Unlike the professional farmer, who often walks into the dealership knowing exactly what he needs and what he wants to pay, the rural lifestyler may know only that he or she needs "some equipment to finish a job this weekend." Upon entering an equipment showroom, it's likely that these consumers will have no idea what type of machinery is available to help them get the job done.

An improving rural economy in the U.S. and Canada has equipment dealers who cater to rural consumers feeling optimistic about their opportunities for increasing sales revenue in 2012.

CNH Global N.V. (NYSE: CNH) today announced financial results for the year ended December 31, 2011. For the year, net sales increased 25% (22% on a constant currency basis) to $18.1 billion as agricultural equipment markets continue to perform well across the Group's geographical portfolio, and as a result of the continued recovery in the construction equipment market segment.

Understanding what makes your rural lifestyler customers tick will lead you to an up-tick in equipment and attachment sales

The United States has a total land area of nearly 2.3 billion acres, according to a new report issued by USDA.

Publisher Michael Ellis gives a sneak peek on what's coming ahead in the Winter 2012 issue of Rural Lifestyle Dealer. This is our annual SHOWCASE issue, something that rural dealers will come back to as a reference guide throughout the year.

In preparation for the annual Dealer Business Trends & Outlook Report for the Winter 2012 edition of Rural Lifestyle Dealer, we're polling selected North American equipment dealerships to get their input about the market.

In this video sponsored by Basic Software, Eric Schnelle co-owner of the 2011 Dealership of the Year award-winner S & H Farm Supply Inc. shares advice for optimizing a dealership's web presence.

Rural Lifestyle Dealer to Give Away an iTunes Gift Card