The Summit featured a wide range of educational sessions focused on today’s most pressing business challenges and opportunities. Topics included property and casualty risk management, practical applications of artificial intelligence, employment law updates, sales and marketing strategies, insurance trends, tariffs, and product distribution law. A dedicated technology track highlighted how digital tools are shaping both product development and internal operations.

Attendees also explored the supplier product showcase, where companies connected directly with potential partners and discovered new solutions to support their businesses. Throughout the event, networking remained a central focus, with ample opportunities to build relationships and exchange ideas with peers facing similar challenges.

Beyond the educational programming, participants enjoyed a variety of social and recreational activities, including a Topgolf networking event, welcome receptions, a spouse/guest program, Toyota and Alamo Group facility tours, and a lively farewell event featuring dueling pianos.

Mark your calendars for the Marketing & Distribution Convention October 26 – 28, 2026 at the New Orleans Marriott.
Stay tuned to the Shortliner for more information.

The report shows sales of agriculture tractors were down 9.1% while combine sales dropped 25.3% compared to March 2025.   AEM’s report also show a similar trend in Canadian sales. According to the data, Canadian sales of agricultural tractors fell 16.3% while combine sales dipped 60.6% compared to the year before.  

These numbers reflect the overall softness in the Ag economy,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of industry sectors and product leadership at AEM. “Despite these declines in sales in 2026, the commitment to modernizing equipment and adopting innovative technologies remains strong, positioning the industry for long-term growth.”

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The event featured a full day of activities, including an official ribbon cutting, catered lunch, live equipment demonstrations, and Bad Boy ride-and-drive experiences. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore new product and equipment line launches, take advantage of special event pricing, and register for door prizes and giveaways.

The ribbon cutting brought together DL Shortline General Manager Craig Harthoorn, owners Jim and Connie Hellbusch, Ben Hellbusch, David Hellbusch, and El Paso Mayor Thad Mool to celebrate the milestone and its significance for both the company and the local community. A video from the event can be viewed

The grand opening highlighted the strength and innovation of FEMA members and their ongoing commitment to serving customers across the industry.

FEMA congratulates DL Shortline on this important achievement and looks forward to their continued success.

| Member since 1983

The Supplier Board of Governors of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association announced new officers during the recent Supply Summit in San Antonio.

This board represents nearly 300 Supplier Associate Members—companies that provide raw materials, component parts, and services to farm equipment manufacturers.

Dalton Carr of Superior Gearbox was elected Chairman. Also stepping into leadership roles are Alex Mussa of SNA Manufacturing as Vice Chair, JC Hatton of Metal Parts and Equipment as Secretary, and James Williamson of Myers Spring Co., Inc. as Treasurer.

We also welcome newly elected board member Chris Brown of Haven Steel. Continuing their service are Lloyd Kettlehake of C&U Americas LLC; Chris Smith of Comer Industries; Marc Adams, FEMA Supplier Section Representative, of GBGI, Inc.; and Mary Sutton of Muir Omni Graphics, who graciously served two consecutive terms as Supplier Board Chair.

On behalf of FEMA, thank you to the entire Supplier Board for their time, leadership, and dedication.

FEMA has received reports of unauthorized third-party companies—commonly referred to as “hotel poachers”—contacting members and offering to book hotel accommodations on their behalf.

Please be advised: these solicitations are fraudulent and are not affiliated with FEMA.

These companies often present themselves as official partners and may request credit card or personal information. Engaging with them could put your financial information at risk and may result in invalid or nonexistent reservations.

To ensure a safe and seamless convention experience, please keep the following in mind:

• FEMA does not partner with third-party housing providers. We will never contact you directly to solicit hotel reservations.
• Official registration opens in July. At that time, members will receive a secure, direct link to register and provide their arrival and departure details.
• Hotel accommodations will be managed exclusively through FEMA. Reservations will be made on your behalf at the Marriott New Orleans.
• Protect your information. Do not share financial or personal details with anyone claiming to represent FEMA housing outside of official communications.

Please be aware: this is a SCAM. The FEMA office already has the information needed to secure your hotel reservation through your registration form. We do not work with any third-party companies for hotel bookings.

We strongly encourage members to disregard any unsolicited calls or emails related to hotel bookings for the convention and to wait for FEMA’s official registration announcement this summer.

