Dealers see rise in implement sales as higher crop prices lead to better year

By Farm & Ranch Guide staff
Friday, December 7, 2007 5:00 PM CST

NDIDA second vice-chair Brian Rensch, Makoti, N.D., and past chair Ray Anderson, of Anderson Equipment Inc., of Ross, N.D., at the convention.

BISMARCK, N.D. - Good crop prices this harvest season have translated into more farm equipment sales, says Brian Rensch of Rensch Garage Inc. of Makoti, N.D.

“Strong commodity prices are great,” Rensch said. “They're a real shot in the arm for us.”

Rensch was elected as second vice-chairman at the 2007 North Dakota Implement Dealers Association in Bismarck, N.D., Nov. 12-14.

Dealers across the state gathered for the three-day event which featured seminars and educational and informational programs.

Rensch said he is already noticing the rise in sales, and the resultant rise in spirits among producers and dealers alike.

He says some of the interesting topics at the convention were how to increase profits, tactics on selling and leadership.

“We all get together once a year,” Rensch said. “We're maintaining relationships with the guys we do business with, and sharing strategies.”

Past NDIDA chairman Ray Anderson, of Anderson Equipment Inc., of Ross, N.D., said there is “more of an optimistic atmosphere with the better ag economy.”

In Anderson's northwest North Dakota region, its not only the ag economy that is causing the increased optimism. All the oil being drilled in the region is having an impact too, he said.

Anderson said all the dealers at the convention enjoy meeting with each other.

“It gets us on a level playing field with one another,” he said. “We can touch base with each other.”

He said they keep up with the implement industry at the convention and learn new information as well.

John Swenseth of Twete Inc. in Devils Lake, N.D., who is on the NDIDA board of directors, said sales have been up at dealerships across the state due to higher crop prices.

“Every one's having a pretty good year,” he said. “The harvest was good this year, and sales are up.”

Swenseth said the convention attracted a large number of dealers this year.

“We get to visit with our fellow dealers. We're competitors in the same business,” he added.

Because of that, Swenseth said the personal relationships dealers form with their producer-customer is important.

At the convention, officers were elected to serve through the next 12 months until they meet again next November.

Mike Weisenberger of Reiten & Young International in Grand Forks, N.D., was elected as the chairman of the N.D. Implement Dealers Association (NDIDA) at the group's convention in Bismarck, N.D.

Cory Anderson of Devils Lake Equip-ment Co., in Devils Lake, N.D., was elected the first vice chairman and Rensch was elected second vice chairman.

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