What’s Trending: Top Stories on RLD.com for March 2016

This past month, dealers were continuing to monitor what was happening at Excel Industries after the Feb. 25 mass shooting at its Hesston, Kan., facility. Two stories, an editorial on how Excel’s leadership was addressing the situation and an update on the shooting, were the first and fourth most viewed stories in March on RuralLifestyleDealer.com.

For our second most viewed story, dealers weighed in regarding the last time they raised shop rates. Current results show that 64% of dealers raised their rates in 2015.

Forecasts from Branson regarding sales goals ranked number 3 and Polaris’ acquisition of Taylor-Dunn, a provider of industrial vehicles, ranked number 7 for most viewed stories.

Dealers were also interested in sales data and trends, such as the best month for compact tractor sales (number 5), compact tractor sales figures for February (number 6) and overall 2016 trends from our latest Dealer Business Trends & Outlook report (number 9).

Finally, dealers checked out strategies from other dealers in our “How to Sell” series (number 8) and “Seizing Opportunities” feature (number 10).

Top 10 Most Viewed Online Stories in March

1. From the Desk of Lynn Woolf: Leading During a Crisis: The Shootings at Excel Industries

2. Poll: When Was the Last Time You Raised Your Shop Labor Rate?

3. Industry Viewpoint: Branson’s Goal: Double Business in 5 Years

4. Shooting at Excel Industries: 4 Dead, 14 Injured

5. Rural Equipment Intelligence: Looking at the Best Month for Compact Tractor Sales

6. North American Compact Tractor Sales Up 20.4% in February

7. Polaris Acquires Taylor-Dunn

8. How to Sell: Finding Success with Niche Products

9. 2016 Dealer Business Trends & Outlook: Upward Trend Continues for Rural Equipment Market

10. Seizing Opportunities in the Rural Lifestyle Segment

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Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf

Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf was managing editor of Rural Lifestyle Dealer. Prior to that, she was a contributing writer for Rural Lifestyle Dealer and Farm Equipment magazines before becoming editor in 2012. She previously covered agriculture as a freelance writer for several industry publications. Lynn also worked in public relations and marketing and earned her accreditation in public relations. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and lives on a third-generation family farm in Kansas. Contact: lwoolf@lessitermedia.com

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Yanmar

Yanmar America is the North American headquarters of Yanmar Holdings. Ranked #1 in Product Quality for five years in a row by the Equipment Dealers Association, Yanmar provides innovative solutions for Rural Lifestyle and Industrial Equipment customers.

Yanmar was the world’s first manufacturer to develop a practical small diesel engine in 1933 and has continued to push the boundaries of innovation and technology ever since. As a manufacturer of diesel engines, compact tractors and utility task vehicles, construction machinery, and industrial equipment, Yanmar's products are sold in over 130 countries.

At Yanmar America, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services, backed by a strong team of professionals who share our dedication to excellence. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you in achieving your goals.

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Virginia Beach-based STIHL Inc., produces a full line of high-quality, handheld outdoor power equipment including blowers, trimmers, brushcutters, and multi-task tools, as well as the number one selling brand of chainsaws worldwide. STIHL Inc. manufactures over 260 model variations of handheld outdoor power equipment for sale in the U.S. and around the world.

What’s Trending: Top Stories on RLD.com for March 2016

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Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf