What a difference a few months make. Who of us last September thought we would see March ’21 corn pushing $5.50/bushel or KC wheat futures over $6.00/bushel? The best part is that these prices are being sustained by both strong export demand as well as tight old crop supplies—a great combination! Unfortunately, most of us sold out long ago, but the current price run-up provides some good pricing opportunities for contracting our upcoming crops.
Speaking of next year, 2021 is upon us and spring planting is not that far off. In some areas, field work has already started. So, hopefully, our dry conditions get replaced by a wetter weather pattern in the months to come!
In other news, we’re also seeing the demand for equipment, both new and used, increase sharply with the run-up in commodities—not just for us, but for dealers across the country. We are currently sold out of new 8R and 9R tractors with no signs of a replenishment from Deere until June. New sprayer production for Deere is also sold out for the upcoming growing season. However, we do have some new sprayers on hand. What this goes to show is new equipment availability is going to be tight for the foreseeable future, requiring all of us to plan and forecast new equipment needs earlier.
The demand for new equipment has also impacted the used equipment market. Late models in all product categories are scarce. This has led to stronger prices and, more importantly, increased trade values, which is good news if you are looking to purchase.
If you haven’t been to our website lately, I would invite you to take a look around. Over the past winter, we invested heavily in our digital presence. We hope you’ll agree that our new site is much more engaging, easier to navigate and provides quick access to tools like MyDealer for finding and purchasing OEM parts online. You can also find our popular Build Your Own tool to build, equip, price and finance a utility tractor, lawn tractor, zero-turn mower or Gator. Plus, a new online store to purchase licensed merchandise, including toys, clothing, tools and more—check it out at 21shed.com!
Speaking of digital tools, the Operations Center on MyJohnDeere.com has added several new features that can help analyze and report on completed work across multiple fields. You can also create agronomic recommendations and prescriptions for this spring’s field work. And finally, it has never been easier to manage varieties, chemicals, fertilizers and tank mixes prior to going to the field. If you need help getting up to speed with the Ops Center’s new capabilities, just give us a call—and don’t forget to download the Operations Center mobile app in the App Store.
As spring planting activities begin in earnest over the next month or two, everyone here at 21st Century Equipment looks forward to providing you the very best solutions for your equipment, parts, service and precision ag technology needs. We sincerely appreciate your business and look forward to working together throughout the upcoming growing season.