We all witnessed signs of improvement when 2022 started. Supply chain was flowing better and employee applicants were starting to come through the door. 

I visited with many of our peers at the National Farm and Machinery show in February. Everyone had the same opportunities (which also may be appropriately deemed ā€œchallengesā€), but we had a more optimistic view for the future.

Then Russia invaded Ukraine. At first nothing seemed to be disrupted, but after a few days, we all started receiving the phone calls and emails from our foreign suppliers. Some were saying they wouldnā€™t be able to get materials; all of them said prices were going up. Here we go again!!

What do we do? How do we prepare for the future? When will this hyper demand for our products slow down? I wish I could answer your questions, but it would be purely speculative. I do know one thing: You can help yourself by getting involved in the Association.

Get Involved! 

We have all been extremely busy taking care of our customers. The opportunities confronting us change each day. We must not forget our importance to agriculture. We are the innovators that help determine the future of how our customers work. We have the strength and voice to shape our industry, which ultimately influences the business of farming. Our ¹ū¶³“«Ć½ is strong and robust, but if we donā€™t take the time to volunteer our talents and insights, then we will start to wane.  

How to Get Involved  

Reach out to the Association staff or any member of the Board of Directors. We are listed in the left column on page 3 and in every issue of Shortliner. You also can find us at FarmEquip.org. The Association has several committees and councils, which work continuously to make our Association and industry better. This is an excellent entry into influencing the direction of the industry. Our board is comprised of 16 talented and diverse individuals who have devoted their time and talents to represent you, our members. We have a Nominating Committee that is chaired by Ric Kirby. If you have interest in being a board member or want to recommend someone, please reach out to Ric (rmk@kirbymfg.com) or me (tim@worksaver.com).

Benefits of Getting Involved

As with anything in life, you get out what you put in. Personally, I have gained a lot of knowledge, insights, and life-long relationships that have helped our company grow and evolve. The greatest resource our Association has is you.

In my opinion, our industry is made up of the most genuine and helpful people. I cannot begin to explain how many times I have reached out to our members with questions about supply, production, distribution, etc. Almost always, I get valuable advice and move closer to solving our problem.

We have all experienced a lot of stress these past two years. It has been reassuring to talk with our members and realize we all are having the same issues. Our support of each other has never been more pronounced, welcomed and appreciated.  

The future is uncertain, and quite frankly, scary. Together, we will make a difference and evolve with whatever changes are coming. With you, this industry and this organization will thrive! 

Sincerely,

Tim Burenga
Worksaver Inc.
2022 Association President

When people ask me what membership in the Association means to me, the answer is simple: family. I was first exposed to the Association over 30 years ago when my father, Tom, was elected to the board of directors. Over the years, I have met a lot of wonderful people and have gained a great deal of insight. I have developed lifelong friendships in this Association, and that is available to all of us whether we have been here for generations or we are just getting started.

I cannot overstate this. Family, in my personal experience of the Association includes shared DNA, but family in the context of membership goes beyond that. This is a group of people who want to get to know you and will take a sincere interest in you. We are here to do business, for sure, and in some cases, we are even competitors, but we recognize the value of moving the industry forward together, and we are genuine people who support one another. 

Our company would not be as successful today if it werenā€™t for being involved with the ¹ū¶³“«Ć½. It is my wish and hope that all of you can have the same experience.

My goal in the coming year is to add value to membership and heighten engagement. We have a strong Association, a strong Board of Directors, and a strong staff, made even better by the addition of Matt Rice as membership director. This team of people is going to continue to work hard to add value and ensure our industry stays robust.

When it comes to membership engagement, we rely on you. As with anything in life, the more you put into something, the more you will gain. If you are wondering what you can do, I encourage you to join a committee or get involved in a product council.

Go to or reach out to your Association team to learn more about opportunities to get involved.

We are in uncharted waters today. Demand for most of us is the best we have ever experienced. However, hyperinflation on costs with raw materials, components, and freight, not to mention labor shortages, have us all asking how long it can last. We have so much to gain by talking to one another and sharing ideas right now.

I implore you to join us in the spring at the Supply Summit & Showcase in New Orleans. It is April 6 to 8.

While we are all very good at what we do with our respective positions, when we come together, we are great! Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you next year.