Ins Ide Th Is Issue :In Recognition: November Member Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Cummings Elected As Assoc. President & 2012-2013 Executive Officers Elected . . 2

Hemisphere To Exit All NonAg Related Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Penton Media Purchases Farm Progress . 3

AEM’s Ag Flash Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Ag Executive Forum Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Fall Convention E-Message System . . . . . . 4

Jones Wins C.P. Nicholson Award In Jacksonville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

EMDA Elects New Officers At Jacksonville Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Alamo Reports 3Q Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Farmer Mac Reports Higher Earnings . . . . 5

Ag Growth Announces 3Q Results . . . . . . . . 5

Thanksgiving Dinner May Cost a Tad More This Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

ASABE Developing Grain Bin Standard. . . 6

NAM Discusses Fiscal Cliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ASABE Revises Standard On Densified Products For Bulk Handling . . . . 6

Wood Brothers Inducted Into AEM Hall Of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Classified Ads: Help Wanted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

U.S. Corn & Soybean Production Forecasts Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Architect Of Farm Bill Pays Visit To CLAAS Of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Vilsack Calls For Farm Bill Reforms . . . . . . . 8

Dealer News Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Fiat Merger With CNH Global, Round Two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Volume lXII Number 18 NoVember 16 2012 WIn, Loose and sTaLLed

W ith Democrats picking up sev-eral seats in the U.S. Senate last week, watch for changes in the

make up of some, if not all, of its commit-tees including the Agriculture Committee. Senate Majority Leader Reid will be push-ing for additional Democrat seats in his discussions with Republican Minority Leader McConnell, as they work on the organizing resolution.

Most political observers believe it is unlikely the Farm Bill currently stalled in Congress will receive much attention dur-ing the lame duck session, with tax hikes and spending cuts, set to go into effect January 1, 2013, consuming what time remains in this session. Some believe a one-year extension is likely in early 2013, while the new Congress works on a new five-year Farm Bill.

Senate Agriculture Committee: Most of the likely changes in this important committee occurred prior to last week’s elections with Kent Conrad (D-ND) and Ben Nelson (D-NE) retiring and Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) losing his primary. Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran is look-ing seriously at reclaiming the post of top Republican on this Committee, setting up a challenge to Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), who has angered Southern producers with his resistance to price supports.

Senator-elect and rancher Deb Fischer (R-NE), is thought to be a very unlikely addition to the Committee, given that Senator and former USDA Secretary Mike Johanns (R-NE) already serves on the Committee. Senator-elect Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) claims to have already been offered a slot on the committee, while fel-low Democrat, Joe Donnelly (D-IN), who was also an upset winner in the race to suc-ceed Lugar, might be a possibility for the committee.

House Agriculture Committee: Prior to counting the ballots, two Republicans and three Democrats on this committee were on their way out for the next Congress, with another four members defeated on

election day: Leonard Boswell (D-IA), Joe Baca (D-CA), Bobby Schilling (R-IL), and Larry Kissell (D-NC). Mike McIntyre (D-NC) is clinging to a narrow lead and facing a likely recount. Assuming he retains his lead, he will be the second most senior Democrat on the Committee. Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) and Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) are expected to retain their leadership positions.

Other Ag Related Issues: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was a big loser on several fronts last week. A major loss for HSUS was the defeat of Measure 5 in North Dakota, a ballot initia-tive to make certain forms of animal cruelty a felony. HSUS’ lobbying arm spent more than $675,000 in support of the measure, which was defeated by a 65 to 35 margin.

HSUS had also targeted Rep. Steve King (R-IA) for defeat in his race against Christie Vilsack, wife of the U.S. Ag Secretary. The Humane Society Legislative Fund spent upwards of a million dollars to oppose King only to see him defeat Vilsack by eight percentage points. King has been a frequent critic of HSUS. Earlier this year, he was successful in adding an amendment to the House version of the farm bill that prohibits states from regulating the means of production of agriculture products. King believes that is what prompted the HSUS attack ads against him

Voters in North Dakota became the first to enshrine the right to farm in their state constitution, a move that some say could have far-reaching effects on genetic modi-fication, land use and the way animals are raised.

