The Walk/Run takes place Thursday morning, with a route that goes along the scenic San Antonio Riverwalk鈥攁 great way to start the day with fresh air, movement, and networking with fellow attendees.

This year鈥檚 farewell event features karaoke and dueling pianos at Durty Nelly鈥檚 in San Antonio鈥攁 can鈥檛-miss evening of entertainment and camaraderie.

Sign up today and don鈥檛 miss your chance to attend鈥攁nd show your peers that you鈥檙e a proud and active member of our Association and the shortline industry!

The 婷婷激情五月天 (FEMA) Technology Council is seeking industry thought leaders to share insights, experiences, and topic suggestions for our special Technology Track at the Supply Summit & Showcase on Thurs., March 26, 2026 in San Antonio TX.

The annual FEMA Supply Summit & Showcase on March 24-26 is an opportunity for suppliers and potential suppliers to network with FEMA members, discuss relevant industry topics, and showcase products and services.

The goal of the Technology Track is to educate FEMA membership about new or emerging technologies that have a direct impact on their products and services. The rapid advance of technology has our industry questioning many things, including the following:

• What do we need to do to be prepared for an autonomous future?
• How do we begin to integrate more technology into our equipment?
• How can software help me control the costs of automation?
• What role does AI play in automation and equipment design?
• Will our end customers pay for a more technologically advanced piece of equipment?
• How will I service and support my machines in the future if they have more tech?

Presentations will be grouped into two subject areas:

• Technology as it applies to member products
  (technology integrated into equipment and the features/functionality offered to end customers)
• Technology as it applies to member production/internal processes
  (technology used within manufacturing operations, engineering, design, and internal business systems)

This track will focus on topics that address these and other relevant questions surrounding the use of technology in farm equipment. We also aim to inspire FEMA member engineers to engage more deeply with our Association by providing more relevant, technical convention content, and fostering valuable networking opportunities.

Who should consider presenting?

• Technology suppliers (hardware, software, engineering services, etc.)
• Academics or thought leaders with interest/expertise/research relevant to the questions stated above.
• Universities and research institutions with relevant research, projects, or learning opportunities in the two subject areas above and project collaboration opportunities related to Farm 婷婷激情五月天 technology.

Why participate?
This is your chance to:

• Showcase your expertise and innovative ideas.
• Connect with industry leaders.
• Raise your company’s/institution鈥檚 profile.

Who is your audience?

• Executives and technical/product leaders of farm equipment manufacturers, their suppliers, and their distribution partners.

To be considered, submit the following:

• A 250-word summary of your topic, demonstrating its relevance to the stated Technology Track goal above.
• A brief biography, highlighting your expertise and speaking experience.
• No more than five bullet points summarizing what the audience will learn from your presentation.

General presentation guidelines to keep in mind as you prepare your submission:

• Presentations should be about products, services, or topics relevant to farm equipment manufacturers and their use of technology in their own businesses (either internally or as part of their product and service offerings to their dealers/customers).
• Presentations should be engaging and educational鈥�not simply sales pitches. We want our members to learn something about technology they hadn鈥檛 considered before.
• Use of slides is encouraged, as are references to case studies, research, etc. that support your topic of discussion.
• Speakers will be given up to a 45-minute timeslot鈥�35 minutes to present with approximately 10 minutes of Q&A with the audience at the end.

Learn more and apply here.

For questions on submission content, email Chris@Acuitusag.com or call the FEMA office at 314-878-2304.

Submit your proposal to Gina@FarmEquip.org by Friday, January 23, 32026 for a chance to present at this can鈥檛 miss industry event!

The FEMA app has been enhanced with powerful new features, making it an essential tool for members to stay informed, engaged, and connected.

Browse the membership directory, read the latest Shortliner articles, track products and farm show dates with RSVP features, receive push notifications, and stay up to date on industry news year-round. The app also helps you discover new business opportunities and connect with potential partners anytime, anywhere.

Download or refresh the app today via QR code or at to unlock all the latest updates and make the most of your FEMA membership!

by Michelle Cederberg, 2025 Supply Summit & Showcase Speaker

In today鈥檚 fast-paced manufacturing world, technology is no longer a luxury鈥攊t鈥檚 a necessity. Whether it鈥檚 tracking inventory, automating customer communications, or managing a hybrid workforce, digital tools are deeply woven into the fabric of modern business.

In the work you do, building agricultural tools that power productivity on farms across North America, technology has opened doors to unprecedented efficiency. Yet, many in the industry are facing an uncomfortable truth: the same tools that help us work faster may also be wearing us down.

Welcome to the age of Techno Stress鈥攁nd the growing need to strike a healthier digital balance.

Innovation at a Cost: From AI-powered scheduling systems to real-time design collaboration platforms, FEMA member companies are embracing technology at every level of their operations. These tools cut down repetitive tasks and allow teams to focus on strategy, customer support, and product development.

Remote work and cloud-based collaboration鈥攐nce rare in the manufacturing sector鈥攁re becoming standard practice. Teams are connecting more easily across time zones, and distributors are accessing product specs and sales tools in real time.

