Artificial Intelligence: Retailer Magazine Q3 2025

the Retailer Q3: 2025 | Quarterly magazine

SERVING AG, CONSTRUCTION AND OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT DEALERS ACROSS IOWA AND NEBRASKA

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Discover how to embrace and adapt with smart technology

AgDirect’s quick response time is a game-changer.

– Al B., Drago and Horsch Dealer, IN

Your customers shouldn’t be slowed down by approval processes when looking to buy, lease or refinance ag equipment. And with today’s tighter margins, it’s more important than ever to move quickly. That’s why AgDirect® prioritizes speed of approval and clear communication to make the financing process smoother for both dealers and customers. Consider AgDirect your partner in all types of ag equipment financing.

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Connect with an AgDirect territory manager near you.

AgDirect is an equipment financing program offered by Farm Credit Services of America and other lenders, including participating Farm Credit System Institutions.

CONTENTS

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EXECUTIVE INSIGHT

FEATURE THE FUTURE OF AI

No longer science fiction, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the agricultural scene and pushing dealers to adapt or be left behind.

Mark Hennessey, CEO, shares his insights about how to stay on top of the AI evolution.

Explore expert knowledge on Artificial Intelligence and how to lean into the future by ethically adopting AI features into your dealership operation. AI is data-driven and can greatly improve customer relations, personalized recommendations, customer support and communication. AI can also uncover valuable insights by analyzing data from various sources, that would have otherwise been undetected.

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CENTRALIZED ACCOUNTING

SPRAY DRONES

DEALER FEATURE

Meredith Lucciola of Forvis Mazars shares insights into centralized accounting models, noting many considerations to help discover how one might be a good fit for your dealership.

Agricultural drones are making big improvements for crop protection applications, increased productivity and more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.

Legacy—a deeply rooted, multigenerational story of grit, growth, and guiding the next generation. Jay Funke answers a Q&A on his leadership at Del-Clay Farm Equipment through the years and how to keep what’s most important in focus.

TABLE OF CONTENTS | 1

CONTENTS

OFFICERS:

Kevin Clark Chairman, Lincoln, NE Dave McCarthy Vice Chairman, Waterloo, NE Jay Funke Past Chairman, Edgewood, IA

DIRECTORS:

Bruce Bowman Kent Grosshans Clay Haley Keith Kreps Mark Placek

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MEET ANDY TANK

MARKETING VIEW

Read on to welcome Andy Tank to the INEDA team, as he shares perspective on the path that brought him here.

Follow along as Director of Marketing, Cindy Feldman, shares what you need to know about embracing AI in marketing to keep up with an ever changing dynamic.

STAFF: David Adelman Phil Erdman Cindy Feldman Laurie Haeder Mark Hennessey Tom Junge Andy Tank Tim Keigher Cara Jicinsky Jamie Mertz Gwen Parks

IA Legislative Director Dir. of Dealer & Gov’t Rel. Marketing Director Ag Expo Coordinator President/CEO Sr. Expo Director Expo Director NE Legislative Director Administrative Assistant Dir. of Dealer & Gov’t Rel. Finance Director

DEALER INFORMATION UPDATE:

CONTACT INEDA:

In addition to receiving this Retailer magazine in print, INEDA will begin sending you more information in print––yes, you heard that right!

8330 NW 54th Ave. Johnston, IA | 50131-2841 E: info@ineda.com | W: www.ineda.com P: 515.223.5119 | F: 515.223.7832 TF: 800.622.0016.

Currently, you can stay informed about events through the RoundUp eNewsletter, Retailer magazine, social media, email invites and on INEDA.com. Starting January 1st, however, we’ll also be promoting all events through print mailings.

We want to make sure you get information the way you prefer, and the choice is yours!

2 | TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ankeny, IA Central City, NE Carroll, IA Scottsbluff, NE Alliance, NE

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: Individual subscriptions are available without charge to Association members. One-year subscriptions are available to all others for $30.00 (4 issues). Contact INEDA for additional information. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is furnished with the understanding that the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, the publisher, is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. Changes in the law may render the information contained in this publication invalid. Legal advice or other expert assistance should be obtained from a competent professional.

Vol. 116 No.3

executive insight The theme of this issue of the Retailer magazine is artificial intelligence (AI). In an industry where tradition meets cutting-edge technology, agricultural equipment dealers now stand at a defining crossroads.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to Silicon Valley or sci-fi movies—it’s rapidly transforming the very fields your customers work in every day.

From autonomous tractors to predictive maintenance, AI is rewriting what’s possible in agriculture. For equipment dealers, this is more than a wave—it’s a turning point.

Here’s why: AI is enhancing machine intelligence, enabling tractors and combines to self-optimize based on terrain, crop type, and weather conditions. It’s driving smarter diagnostics, reducing downtime through predictive service alerts. And it’s giving farmers real-time insights into operations—requiring new levels of integration, support, and technical know-how from the dealerships that serve them.

This evolution changes the dealer’s role. No longer just sales and service hubs, successful dealerships are becoming data-savvy consultants— trusted partners in digital agriculture. That means new opportunities, but also new responsibilities. Are your technicians trained in AI-enabled platforms? Is your team ready to sell the value of software as confidently as they sell horsepower?

Chief Executive Officer

Manufacturers are moving fast. John Deere’s See & Spray, CNH’s autonomy stack, AGCO’s Precision Planting—all are signaling a future where the dealer’s ability to support smart technology will be as important as their parts inventory.

The path forward is clear: invest in training, embrace new partnerships, and think beyond iron. Dealers that adapt quickly will lead the market. Those that don’t may find themselves left behind—not by technology, but by farmers who expect more from their machines and their dealers.

AI is not a threat to your business. It’s a catalyst for growth, efficiency, and deeper customer relationships—if you lean in.

This is your time to lead the change. 

EXECUTIVE INSIGHT | 3

ne AROUND

NEBRASKA

PHIL ERDMAN Director of Dealer and Government Affairs [phile@ineda.com]

“Closing Time” Nebraska’s Legislative Session Adjourned on June 2 I couldn’t help but think of a popular song from the 1990s as the Nebraska Legislative Session was drawing to a close.

The chorus of Closing Time, by Semisonic, states, “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

That’s where I think most Senators, staff and citizens are with regards to the Nebraska Legislature at this time of year. Members of the Legislature have adjourned their 90-day session and left the State Capitol where they passed a two-year budget without raising taxes on equipment or parts – largely by using cash funds from agencies and the state’s cash reserve. They also took up a number of other bills, through a process that has become a gauntlet to get to the Governor’s desk.