Voters in California rejected a contro-versial measure that would have required labels to be placed on products containing genetically modified ingredients. Had the ballot initiative passed, California would have become the only state to require such labeling. Almost 80% of packaged foods contain some type of genetically modified seed, according to the Grocery Manufacturers Association. ◆

2 FarmEquip.org NovEmbEr 16, 2012

CummIngs eLeCTed as assoCIaTIon PresIdenT & 2012-2013 exeCuTIve offICers eLeCTed

During the 62nd Annual Fall Convention, October 31 to November 3, in Jacksonville, FL, the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association elected Andrew Cummings, T. G. Schmeiser Company, Inc., as the 61st President of the Association. Cummings has served on the Association’s Board since 2005, and has also served as the Chairman of the Association’s Membership Committee since 2009.

Cummings is the President and General Manager of T. G. Schmeiser Company, Inc., located in Fresno, CA. For over 80 years, the company has been manufacturing and delivering versatile solutions for progres-

sive soil management. The company’s years of proven performance in the demanding agricultural arena, also bring efficiency and reliability for other specialized soil manage-ment needs.

Cummings will host the Association’s 2013 Spring Management Clinic in Omaha, Nebraska, April 10-13, and the 2013 Fall Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 21-25, where his term as President will conclude.

Also during the annual Fall Convention the following were elected to serve as the 2012-2013 Executive Committee:

For more information about the 2012-2013 Officers and Board of Directors, go to FarmEquip.org. Thanks to all of those who attended the Jacksonville Fall Convention, we look forward to seeing you all again in Omaha this April. ◆

OfficersPres.: Andrew Cummings, T. G. Schmeiser Co., Inc.

1st VP: Marc Mcconnell, Art’s Way Mfg. Co.

2nd VP: Mike Kloster, Worksaver Inc.

Treasurer: Robert Atkinson, W & A Mfg. Co.

Secretary: Rick Kirby, Kirby Manufacturing

ex officio: Sandy Kimball, Bigham Brothers, Inc.

BOard Of directOrs

Tony Bakker, Monosem Inc.

Jan Faassen, GKN Land Systems

Paul Jeffrey, MacDon, Inc.

Donny Jones, Belltec Industries, Inc.

Stanley McFarlane, McFarlane Mfg. Co., Inc.

Arlon Rahn, A & R Marketing

Ron Roglis, HCC, Inc.

Linda Salem, Great Plains Manufacturing Inc.

Bob Sonntag, Rem Enterprises Inc.

Jacqueline Vassar, Vassar Manufacturing Company

staff

executive VP: Vernon Schmidt

Communications Director: Hannah Hamontree

Accounting/meeting Services mgr: Tricia Kidd

Director of membership Services: Elaina Jackson

shortliner information

The Shortliner is published twice-monthly for

members of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers

Association. If you have questions, comments,

need to update your mailing address or to select

your preferred newsletter format, please email

Shortliner@FarmEquip.org.

This newsletter is also available in

an online version and mobile browser ver-

sion at m.Farmequip.org. To sign up for

the E-Shortliner, please email Shortliner@

FarmEquip.org with your name, company

name and email address.

advertising information

For information on how to advertise in the

Shortliner please review the ad info at farmequip.

org/ads. If you have specific questions about

advertising in the Shortliner, please email Ads@

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contact information

Farm Equipment

Manufacturers Association

1000 Executive Parkway, Suite 100

St. Louis, Missouri 63141-6369

Ph: (314) 878-2304 Fx: (314) 732-1480

Shortliner@FarmEquip.org Farmequip.org

In reCognITIon: november member annIversarIes

We would like to recognize the following companies for their continued support of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association and thank them for their membership over the years. We appreciate the continued support of all our members.

40 Years:Leavitt Tube Company, Inc.

20 Years:Supreme International Limited

15 Years:Hillco Technologies, Inc.

10 Years:Blueline Mfg., Inc.

5 Years:Kuhns Mfg. LLC

Daemar Inc. Safe Engineering

Summit Steel Corp. Agri Impex Inc.

We look forward to many more years of having these companies as members. ◆

Marc McConnell1st Vice PresidentArt’s-Way Mfg. Co.

Mike Kloster2nd Vice PresidentWorksaver Inc.

Bob AtkinsonTreasurerW & A Mfg. Co.

Ric KirbySecretaryKirby Mfg.

Sandy KimballEx Officio MemberBigham Brothers, Inc.

Andrew Cummings

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NovEmbEr 16, 2012 FarmEquip.org 3

PenTon medIa PurChases farm Progress

Penton Media announced it acquired Farm Progress from Fairfax Media Limited of Sydney, Australia significantly expand-ing its agriculture sector footprint. The purchase price was $79.9 million before certain adjustments.