If you receive a suspicious inquiry or have any questions, please contact the FEMA office at (314) 8978-2034 or via email at Sarah@FarmEquip.org.

Your security and experience are our top priorities, and we look forward to seeing you in New Orleans this October.

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, introduced by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, advanced out of committee with a 34–17 bipartisan vote and now moves to the full House for consideration.

Agricultural organizations across the industry — including commodity groups, farm credit institutions, livestock organizations, and conservation leaders — have largely welcomed the progress. Many emphasized the urgency of updating farm policy as producers face rising input costs, market volatility, supply chain disruptions, and tightening margins.

The proposed legislation includes updates aimed at strengthening the farm safety net, improving credit availability, supporting conservation programs, expanding market opportunities, and reinforcing the economic stability of rural America.

While broad support exists for moving the bill forward, several organizations noted that additional improvements may be needed as the legislation continues through the legislative process.

For the agriculture industry, the advancement of a bipartisan farm bill is a meaningful step toward providing the certainty and long-term policy stability producers, manufacturers, and rural communities depend on.

FEMA will continue monitoring developments as the bill moves through the House and Senate in the coming months.

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Springer Studios, the production team for this project, is compiling real-world footage to include in the refreshed safety video. You can reference the original video to see the style and types of clips needed. Specifically, Springer Studios is looking for footage related to ag mower safety, including PPE, preparation, hook-ups, operating process, and safe usage.

“This is a great opportunity: your equipment and/or footage could be featured in a widely shared safety message that helps educate operators and promote safer practices across the industry,” said Sarah Stevener, FEMA Meetings Director.

If you have footage you’d like to contribute, contact Sarah@FarmEquip.org to receive the Dropbox submission link.

A strong listing isn’t just a formality—it helps other members, dealers, and industry partners find you, understand your capabilities, and connect with the right people on your team. We’ll also be maintaining and refreshing the directory annually, so getting the details right now creates a solid foundation that keeps your company visible and well-represented throughout the year.

What We Need From You

Please take a few minutes to review and update your company listing:

• Visit: farmequip.org/member-resources/directory-update/
• ID Number: Your Member ID
• Password: Your ZIP code

Once logged in, review each tab carefully and make updates as needed. Please pay special attention to:

• Personnel listings — Include key leaders and team members in production, engineering, R&D, technology, marketing, and sales, especially those who would benefit from targeted FEMA communications and invitations.
• Products and services — Confirm these reflect your current capabilities and offerings.

When you’re finished, click “Submit Directory Changes.”

Timing

Please complete your updates within the next 10 business days.

Optional Enhancements (Recommended)

To increase your visibility, you can also:

• Add your company logo to your directory listing
• Include links to your social media channels (Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube)

Questions?

If you need help at any point, please contact TKidd@farmequip.org or call (314) 878-2304.

Thank you again for your support of FEMA. We look forward to helping your team stay informed, connected, and competitive throughout the year.

According to new data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), U.S. sales of ag tractors and combines fell in December 2025 compared to the year before.

U.S. sales of total ag tractors dropped 14.8% while sales of combines declined 4.3% in December 2025 compared to the year before. Meanwhile, Canadian sales of ag tractors were down 13.7%, while combine sales jumped 26.1% in December compared to the year before.

“December’s data is a result of the economic instability and pressures farmers have faced the past months,” said Association of Equipment Manufacturers Senior Vice President Curt Blades. Throughout this short-term decline in sales, equipment manufacturers remain committed to supporting farmers with the equipment they need. As we look into 2026, AEM remains confident in the industry’s resilience and unique ability to adapt.”

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The Internal Revenue Service today announced that the optional standard mileage rate for business use of automobiles will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026, while the mileage rate for vehicles used for medical purposes will decrease by half a cent, reflecting updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments.

Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, pickup or panel tuck are:
72.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 2.5 cents from 2025.
20.5 cents per mile driven for medical purposes, down a half cent from 2025.
20.5 cents per mile driven for moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, reduced by a half cent from last year.
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations, equal to the rate in 2025.

Use of the standard mileage rates is optional. Taxpayers may instead choose to calculate the actual costs of using their vehicle.

Taxpayers using the standard mileage rate for a vehicle they own and use for business must choose to use the rate in the first year the automobile is available for business use. Then, in later years, they can choose to use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses.

For a leased vehicle, taxpayers using the standard mileage rate must employ that method for the entire lease period, including renewals.

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