ALL ABOUT TRACTORS BY PAUL WALLEM On June 20, 170 tractors celebrated the 100th Anniversary of Route 66. The lineup of almost every tractor brand traveled a 35-mile route to commemorate the different segments, 1926 to 1930, 1930 to 1940, and 1940 to 1977. They began at the Litchfield, Ill., Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center, then drove through White City, Sawyerville, Staunton and Mt. Olive. Co-champions Jim Niemann and Keith Ladage organized the event. Ladage said after the ride that many motorists along the way parked by the highway and watched the four-mile parade of tractors. Passing motorists used their horns to acknowledge the parade. Only a few tractors failed en route. One tractor with engine problems was towed the entire distance by another driver. Mid-State Collector’s Club was responsible for the event. The club was founded in 2000, and Niemann has been president for 14 years. Average speed was 12 mph. Drivers from as far away as Ohio participated. US and European electric tractor sales The U.S. currently leads electric tractor sales with approximately $70 million USD compared to European sales of $50 million USD. The U.S. market is characterized by a high volume of agricultural electric tractors (mainly under 50 HP) primarily built by Monarch and Solectric. Europe markets primarily mid- to high-power electric and hybrid models, heavily pushed by local OEM investments from New Holland Agricultural and Fendt. EU’s transition to electric tractors is driven mostly by the EU Green Deal and (CAP) Common Agricultural Policy. U.S. adaptation to electric is mainly driven by labor shortages in niche, high-value spaces like vineyards, orchards and dairies. CNH combines filed management of Case IH and New Holland The North American Equipment Dealers Association wrote this response to CNH’s color mixing of their dealer network move to further align the Case IH and New Holland organizations – referred to as the “purpling” of the brands: “CNH announced their perspective – which is to reduce internal competition between the brands, align organizational structure, and eliminate duplicate costs. This should reduce complexity and lower carrying costs, which is important to any manufacturer. “So far, information regarding the future product portfolios is limited. It is explained that future Case IH will continue to focus on cash crops, while New Holland emphasizes forage, hobby farming and special applications. The real world, however, may not be that simple. “The “purpling” of the organization presents both risks and opportunities for CNH, its dealers and customers. The industry largely understands the rationale behind the move. The real question is how effectively it will be executed.” Farm Credit Administration news release of June 12 Indications are that farm income -will decline in 2026 but remain above average due to strong federal support. Crop returns should improve modestly, and livestock returns remain strong despite drought concerns. Farmland values stabilized early in 2026, though risks persist as cash rent softens and drought shows growth in some regions. Water concerns over future data centers Water usage concerns some agricultural groups regarding new data centers. Large amounts of water are a requirement, and there is a potential effect on water tables. AI (Artificial Intelligence) is powered by these data centers, which require water 24/7. Paul Wallem was raised on an Illinois dairy farm. He spent 13 years with corporate IH on domestic & foreign assignments. He resigned to own and operate two IH dealerships. He is the author of THE BREAKUP of IH & SUCCESSES & INDUSTRY FIRSTS of IH. See all his books on www:PaulWallem,com. Email comments to pwallem9@gmail.com. |