Before I outline just a few bills that are of interest to INEDA and our members, I want to thank Tim Keigher of Keigher and Associates who is an amazing advocacy partner keeping us in regular conversation with State Senators and the Governor’s office to help protect and promote your interests.

Here are just a few of this session’s notable laws that affect dealers: • LB 98 – Titling of UTVs (Side by Sides). Working with Chairman Moser, he introduced and passed legislation to address the issue with the inability to title UTVs that are 2000 pounds or more. The bill was passed by the Legislature unanimously and became law on March 11 by Governor Pillen.

• LB 415 – Modifies the paid sick leave policy overwhelmingly passed by voters in November 2024. The original initiative mandated paid sick leave for all employees. LB 415 as passed, exempts businesses with 10 or fewer employees, excludes workers under age 16 and temporary or seasonal agricultural workers, and removes the ability for employees to sue employers for retaliation related to sick leave usage. The bill passed with exactly the 33 votes needed, including support from Democratic Senator Jane Raybould of Lincoln. More information will be made available to dealers to ensure compliance including a presentation by Woods Aitken Law Firm at our Legislative Meeting in York on June 17.

4 | NEBRASKA LEGISLATIVE REPORT

• LB 525 – Protection of Ag Data. As introduced, it prevents any data (sales, location, financial, etc.) that was generated in the production of livestock or crops from being shared, stored, or used by anyone without the express written consent of the farmer. This would have an impact on everything from loan applications to tenant/landlord agreements to irrigation and telematics. If someone refused to share information, they could not be treated differently than those who did. This bill is going to be part of an interim study by the Banking Commerce and Insurance Committee under Legislative Resolution 123.

• LB 650 – As introduced would have taxed net wrap and twine as well as leases of agricultural GPS/RTK towers. Senator von Gillern has introduced this bill on behalf of Governor Pillen. Taxing Net wrap and twine was removed from the bill with the committee amendment and Senator Bob Hallstrom was able to remove the tax on RTK tower leases with a floor amendment.

Now that Senators have left the State Capitol, it is a great time to connect with them in the interim. Thank them for their service and continue to build a meaningful relationship with them and help them understand your issues before they return to Lincoln for their next session. 

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NEBRASKA LEGISLATIVE REPORT | 5

Navigating the

Economic Storm On May 22 and 29, INEDA hosted Regional Meetings in Grand Island, NE, and Ankeny, IA. We had very good participation and attendance at both meetings.

This year’s workshop focused on economic factors affecting the market, including market forecasts and tax situations, including tariffs and how they will impact dealers, along with risk management in the workplace (preventing mishaps from happening).

Jay Rempe, an economist from Rolling Prairie Partners, from Lincoln, Nebraska, focused on the economy. Specifically, Jay talked about the farm economy, farm debt, farm income, land values, farm bankruptcies, futures outlooks for corn and soybeans, drought conditions, trade policy, possible tariff threats, and impacts of each on international trade. Jay touched on what he was seeing for the rest of 2025 and how that would impact 2026 and the year we can expect next year.

Marc Johnson, a CPA from Pinion, an accounting firm out of Kansas City, Kansas, expanded on the impact of current tariffs, possible tariffs, and how each could affect dealers and manufacturers. Marc also discussed the history of tariffs and the rates since their inception. He gave an overview of “the Big Beautiful Bill” and the importance of what is in it when it comes to tax breaks and certainty for farmers and dealers when and if it passes. He talked about the uncertainty surrounding markets, taxes, and how that has caused chaos in the markets and in making business decisions. Even though the bill was passed through the House, the Senate will amend it, making their changes and then send it back to the House for passage and then on to President Trump’s desk for him to sign.

6 | REGIONAL MEETINGS

Talks have said Congress would like to have this done by July 4th, but his view is that Labor Day Weekend is more likely.

Jerry Leemkill, from Federated Insurance, talked about fire prevention in the workplace, causes of the fires, the cost of a fire in the workplace, and risk management practices to mitigate having one of these incidents in your workplace. Jerry provided training materials, including posters and signage to display in dealerships.

Lastly, we were proud to introduce our members to some of the team from Forvis Mazars. Forvis Mazars is a recent sponsor of Iowa Nebraska Equipment Dealer Association. They are a nationwide accounting firm that specializes in many key topics and services to dealers across the country. Below is a list of some of the things that Forvis Mazars offers and works with dealers on.

If you were unable to attend this meeting, we will be sending out the recording to all of our members so you may view. If you have any questions or need information on how to get in touch with our speakers, please reach out to Phil or myself. Contact information is below.  Phil Erdman Director of Dealer and Government Relations (402) 429-5726 phile@ineda.com

Jamie Mertz Director of Dealer and Government Relations (515) 320-3314 jamiem@ineda.com

REGIONAL MEETINGS | 7

ia

AROUND

IOWA

Iowa 2025

Legislative Session

JAMIE MERTZ Director of Dealer and Government Affairs [jamiem@ineda.com]

The session ended on May 15, 2025, after extending 13 days beyond the scheduled adjournment due to unresolved issues like eminent domain legislation, property tax reform, and state spending priorities. Republicans maintained a trifecta in Iowa’s government, with leadership changes in the House Minority Leader position. Below are some of the highlights of the 2025 session.

1. Major Initiatives:

• Cell Phones in Schools: HF 782 restricts cellphone use during classroom time, signed into law on April 30.

• Property Taxes: Efforts to reform the property tax system stalled, with plans to revisit next year.

• Unemployment Insurance: SF 607 lowers unemployment insurance taxes and adjusts contribution rates.

• Electronic Devices While Driving: SF 22 expands restrictions on device use while driving, effective July 1, 2025.

• Tax Credits: SF 657 overhauls Iowa’s tax credit system, eliminating some programs and creating new ones.

• Eminent Domain: HF 639 passed after prolonged negotiations, addressing landowner protections for pipeline projects.

• Medicaid Work Requirements: SF 615 introduces work requirements for Medicaid expansion recipients, with exemptions for certain groups.

• Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing: SF 619 provides disaster recovery assistance and establishes new funding mechanisms.

2. State Budget:

• The FY 2026 budget totals $9.424 billion from the General Fund, a 5.4% increase from FY 2025, with additional appropriations from other funds totaling $1.633 billion.

• Key increases include funding for health care, education, and infrastructure.

Here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s session.

• The Governor celebrated achievements in unemployment taxes, education, and rural healthcare while emphasizing property tax reform for next year.

• Republican leaders highlighted accomplishments in public safety, Medicaid, and education.

• Democratic leaders criticized the session for partisanship and special interest priorities.

