Niche Markets

Discernment of a Real Expert

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Discernment of a real expert usually boils down to the asking of relevant questions, and being able to say I don't know but I will find out — and does.

What March Madness and Others Might Have Been...

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Tennessee's Vanderbilt Univ., once known only for its academia power, is now showing success on the athletic fields and the hardwood.

Selling Snow Removal Equipment & Improving Winter Cashflow

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Snow removal equipment can offer sales and service revenue year-round based on proper stocking, early promotions and dedicated service teams.

On the Shortline Manufacturing Business: A ‘Declaration of Independents’

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

As its association marks 75 years, the shortline business deserves examination – and recognition for changing the course of agriculture.

Farm Facts and Figures Released by USDA ERS

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

The USDA Economic Research Service recently released its 2024 edition of America’s Farms and Ranches at a Glance.

Why the Decline in the Heart of Farm Tractor Sales in 2024

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Glass Management Group has maintained data on U.S. tractor sales, by horsepower category, by month, since 1969 and this extensive data base has allowed the production of an annual Tractor and Combine Sales Forecast each November for the following calendar year, which has been published publicly since 1999.

Dealers Report Higher Outdoor Power Equipment Scores & Higher Satisfaction in 2024

mlessiter@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Outdoor power equipment (OPE) manufacturers improved their year-over year dealer satisfaction scores in 2024.

CARB Announces $27 Million in Incentives to California Landscape Businesses

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:01:00 -0400

The California Air Resources Board today announced the opening of a new funding category offered through its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), which will make point-of-sale discount vouchers available for zero-emission professional landscape service equipment.

Keno Tractors Finds Success Importing, Selling & Servicing Chinese Tractors

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 11:13:00 -0400

One of only 2 Jinma dealers in the U.S., CEO and Founder of Keno Tractorss Eric Nystrom sold his first piece of farm equipment, a Jinma tractor he imported and assembled himself, back in 2004.

Annie’s Project Appoints 7 New Board Members

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 09:57:54 -0500

Annie’s Project, a national non-profit educational program that empowers women in agriculture, announces the appointment of 7 people to its board of directors, bringing the total number of board members to 11, including Marji Alaniz, Carolyn Banks, secretary of the board, Shannon Dill, Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin, Jr., Barbara Rater, Dr. Dee Singh-Knights and Sam Schwoeppe.

Tracks on Mowers Offer Unique Advantages

kschmidt@lessitermedia.com — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 14:36:00 -0400

Altoz offers a product that is unique to the industry — zero-turn and stand-on mowers with tracks. And while Altoz owner Dennis Brazier says tracked mowers certainly won’t replace all wheeled mowers, they offer a unique advantage for commercial, municipality or farm customers. The Altoz Advantage series is brought to you by Altoz.

41 Italian Farm Equipment Manufacturers to Exhibit at World Ag Expo 2021

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 00:00:00 -0500

These 41 companies will exhibit a wide range of products that goes from parts and components to highly specialized harvesting equipment. Despite the high variety of brands and products all the Italian technology share the same characteristics, great quality, incomparable specialization and high level of innovation.

Woodford Equipment Finds Success in Rural Lifestyle Market

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 00:01:00 -0400

2020 was an interesting year for everyone in the world, and the equipment business hasn’t been immune. In Emmetsburg, Iowa, however, Woodford Equipment is marking the year with a something big to celebrate too — its 10th year in business.

Best Practices of Elite Dealerships Volume 6: Featuring Dealership of the Year Recipient

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 08:59:00 -0400

This “Best Practices of Elite Dealerships Volume 6,” featuring Dealership of the Year recipients, highlights the successes and strategies of award-winning dealerships, and it’s yours to download FREE!

Briggs & Stratton to Sell Turf Lines, Accelerate Growth in Other Areas

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 13:26:00 -0500

Company also plans to sell its pressure washer and portable generators business; increase focus on commercial engines and battery-powered products; and increase its dealer network for residential standby power products.

Best Practices of Elite Dealerships Volume 5: Featuring Dealership of the Year Recipients

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:00:00 -0500

This “Best Practices of Elite Dealerships Volume 5,” featuring Dealership of the Year recipients, highlights the successes and strategies of award-winning dealerships, and it’s yours to download FREE!

Autonomous Equipment as a Solution to the Labor Shortage

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:01:00 -0500

As workers of all skill levels become tougher to find, businesses are forced to do more with less. Autonomy could be the innovation that bridges the gap for businesses looking to stay in the green.

3 Tech Trends for 2020 & How You Can Stay Relevant

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 13:33:00 -0500

Alyn Brown, technology consultant for the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry and Rural Lifestyle Dealer’s technology columnist, says 2020 will be a time for dealers to get ready as commercial electric mowers, autonomous mowers and connected machines become entrenched in the market.

Farmers Unite to Launch U.S. Hemp Growers Association

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 12:19:00 -0500

Founded by a diverse group of leaders, the organization will provide world-class educational and market development resources, research, and networking opportunities.

Billy Goat Celebrates 50 Years

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:01:00 -0400

Billy Goat Industries is celebrating its 50th anniversary, boasting a portfolio of 11 debris and turf management products (some 90 SKUs) sold in North America and around the world. The company’s success attracted the attention of Briggs & Stratton, which acquired it in 2015.

USDA Establishes Domestic Hemp Production Program

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 12:19:00 -0400

This program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill, creates a consistent regulatory framework around hemp production throughout the United States.

Billy Goat’s 50th Anniversary: How the Company Grew, What’s Next

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Pierre Perieira, a 12-year veteran of Billy Goat Industries, highlights what the company did to grow, including the decision to be acquired by Briggs & Stratton in 2015. He also highlights what’s next for its production facilities and product development.

Hammond Tractor Sells Compact Equipment to Hemp Producers

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 09:02:00 -0400

Industrial hemp production is not just an opportunity for large ag equipment sales. Hammond Tractor has had a good year selling compact tractors, rototillers and even tractor mowers to hemp producers for weed control.

Cedar Street Sales & Rental Plans Expansion

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 08:38:00 -0400

The dealership will soon begin the construction of a 6,000 sq. ft. addition to the business, which is slated to be completed by September.

American Green Zone Alliance, STIHL Collaborate to Promote Battery-Electric Equipment

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:32:00 -0400

The collaboration pairs STIHL battery tools with AGZA's Green Zone education and certification programs.

Getting Customer Excited about UTVs

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 01:00:00 -0400

“Get a customer’s imagination going. Let them imagine themselves in this really cool, nice-looking UTV. Sell them something that fits with who they think they are as a person and how they want to be perceived. Get them in ‘want mode,’ not ‘need mode,’” says Steve Shankin.

McGrail Farm Equipment Helps Train Summer Workers

Fri, 17 May 2019 09:59:00 -0400

The dealership, based in Chatham, Ont., sets up training stations and offers the use of equipment for students who are working with the local parks department.

5 Ways to Increase UTV Sales

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 11:51:00 -0400

Don’t take accessories off the vehicle if the customer objects to the setup. Instead, redirect them. Learn other ways to increase UTV unit and accessory sales.

Increase UTV Revenues by Knowing These Facts

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 00:01:00 -0400

Increasing UTV sales and profits hinges on showing customers a complete package — a vehicle with multiple accessory options and upgrades, something more dealers should take advantage of, according to industry expert Steve Shankin.

Mean Green Mowers Now Part of Commercial Electric Lawn & Garden Exchange Program

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 12:29:00 -0400

Participants can receive a discount of up to 50% off the commercial electric equipment standard pricing, which immediately makes them less expensive than most traditional internal combustion engine mowers.