A judge has struck down a challenge to block a law that gives New Hampshire auto dealers new protections in their dealings with manufacturers.

Digital news consumption by farmers and ranchers continues to grow, but not at the expense of traditional media, according to the 2014 iteration of the ABM Agri Media Council Media Channel Study, which surveys how readers engage with agriculture media.

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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.