As most of you have probably seen or read in the news, Governor Reynolds will not be running for reelection in 2026. Currently there have been only democratic candidates that have launched their bid for IA governor. Those candidates are Rob Sands (current IA state auditor), Julie Stauch (former IA political director for Pete Buttigieg), and Paul Dahl (from Webster City). On the Republican side, Eddie Andrews (Johnston, IA), Randy Feenstra (Hull, IA), and Brad Sherman (Williamsburg, IA) have all declared themselves as Republican candidates for Governor. 

8 | IOWA LEGISLATIVE REPORT

Global to see the big picture.

Local to understand it.

Providing clarity. Building confidence.

forvismazars.us Assurance | Tax | Consulting INNOVATION AFTER HOURS | 9

2025 Legislative Mee and Golf Outings NEBRASKA – 42 members and guests from across Nebraska met in York at the York Country Club on June 17.

Tim Keigher with Keigher and Associates gave a recap of the 2025 Legislative Session and discussed the passage of legislation to correct issues with titling Utility Vehicles – that we requested – as well as the protection of the sales tax exemption on leases of towers used for agricultural global positioning/RTK systems.

Jerry Pigsley with Woods Aitken provided an update on workplace leave policy as passed by the voters in 2024 and amended by the Legislature in the 2025 session. The law as amended will become effective on October 1, 2025.

Members discussed LB 525 the Agricultural Data Privacy Act, introduced by Senator Mike Jacobson at the request of Governor Pillen, that is the subject of interim study LR 123 this summer and fall. State Senator Bob Hallstrom and Cicely Wardyn from Governor Pillen’s staff discussed the vision behind the effort - to protect the data from those in agriculture from outside interests using their information to their detriment while understanding the current data privacy agreements and industry standards as well as the unique partnerships that customers have with dealers who support them in their products.

On the Federal level, Daniel Fisher with Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) provided an update on the latest with the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and what it means for equipment dealers.

Members also offered their insights on state and federal legislation and issues and discussed opportunities like the Nebraska Legislative Breakfast and the Washington DC Fly-In as ways to get involved in shaping public policy.

It is vital that we get to know and educate candidates for state and federal office, and they get to know you and your issues for the well-being of your business. Our goal is to $35,000 for the NED-PAC the 2026 election cycle. (NED-PAC is a state political action committee fund, which can receive both personal and corporate contributions.)

Dealers have hosted 48 State Senator visits and 4 visits from US House of Representatives to your dealerships in Nebraska in the last two years. Make it a point to invite your State Senator or member of the Federal Delegation to visit your dealership and let me know how I can help!

ADVOCACY STRATEGY FOR 2025

PHIL ERDMAN Director of Dealer and Government Affairs - NE [phile@ineda.com]

10 | LEGISLATIVE INEDA EVENT

Support NED-PAC.

Host State Senators at your dealership.

Recruit candidates in your communities.

etings IOWA – On June 19, members from across Iowa met at Copper Creek in Pleasant Hill, IA. Cornerstone gave a recap of the 2025 Iowa session and relevant legislation that was passed.

They also previewed possible 2026 legislation.

On the Federal level, Daniel Fisher with Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) provided an update on the latest with the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” and what it means for equipment dealers.

Members also offered their insights on state and federal legislation and issues and discussed opportunities like the Iowa Legislative Reception and the Washington DC Fly-In as ways to get involved in shaping public policy.

We continue to see contributions to the PAIDPAC increase over previous years. Thank you!

Our goal is to raise $30,000 for the 2026 election cycle. I will be visiting dealers throughout the summer to continue to add to the PAC in preparation for the 2026 elections and campaign contributions. Your support and willingness to participate in hosting and supporting candidates really makes a difference!

JAMIE MERTZ Director of Dealer and Government Affairs [jamiem@ineda.com]

Thank you for attending these meetings.

We hope you enjoyed these events!

LEGISLATIVE INEDA EVENT | 11

Developments & Futur While there is still some unknown on where AI will go, the technology is here and expanding. John Andersen, a dealer consultant who has worked in modernizing dealerships for 35 years, shared tips on how dealers can future-proof their dealership and equip their teams with the knowledge to leverage new technology during a Farm Equipment webinar.

Andersen compared the origins of the rapid revolution of agricultural technology in the past 100 years or so, citing that compared to farming back in the late 1800s, “[Today] there’s very little human intervention, a lot of human risk, but very little human intervention in the physical act of farming.” Already in the past

12 | FEATURE FUTURE OF AI

there has been a sharp decrease of actual human labor put into the physical side of farming, so the involvement of AI in these processes should not be a deterrent to farmers, he says.

However, there is a reasonable fear of AI, Andersen says, in response to the exponential growth of productivity caused by new technologies. “What’s scary in the AI world is this is happening in accordance with Moore’s Law, which means year-over-year we’re doubling what our ability is to adopt and use technology until such a point that the technology probably is closer to running us than we are running the technology. And in some respects, that’s kind of where we are today.”

re of AI in Dealerships Though AI may seem a bit frightening to many, the benefits of using it in your business are monumental.

AI can help gather all sorts of important statistics about a customer like what they purchased, how often they purchased things and how often they needed repairs, Andersen explains. Machine learning, the process of “taking that big data and building machine learning applications around it,” proves essential in artificial intelligence’s ability to forecast and predict what can be done through the information already available, he says.

Countering fears about AI replacing human workers that many may have, Andersen says, “Artificial intel-

ligence is based exclusively on data. It doesn’t have intuition, it doesn’t have a gut and it doesn’t have the ability to relate human to human.”

Human workers can never be replaced, as the need for human Emotional Intelligence will always be needed in the workplace. Andersen says, “Your emotional intelligence is always what plays, and that’s when you sit and talk to a farmer and you start to look at weather conditions and you look at his face and you know that it’s going to be a difficult year for him, or he comes in with his spring in his step and you know that he’s got something going on and you know that the crop yield is going to be higher than what he expected.”

FEATURE FUTURE OF AI | 13

The need for human interaction and emotional intelligence will always be a vital part of customer service.

However, this is not to say that AI can not be a powerful tool in the hands of dealerships. Andersen says, “We’re not talking about having a computer run the dealership, we’re talking about the computer providing you with intelligence so you can make emotional decisions and striking that balance perfectly between what’s actual data and what you know from the gut.”

Andersen goes on to list instances in which AI is already used in the industry, like Case IH’s aMax, John Deere’s Auto Reclasse and Kubota’s Smart Supply. Having AI complete tasks like data entry, inventory tracking, and routine maintenance scheduling can free up employees to focus on more important customer service tasks, he says. Furthermore, citing the ability to use chatbots, allowing customers to find quick answers to questions they may have, one can further automate the system and allow for far more productivity.

