Net sales for the third quarter 2018 increased 9.3% to $1.88 billion from $1.72 billion in the third quarter of 2017. Comparable store sales increased 5.1%, as compared to an increase of 6.6% in the prior year’s third quarter.

OPEI announces it is updating its Consumer Education Campaign to advise the public to use E10 or less when fueling lawn mowers, generators, pressure washers, chainsaws and boats. This new effort is in partnership with the National Marine Manufacturers Assn.

Rural Lifestyle Dealer columnist Mike Wiles, creator of AskTractorMike.com, provides a video history of tractor company acquisitions. The video could be good training tool for new employees and a resource to share with customers.

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to have the EPA waive existing seasonal restrictions on the sale of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, according to a report from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

The goal is to reduce mobile source emissions up to 80% by 2031, according to the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

Demand for power lawn and garden equipment among residential users is forecast to rise 2.9% annually to $7.9 billion in 2022, slightly slower than growth among commercial users.

Claiming the top spot this month is an engaging blog by Lynn Marcinkowski Woolf on automatic inventory replenishment programs. Take part in the poll at the bottom of the article to voice your opinion. In the second spot is a news item on the newest building at Kubota Manufacturing of America’s 234.5 acre site in Gainesville, Ga. And rounding out the top 3 is a video from the 2018 Farm Progress Show on Mahindra’s new 8000 series. 

Experts explain how artificial intelligence, blockchain and smart contracts can benefit equipment financing — and encourage dealers to learn about the technologies and seek out financing partners who are doing the same.

Artificial intelligence, blockchain and smart contracts are three kinds of technology improving processes and outcomes in other industries, but which are not yet available for equipment financing. Two experts say it’s time that equipment dealers demand this tech of their financing partners.

The shift away from alfalfa hay to non-alfalfa hay could be related to a growing horse industry.