Ag manufacturers say they’re trying to find ways to offer the best solutions to farmers amid hard times

Farmers and ranchers have had to make some tough decisions over the last few years.

Ag equipment manufacturers have also felt the pinch, with more farms cutting back on capital purchases, like tractors. CNH says it is trying to meet farmers where they are.

“It’s in the challenging times that we need our machines to be part of the solution, right? If we can be more productive, if we can get more yield, if we can get more out of the crop, if we can make farming easier and make it more productive, we can help that financial equation even in times when the economics aren’t great,” said Scott Harris.

Tractor and combine sales have been slipping for several months now, as overall sales have fallen nearly 14 percent during March. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers shows tractor models with 100 or more horsepower were down 19 percent on the year.

Related Stories
In this AARP Live Minute: AARP’s Sarah Jennings has some tips for staying warm without wasting money during the winter.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RFD NEWS correspondent Frank McCaffrey spoke with U.S. Congressmen Henry Cuellar (D-TX) and John Rose (R-TN), who say bipartisan cooperation will be key to getting the Farm Bill to the president’s desk.
Merck’s Gary Tiller discusses new virtual fencing technology and how fence-free livestock management could change the way ranchers manage land and cattle.
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
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.