14 | FEATURE FUTURE OF AI

Data Aggregation By collecting and analyzing vast amounts of data from various sources, such as customer transactions, inventory management systems, and sensor-equipped machinery, dealerships can uncover valuable insights that were previously hidden.

To emphasize the usefulness of everyday data aggregation, Andersen notes his phone’s ability to track where he has been, how many miles he traveled, how much he spent on gas and overall providing him with much more information about his daily life than he would have known otherwise.

Relating to the dealership world, Andersen says, “If you can imagine all the Case IH dealers sharing data aggregation,so when a piece of equipment comes in, it’s not just what your history is on how long it takes to change out a hydraulic pump, it’s going to be the history of every Case dealer in the system that’s aggregated that.”

AI algorithms can also analyze historical sales data, seasonal patterns and customer preferences to optimize parts stocking levels, reducing overstocking and minimizing stockouts.

AI can further aid dealerships and their customers through the use of targeted customer marketing, as well as preventing theft of machinery, using things like Apple airtags. Andersen was also excited about the prospects of Augmented Reality.

“And that’s really what augmented reality is to say, ‘OK, so we have one layer that’s the actual that we’re looking at,’ and then we’re going to overlay on there artificial intelligence that says, ‘This is how you remove the tire. This is how you remove the following brackets. This is how you lift the pump assembly out and this is how you disassemble the pump assembly.’”

Although this technology seems a bit far off, at the rate of technological advancements, it will be sooner rather than later.

“The market is changing underneath you, you have to be prepared to change with the market. You have to continue to learn and know everything that you’re working with, Andersen says.”

He also emphasizes the ability of AI to allow employees to increase their skills and get training rather than fulfill mundane and repetitive tasks. Lastly, Andersen revealed that the slideshow that he had been using during the webinar was put together by an AI website, proving that AI is more practical and easy to use than some may think. 

Top AI Tools for Accounting QuickBooks Online (with QuickBooks AI)

Features: Expense categorization, cash flow forecasting, fraud alerts Best for: Small businesses and freelancers Bonus: Integrates with banks and third-party apps

Xero

Features: Bank reconciliation, invoice management, predictive categorization Best for: Small to mid-sized businesses Bonus: Strong multi-currency and tax features

Zoho Books

Features: Smart reporting, anomaly detection, transaction categorization Best for: Startups and growing firms Bonus: Part of the Zoho suite

Dext (formerly Receipt Bank)

Features: Receipt scanning, data extraction Best for: High-volume expense environments Bonus: Syncs with QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage

Botkeeper

Features:– Bookkeeping automation with human oversight Best for: Accounting firms Bonus: Combines AI and human review

Vic.ai

Features: Invoice processing, approval workflows, analytics Best for: Mid-sized and enterprise-level firms Bonus: ERP integration (e.g., NetSuite, Sage Intacct)

MindBridge Ai Auditor

Features:– AI-driven audits, anomaly detection Best for: Auditors and finance professionals Bonus: Analyzes 100% of transactions—not just samples

Docyt

Features: Real-time accounting, document organization Best for: Hospitality, healthcare, professional services Bonus: Built-in approval and audit-ready records Source: Hayden Lessiter – Hayden Lessiter is an editorial intern for the Lessiter Media Ag Division, studying journalism at the Univ. of Minnesota.

Bottom Line

From reducing manual tasks to offering powerful analytics, AI is becoming essential in accounting departments— especially for small to medium-sized businesses looking to scale efficiently.

ACCOUNTING IAI TOOLS FEATURE FUTURE OF AI | 15

Is a Centralized Accounting Model Right for Your Dealership?

As dealership groups adapt to a changing market, many are exploring the benefits of centralizing their business office functions. A well-planned centralization strategy can improve efficiency and financial controls while lowering costs. However, this transition requires careful evaluation to make sure it aligns with operational goals and dealer network structure.

What Are the Pros & Cons of a Centralized Accounting Model?

Dealership groups often operate their stores and locations using a centralized model, a decentralized model, or a hybrid version of the two. From an accounting standpoint, a centralized model typically means that there are finance and accounting professionals that work at a central location—often on-site at the headquarters—and carry out the vast majority of the financial reporting and accounting functions for all dealership locations. In a decentralized model, each location has its own accounting team with more decision making to ascertain how their financial information is recorded and reported, and the data collected among locations may be different.

Hybrid models may have a few processes, reports, and controls that are designated by the central office, with a mix of other data and reports that are up to the individual store or location.

Cost Efficiency – Would consolidating accounting functions across multiple locations reduce overhead while improving efficiency? Many dealership groups have successfully lowered costs by eliminating redundant roles and leveraging shared services, but the savings ultimately depend on scale and execution.

We see the greatest variety among automotive dealerships when it comes to choosing centralized, decentralized, or hybrid accounting models. In the commercial truck and machinery and equipment spaces, however, dealers tend to operate in a centralized environment.

16 | CENTRALIZED ACCOUNTING

Below are key considerations and potential challenges to keep in mind when thinking of a centralized accounting model for your dealership.

Key Considerations

Technology & Infrastructure – Does your Dealer Management System (DMS) support a centralized accounting model? Upgrading or integrating systems may be necessary to help with seamless data flow, remote accessibility, and cybersecurity compliance.

Process Standardization – How consistent are your accounting practices across locations? A centralized approach operates more effectively with similar policies, streamlined reporting, and standardized procedures to increase accuracy and compliance.

Talent Management – Will key employees adapt to a centralized structure, or will restructuring lead to talent loss? Retaining experienced personnel and operating through change effectively is critical to maintaining continuity and institutional knowledge.

Regulatory & Tax Implications – How will centralization affect multi-state tax compliance and regulatory requirements?

Consider sales tax filings, licensing obligations, and audit processes when considering the feasibility of centralization.

Increased Control Environment & Fraud Prevention – Would centralizing accounting functions strengthen your internal controls and reduce fraud risk? A centralized office may allow for greater oversight, segregation of duties, and standardized approval processes, helping to reduce the changes of unauthorized transactions, cash discrepancies, and employee fraud.

Challenges & Hurdles

How AI Is Transforming Your Accounting Department Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accounting by automating tasks, boosting accuracy, and providing real-time insights that help businesses make smarter financial decisions. Here’s how AI is making a difference:

• Automated Data Entry & Bookkeeping AI extracts data from receipts, invoices, and bank statements, classifying transactions and updating ledgers with minimal manual input.

Implementation Disruptions – What is the expected transition timeline, and how will it affect daily operations? A phased approach can help decrease disruptions, but planning is key to a smooth rollout.

