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 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 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

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Loftness Specialized Equipment announces the appointment of Shannon McComas as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, McComas will oversee day-to-day operations, drive strategic growth initiatives, and continue strengthening the company’s commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. He will work closely with executive leadership to advance the company’s long-term strategic plan and support continued innovation across Loftness’ diverse product lines.

Since joining Loftness in 2024, McComas most recently served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening dealer relationships, expanding market presence, and leading the company through a period of considerable growth. This leadership has been instrumental in positioning Loftness for continued success across its agricultural and vegetation management equipment lines.

With his extensive experience in sales leadership, business development, and enterprise operations, McComas brings a balanced perspective that integrates market demand with operational execution. His continued oversight of sales and marketing ensures alignment between customer needs, product innovation, and production capabilities.

“Shannon is a proven leader that has a deep understanding of sales and operations with a track record of success,” said Josh South, CEO of Loftness. “His expanded role as COO reflects the confidence we have in his ability to guide the company into its next phase of growth, and we are excited to promote him into this key leadership position.”

McComas echoed enthusiasm for his future role. “Loftness has built an outstanding reputation for quality, innovation and customer support,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our dealers and customers while strengthening our operational capabilities to support long-term growth.”

Loftness Specialized Equipment, an employee-owned company, is a leading manufacturer of innovative agricultural and vegetation management equipment, providing high-performance solutions for farmers, land managers, and industry professionals. Based in Hector, MN, the company offers a diverse range of products, including crop residue management tools, grain bagging systems, precision application equipment, forestry mulchers, and vegetation control solutions such as land-clearing attachments and right-of-way maintenance tools. Loftness is dedicated to delivering durable, high-quality solutions that enhance productivity and efficiency in the field.

For information on Loftness’ complete product line, visit , email info@loftness.com, or call 800-828-7624 (U.S. and Canada) or 320-848-6266 (international).

| Member since 1980

Learn practical strategies for identifying underutilized robotic systems, adapting them for new applications, and improving overall equipment efficiency—without major new investments.

Why Attend

• Learn how to optimize processes for automation.
• Prepare your team for technology-driven change.
• Ensure your facility is ready for new systems.
• Gain actionable insights for smooth integration.

Final Webinar — Save the Date!

• Wed., Mar. 11, 2026 | Idle Robots? Ways to Reuse, Redeploy, and Maximize the Use of Your Robot

Don’t miss the final session in FEMA’s Technology Webinar Series— brought to you by THG Automation.

Cost: FREE for FEMA Members | $35 for Non-Members

Members will need their FEMA member ID to register free. Contact the FEMA office at 314-878-2304 if you need assistance.

Register today at .

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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.

Source:

ADR Group—through its U.S. subsidiary, ADR Axles USA Inc., and a member of the ąű¶ł´«Ă˝ (FEMA)—is strengthening its presence on American soil with the development of a new facility in Perry, IA.

The U.S. journey started well before the land acquisition in April 2025, indeed, ADR has been active in the American market for many years, building strong relationships with customers and partners.

The new facility

The opening in Iowa marks a decisive step toward being even closer to the American market, with solutions and services designed around the real needs of our customers.

The new branch will be ADR’s production and distribution center dedicated to the U.S. market and will act as a strategic link with ADR’s headquarters, ensuring that North America continues to receive the quality, innovation, and reliability that have always distinguished ADR products worldwide.

The new facility will cover an area of 68,000 square feet and and will be operational starting in the first quarter of 2027.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony

Last October 23^rd we celebrated the Groundbreaking of the new facility, officially marking the beginning of construction. The event took place in the Perry Industrial Park, where the facility will be built, and involved ADR directors and authorities from the city, Dallas County, and the state of Iowa.

| Member since 2005