Contents
July
From the Editor
6
Making informed decisions in a changing industry and environment.
2026
Volume 52 • Number 7
Service Story
27
A mechanic truck in Catesa Farm’ s fleet serves as a fully equipped mobile workspace for everything from preventative maintenance to major repairs.
Analysis
11
Mid-year is the perfect moment to ask which equipment investments are delivering value, and which are harder to justify.
Industry Viewpoint
32
An opinion piece examining how mechanization, subsidies and global trade transformed agriculture into largescale industrial production.
Machines & Maintenance
22
Farm equipment is one of the most significant investments, but the right storage setup plays a direct role in expanding lifespans and reducing costs.
Equipment Spotlight
36
A look at tree care handlers designed for cutting, lifting and material handling across a range of applications.
departments
Events ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Product Spotlight ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 38 The Dirt ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 42 Dealers ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 43 Classifieds ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 45
on the cover
Dedicated
to Serving the US Market
Catalyst Communications Network 2025. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recorded or otherwise without the prior written permission of Catalyst Communications Network.
F L
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Circulation: Farmers Hot Line publication is sent to farmers and ranchers who are actively involved in farming along with bulk issues distributed to farm equipment dealers, supply and elevators.
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4 | 800-247-2000 | 515-955-1600 | July 2026