• Invoice Management

Resistance to Change – How will dealership-level teams respond to the shift? Strong leadership, clear communication, and defined roles can help ease concerns and drive adoption.

• Expense Tracking

Data Security & Access – How will sensitive financial data be overseen across multiple locations? Controlling access while maintaining security protocols is essential to reducing the risk of fraud and data breaches.

Customer Experience Impact – Will centralization slow down dealership-level processes, such as deal funding and vendor payments? A structured support model must make certain that frontline operations remain responsive and efficient.

AI can generate invoices, match them with payments, and send payment reminders— streamlining the entire billing process.

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) allows AI to scan receipts, categorize expenses, and sync data with accounting systems.

• Fraud Detection

AI monitors transactions in real-time, flagging anomalies and suspicious activity to help prevent fraud.

• Financial Forecasting

Conclusion

Successfully centralizing a business office requires strategic planning and guidance from experienced professionals. Our team at Forvis Mazars helps dealership groups navigate this transition and find a balance between efficiency, control, and operational effectiveness. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific needs and tailor our services to align with your business objectives.

Please reach out to explore how we can support your centralization strategy.  Source: meredith.lucciola@us.forvismazars.com

Machine learning models analyze historical data to predict revenue, cash flow, and expenses—supporting better planning.

• Audit & Compliance

AI performs fast, accurate audits and flags compliance issues, ensuring adherence to tax laws and accounting standards.

• Virtual Assistants

AI-powered chatbots handle finance-related queries, generate reports, and assist users within accounting platforms.

• Tax Preparation

AI simplifies tax season by calculating liabilities, identifying deductions, and adapting to changing tax codes.

AI IN ACCOUNTING | 17

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption Is Accelerating—Fast!

TOM JUNGE Sr. Expo Director [tomj@ineda.com]

Just a few years ago, you couldn’t visit the website of an ag company without seeing references to reducing carbon footprints or promoting regenerative farming.

Today, the focus has shifted to how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being integrated into products—or used in their production.

AI utilization and adoption in agriculture are advancing at warp speed!

In 2024, global revenues for AI in agriculture surpassed $1.8 billion. That figure is expected to grow by 33% in 2025 and by 66% in 2026. Software holds the largest market share, accounting for 45.2%.

My first exposure to AI was with Carbon Robotics and their laser weeder. In 2022, I was in a field near West Bend, Iowa, where the team explained how the machine improved its plant identification abilities with every pass. Using AI, it quickly learned to differentiate weeds from soybean plants—even those damaged by pests or disease. Over time, it could identify a wide range of crops and the weeds associated with each.

(See Carbon Robotics’ new laser weeder for row crops at the upcoming Nebraska Ag Expo this December.)

Fast forward to 2025, and multiple AI-powered robots and implements are now being used for weeding and harvesting. While only a few have made it to the Midwest, a glimpse of what’s coming can be found at Future Farming. It’s only a matter of time before these machines become common in U.S. fields.

Companies ignoring these innovations may be left behind. Ag chemical giants BASF and Yara have acknowledged the potential disruption to their core business and invested in Ecorobotix, a precision sprayer company. Ecorobotix expects to generate over $500 million in sales over the next five years—and claims its tech can reduce chemical use by up to 90%.

AI has also entered irrigation. AI-enabled systems now optimize water usage based on soil moisture, crop health, and weather forecasts.

In livestock operations, AI-powered cameras monitor animal health, detect abnormal behavior, and identify early signs of illness. These systems can also analyze feed and environmental data to improve productivity.

Sensors and imagery are another rapidly evolving area.

Just a year ago, drone-generated maps were often low resolution. Today, companies like Taranis, Sentera, and Skysense provide high-definition imagery that can distinguish crops from weeds with remarkable precision.

18 | AI ADOPTION

AI-powered vision spraying, drones, sensors, and satellite imagery are quickly becoming essential tools for growers. Sentera even closed its 2025 subscription offering early due to high demand—it sold out in February.

John Deere took notice. In May, the company announced the acquisition of Sentera, a leading provider of remote imagery solutions. Sentera’s system uses aerial imaging and AI to detect weeds and generate herbicide prescriptions—with less than a 24-hour turnaround from drone flight to application map. Sentera was seen as a potential competitor to Deere’s own See & Spray system, offering a lower upfront cost and faster coverage per acre.

At Commodity Classic, New Holland and Case IH announced they will integrate Raven Industries’ Sense & Act technology into their sprayers starting in 2026.

The IntelliSense Sprayer Automation system features a cab-mounted SenseApply Camera that scans conditions 50 feet ahead across the entire boom width—resulting in faster and more accurate applications.

Targeted spraying is expected to see major growth in the coming years, driven by its potential to deliver significant cost savings for growers.

Beyond equipment, AI is also transforming agronomic insights. Syngenta is partnering with AI-driven crop health company Enko to discover new weed control molecules, fueling innovation in herbicide development. Agmatix and BASF are collaborating on a digital solution to detect and predict soybean cyst nematode infestations.

AI is here—and unlike some past technologies, it’s becoming user-friendly quickly. Just look at ChatGPT. In under a year, it went from novel to mainstream, with users able to type in requests and receive clear, actionable insights. We’ve shifted from “Google it” to having AI synthesize our searches for us.

AI is transforming agriculture. Maybe calling it “warp speed” is a stretch—but this feels faster than past tech revolutions. As implementation costs drop and adoption rises, it’s hard to imagine where we’ll be in just a few years.

It’s exciting! 

How Spray Drones Revolutionize Corn Farming, Make Farmers More Efficient and Sustainable There are 400,000 agricultural drones applying product to 300 crop types in over 100 countries around the globe today, helping farmers save money and steward a brighter future.

In its newly released Agricultural Drone Industry Insight Report, industry leader DJI says agricultural drones have provided superior solutions for crop protection applications, liberated more productivity and paved the way for more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices.

Here’s five key takeaways from the annual report:

1.

In 2024, DJI says 400,000 agricultural drones (spray and crop scouting drones) operated on farm fields around the world — a 33% increase from 2023. The company claims drones have helped save 222 million tons of water and reduced carbon emissions by removing nearly 31 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. DJI spray drones are used to apply products to 300 different crop types in over 100 countries worldwide, the study notes.

2.

FAA has streamlined spray drone regulations for agricultural operations, making it easier for farmers to legally use spray drones. Part 137 applicants can now submit their documents online by filling out forms. This change has saved farmers a significant amount of application time and reduced compliance costs considerably, DJI says. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) exemptions have also been streamlined, making it easier for farmers and agronomists to capture complete field level insights more efficiently.

SPRAY DRONES | 19

3.

