c_mayer - 12/10/2025 13:08
Aaron SEIA - 12/10/2025 13:35
Monopoly in terms of purchasing from. There are really only the 3 major brands. Certainly on par with seed and chemicals suppliers.
AaronSEIA
I still can't agree. Yes, you have to purchase from one of the 3 major OEM's if you want a BRAND NEW unit, but since there are ways to farm and continue your operation I still argue they don't exactly have a monopoly. If equipment sales get slow, OEM's will heavily discount machinery to try and move it.
When was the last time a seed or chemical company called you looking to sell some product at a DEEP discount because seed sales were slow?
You HAVE to buy seed, because to buy it you have to sign a contract saying you won't save it for next year...at least in a large portion of the Continent, I know some small grains and specialty crop guys in the Western states can save seed, but that's definitely not universal. Corn and bean guys can't do it, or that's one crime the government actually takes seriously, at least historically.
I understand your thought, but I can't agree with it as much as I can agree with other input costs.
Chris
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