Launched in 2020, Agri Star II has quickly become a game-changer in the agricultural tire market, offering unmatched durability, traction, and roadability. Designed with farmers in mind, the tire鈥檚 advanced features, including its unique Stratified Layer Technology (SLT), have set new standards for performance and longevity in the field. 

鈥淭his milestone is a testament to the trust and confidence that farmers and agricultural professionals have placed in Agri Star II,鈥� said Angelo Noronha, President & CEO of Yokohama-ATG. 鈥淩eaching 1 million tires sold is not just a number鈥攊t鈥檚 a reflection of the tire鈥檚 ability to meet the real-world challenges of modern farming. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to our customers for making it possible.鈥� 

The Agri Star II: Built for Performance and Durability 

The Agri Star II was developed in close collaboration with farmers to address their most pressing needs. Its standout feature, Stratified Layer Technology (SLT), ensures consistent performance throughout the tire鈥檚 lifespan. Each lug of the tire is designed with two layers of different angles: as the top layer wears down, the bottom layer comes into action, maintaining superior traction even after 40% of the tread is worn. 

Key benefits of the Agri Star II include: 

• Superior traction: Multi-angled lugs provide excellent grip in the field, even in challenging conditions.
• Longer Lifespan: A wear-resistant compound and stubble guard protect the tire from damage, ensuring durability over time.
• Enhanced Roadability: Overlapping central lugs improve stability and comfort during on-road travel. 
• Crop Protection: A smooth lug profile and innovative design minimize crop damage during fieldwork. 

Available in a wide range of sizes, including the recently introduced 65 Series, the Agri Star II caters to the diverse needs of farmers worldwide. Its ability to perform at speeds of up to 65 km/h (D Speed Rating) further enhances its versatility for both field and road applications. 

Given the impressive success of the Agri Star II, Alliance will soon extend its range into further agricultural segments. Keep an eye out this spring for new Agri Star II applications!

A Milestone in Alliance鈥檚 70-Year Legacy 

The 1 million Agri Star II tires sold milestone comes as Alliance celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025. For seven decades, Alliance has been at the forefront of agricultural tire innovation, delivering purpose-built solutions that empower farmers to achieve more. 

鈥淭his milestone is not just about the Agri Star II – it鈥檚 about Alliance鈥檚 commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction,鈥� adds CEO Angelo Noronha. 鈥淎s we celebrate 70 years of Alliance, we remain dedicated to supporting farmers with cutting-edge tire solutions that help them overcome challenges and succeed in their work.鈥� 

| Member since 2008

Steve Cramer, General Manager at ALG Labels + Graphics, praised the new equipment, saying, “We are thrilled with the capabilities of the CEI IMAX14T ISR. This advanced technology reflects our dedication to improving accuracy and efficiency. Not only does it enhance our production speed, but it also ensures superior quality for our products.”

The CEI IMAX14T ISR features a user-friendly touchscreen interface and intuitive controls, making it remarkably easy to operate. It includes an advanced inspection camera system that performs 100% validation of printed products. This system compares each label against a ‘golden master’ image, identifying even the smallest discrepancies, such as tiny, almost invisible ink dots. Remarkably, within just a week of installation, the system detected these nearly imperceptible defects before they could be spotted through manual inspection.

Cramer added, “The ease of use provided by the touchscreen interface and the quick training of our employees has been impressive. Our team members were able to get up to speed in no time. The system’s ability to catch fine details early is a game-changer for us.”

The automatic cameras not only help catch defects but also allow our employees to focus on other important tasks. While the cameras handle the detailed inspection, our staff can concentrate on additional responsibilities, improving overall efficiency. This enhancement supports our commitment to maintaining the high quality that our customers have come to expect from us.

The CEI IMAX14T ISR also features a streamlined blade resetting process facilitated by a removable cassette, reducing setup time and complexity. This design is ideal for handling frequent job changes and high turnover, further enhancing operational efficiency.

With its cutting-edge inspection capabilities, user-friendly design, and efficient performance, the CEI IMAX14T ISR is set to elevate ALG Labels + Graphics鈥� quality standards and support the company鈥檚 commitment to excellence and reliable service.

About ALG Labels + Graphics

ALG Labels + Graphics is a leader in high-quality custom label solutions, committed to innovation and excellence. By leveraging advanced technology and focusing on customer satisfaction, ALG Labels + Graphics continues to set the standard for the industry.

