As we start the new year amid elevated inflation and major headwinds facing the economy, here are our top charts to help make sense of the economic environment for farm operations, agribusinesses and food processors.
FCC’s top economic charts to monitor in 2024
Downward trends for cattle, swine herds; positive bent to feed, fertilizer affordability
German government dilutes 2024 subsidy cuts after farmer backlash
Farmers protested in Berlin's streets after the announced end of tax breaks last month
Germany's coalition government has agreed to change its 2024 budget plans, a government spokesperson said on Thursday, after subsidy cuts proposed to bring spending in line with debt rules angered farmers.
Başak Traktör of Turkey looks to move Versatile brand forward
Buhler Industries announced the Turkish firm had bought its majority stake
“One of the keys for us was making sure we found a partner that was committed to preserving the Versatile and Farm King brands,” said Adam Reid, VP of sales and marketing at Versatile. “We wanted to make sure the viability of the plant here in Winnipeg and our staff was secure. And taking care of all of our stakeholders, the suppliers, shareholders.”
Buhler Industries finds new majority shareholder in Turkish firm
Saskatchewan's Bourgault Industries changes hands
It was a big week for western Canadian machinery manufacturers as Winnipeg-based Buhler industries inked a deal that will see a Turkish company purchase its majority stake, and Guelph-based manufacturer Linamar Corporation acquired Saskatchewan’s Bourgault Industries.
German farmers protest with tractors against austerity measures
The German government proposed to abolish fuel subsidies to meet savings targets
According to next year's budget, a partial tax refund on agricultural diesel, along with a tax exemption for agricultural vehicles, will be abolished to meet the saving targets - a measure farmers said would threaten their livelihood and the competitiveness of Germany's agricultural sector.
Tractors continue unusually strong sales in November
Many types of machinery have seen price hikes of around 30 per cent or more
The growing price of farm equipment is not dissuading farmers from buying new machinery, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Managers (AEM).
Ottawa lines up with farmers on right-to-repair
Feds to call for owners to be able to repair their own equipment
The federal government says it’s siding with Canadian farmers on the right-to-repair debate. An announcement this week from the federal government called for an adjustment to the Competition Act that would prevent manufacturers from refusing to provide the means of device and product repair in an “anti-competitive manner.” That declaration came in the government’s 2023 […] Read more
5 lessons learned at Agritechnica
I spent five days at Agritechnica 2023 and here are five things I learned. It’s a challenge sometimes to pull out the strong European policy influence on exhibitors and farmers at this show, but there are lessons for Canadian farmers, and the technology created to manage European problems in some cases will make economic sense […] Read more
Agritechnica wrap-up: New combines, tractors and industry trends
Agritechnica is the world’s largest agriculture machinery show, drawing more than 400,000 people from around the world to Hannover, Germany. Glacier FarmMedia Senior Technology Editor John Greig was there and summarized the major product launches and some of the ag-tech industry trends he observed. – John Greig is a senior editor with Glacier FarmMedia. Watch for much […] Read more
Agritechnica update: A new big horsepower Massey, adjustable hay conditioning and automation matures
Massey Ferguson released its new high-horsepower 9S tractor at Agritechnica. It’s the next tractor for Massey Ferguson with the unique 18 cm gap between the cab and the engine, which makes it more conformable for the operator and with better sight lines. It’s also new highest horsepower tractor available from Massey Ferguson at 425 maximum […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
