Even on a largely underperforming harvest outcome, optimism was still present in the majority of the crowd at this year’s Crop Production Show in Saskatoon.
It seemed fitting to have the two largest pieces of equipment at the show a couple of booths down from each other. Capacity, horsepower and efficiency have been the focal points for producers and manufacturers with recent model releases.
John Deere brought its new 9RX 830 tractor, boasting 913 peak horsepower, while Rocky Mountain Equipment booth had New Holland’s new Next Generation CR11 combine front and centre with its tried-and-true twin-rotor design.
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CNH plans for “more than 15 new tractor launches, 10 combine launches, 19 crop production launches and over 30 precision technology releases between now and the end of 2027.”
Even the small pieces of equipment are getting bigger. Flaman had a DJI Agras T50 sprayer drone looming overhead. With a 40-kg spray capacity and able to cover 21 hectares per hour, this drone has grown almost to the size of a small car. The ever-increasing size of equipment brings awe and amusement to the crowded hallways of the show.
A resounding theme throughout the week, though, was the rising cost of technology and aftermarket additions. The list of options on new equipment has seemed to grow exponentially in recent years. When ordering a new seed drill, decisions need to be made on whether to add sectional control, turn compensation, blockage monitors, aftermarket openers, mudscrapers and the list goes on.
All these options make it important to do research, as their functions and improvements need to be evaluated to fit the owner’s operation. They also all come with additional cost — another consideration. CPS brings many of these aftermarket providers into one space, to help the buyer with these in-depth conversations.
An interesting disparity was the disconnect between global equipment sales reports and territory salespeople at the show. Reports show a declining trend in new equipment sales throughout North America — but in conversation with the associates working many of the booths, sales are stronger than ever. Multiple dealer locations had met their sales goals or had commitments to sell out of available equipment for the coming year.
It may be that the national reports are a broader evaluation of the larger industry, while the more local economy is trending upward — but the disconnect is still very prevalent.