“We’ve always had tremendous respect and admiration for Farm Progress and its products. We also have a clear, strate-gic commitment to grow our agricultural information business, and Farm Progress perfectly supports that goal,” said Penton CEO David Kieselstein.

“Farm Progress is a high quality com-pany — the team has delivered excellent organic revenue and EBITDA growth,” he continued. “Moreover, this business fits with Penton’s heightened focus on properties that have high levels of user engagement. The fact that Farm Progress events attract more than 200,000 attendees from across the agriculture community every year is a prime example of that value.”

Farm Progress will become part of the Penton Agricultural Group reporting to Penton Senior Vice President, Dan Bagan. Jeff Lapin, president of Farm Progress, will

leave the company at the end of the year. Farm Progress will remain headquartered in St. Charles, IL.

Penton’s agriculture products & ser-vices include: Beef, Corn & Soybean Digest, Farm Industry News, Delta Farm Press, Hay & Forage Grower, National Hog Farmer, Southeast Farm Press, Southwest Farm Press and Western Farm Press.

Farm Progress products and services include: Farm Progress Show, Husker Harvest Days, Farm Progress Hay Expo, NY Farm Show. Publications include: American Agriculturist, Beef Producer, California Farmer, Carolina-Virginia Farmer, Dakota Farmer, Farm Futures, Feedstuffs, Indiana Prairie Farmer, Kansas Farmer, Irrigation Extra, Michigan Farmer, Mid-South Farmer, Missouri Ruralist, Nebraska Farmer, Ohio Farmer, Prairie Farmer, Southern Farmer, Tack ‘n Togs, The Farmer-Stockman, The Farmer, Wallaces Farmer, Western Farmer-Stockman and Wisconsin Agriculturist. Farm Progress also broadcasts Farm Progress America.

Farm Progress Companies, Association member since 1980; farmprogress.com. ◆

hemIsPhere To exIT aLL non-ag reLaTed busInesses

Hemisphere GPS Inc, said it will exit its non-agriculture-related business and cut 38% of its total workforce. The company, which appointed Rick Heiniger chief executive in September, said it expects to save $7 million annually from the restructuring. The total workforce will be reduced from 273 to about 170.

Hemisphere said diversification into marine, construction and other indus-tries had increased costs, absorbed cash and distracted management focus from its core agriculture business.

The agriculture business contributed 81% to the company’s revenue in the first nine months of 2012. The company, valued at $46.4 million, reported a wider quarterly loss and said it no longer expects to meet its target of 10% revenue growth in the year. Net loss widened to $2.8 million in the third quarter, from $1.6 million a year earlier. Revenue remained flat at $14 million.

Consolidated revenue growth was 22% in Canada and 6% in the U.S., the company reported in their third-quarter financial

results. European sales were down 1% due to Europe’s struggling economies, and sales to other international regions includ-ing Australia, Asia and South America decreased by 25%, compared to the third quarter of 2011 primarily due to a single large order in the previous year that wasn’t repeated this year.

In August 2012, the company announced the launch of Outback MAX™, its new flagship product for the precision agriculture market. Market and customer reception has been positive and initial sales have been encouraging, building optimism for 2013.

Segmented revenues from the Company’s core Agriculture business increased revenue contribution to 75% of total third quarter revenues, compared with 71% in the third quarter of 2011. Precision Products contributed 25% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 29% in 2011.

Hemisphere GPS, Association member since 2004; hemispheregps.com. ◆

ag exeCuTIve forum InvITaTIon

Members of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association are invited to attend the 2013 Ag Executive Forum, by Farm Journal Media and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), held in conjunction with AG CONNECT Expo & Summit 2013.

The Ag Executive Forum offers a dynamic venue where candid execu-tive and farmer panels shed unique perspectives on the pivotal challenges and opportunities awaiting us in the years ahead. Agribusiness executives, elite growers and key dealers all benefit at this gathering, January 28-29, 2013.

Early registration for this events ends November 30, 2012. For more information go to AgExecutiveForum.com. ◆

aem’s ag fLash rePorTs

Highlights from AEM’s (Association of Equipment Manufacturers) monthly Ag Flash Reports for unit retail sales are listed below. For complete data, go to aem.org.

