Ag manufacturers are working to minimize the tariff impact

Ag manufacturers saw declining profits last year, influenced by low crop prices. Now, tariffs are another concern as the year kicks off.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers says they are just trying to minimize the impact to farmers.

“At the end of the day, I do know the intent of the tools that are being exercised is to benefit the United States of America and to benefit farmers. So, with an industry that’s so heavily dependent on trade and a supply chain that’s so heavily dependent on global manufacturing, we have to pay close attention to it, making sure that there are no unintended consequences or any great effects,” said AEM’s Curt Blades.

Last year, AEM found all U.S. tractor sales fell around 24 percent. Blades says a soft market and high interest rates were the biggest factors.

Related Stories
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.
We caught up with John Deere’s Hay & Forage Got-To Market Manager Kaylene Ballesteros to learn how tech is evolving how producers make hay, from baling efficiency to operator confidence.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
CLAAS Senior Vice President for the Americas Region Eric Raby joined us to preview the new docuseries “CLAAS: Made for More,” premiering tonight at 9 PM ET only on RFD-TV.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Todd Miller, CEO of Head Honchos, shares about his business offering to ease agricultural labor shortages.
The National FFA Organization hosts the Washington Leadership Conference, where thousands of FFA members gather to learn how to be change makers in their communities.
Having a good read on fuel prices is a must during harvest, but one analyst says grain farmers should also be watching the crude oil markets.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
Bradley Roy was the youngest angler to compete in a Bassmaster Elite Series event. Now, he’s prepping to hit the water with MLF Hall of Famer Greg “The Rooster” Vinson in the Team Series Patriot Cup.
Stories like this remind us what FFA is all about — leadership, service, and growth.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.