These farms have lots of items, all of which are depreciating. In addition, most items will be sitting idle for most of the year and not generating any profit for the farm.

Do you really need all that machinery on your farm?

Hidden profit robbers, Part 3: Unused machinery, too much diversification could be affecting your profitability

In this series of articles, I looked at various profit robbers on the farm and how to address them. In Part 1, I examined the biggest offender — machinery depreciation — and how sneaky it is, since it’s a hidden cost that doesn’t affect your cash flow. To minimize this cost, I suggested you consider […] Read more

The John Deere AutoTrac Controller 300 is a dealer-installed kit that is easy to set up, calibrate and maintain.

John Deere offers a universal, aftermarket, auto-steer system

The AutoTrac Controller 300 provides customizable precision guidance across multiple brands and platforms

More producers are turning to precision guidance for the productivity gains and cost savings the technology provides. However, moving from machine to machine can mean having to adjust to multiple precision control systems — decreasing efficiency and increasing potential for both frustration and error. John Deere aims to solve that issue via its universal, aftermarket, […] Read more


The system can prevent tired operators from missing an unexpected hazard during a long day of harvesting.

Cognitive Agro Pilot provides autonomous combine navigation

AI-based system eliminates the need for GPS

Recently, major machinery brands have introduced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their combines’ threshing systems allowing them to automatically self-adjust, which minimizes losses and improves grain quality without operator input. At a glance: Cognitive Agro Pilot’s system not only allows a combine to steer itself but also to understand and react to its surroundings. Instead […] Read more

(LakelandCollege.ca)

Alberta’s Lakeland to offer ag tech degree

College to launch first-in-Canada program in September

East-central Alberta’s Lakeland College is set to offer what’s billed as Canada’s first degree program in agriculture technology, as a two-year post-credential program, starting in September. The program, announced Wednesday, will consist of full-time studies at Lakeland’s campus at Vermilion, about 180 km east of Edmonton, plus “experiential learning practicums” off campus, en route to […] Read more


AGCO’s “Virtual Product Showroom” allows for enhanced looks at machinery as well as tours of its Jackson, Minn., assembly plant and visitor centre.

No farm show, no problem

Brands go digital to keep in touch with farmers

There have been many changes to our lives lately because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The cancellation of farm shows all across North America is just one of them. The trouble for farm machinery brands is those shows have long been an important part of their marketing efforts as places where potential buyers get up close […] Read more

The world’s largest ag tractor, the Big Bud 747, built in 1977, had its original tires replaced with a full set of Goodyear/Titan LSW1400/30R46 tires last summer.

Big tractor, big tires on world’s largest tractor – Big Bud 747

It took nothing less than a Titan to get replacement rubber on Big Bud 747 after four decades

If you are a consumer of ag-related social media, you’ve likely seen online video of one of the most memorable events involving classic North American farm machinery. The one-off Big Bud 747, which had been stored at the small-town Heartland Museum in Clarion, Iowa, was brought out into the sunlight for a very special event […] Read more


Can your cash flow handle new farm machinery payments?

Can your cash flow handle new farm machinery payments?

Hidden profit robbers, Part 2: Real numbers on new and used machinery

In this series of articles, I am identifying some profit robbers I have noticed in my 16 years of farm business consulting in Alberta. In Part 1 of this series, I identified depreciation on farm machinery as a significant profit robber. Since depreciation doesn’t affect your bank balance, it is easily overlooked. High loan payments […] Read more

Since machinery is a depreciating asset, the author recommends minimizing that investment and maximizing investment in appreciating assets.

Depreciation and farm machinery, a rule of thumb

Hidden profit robbers, Part 1

In my farm financial talks, I usually ask, “What’s the biggest cost in owning any piece of machinery?” In this case, I’ve already given you the answer but surprisingly some people don’t seem to be aware of that. In my 16 years of consulting farmers, I’ve noticed the old expression “guys (and gals) love their […] Read more


Two new books for tractor enthusiasts

Two new books for tractor enthusiasts

Guides make excellent gifts for the holiday season

Two new tractor guides are available for the holiday season. The Field Guide to Classic Farm Tractors, Expanded Edition and The Complete Book of Farmall Tractors: Every Model 1923-1973 were both written by well-known tractor historian Robert N. Pripps, who has authored dozens of farm tractor books. The Field Guide to Classic Farm Tractors, Expanded […] Read more

CupWheels are now available for tractors, skid steers and combines.

CupWheel moves toward fuller market availability

Inverted sidewall tire advances from prototype to market

In 2013, while walking the aisles of the Agritechnica machinery show in Germany, I happened upon a unique-looking tractor tire called the PneuTrac from the company Galileo Wheel out of Israel. Its design turned conventional tire technology on its head. An inverted sidewall, the ability to run with little or no air pressure and a […] Read more