For the 13th month, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) remained above growth neutral, according to its December survey of bank CEOs in rural areas.

“Farmers have disposable income, so they have money to spend it on and the tax laws really, really favor purchasing equipment,” Gary Schnitkey, a professor of farm management at the University of Illinois said. “Manufacturers are having difficulty keeping up with the demand.”

John Deere/Hagie units continue to be the most common in CropLife 100 applicator fleets, holding a 34% market share. This represented a 1% gain vs. the 2020 percentage for the company.

John Deere dealer Tellus Equipment Solutions LLC announced the opening of a new Austin, Texas, store as part of its continued expansion plan. This 9,000 square foot, full-service store will have John Deere, Stihl, Honda, and other products to support residential and commercial landscaping, compact construction equipment needs, farms, and ranches. 

The holidays came early for Vermeer Corp. tooling technician Andy Lettington after he was diagnosed with cancer when his team members pitched in to help make improvements to his Eddyville, Iowa, home.