AGCO Names Levi Stefanson 2024 North American Technician of the Year

Mar 13, 2025

AGCO Corporation, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, named Levi Stefanson its 2024 Technician of the Year on February 27 in Hesston, Kansas. This unique program recognizes North American AGCO dealer technicians for their diagnostic and maintenance abilities, dedication to continuous learning and customer service skills. Stefanson of Full Line Ag Sales Ltd. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, was awarded the 2024 title and a $5,000 grand prize after a three-day, hands-on competition against five other finalists nominated by AGCO dealerships across the US and Canada.

“AGCO congratulates Levi and all our finalists for their outstanding performances and a great competition,” said Ash Alt, Manager of Technical Training, North America. “This event honors the often ‘unsung’ heroes at our dealerships – the technicians who ensure our farmers’ vital equipment runs smoothly. The finalists demonstrate the skills and values celebrated by Technician of the Year, benefiting both farmers and dealers.”

Maintaining equipment from AGCO’s Fendt® and Massey Ferguson® brands requires the skills of highly trained professionals, and AGCO works closely with its dealers and regional educational institutions to identify, encourage and equip talented technicians. The Technician of the Year competition and the AGCO Service Technician A.A.S. associate degree program at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, are examples of these focused efforts.

Click here to see more...

Video: U.S.-China Trade “Truce” + U.S. Fed Cuts Rates Again

The market was hoping for a US-China trade deal, but we got a trade “truce” for now from the keenly awaited Trump-Xi meeting at the APEC Summit.
China commits to minimum purchase commitments of 12 MMT of U.S. soybeans during the “current season” and a minimum of 25 MMT annually through 2028.
U.S. Treasury Sec Bessent said other Asian countries have agreed to buy additional 19 MMT of US soybean.
Soybean futures trading above $11 now- they normally tend to rally to $12.
As expected, US Fed cuts interest rates by -0.25% again in October to 3.75%–4.00%. No further cuts promised for this year but trade looking out to the Dec FOMC.
The Bank of Canada cut interest rates to 2.25% but raised concern over trade war damage.
Soy meal futures, remarkably, have had 14 consecutive higher close sessions. A bull market in soybeans is a bull market in soy meal!
Cattle futures lower as funds unwind out of cattle for now due to Trump headlines and objective to lower beef prices.
All major stock indices climb to new record highs. It was Mag 7 reporting week, which had mixed results. But we now have the first $5 trillion company in Nvidia!