Soybeans are the largest and most concentrated segment of global agricultural trade and account for 18% of total U.S. crop receipts, second only to corn (25% of crop receipts). As a result, factors that impact soybean sales can ultimately have a profound effect on farm machinery sales, one way or another.
Escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China is providing South American producers with opportunities to grow their market share in soybeans and other grains. This could lay the groundwork for increased farm equipment sales starting in 2019. In its most recent outlook, John Deere said it expects an improvement of up to 5% in South American machine sales in the year ahead.
Chicago soybean futures jumped to highs not seen since China imposed tariffs on U.S. shipments in July, with the most actively traded January contract rising as high as $9.28 per bushel.
Drought conditions have left arable farms with smaller yields, while dairy operations have had to purchase feed as a result of compromised grass growth. Pig farmers, meanwhile, face the growing threat of African swine fever (ASF). As a result, agricultural professionals view their prospects for business development in the coming 12 months as mixed.
Each monthly issue of Ag Equipment Intelligence is like getting one-on-one personal advice from the world's most trusted ag equipment industry experts. Advice that hasn't been watered down or distorted by outside influence, providing the latest and most insightful farm equipment analysis. AEI explores where the ag equipment industry is going — not just where it's been. No filler. No bias. No conflict of interest. You can access the PDF issue archive by clicking here.
In this episode of On the Record, brought to you by Associated Equipment Distributors, we take an initial look at the Dealer Business Outlook & Trends Report and what dealers are forecasting for 2025.