In 2024, DJI collaborated with various partners globally to carry out drift tests for different drone models and nozzle configurations. The company says spray drones cause less drift than traditional aircraft (crop dusters and spray helicopters) but cause more drift than backpack spraying or small, pull-behind sprayers. Spray drones and large, ground-based sprayers are about equal, the study found, when it comes to spray drift.

4.

By shifting some acres from ground-based applications to drone-based applications, DJI says spray drones are “revolutionizing corn farming in major production regions like the U.S., China, and Brazil.” The company has data that says using spray drones versus large ground sprayers can increase a farmer’s income by $45 to $60 per hectare due to less crop damage and yield loss, and farmers have reduced annual herbicide usage by 25% through spray drones.

5.

In an industry where available skilled labor is often scarce and expensive, DJI says spray drones only require one or two paid operators while ground-rig applications typically need two to five. There’s also less fuel needed (93% less, according to DJI) and spray drones can cover 50-80 hectares in one day, while ground sprayers can cover 25-30 hectares in a typical working day.

Source: Matthew J. Grassi

20 | SPRAY DRONES

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EQUIPMENT BUYING TRENDS | 21

CARRYING THE TORCH:

DEALER FEATURE

Jay Funke Reflects on 33 Years of Leadership at Del-Clay Farm Equipment In a fast-evolving equipment industry where change is constant, legacy matters. For Jay Funke of Del-Clay Farm Equipment in Edgewood, Iowa, legacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a deeply rooted, multi-generational story of grit, growth, and guiding the next generation. As the first featured dealer in INEDA’s new Legacy Dealer series, Jay shares insights gathered over more than three decades in the business. From technology shifts to succession planning, Jay’s story offers valuable lessons for dealers navigating today’s ag landscape while honoring their past.

Del-Clay Farm Equipment first opened its doors in 1947, and Jay became its fourth owner in 1992. Over the years, he’s led the dealership through market swings, technological revolutions, and generational transitions—all while keeping one thing constant: his focus on people, relationships, and long-term thinking.

Ray Tegeler, (on left) & Lee Wiskus (on right), both employees who started with Del Clay in 1974. Ray was an owner from 1974-1990. Both are still working and are 50 year employees!

22 | DEALER FEATURE

Q&A with Jay Funke, Del-Clay Farm Equipment Years in Business: 33 years (Opened March 2, 1992)

Q: How did your dealership get started, and what inspired you to get into the business?

A: Our dealership was originally started in 1947 by Paul Livingston and Vic Stone. It was known as Livingston & Stone in those days. After a split, it became Livingston Sales and Service, and eventually changed hands a few times until I purchased it from Dick Faust in 1992. My dad and brother later joined as partners in 1998. In 2021, as part of our succession plan, we adjusted ownership—my brother became the majority shareholder, and my daughter joined the business as well.

DEALER FEATURE | 23

Q: What are the biggest changes you’ve seen in the equipment industry over your career?

A: When I started, we sold 10 mixer mills and

20–30 manure spreaders annually. Today, the family farm has evolved—many livestock-oriented farmers in our area are now farming 1,000 acres or more. The scale has changed, and so has the technology. We’re still a livestock-focused dealership, but the equipment and expectations have grown tremendously.

Q: What’s been your approach to navigating economic downturns or challenging seasons?

A: Survival mode. That’s really what it came down to at times. We had to make tough decisions—cut expenses, sometimes lay off staff. But we also focused heavily on our service department. Around 2010, we began working toward full absorption, and I’m proud to say we’ve reached over 100% in recent years. That’s been a game-changer.

Q: How have customer expectations changed, and how has your dealership adapted?

A: Customers want more from their equipment. Technology—auto steer, precision ag, retrofits—is no longer optional. Even small operators are embracing these tools. We’ve adapted by investing early in precision services and ensuring our team can meet these changing needs.

Q: What’s the best business decision you’ve ever made—and why?

A: Investing early in precision technology. Around 2012–2013, we hired a full-time specialist and got out ahead of the curve. While some manufacturers lagged behind, we leaned into it—and it’s paid off.

Pat Youngblut (left photo) & Jay Funke (right photo) checking on how new planters are performing. Pat recently retired after 33 years with Del Clay.

24 | DEALER FEATURE

Q: What advice would you give to a younger dealer just starting out?

A: Hire good people. Whether you’re a three-person shop or a fifty-person team, having people who

care about your business and your customers is everything. Respect has to flow both ways—for the employees and the owner.

Q: How have you approached succession planning?

A: Start early. I began thinking about succession seven or eight years ago. Plans evolve—what you envision at the beginning may change. Today, my brother is majority owner, and my daughter plays a key role in the business. I’ll likely stay involved in some capacity, but I’m shifting into more of a consulting role.

Michelle

Funke 1992 – The year the Funkes started their business.

Jay, Elaine, J.C. (7), Michelle (5) and Matt (2) Funke.

Q: What’s one lesson you learned the hard way?

A: Used equipment. It’s easy to get

Summer 2025 – The Jay Funke family

aggressive chasing market share, but if you don’t value trades correctly, it’ll cost you. Paul Livingston, one of the original founders, once told me: “Your best chance to sell a used piece is in the first 90 days.” That advice has held true.

Q: How do you stay connected to your community, customers, and employees?

A: Listen. Smile. Be present. Whether I’m on the street or in the store, I try to listen more than I talk.

Customers often know what they need—we’re here to help guide them, not lecture them. That same principle applies to employees and the community.

Q: What keeps you motivated after all these years?

A: The people—both those I work with and the customers we serve. Farmers are incredible people.

We’re proud to support them, and the relationships we’ve built over the years are what keep me coming back. 

Jay Funke checking singulation and spacing in corn fields.

Cain Brady working with a planter check strip.

DEALER FEATURE | 25

Meet Andy Tank INEDA’s New Show Director Poised to lead the Nebraska and Iowa Ag Expos into the future The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) is pleased to welcome Andy Tank as its newest team member and Show Director. Andy joins INEDA with more than two decades of agricultural tradeshow experience and a deep-rooted passion for the industry. He will work alongside longtime Show Director Tom Junge until Tom’s retirement in 2026, ensuring a seamless transition for INEDA’s cornerstone events—the Nebraska Ag Expo and Iowa Ag Expo.

Andy’s agricultural story began on a grain and livestock farm near the small town of Maysville, Iowa. His formative years were filled with 4-H projects, pig chores, and machinery upgrades—fondly remembering the leap from four- row to six-row planters. His father, a Pioneer seed representative for 23 years, helped cultivate Andy’s early connection to agriculture.

