Industry Perspectives Article Series

The 2012 Census of Agriculture shows that 75% of U.S. farms have sales less than $50,000, holding about steady with the 2007 census.

Dealers are acting on demand and adding to product lines that show the most potential for growth. Zero-turn mowers and tractors 40-100 horsepower share the top spot in the top 5 products dealers will add in 2014.

Today in remarks at the National Farmers Union National Convention, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new and expanded efforts to connect small- and mid-sized farmers and ranchers with USDA resources that can help them build stronger businesses, expand to reach new and larger markets, and grow their operations.

Equipment dealers who sell to the rural lifestyle market are optimistic about 2014, with nearly 60% expecting revenue increases of 2-8% or more, according to Rural Lifestyle Dealer's 2014 Dealer Business Trends & Outlook Survey.

Eric Roach is a member of Rural Lifestyle Dealer's editorial advisory board. Board members are leading dealers from across the country who will provide trends and insights to the RLD team.

Rural Lifestyle Dealer has compiled an extensive management report where we dig a little deeper than just the numbers to study dealer business trends and the outlook for 2014.

The Rural Lifestyle Dealer team is heading south to Louisville this week to see the latest and greatest equipment innovations at the National Farm Machinery Show and you can follow our live updates.

For the 8th consecutive year, RURAL LIFESTYLE DEALER is sponsoring its "Dealership of the Year" awards program to recognize North America's best rural equipment dealers. We are currently accepting nominations for this year's award, the 2014 RURAL LIFESTYLE DEALER Dealership of the Year.

For 2014, 59.3% of rural lifestyle dealers expect growth in the 2-8% or more range. View the complete report in the digital edition, http://www.rurallifestyledealer.com/de/rldwinter2014/index.html