In the heart of Washington D.C., a coalition of 30 equipment dealers from 18 states, representing over 100 business locations, gathered to make their voices heard. This was no ordinary meeting; it was the North American Equipment Dealers Association’s (NAEDA) annual Capitol Hill Fly-In, a critical event where industry leaders, government affairs staff, and members converge to discuss key priorities with legislators.
The stakes were high, and the message was clear. The delegation, comprising members from across the nation, met with 29 legislators and key staff to advocate for a unified agenda. The Farm Bill, taxes, tariffs, workforce development, and the Right to Repair initiative were at the forefront of their discussions. These issues are not just policy points; they are the lifeblood of the agricultural equipment industry, affecting everything from farm operations to dealer profitability.
Kim Rominger, NAEDA’s CEO, emphasized the strategic focus of this year’s Fly-In. “The current market realities require Congress to act swiftly and pass an enhanced farm bill in 2025,” she stated. The delegation’s meetings with key committee members, including those from Agriculture, Commerce, and Finance, underscored the urgency of their mission. The Farm Bill, in particular, was the first of five policy priorities presented during the Capitol Hill visit. NAEDA’s advocacy for a modernized Farm Bill is rooted in the need to protect food, land, and livelihoods. The association is pushing for increased reference prices for commodities, higher commodity loan rates, and the continuation of crucial programs like the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC).
Taxes were another top priority. The impending fiscal cliff, created by the expiration of Tax Cuts & Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions, poses significant challenges for equipment dealers. NAEDA is advocating for the extension of TCJA provisions that allow dealers to retain employees and invest in their businesses. Key tax-related action items include protecting the floorplan interest deduction, keeping Section 179 expensing permanent, making the 199A deduction permanent, and reviving 100% bonus depreciation. These measures are crucial for maintaining the financial health of equipment dealers and ensuring they can continue to serve their customers effectively.
Tariffs, too, are a critical concern. The delegation reinforced the long-term impacts of tariffs on the industry, highlighting how retaliatory tariffs can threaten U.S. agricultural exports and depress commodity prices. NAEDA supports a robust Market Facilitation Program to compensate producers for lost markets and decreased commodity prices caused by retaliatory tariffs. The association also advocates for the renewal of the USMCA Trade Agreement, which would expedite increases in agricultural exports for U.S. producers.
Workforce development is another persistent challenge. The shortage of skilled technicians is a significant issue for equipment dealers. NAEDA is continuously advocating for policies that address this shortage, emphasizing the need for more training programs and incentives to attract and retain skilled workers.
As the delegation returned from their Fly-In, the legislative landscape remained dynamic. Kipp McGuire, NAEDA director of government affairs, noted that reconciliation and the budget are the primary focus at present. This means that the Farm Bill and tax provisions won’t be taken up in earnest without a budget in place. However, NAEDA’s government affairs team remains steadfast in their mission to pursue positive public policy outcomes for successful dealers. They continue to engage with legislators, ensuring that the magnitude of these issues is understood and addressed.
The Fly-In was more than just a series of meetings; it was a call to action. It underscored the importance of industry advocacy and the need for continuous engagement with elected officials. As the legislative process unfolds, NAEDA and its members will remain vigilant, advocating for policies that support the agricultural equipment industry and the farmers who rely on it. The future of agriculture depends on it, and NAEDA is determined to ensure that the industry’s voice is heard loud and clear in the halls of power.