OCtOBeR RepORt — U.S. RetAil SAleS

2WD tractors 2012 % Chg vs 2011

< 40 HP 8,532 +31.6%

40 < 100 HP 5,735 +22.4%

100+ HP 4,820 +34.4%

total 2 WD tractors 19,087 +29.4

total 4WD tractors 1,182 +28.8%

total tractors 20,269 +29.3%

Self-prop Combines 1,768 +45.2%

OCtOBeR RepORt — CAnADiAn RetAil SAleS

2WD tractors 2012 % Chg vs 2011

< 40 HP 1,353 -4.8%

40 < 100 HP 1,173 -4.6%

100+ HP 840 +29.2%

total 2 WD tractors 3,366 +2.0%

total 4WD tractors 317 +53.1%

total tractors 3,683 +5.0%

Self-prop Combines 553 +27.4%

SepteMBeR RepORt — RUSSiAn RetAil SAleS

2WD tractors 2012 % Chg vs 2011

< 40 HP 819 -16.4%

40 < 100 HP 1,241 +3.7%

100+ HP 524 +19.9%

total 2 WD tractors 2,584 -1.1

total 4WD tractors 53 -5.4%

total tractors 2,637 -1.2%

Self-prop Combines 354 -26.9%

4 FarmEquip.org NovEmbEr 16, 2012

aLamo rePorTs 3Q resuLTs

Alamo Group Inc. reported results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012. Net sales for the third quarter were $156.1 million compared to

net sales of $155.1 million for the same quarter of 2011, an increase of 1%.

Net income for the quarter was $8.6 million, versus $10.1 million for the third quarter of 2011, a decrease of 15%. The decline in net income was attributed to some softness across all three of the com-pany’s business segments.

Net sales for the first nine months of 2012 were a record $479.0 million and were 5% above 2011 nine-month net sales of $456.6 million. Net income in the 2012 nine month period was $24.7 mil-lion, compared to $24.6 million, for the same period in 2011. The company’s 2012 results include the effect of the acquisition of Tenco, which was completed in October 2011. In the third quarter of 2012, Tenco contributed $5.0 million to net sales and $0.1 million to net income. For the first nine months of 2012, Tenco contributed $20.1 million to net sales and $0.4 million to net income.

The company’s North American Agricultural Division net sales were $54.1 million in the third quarter of 2012, com-pared to net sales of $55.3 million in the same period of 2011, a decrease of 2%. For the nine-month period, net sales were

$155.5 million, versus $160.5 million in the previous year, a decrease of 3%. This reflects slower overall market conditions compared to the high growth rates of the last two years, as well as the further impact of reduced demand in areas affected by recent droughts.

Alamo Group’s European Division net sales in the third quarter of 2012 were $40.0 million, a decrease of 7% compared to net sales of $42.8 million in the third quarter of 2011. For the first nine months of 2012, net sales in the division were $126.7 million, versus $130.8 million in the same period of the previous year, a decrease of 3%.

Ron Robinson, Alamo Group’s presi-dent and chief executive officer said, “Our results for the quarter reflected weaken-ing global economic conditions. While our industrial mowing and vacuum truck products held up reasonably well in North America, sales of big ticket items, such as excavators and street sweepers, were below expectations as governmental end users, particularly municipalities, showed signs of slowing. Similarly, the softness we began to see in our agricultural divi-sion in the second quarter continued into the third quarter, especially in drought-affected areas. As expected, Europe remained our softest segment, as it con-tinued to feel the effects of the financial turmoil and general economic uncer-tainty across that region.”

Alamo Group, Association member since 1952; alamo-group.com. ◆

faLL ConvenTIon e-message sysTem

The Jacksonville Fall Convention is over but, if you didn’t have a chance to check or forward any messages on the joint e-message system before leaving, there’s still time.

All messages from the meeting will remain in the e-message system and will not be deleted until December 31, 2012. If you forgot your user name and password, please contact the office at (314) 878-2304 or email Tricia@FarmEquip.org.

To access the Jacksonville Fall Convention message system go to FarmEquip.org/pm/. ◆

Jones WIns C.P. nIChoLson aWard In JaCksonvILLe

Ron Jones, of Dick Jones & Associates, was awarded the top prize in the C. P. Nicholson sponsorship competition. Jones, as a way to say thank you, was rewarded with a free registration to the Jacksonville Fall Convention.Thanks to our other sponsors, Layton Jensen, Thurston Mfg. Co. and John Brown, Myers Spring Co. Inc.

