and labor efforts to make the biggest impacts on yield and quality. Also new this year: the Agri Concept 2.0 autonomous tractor that debuted last year at CES has been outfitted with an operator cab, giving farmers the choice between direct oversight or autonomous tasking.

Spoiler Alert: Those peach baskets don’t fall off or spill. Good job, KATR:
Kioti – the South Korean midsize equipment innovator displayed a multi-functional, modular field robot it is calling the AI Agri Robot RT 100 (pictured top of page). Electrically driven and featuring three driving modes – manual, follow me, and fully autonomous, the helper robot can be outfitted with an orchard spray kit to apply pesticides into the plant canopy as it travels between permanent crop rows. Kioti also showed off a fully electric RX 7340 smart tractor (video clip below) that features integrated soil sensing technology that measures soil moisture, organic matter, and other soil health metrics and sends that data up through the AWS cloud for processing and then back to the grower’s preferred FMIS solution, helping provide the farmer with greater insight into soil conditions in real-time.

That’s an eye-catching small utility tractor, I must say. And it’s “Smart” - beauty and brains:
Caterpillar – The heavy equipment manufacturer kicked off its 100-year anniversary at CES. Like its ag industry brethren, Cat debuted solutions around electrification and autonomy, starting with the center piece of its booth: a gigantic, electrified 55,000-pound Cat 972 Wheel Loader (pictured top of page). Cat also featured its Cat Command autonomous live remote operation capability (video clip below) by having CES attendees sit in a pilot seat and take the controls of an excavator located on a job site in Tijuana Hills, Arizona.

Space-age technology coming soon to a rock quarry near you. Freddy Flintstone and Barney Rubble approved:
The future is here: you can finally put your lazy, do-nothing barn roof to work generating free power from the sun for your electrified machines! Very cool.
(Matthew J. Grassi )

Jackery – With all of the focus on electrification from the ag side at CES, it makes sense to look at what solutions are out there for portable, sustainable power generation and storage. Jackery made a big splash with its lightweight, portable solar generators and collapsible solar panels, and an even bigger hit its solar roof shingle technology (pictured inset). One can imagine a future where growers with electric machines decide to replace their barn roof with solar roof shingles to capture all of that energy from the sun and use it to power power electrified equipment around the farm. Something tells me that Jackery is going to be relevant in the ag world should the shift to electrification continue on at the farm gate.

Stay tuned to AgWeb.com for more ongoing coverage of what we saw and heard at CES 2025 in the days and weeks ahead!

Your Next Read: Fake Farmer Steals $8.75M In Green Energy Scam

Livestock Equipment

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

Commodities Market Update

What’s Happening on the High Plains?

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

Upcoming Auction

Farm Equipment Auctions Soaring Despite Stagnant Economy: Unpacking What's Next

The Rest of The Episode

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

Clicking On Used? Navigate Online Farm Equipment Auctions Like A Pro

More used farm equipment auction content:

Pete's Pick: 29-Year-Old Used Case IH Skid Steer, 2000 John Deere 8310 Draw Strong Bids

Used Farm Equipment Swindle Alert: BBB Warns Virtual Vendor Vehicle Scams on the Rise

Related: Essential Advice for Safely Buying Used Farm Machinery

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

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

Why Used Specialty Machinery Is Trending Right Now

The rest of the episode

Farmers, Truckers and Gear Heads Rejoice: EPA Rolls Out Streamlined Diesel Engine Fluid Guidelines

How Did We Get Here?

Why Do Many Farmers Hate Using Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)?

Used Equipment Values Have Stabilized in 2025, But the Surprising Trend Might Not Last

The Catalyst for the Dramatic Drop

Why Used Equipment Prices Have Stabilized in 2025

“Watching a Knife Fall”

Financial Pressure Mounts

Prices Could Explode

Livestock Equipment Values Are Strong

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

Related: Insights From Seed Companies on Tackling Tassel Wrap Challenges

High Plains Region and Commodities Updates

Machinery Pete: Versatile Skid Steers, Used Tractors Are Hotter Than Fish Grease

Load ’Em Up: Used John Deere Tractors Set Auction Records in New York

Upcoming Auctions To Watch

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

Machinery Pete Runs Down Buying Activity on Everything From Applicators to Skid Steers

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

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

Honda Offers Updated FourTrax ATVs for 2026 Model Year

New Bobcat Compact Tractors Feature Enclosed Cabs and Front Loader

Kioti Adds Two Models to HX Utility Tractor Series

Discover Equipment Trends: From Tractors to Hay Tool Innovation

Pete's Pick of the Week: 45-Year-Old Massey Ferguson Smashes Record High, Vintage Farmall and More

New Kid On The Block: TractorTuesday.com Emerges To Disrupt The Auction World And Save Farmers Money

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

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

Monarch's MK-V Dairy Tractor Rolls Out Autonomous Feed Pushing

Less Work, Better Bales: John Deere Intros Weave Automation

FTC vs. John Deere: Two Experts Answer Key Questions

BREAKING: FTC Files Right to Repair Lawsuit, John Deere Issues Statement

5 Tech Companies Embracing Electrification, Autonomy