From cashflow to ordering and managing inventory, intelligently forecasting equipment sales are critical for dealers’ financial planning. Unlike dealerships catering to production farming that can use commodity pricing as a signpost for industry trends, for those specializing in rural lifestyle markets economic indicators are not so clear cut.

Second quarter net sales were $428 million, up $15 million or 3.6% compared to last year. The company expects the U.S. residential lawn and garden market to improve 1%- 4% including expected improvements in the housing market and seasonal spring weather in key markets.

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The report is provided free of charge to any dealer who participated in the 2016 survey. Dealers who were unable to participate can still order the report.

Global farm recession and weak construction-equipment markets lead to lower sales and earnings for fourth quarter and full year. Industry sales for agricultural equipment in the U.S. and Canada are forecast to be down 5-10% for 2017.