The upward trend for equipment and aftermarket revenues continues as the rural lifestyle market grows.

Dealers have spoken and the numbers are in: Our 2014 Dealer Business Trends & Outlook survey forecasts that 2014 will be better than 2013. So, if your 2013 was already good, you're again making solid gains. And, if your 2013 revenues were down, chin up. You have a good chance of gaining ground this year.

Are congratulations in order? Or perhaps you're just thinking positively--I like it! If you're in the enviable position of having an excess of cash on hand, you have the power to take advantage of opportunities to invest in your business. But before we get to that fun topic, let me answer your first question. Read more: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/230204#ixzz2rY6I9nnb

More than 44% of rural lifestyle dealers expect revenues to come in ahead of 2012 levels and only 10.2% forecast lower revenues.

Per capita consumption of turkey in the United States has declined since 2007-2009, reflecting the impacts of the sluggish domestic economy on demand, and of higher feed and energy costs on domestic production and prices. U.S. turkey production dropped 9 percent between 2008 and 2010, but has recovered gradually during 2011 and 2012. Wholesale turkey prices rose 12.8 percent in 2011, but a more modest 3.7 percent increase is forecast for 2012. With higher production and a more moderate price increase in the forecast for 2012, per capita turkey consumption is expected to rise to 16.3 pounds, up slightly from 16.1 pounds in 2011.

The Portland-based maker of sawchain and other tools and replacement parts used in logging, agriculture and gardening (NYSE: BLT) earlier forecast that it would reach $1 billion in annual sales this year.

The gauge of the U.S. economy’s prospects rose in September for a third month, signaling the recovery will extend into 2011.

Index results show that consumer confidence has hit a 2-year high, which is good news for rural lifestyle equipment dealers.

CNH 1Q Revenues Rise 6% to $3.2 Billion

Rural Lifestyle Dealer January SHOWCASE Issue