The competition for 2013 is now under-way, if you know of a good candidate for membership, please email their contact info to Elaina@FarmEquip.org. ◆

emda eLeCTs neW offICers aT JaCksonvILLe meeTIng

Newly elected officers and directors of the Equipment Marketing & Distribution Association (EMDA) for 2012-2013 are:

President: John Fonda, John Day Company

1st Vice President: Ted Traeder, Traeder Enterprises, Inc.

2nd Vice President: Kevin Wolters, Southwest Distributing Co., Inc.

Secretary: Wayne Barber, DFK Equipment Sales, Inc.

Treasurer/Past Pres: Marcus Kimball, Kimball Sales CompanyDirector: Wayne Barber,

DFK Equipment Sales, Inc.Associate Member Delegate: Rob Ziola,

STEPThe seven-member Board was elected

at EMDA’s convention in Jacksonville. For more information, go to emda.net. ◆

No-cost benefit available to members

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Cross-border services to and from Canada and Mexico

To start saving, complete the online enrollment form at www.enrollhere.net

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NovEmbEr 16, 2012 FarmEquip.org 5

ThanksgIvIng dInner may CosT a Tad more ThIs year

The retail cost of menu items for a clas-sic Thanksgiving dinner including turkey, stuffing, cranberries, pumpkin pie and all the basic trimmings increased less than 1% this year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The group’s annual informal price survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day din-ner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $49.48, a 28-cent price increase from last year’s average of $49.20.

“At just under $5 per person, the cost of this year’s meal remains a bargain,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman, a rice and cattle producer from Texas. “Our diverse farm and ranch families are honored to produce the food from our nation’s land for family Thanksgiving celebrations. During this holiday season, I am encour-aging farmers and ranchers to reach out to consumers in-person or through social media, to answer questions about the food that they grow or the livestock and poultry they raise.” ◆

ag groWTh announCes 3Q resuLTsAg Growth International Inc. reported its financial results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2012, and declared dividends for December 2012, January 2013 and February 2013.

Trade sales in the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2012 increased $1.6 million (2%) and $20.7 million (9%) over the same periods in the prior year. The largest single driver of sales growth in the three and nine month periods was a substan-tial increase in international business, particularly in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Also contributing to growth in sales was robust demand in western Canada and the acquisition of Airlanco. The company achieved sales growth despite a decline in U.S. sales

that resulted from a severe drought that signif icantly i m p a c t e d third quarter demand.

“After a strong first half in which the company demonstrated significant operational improve-ments and a return to higher levels of profitability it is certainly disappointing that the historic drought that has gripped our key U.S. market will negatively impact our second half results”, said Gary Anderson, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Management remains optimistic with respect to the company’s prospects in 2013. Although the 2012 drought resulted in higher than typical inventory carryover at the company’s U.S. dealers, the impact is not expected to extend beyond the second quarter of 2013. In the upcoming year U.S. farmers may again plant significant corn acreage to capitalize on high commodity prices which would then be expected to result in robust demand for portable grain handling equipment in the second half of 2013.

Demand in the Canadian market is expected to be strong in 2013 and Ag Growth remains very optimistic with respect to its international business and the potential of bundling commercial grain handling equipment with storage bins and other Ag Growth products. In summary, although management anticipates some softness in the U.S. in first half of 2013, based on current conditions the company anticipates a return to favorable conditions with the new crop year and expects sales and adjusted EBITDA in 2013 to increase significantly compared to the drought impacted results of 2012.

Ag Growth International; Association member since 2005; aggrowth.com. ◆

farmer maC rePorTs hIgher earnIngs

The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac) announced that it achieved record core earnings and program volume for the quarter ended September 30, 2012. Core earnings, a non-GAAP measure, was $13.4 million for third quarter 2012, up from $11.2 million for third quarter 2011. Core earnings for third quarter 2012 benefited from higher net effective spread of $27.3 million, compared to $22.8 million in third quarter 2011.

This higher net effective spread was partially offset by net provisions to the allowance for losses of $0.1 million, compared to net releases of $0.8 million for the prior year’s third quarter. Farmer Mac had GAAP net income attributable to common stockhold-ers for third quarter 2012 of $16.4 million, compared to net loss of $23 million for the same period in 2011. The increase in Farmer Mac’s GAAP net income compared to the previous quarter was almost entirely attributable to the effects of fair value changes on financial derivatives.