After graduating from Iowa State University, Andy started his professional journey on a swine farm in southeast Iowa. Shortly thereafter, he landed his first tradeshow role as assistant manager of the Farm Progress Show— back when the show rotated annually between fields in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. That early experience sparked a lifelong career in ag tradeshows.

Andy’s path took him around the world, including a three-month IFYE (International 4-H Youth Exchange) program in Australia, before settling into a 25-year career with Pioneer Hi-Bred (and later DuPont and Corteva Agriscience). While at Pioneer, Andy served in various roles from corn quality and logistics to plant operations, eventually returning to his roots in tradeshow coordination.

In 2022, Andy joined Pivot Bio as Tradeshow & Events Manager, where he led event planning and brand activation efforts across national ag expos—including INEDA’s own.

Now, with his return to indoor ag show management at INEDA, Andy brings full-circle experience—having managed farm shows from the field up, coordinated national booth strategies, and now stepping into leadership of two of the nation’s largest indoor ag expos.

26 | MEET ANDY TANK

“I never planned on a career in ag tradeshows,” Andy says, “but here I am—starting with outdoor show management, then indoor booth planning, and now back again. It’s a bit like farming: you’re always watching the weather, working with all kinds of folks, and making sure there’s food on hand.”

With stories that include mud-plowing snowplows, flooded fish ponds, forklift mishaps, and even a Guinness World Record, Andy brings a rich perspective and infectious enthusiasm to the role.

INEDA is excited to have Andy on board and looks forward to his leadership as we continue to grow and build on the innovation at the Nebraska and Iowa Ag Expos. 

MEET ANDY TANK | 27

$

EDUCATION

INEDA Awards

100,000

in Scholarships to 72 Students The Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) is pleased to share that it has awarded $100,000 in matching scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year to 72 students pursuing careers with Iowa and Nebraska equipment dealerships.

“The Andrew Goodman Scholarship program allows Grosshans International to financially support individuals with a passion for the ag equipment and technology field,” said Doug Glunz of Grosshans International. “It serves as an important resource for recruiting and developing skilled professionals who contribute to our customers’ success.”

Providing tax, accounting and consulting services to equipment dealers for over 30 years.

Sales/Acquisitions of Dealerships Succession Planning Strategic Planning Financial Statements & Tax Returns

Randy Koski

Michelle Thornburg

Adrian Lape-Brinkman

Insightful Guidance ~ Proactive Solutions 10516 Burt Circle, Omaha, Nebraska (402) 445-4040 www.koskicpa.com 28 | SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Andrew Goodman Scholarship program, created in 2008, helps address the technician and employee shortage and also helps dealers attract and nurture homegrown talent. Since 2008, INEDA has awarded more than $935,000 to 796 students through the program.

INEDA President and CEO Mark Hennessey shared his pride in supporting students, stating, “INEDA and our members are honored to help students pursue their goals and aspirations.

Technical education lays a strong foundation for numerous career paths, and an equipment dealership is the ideal place for those dreams to take shape.”

The Andrew Goodman Scholarship is an annual matching scholarship program available to all employees/potential employees of members of INEDA in good standing. INEDA matches scholarship amounts awarded by dealers to eligible applicants up to $1500 per applicant per year. Applications are due annually

by April 15.

This year, the following dealers provided matching awards: 21st Century Equipment, AgriVision Equipment, AKRS Equipment, Bobcat of Omaha, Bodensteiner Implement Company, Butler Ag Equipment, Central Iowa Farm Store, Grosshans International Inc, K.C. Nielsen, LTD, Keim Farm Equipment Co., LandMark Implement, O’Brien County Implement, Platte Valley Equipment, LLC, Red Power Bancroft Implement, Sinclair Tractor, Titan Machinery, True Ag and Turf, LLC, West Point Implement, and Van Wall Equipment.

“The Andrew Goodman Scholarship is a valuable partnership that supports K.C. Nielsen team members pursuing a technical education, said Jamie Wubben, HR Manager of K.C. Nielsen LTD. “It plays a key role in their growth and development by helping them gain essential mechanical and hands-on skills for future careers as service technicians. This scholarship also demonstrates our strong commitment to education and the long-term success of our future leaders.” 

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded a scholarship for 2025-2026: Jose Alvarez Titan Machinery - Lincoln, NE Talon Andel Platte Valley Equipment, LLC - Schuyler, NE AKRS Equipment - Lincoln, NE Grant Anderson Graham Ankersen Platte Valley Equipment, LLC - Nickerson, NE Titan Machinery - Chappell, NE Colton Babst Gabriel Bandy 21st Century Equipment - Burlington, CO Dawson Barrett 21st Century Equipment - Scottsbluff, NE Barton Beattie Titan Machinery - Sumner, NE Matthew Best Sinclair Tractor - Columbus Junction, IA Justin Bill Titan Machinery - Aplington, IA Alexander Blair Sinclair Tractor - Muscatine, IA Payton Boden AKRS Equipment - Nemaha, NE Kyle Brandt 21st Century Equipment - Ovid, CO Jacob Buman Titan Machinery - Harlan, IA Jude Campbell AKRS Equipment - Auburn, NE Butler Ag Equipment - Kearney, NE Joel Christensen 21st Century Equipment - Greeley, CO William Cockroft Tyler Cooley Sinclair Tractor - Morning Sun, IA Titan Machinery - Omaha, NE Trevon Coyle Van Wall Equipment - Des Moines, IA Lucas Daniels Bodensteiner Implement Company - Sherrill, IA Jack Duehr Reid Fletcher Bobcat of Omaha - Lincoln, NE Justice Frerk AgriVision Equipment - Paullina, IA Darren Friesen AKRS Equipment - Aurora, NE West Point Implement - West Point, NE Omar Garcia Brandon Gengler Titan Machinery - Merrill, IA Titan Machinery - Overton, NE Jose Gonzalez Tanner Grubbs Titan Machinery - Kearney, NE Ethan Harms K.C. Nielsen, LTD - Duncombe, IA Jacob Hawkins 21st Century Equipment - Sidney, NE Derek Helmick True Ag and Turf, LLC - Salem, NE Brayden Hemberger Butler Ag Equipment - Juniata, NE Dylan Hochstein AKRS Equipment - Seward, NE Titan Machinery - Traer, IA Mason Hosek Dylan Hunt Grosshans International Inc - Aurora, NE Conner Jensen Sinclair Tractor - Clarence, IA

