Industry News

Farm Bureau, Other Pro-Business Groups Provide Guidance On How To Accelerate Exports, Growth
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the Coalition of Service Industries (CSI) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) put forth a comprehensive approach to double U.S. exports in five years -- a key goal of President Obama.

Michigan Deere Dealers Merge Operations
According to a recent post in the Sturgis Journal, it isn't clear if John Deere dealers Fillmore Equipment and Finnerman's Farm & Garden Equipment have merged or Fillmore acquired the Finnerman's locations.

Behlen Completes Purchase Of HawkLine
Behlen Mfg. Co., headquartered in Columbus, Neb., is pleased to announce the purchase of the farm and lawn implements (3-point equipment) business of HawkLine Nevada, LLC, an affiliate of Carry-On Trailer Corporation in Mt. Orab, Ohio. HawkLine is a leading manufacturer and distributor of high quality, rugged, and affordable 3-point equipment. The transaction closed on July 15, 2010.

New Study Shows SMS Text Messaging Gaining Traction Among Farmers, Agribusiness
The 160-character text message is causing a paradigm shift in the way farmers access market information, and how top agribusinesses communicate with grower customers.

China To Rapidly Ramp Up Its Farm Machinery Manufacturing
Believing that China is now at a critical transition stage in its development from traditional labor-intensive farm production to that which is more reliant on machinery, the country's State Council announced on July 9 that it will take measures aimed at the "sound and fast" development of its farm equipment industry.

NCBA: EPA sets foundation for unprecedented dust regulation
In the latest step in its review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the foundation for unprecedented regulation of dust. According to EPA's Second Draft Policy Assessment for Particulate Matter (PM), issued late last week, EPA may consider regulating coarse PM at levels as low as 65-85 µg/m3, twice as stringent as the current standard.

USDA announces Recovery Act efforts aimed at creating jobs, supporting local and regional food systems
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced Recovery Act investments for 11 businesses in 9 states to strengthen rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems. Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Victor Vasquez made the announcement on behalf of Secretary Vilsack at the annual conference for the National Rural Economic Developers Association.

Agritechnica and AG CONNECT Expo announce coordinated dates
The two global agriculture trade exhibitions -- Agritechnica in Europe and AG CONNECT Expo in North America -- have coordinated the timing of their show dates for 2011 and 2013 for the convenience of exhibitors and attendees with global business interests.

Economist: Ag Remains A Bright Spot In The Economy
Agriculture, with the exception of pork and dairy has been and remains a bright spot in the economy, according to one agricultural economist.

Vermeer, ADM CEOs Named To President's Export Advisory Council
Mary Andringa, the president and CEO of Vermeer Corp., is one of 18 business executives and labor leaders named to President Obama's export advisory council.