Farmer Mac President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy Buzby said he is pleased to report all-time highs this quarter for core earnings and outstanding program volume. ◆

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asabe revIses sTandard on densIfIed ProduCTs for buLk handLIng

ASABE has revised its definition and method standard on densified products for bulk material handling.

The standard, ASAE S269.5, Densified Products for Bulk Handling — Definitions and Methods, was previously titled Cubes, Pellets, and Crumbles — Definitions and Methods for Determining

Density, Durability, and Moisture Content. The revision includes the use of biomass pellets and cubes.

ASABE members with standards access and those with site-license privileges can access the full-text of the standard by electronic download in about a week. Location for the download is on the ASABE online Technical Library at: elibrary.asabe.org. Others can obtain a copy for a fee directly from the library or by contacting ASABE headquarters at martin@asabe.org. ◆

Wood broThers - keITh, Leonard and merveL InduCTed InTo aem haLL of fame

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) recently announced the 2012 inductees into the AEM Hall of Fame, which recognizes and celebrates outstanding individuals in the off-road equipment industry, and their legacy of innovation, service and leadership. Their vision and hard work have been criti-cal to advancing global economic and social prosperity; their legacy strength-ens continued industry contributions to improving our quality of life, and serves as an inspiration for tomorrow’s leaders.

Keith, Leonard and Mervel Wood were problem solvers, risk takers and entrepre-neurs who used these skills to fuel their drive for inventing and manufacturing. As pioneers in the development of rotary cutters and mowers, the Wood brothers helped create a prevalent product category for the short line industry.

One invention that dramatically affected the agricultural industry is the company’s iconic Batwing® rotary cut-ter, known generically as the flex-wing rotary cutter, first shipped in 1963. Other key inventions include the patented single

V-belt drive system, used on virtually all residential and commercial mowers in use today, and the single attachment pin blade retention system, a design still used on most Woods cutters today.

The brothers sought to adapt their equipment to all types, sizes and models of tractors, including two adaptors that were predecessors of today’s standard 3-point hitch. In the 1970s, the Wood brothers elevated product support to a new level, ensuring sales and service were available across the country in the days before over-night delivery.

Starting the company after World War II in Oregon, Illinois, the Wood brothers contributed greatly to job creation and development of skilled labor in the region, training thousands as welders, machin-ists, metal fabricators, painters, engineers and office personnel. Sustainability for the brothers was always about doing right, for example, metal scrap recycling (not wide-spread in the ‘40s and ‘50s).

Woods Equipment Co.; Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association member since 2007; woodsequipment.com. ◆

asabe deveLoPIng graIn bIn sTandard

The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) has initi-ated a project to develop a new standard on design specifications related to grain bin entry. The new standard will direct bin manufactures to include interior anchor-age points to which safety equipment can be attached. Proper use of such equipment would reduce the risk of a user falling through crusted grain or being pulled into flowing grain if other safety instructions are not followed. Finalization of the stan-dard is expected by summer 2013.

The project involves individuals with a range of relevant expertise, who will study the draft and offer comments. Carol Jones, PE, PhD, of Oklahoma State University, is a member of the drafting committee. Jones notes that the initiative to develop the standard has been driven primarily by the bin users and by the steel bin manufactur-ers. In total, more than 40 individuals will provide expertise in the development of the grain-bin standard.

For more info on the project, X624 Grain Bin Entry, contact Scott Cedarquist at 269.932.7031, cedarq@asabe.org. ◆

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nam dIsCusses fIsCaL CLIffNational Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons issued this statement after business leaders met with President Obama to dis-cuss the fiscal cliff at the White House: “Manufacturers and their employees across the nation are already struggling due to the uncertainty of the fiscal abyss. By the end of 2012, the U.S. economy will have taken a 0.6 percent hit to GDP as a result of our fiscal crisis. Manufacturing will remain a central player in our economic future and in solv-ing the fiscal abyss.”

“Manufacturers believe that a respon-sible solution is one that does not harm the economy with massive tax increases on job creators, but focuses on repairing the struc-tural imbalances in entitlement programs. The importance of coming together for a solution can’t be overstated. Manufacturers who employ 12 million men and women in America are looking to the President and Congress for a resolution that promotes growth and protects jobs.”

