Soft Commodity Prices Might Mean Slower Equipment Sales

May 02, 2016

There have been some challenges for farm equipment sales over the last couple of years, according to the CEO of the Western Equipment Dealers Association.

John Schmeiser says there was an incredible run of equipment sales from 2007 to 2014, and a lot of customers have re-invested in their machinery.

"At this point in time, because we've seen some softening in the commodity prices, they don't have to make that reinvestment," he says, "but having said that, in areas where there are lentils being grown — where the commodity price is still fairly strong — we are seeing a lot of sales activity. And what's really promising for us is we're still seeing a lot of quoting on deals."

On the manufacturing side, Schmeiser says they are seeing more new products rolling out to meet consumer demands for more production and better technology.

Source : Portageonline

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.