Monthly Archives: July 2012

Thinking taxes

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Mark Moore

I don’t like to bring this up—especially when weather woes and sky-high commodity prices are likely more top-of-mind right now—but your 2012 taxes may also be impacted by this year’s growing season. According to Roger McEowen at Iowa State University, … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Financial | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Small town innovation still having big impact in modern-day agriculture

Posted on July 27, 2012 by Mark Moore

The nation’s cities seem to attract a lot of notice these days. Besides the lion’s share of media attention, metropolitan areas also receive billions of federal dollars for public works and infrastructure programs to keep them from turning into areas … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Law of unintended consequences can drive new technology developments

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Mark Moore

U.S. equipment manufacturers are constantly striving to develop new and better products for their customers. When you think about it, how many recent technology breakthroughs might not have occurred if the industry were less competitive? Sometimes those breakthroughs have a … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in New Technology | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Equipment manufacturers weigh in on farm bill

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Mark Moore

Farm equipment manufacturers normally don’t get involved in farm legislation, but, then, this year’s farm bill is being written in a climate that is anything but ordinary. Although farm incomes continue to remain at record or near-record levels, the drought-like … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Financial | Tagged , | Leave a comment

More evidence of a worldwide market

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Mark Moore

We’ve discussed how agriculture is truly a global market, not only for the commodities that are produced but the equipment that is needed for production. Sure, the specs might vary, but it’s still iron and horsepower. I was reminded recently … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A slew of combine updates

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Mark Moore

No matter what I am doing, I always seem to function better, and get more done, if I have a clear, concise, written-down list. Whether it’s writing down the photos I need to take while on location, a list of … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in New Technology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tractor sales remain above last year’s pace

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Mark Moore

Total farm tractor sales for 2012 remain 6.7 percent above last year’s totals, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. In its June 2012 Flash Report, sales in the two-wheel drive category were up 6.9 percent over 2011, and four-wheel … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Financial | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Ag equipment sales on the rise worldwide

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Mark Moore

According to a recent report world demand for agricultural equipment is expected to increase 6.7 percent per year through 2016 to $173.5 billion. “Growth will be driven primarily by sales gains in rapidly developing nations — particularly China, Brazil and … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Miscellaneous | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A special combine paint job

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Mark Moore

With farm show season fast approaching, my inbox is starting to swell with new product announcements and invitations to special events. I don’t mind the increase, because it is one way to preview what will be available for inspection at … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in New Technology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Ag stocks continue to surge

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Mark Moore

I’m always a day late and dollar short when it comes to making investments. And we’re all familiar with the line, “past performance is no guarantee of future returns” on any stock investment. Still, with the general stock market looking … Continue reading →

Share
Posted in Financial | Tagged , , | Leave a comment