Member since 1996

Rice has been director of projects and grants for Congressman John Shimkus (R-Ill.), who is not seeking re-election. This recent role is part of an extensive career in politics that gave Rice opportunities to get to know people and issues in manufacturing, agriculture, and the rural Midwest.

鈥淗e brings a unique understanding of the industry and a deep appreciation for the companies this Association represents,鈥� Executive Vice President Vernon Schmidt said. 鈥淗e is a relationship builder with ideas on how to make our Association more indispensable to members.鈥�

The Association serves as an advocate and industry resource for nearly 700 companies based throughout North America. These member companies primarily manufacture farm implements or produce the raw goods that support the manufacturing process.

Central to the success of the Association is maintaining a strong membership base. The membership director will be a strategist and relationship-builder responsible for recruiting and retaining companies in the farm equipment industry. The director will evaluate and build upon a roster of services for member companies.

As part of a small office team, the membership director will be nimble and respond to shifting Association priorities. The person in this position should be available to travel 20 to 30 percent of the time.

Responsibilities:

• Evaluate existing membership recruitment/retention strategies.
• Develop and execute new strategies.
• Build understanding of member companies鈥� needs and develop additional services to meet those needs, hence strengthen the value of membership.
• Attend farm shows throughout North America to identify member prospects.
• Call on executives at current member and prospective companies.
• Serve as a resource to the Association鈥檚 product councils, committees, and other volunteer leadership groups.
• Respond to inquiries from members and member prospects about benefits, services, conventions, and industry information.
• Contribute to maintenance of membership information on web site and in database.
• Provide membership information to Board of Directors.
• Assist with periodic member surveys.
• Conduct outreach to companies whose membership dues have lapsed.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a comparable role with a demonstrated record of success.
• Bachelor鈥檚 degree.
• Outstanding communication, writing and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to develop effective partnerships with external constituencies.
• Experience in leading a membership or recruitment program.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Excellent computer skills including intermediate level of proficiency or above with Microsoft office applications. Working knowledge of database software.
• Passion for our mission and motivated to exceed expectations in order to positively contribute to the organization and industry.
• Must possess a valid driver鈥檚 license with a safe driving record.

How to Apply

If you are qualified and interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to Kristi@FarmEquip.org. All resumes and inquiries will be treated as confidential.

Danuser is vice president and co-owner of Danuser Machine Company in Fulton, Mo. The company manufactures agricultural and industrial attachments as well as OEM parts and assemblies. Janea is a fourth-generation co-owner of the company, which was founded in 1910.

She succeeds Nick Jensen of Thurston Manufacturing in Thurston, Neb. Serving with Danuser in officer roles will be:

• First Vice President Matt Westendorf, general manager of Westendorf Manufacturing Co. in Onawa, Iowa.

• Second Vice President Tim Burenga, vice president of sales and purchasing at Worksaver, Inc., in Litchfield, Ill.

• Treasurer Paul Jeffrey, general manager at MacDon in Kansas City, Mo.

• Secretary Ben Hellbusch, vice president of sales and marketing at Duo Lift Manufacturing Co. and general manager at Busch 婷婷激情五月天 Co., both in Columbus, Neb.

The officers will lead a 16-person Board of Directors. Hours before their election, member companies at the Association鈥檚 annual business meeting elected these executives to three-year terms as directors:

• Marc Ivey, vice president of business development for Dirt Dog Manufacturing in Commerce, Ga.

• Phil Landoll, vice president of operations at Landoll Corp., in Marysville, Kan.

• Clair Ellis, president of Ellis 婷婷激情五月天 Co. in Logan, Utah.

• Jon Sherrod, area manager for Bondioli & Pavesi in Ashland, Va.

Ivey, Landoll, and all of the officers are farm implement manufacturers. Ellis serves as the board representative for equipment marketers, and Sherrod represents the companies that supply component parts and services to manufacturers.

鈥淭hese companies are the industry鈥檚 innovators,鈥� said Vernon Schmidt, the Association鈥檚 executive vice president. 鈥淭hey are nimble and respond quickly when farmers鈥� needs change. They are, for the most part, companies that began with big ideas and modest means, and this Association supports them however it can so they can focus on their next big idea.鈥�

The agenda will include the election of members to the board of directors, the president鈥檚 annual report, and any other business required.

Each regular member company present and in good standing will have one vote on each item addressed during the meeting. There are no provisions for proxy voting.