NAM released a study showing how bad the fiscal abyss could get if the President and Congress are unable to arrive at a solution. ◆

NovEmbEr 16, 2012 FarmEquip.org 7

CLassIfIed ads: heLP WanTedA member is seeking a Farm Equipment Salesperson to join their team. This position will develop relationships with dealers in, Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky. Expect to be on the road 3 to 4 nights a week. Salary and benefits plus commission. Ideal candidate will be a self starter with a proven sales record in farm equipment; however applicants from sales areas outside of farm equipment are encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in this posi-tion and NOT currently employed by a Member, forward your resume, cover let-ter and salary requirements to Elaina@ FarmEquip org about Service # 72.

Production Manager: Excellent oppor-tunity with a member company to join a proven team in the role of Production Manager. Position will manage all stages of steel production including planning, scheduling and staffing to meet customer demand. Will manage, lead and support supervisors in scheduling team members to meet production schedules and cus-tomer requirements.

Key responsibilities include imple-menting and leading 5S/Lean/Process Improvements for organization and responsible for overall quality of all com-pleted materials. Also active in new product and process development and use product specs and release dates to determine prod-uct costs and resource needs. Manages the shop floor through 3 direct reports.

Requires BS degree in techni-cal field (Mech or Ind Eng pref) and

7 years of progressive manufacturing experience including 3 years in supervi-sion. APICS certification and 5S/Lean/Process Improvement experience strongly preferred. Must have technical and ana-lytical experience in production planning. Knowledge of metallurgy and heat treating preferred. Must have strong interpersonal and written communication skills.

The company is a 130+ employee agri-cultural manufacturing facility that has experienced impressive growth and mar-kets for our products continue to expand. Drug and smoke free workplace EOE

If you are interested in this posi-tion and NOT currently employed by a Member, forward your resume cover let-ter and salary requirements to Elaina@ FarmEquip.org about Service # 70.

Regional Sales Manager wanted for the area of Iowa-Missouri. Two years of wholesale Ag equipment experience, strong work ethic and ability to maintain current relationships and establish new ones required. The company is an equip-ment manufacturer of several lines of equipment and also distributes for five other lines. Applicants will need to be knowledgeable about all types of ag equip-ment. Applicant will be responsible for making dealer calls, meeting sales goals, attending ag shows in the area.

If you are interested in this posi-tion and NOT currently employed by a Member, forward your resume, cover let-ter and salary requirements to Elaina@ FarmEquip.org about Service # 71. ◆

u.s. Corn & soybean ProduCTIon foreCasTs uP

The 2012 U.S. corn crop is forecast at 10.725 billion bushels, 19 million bushels larger than the October forecast. The U.S. aver-age corn yield is forecast at 122.3 bushels, 0.3 bushels larger than the October fore-cast. The production forecast for the rest of the world was a fraction higher than the October forecast, with smaller forecasts for Europe and Mexico, offset by slightly larger forecasts for Southeast Asia and Russia.

The 2012 U.S. soybean crop is forecast at 2.971 billion bushels, 111 million larger than the October forecast and 80 million larger than the average trade guess. The U.S. average yield is forecast at 39.3 bush-els, 1.1 bushels above the average trade guess, 1.5 bushels above the October fore-cast, and only 1.6 bushels below last year’s average. The average yield forecast was increased for all but seven states, with only the yield in Oklahoma reduced from that of a month ago. ◆

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8 FarmEquip.org NovEmbEr 16, 2012

arChITeCT of farm bILL Pays vIsIT To CLaas of amerICa

Former Secretary of Agriculture and cur-rent U.S. Senator, Mike Johanns, recently paid a visit to the corporate headquar-ters of CLAAS of America for a tour of the plant and to “talk shop” with CoA President Leif Magnusson.

“We had a great discussion ranging from the importance of the Farm Bill and what we hope it will look like in its finished form, to EPA regulations and workforce development,” said Magnusson. “The Senator was disappointed with the hold-up on the latest Farm Bill passage and is a strong proponent of limited EPA regulations that would continue to protect the environment without placing undue burdens on the agricultural and manu-facturing sectors. He understands the importance of a strong manufacturing sec-tor and is obviously very knowledgeable about the agricultural industry in general.”

Sen. Johanns toured the Omaha assem-bly plant that continues to expand their output each year, all while expanding the number of parts they source from North America. “Currently about 35 percent of our parts are sourced here in the United States and Canada, including most of our engines (from Caterpillar) and grain tanks that are manufactured 50 miles away in Lincoln, Nebraska,” said Magnusson. The number of North American components used by CLAAS of America continues to grow each year.

