The bad and the good closes out an ugly year
The show won’t go on
Out of concern for public health and safety, the 2021 Western Farm Show City has been canceled by the Western Equipment Dealers Association, the event producer. The show was scheduled Feb. 19-21, 2021, at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City, Missouri.
“Given the long history of this event as one of the Midwest’s premier farm shows, this is a very disappointing step to take,” said Show Manager Ken Dean. “But it is the responsible decision for the protection of everyone involved during the current pandemic.”
Dean noted the 2021 show would have marked its 60th anniversary, a milestone that will be celebrated instead the following year. “We thank our show attendees, exhibitors and staff for their continued support and look forward to bringing back the Western Farm Show with all of its attractions for the 2022 season,” Dean said.
Jeff Overbey
Moving in…
Jeff Overbey recently joined the staff at Equipment Dealer Consulting LLC. Serving as an Accountant/CPA, Overbey will work with EDC clients on a variety of tax and accounting matters.
Overbey has an impressive background, with over 25 years of extensive experience in corporate, external reporting, financial risk, and general ledger accounting.
Moving up…
Mike Kerr
In a significant step forward in planned efforts to develop and install the next generation of executive leadership at Federated Insurance, Chairman and CEO Jeff Fetters has announced the following:
Michael G. Kerr has been appointed the organization’s president and chief executive officer. Kerr has been with Federated for 39 years.
Nicholas Lower
Nicholas R. Lower has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer. Lower has been with Federated for 21 years.
While Fetters voluntarily relinquished his role as CEO, he will retain his duties and responsibilities as chairman of the Federated Mutual Insurance Companies. These changes went into effect January 1.
“It is with tremendous pride and complete confidence that we announce these important leadership changes,” Fetters said. “Mike Kerr and Nick Lower are proven leaders who breathe life into our organization’s mission each and every day. We have been tremendously fortunate to benefit from their contributions over the years and look forward to the future they will help shape for our company and clients.”
Iron Solutions’ OPE guide available
The Outdoor Power Equipment Official Guide provides values for 11 types of equipment from 70 manufacturers. The print book includes values on up to four options, while the online version contains values on up to 15 options. It is the Official Equipment Valuation Guide of North American dealers, manufacturers, and lenders.
This guide covers extensive and up to date valuation data for:
- Riding Mowers
- Lawn Tractors
- Garden Tractors
- Skid Steer Loaders
- Track Loaders
- Zero Turn and Front Deck Mowers
- Commercial Walk-Behind Mowers
- Compact Tractors and Utility Tractors
- Utility Vehicles
Analysts for Iron Solutions monitor all of the factors that influence the used equipment market, including dealer- and auction-reported equipment prices, latest factory prices, resale cash value, and average trade-in or loan values to provide comprehensive and up to date information. For product inquiries and questions call 855/282-8173 or write to sales@ironsolutions.com.
Too cool not to share
Photo courtesy of Blenheim Gallery and Garden
Turns out dealers and farmers aren’t the only ones to find a use for old and rusty iron. Shown here is a life-size horse sculpture made from “old farm machinery, rusted out carts, boxes of discarded tools, and odds and ends.”
The artist (sculptor) is Matthew Sloane, a native of Tasmania, Australia. The horse has been on display in Tasmania at the Blenheim Gallery and Garden. But it’s coming to North America. Its new home will be Brooklyn, New York.