Titan Machinery - Hastings, NE Taidyn Johnson Titan Machinery - Omaha, NE Zach Jordan Trey Keever Titan Machinery - Carbon Cliff, IL Van Wall Equipment - Woodbine, IA Gavin Kelley Joseph Kern LandMark Implement - Washington, KS Ethan King Titan Machinery - Britt, IA Titan Machinery - Correctionville, IA Colton Kurtz Parker Lansing Bodensteiner Implement Company - Ossian, IA Jaxon Lollmann Platte Valley Equipment, LLC - Crete, NE Wesley McElroy Van Wall Equipment - Newton, IA Eric Mohr Sinclair Tractor - Memphis, MO Keim Farm Equipment Co - Burr, NE Ty Moss William Noll Sinclair Tractor - Muscatine, IA AKRS Equipment - Lincoln, NE Noah Philson Keegan Poppe Platte Valley Equipment, LLC - Wisner, NE Titan Machinery - Morse Bluffs, NE Zachary Pospisil Wyatt Rangeloff Titan Machinery - Scribner, NE Titan Machinery - Council Bluffs, IA Mason Rice Titan Machinery - Moline, IL Brayan Rosales Gannon Roth Titan Machinery - Kansas City, KS O’Brien County Implement - Sheldon, IA Aidyn Schemper Luke Schiebel Sinclair Tractor - Washington, IA Tyler Sears AKRS Equipment - Burr, NE Central Iowa Farm Store - Dallas Center, IA Jonathan Shearer Titan Machinery - Grand Island, NE Austin Sinsel Mathew Smith Bodensteiner Implement Company - Fort Atkinson, IA Renton Spehar Titan Machinery - Scottsbluff, NE Damon Stam Titan Machinery - Burwell, NE Karl Steinmeyer Titan Machinery - Wisner, NE Lucas Tempus Bodensteiner Implement Company - Winthrop, IA 21st Century Equipment - Chadron, NE Gabe Tidyman Colton Tollefsrud Bodensteiner Implement Company - Canton, MN Jason Tuller LandMark Implement - Hebron, NE Levi Vaske Red Power Bancroft Implement - Bancroft, IA Cain Weber Sinclair Tractor - Sigourney, IA Jaycob Young Titan Machinery - North Platte, NE

2025-2026 INEDA Andrew Goodman Scholarship Awards by Students’ Hometown SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS | 29

Tags, Forms, and Supplies

TAGS, FORMS, AND SUPPLIES INEDA offers a variety of forms and supplies including equipment tags, seals, custom envelopes, custom forms, decals, and labels.

Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Prices do not include freight or sales tax. 

Custom Forms and Supplies Envelopes Envelopes available with security blue tint and peel and seal.

#11 Regular Envelopes #11 Window Envelopes #10 Regular Envelopes #10 Window Envelopes #9 Regular Envelopes #9 Window Envelopes #8 Regular Envelopes #8 Window Envelopes #6 3/4 Business Reply Envelopes Statement Envelopes

Forms Please contact INEDA about other custom forms.

Invoices Laser Checks

Arrow Tags

Purchase Orders

Self-locking, fade-proof, and waterproof plastic tags. Each box includes 200 tags and one (1) permanent marker. Available in red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and white.

Purchase Order Books

Size: 4 3/8” x 3”

Rental Contracts Repair Orders Sales Tickets Time Tickets

Starting at $43.50/box

Whole Goods Invoices

Other Decals (including thermal kiss, mylar, and vinyl) Labels

Email for pricing

How to Order: Custom Tags Emboss up to 16 characters (black, white, blue, or red text). Consecutive numbering; your choice of starting number (up to 7 digits). Customize from 16 colors.

For more information or to place an order, contact the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (INEDA) at caraj@ ineda.com.

Prices subject to change without notice.

Prices do not include freight or sales tax.

Size: 7 1/2” x 3/8”

Email for pricing 8330 NW 54th Avenue, Johnston, IA 50131 515.223.5119 | ineda.com 30 | INEDA TAGS, FORMS, AND SUPPLIES May 2025

MARKETING VIEW CINDY FELDMAN, Marketing Director [cindyf@ineda.com]

MARKETING

AI Is the Next Tractor:

Why Ag Marketing Should Embrace AI Now Ignoring artificial intelligence (AI) is like ignoring the invention of the tractor. While others harness smart tools and technology to move faster and work smarter, those sticking with outdated methods risk getting left behind—holding nothing but a hand plow.

The Urgency Is Real From the Wright brothers to the moon landing, transformative change used to unfold over decades. But AI is accelerating progress at an unprecedented pace—what once took 66 years could now happen in just 66 months. For equipment dealers, this isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about working more efficiently, reaching customers more effectively, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

How AI Is Transforming Ag and Construction Marketing Here are five key ways AI is already reshaping dealer marketing: • Predictive Analytics – Anticipate when customers will need to buy, trade, or service equipment.

• Audience Segmentation – Target messages to specific customer groups for better engagement.

• Conversational AI – Use chatbots and virtual assistants to handle inquiries, leads, and support—24/7.

• Visual Asset Generation – Instantly create high-quality images for websites, listings, and social media.

• Content Creation & Repurposing – Draft email campaigns, product overviews, and social posts—up to 10x faster than traditional methods.

Use AI the Right Way AI isn’t a replacement for your expertise—it’s a powerful assistant. Use it to generate a first draft, then refine with your knowledge of the industry and your customers. A simple, effective prompt framework includes: • Assign a Role – e.g., “You’re a copywriter for a heavy equipment dealership.”

• Add Context – “Write a flyer for our new compact loader.”

• Clarify the Goal – “Tone: professional and clear. Audience: commercial contractors, ages 30–60.”

• Ask for Follow-Up – “Let me know if you need more details before writing.”

Top AI Tools to Explore Not sure where to start? Here are some top-rated tools for dealers: • ChatGPT – Ideal for writing emails, ads, and product descriptions.

• MidJourney – Create custom visuals, equipment mockups, and digital ads.

• STORM by Stanford – Research tool to add credible data and insight.

• Grok – Monitor real-time social media trends relevant to ag and construction.

MARKETING VIEW | 31

Make AI Sound Like You Your brand voice matters—especially in relationship-driven industries. By training AI with writing samples, defining your tone, and stating brand values, your AI-generated content can sound like you—not a robot. This builds consistency, trust, and familiarity with your customers.

Start Small: Simple AI Wins You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start with manageable tasks: • Draft one email or blog post using AI this month.

• Use AI to create a Facebook or Instagram graphic.

• Let AI summarize a product brochure or write a sales pitch.

The Bottom Line Whether you’re promoting products, following up with customers, or planning your next marketing push—AI can help you save time, boost productivity, and stay ahead of the curve.

The dealers who learn to use it well today will be the ones leading tomorrow. 

32 | MARKETING VIEW

How Can Succession Planning Benefit Your Business?

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