CLAAS of America, Association mem-bers since 1996; claas.com. ◆

vILsaCk CaLLs for farm bILL reforms

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack urged Congress to break a logjam and pass a reform-minded farm bill, but two lobby-ists said the deadlocked $500 billion bill may not be enacted for months, or even a year. According to Reuters, Vilsack, who is expected to stay at USDA for at least the start of President Barack Obama’s second term, said the department would do every-thing we can to implement a new farm bill in time for the 2013 harvest next fall.

With deficit reduction at the top of the agenda for lawmakers during a brief post-election session, Vilsack said reform becomes a very important component for the farm bill, already six weeks overdue. ◆

fIaT merger WITh Cnh gLobaL round TWoFiat Industrial has announced a new management structure aimed at making it easier to merge with its U.S. subsid-iary CNH Global N.V., the agriculture equipment maker. Fiat Industrial, has cre-ated a 20-seat Group Executive Council, which will be headed by Chairman Sergio Marchionne and CNH CEO Richard Tobin in the new position of group chief operating officer.

“The new organization announced rep-resents a key step in the integration of Fiat Industrial and CNH,” Marchionne said.

The structure, which puts empha-sis on brands, geography and industrial processes, is similar to a four-region man-agement organization adopted at carmaker Fiat last year to drive integration between Italy’s Fiat and the U.S. carmaker Chrysler, which it controls.

CNH advisers rejected the original terms of the full merger proposed last spring, but Marchionne is working to save the deal. He told analysts that it would be more expensive, without elaborating.

Fiat Industrial owns 88% of CNH. ◆

deaLer neWs uPdaTe

TITAn MACHInERY announced that three central Nebraska Case IH agricultural equipment dealerships — Toner’s in Grand Island, Red Line Equipment in Broken Bow and Ord Equipment — have joined the company’s network.

The Toner family owned all three dealer-ships, with partners Dave Zauha in Broken Bow and Larry Mason in Broken Bow and Ord. The three dealerships will retain their current names, the company said.

Titan Machinery, with headquarters in West Fargo, ND, also owns Case IH deal-erships in Hastings, Kearney, Lexington and North Platte, as well as nearly 100 other dealerships in other parts of the cen-tral states, plus 12 European dealerships in Romania and Bulgaria.

Titan CEO David Meyer said, “The com-pany is excited to have a Case IH store in the same town as the combine manufactur-ing plant in Grand Island and look forward to integrating the new locations into the company’s network.”

Titan Machinery also announced that it has completed the acquisition of Falcon Power Inc., which consists of two Case con-struction equipment dealerships located in Phoenix and Flagstaff, AZ. The Company also closed on the previously announced acquisition of Toner’s Inc., which consists of three CaseIH agricultural equipment deal-erships located in Grand Island, Broken Bow, and Ord, NE.

RDO EquIPMEnT CO. announces a partnership with Vanderfield Pty Ltd, an Australian Deere dealer group. Vanderfield was instrumental in bringing cotton pickers into Australia and since 1996, the compa-ny’s headquarters location in Toowoomba has been acknowledged as one of the largest

individual Deere dealerships in Australia. Vanderfield currently sells the complete range of John Deere agricultural machinery across their eight locations.

CERVuS EquIPMEnT COMPAnY has released results for the third quarter of 2012, revenue grew by $47.8 million or 25.6% to $234.7 million when compared to the same quarter of 2011. Same store sales increased $17.6 million or 9.4%. Both operating segments reported increases in revenues with the agricultural equipment segment increasing by 14.1% to $170.6 million and the commercial and industrial equipment segment increasing by 71.2% to $64.1 million.

ROCkY MOunTAIn DEAlERSHIPS has reported financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2012. The company Increased revenues by 20.8% to $247.5 mil-lion (15.2% on a same store basis) while gross profit increased by 19.2% to $39.7 million (16.0% of sales). Matt Campbell, CEO of Rocky said, “An excellent growing season translated into strong earnings for the period. The elimination of the dilution associated with the convertible debentures, coupled with these favorable results, gener-ated record diluted earnings per share for our shareholders this quarter.”

OTHER nEwS In news effecting deal-ers, Lessiter Publications reports that Bobcat is reversing its five year old decision to sell compact tractors as, “a move intended to expand its number one market position in compact equipment.”

In an exclusive statement to Rural Lifestyle Dealer, Bobcat said it is not renew-ing its OEM agreement with Daedong Industrial to market compact tractors under the Bobcat brand. ◆