The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association has again given its endorsement to AG CONNECT ExTpo and is a key sponsor of the 2011 AG CONNECT Expo, which is the international agricultural event of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

AG CONNECT Expo is slated for January 8-10, 2011 (Preview Day January 7, by special admission) at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The event is a world-class trade show, offering not only the latest innovations, products, services and technology and access to industry experts, but also quality learning and networking opportunities.

The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, based in St. Louis, Missouri, represents primarily privately-owned, specialized manufacturers of agricultural equipment and also endorsed the inaugural AG CONNECT Expo, held in 2010.

John McCoy, president of Orthman Manufacturing Inc. in Lexington, Nebraska, and president of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, said the Association is “proud to be a key sponsor” of AG CONNECT Expo and pointed out that many shortliners are family-run companies. “Our companies create quality manufacturing jobs, playing a critical role in driving the economy in many rural communities. Inside the Innovation Square Pavilion at AG CONNECT, producers can see many of these innovative, regional manufacturers in one place. AG CONNECT Expo is the kind of business development opportunity our members can really benefit from by exhibiting their products and services,” McCoy said.

Executive vice president of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, Vernon Schmidt, said, “Attendees at AG CONNECT Expo are eager to see the wide range of new products manufactured by our members. Innovation is an area where our members really shine. From the first moldboard plow to the latest in Global Positioning Systems (GPS), members of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association have a long history of bringing innovation to the market, providing choice and all at a price farmers and ranchers can afford.”

Martin Richenhagen, chairman, president and CEO, AGCO Corp. in Duluth, Georgia, and the 2011 AG CONNECT Expo Chairman, said, “We are very pleased to have the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association play such an important role with AG CONNECT Expo. As a key sponsor, their leadership participates on the show’s management committee and provides important strategic direction for the show. With the support of the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, AG CONNECT Expo has even more value to offer agriculture producers coming to Atlanta in January of 2011.”     ###

About the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association The Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association is an international not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 600 manufacturers of specialized farm equipment, industry supplier companies and marketing firms. Founded in 1950, the Association is headquartered at 1000 Executive Parkway, Suite 100, St. Louis, Missouri. Our Members Bring Choice, Value & Innovat