But even as productivity rises, so does the sense of constant urgency. Notifications ping. Emails pile up. Apps multiply. The digital tools meant to make work easier often disrupt focus and fracture our attention.

The Numbers Behind Digital Distraction: It鈥檚 not just a feeling鈥攊t鈥檚 a measurable problem. The average worker loses 581 hours per year to digital distractions, with each interruption taking over 23 minutes to recover from. That鈥檚 nearly a third of the work year lost to mental reboots.

And the cost? In the U.S. alone, businesses lose up to $650 billion annually to digital inefficiencies. Canadian businesses, including many within FEMA鈥檚 membership, are not immune to these losses.

But it鈥檚 not just time that鈥檚 lost. Productivity drains carry neurological and physical consequences as well.

When Digital Overload Hits the Brain and Body: Too much screen time pushes the brain into overdrive. The prefrontal cortex鈥攖he area responsible for decision-making鈥攂ecomes overworked, leading to mental fatigue, poor judgment, and reduced creativity.

“Simultaneously, the dopamine system gets hijacked by the quick hits of notifications and updates. The result? An endless loop of checking, refreshing, and reacting鈥� instead of focusing, building, and innovating.”

Add in elevated cortisol levels鈥攐ur stress hormone鈥攁nd you鈥檝e got a recipe for burnout. Over time, this constant low-grade stress erodes energy, enthusiasm, and motivation. And on the physical side, there鈥檚 more: 鈥榯ech neck鈥�, headaches, eye strain, and disrupted sleep from too much blue light exposure.

How to Reclaim Focus: The good news? You don鈥檛 have to ditch your digital toolbox to feel better at work. With a few smart shifts, you can keep the benefits of technology while dialing down the noise.

Here are six ways to strike that balance:

鈥� Turn off non-essential notifications. Set specific check-in times for email and messaging platforms to avoid constant interruptions.

鈥� Time-block your workday. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Method to create windows of deep focus, followed by short recovery breaks.

鈥� Take intentional tech breaks. Step away from the screen. A walk around the shop floor or five minutes with a notepad can help reset your brain.

鈥� Establish screen-free zones. Breakrooms and meeting spaces can be used to foster connection鈥攚ithout screens.

鈥� Audit your digital tools. If a platform isn鈥檛 streamlining work, it鈥檚 adding to your cognitive load. Less is more.

鈥� Support physical wellness. Encourage posture resets and movement throughout the day. Use blue light filters and prioritize analog options when practical.

Digital tools are here to stay. The key is intentional use鈥攍everaging what works, limiting what doesn鈥檛, and remembering that the people behind the projects are your most important asset.

How is your company managing digital stress? Share your strategies with FEMA at News@FarmEquip.org and together, let鈥檚 build a healthier, more focused industry.

Michelle Cederberg is a Hall of Fame Speaker and Health and Productivity Expert who has captivated audiences for over 20 years.

As opening keynote at the FEMA 2025 Supply Summit & Showcase she shared her Success-Energy Equation message and presented an eye-opening session on Future-Proofing Productivity, which this article is related to.

To learn more about Michelle’s keynotes and coaching visit .

This board represents nearly 300 Supplier Associate Members鈥攃ompanies that provide raw materials, component parts, and services to farm equipment manufacturers.

Mary Sutton, President of Muir Omni Graphics, was re-elected to serve another year as Chair. Also elected to officer roles were Chris Smith of Comer Industries as Vice Chair, Alex Mussa of NA Manufacturing, LLC as Secretary, and Dalton Carr of Superior Gearbox as Treasurer.

Continuing their service on the board are Marc Adams of GBGI Inc. and JC Hatton of Metal Parts & 婷婷激情五月天. We also welcome newly elected members James Williamson of Myers Spring and Lloyd Kettlehake of C&U Americas, LLC.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to John Brown of Myers Spring and Steve Ford Sr. of CBS Global whose terms have come to an end. We鈥檙e grateful for their dedication and years of service to the Supplier Board of Governors.

Premiere Convention Sponsors

Pinion, Pen Steel Mfg., BLM Group, Dick Jones Associates, Carr Lane Manufacturing, The Hose Company

Topgolf Beverage Sponsors

Muir Omni Graphics, The Hose Company

Topgolf Meal Sponsors

Bethel Freight, Myers Spring

Topgolf Bay Sponsors

Black Venom Products, BTM Manufacturing, Embo Sales Consulting, LLC, Lethbridge Iron Works (Leth Iron), Northfolk Iron & Metal, Iowa Spring Group, Muir Omni Graphics, Myers Spring, The Hose Company

Cornhole Sponsors

Egbers Flighting Co. Inc., Fisher Barton, Muir Omni Graphics, Myers Spring, The Hose Company, Winamac Coil Spring Inc.

Outside the meeting rooms, participants took part in fishing and golf outings, a walk/run, welcome receptions, cornhole tournaments, and a lively farewell party featuring Bruce the Piano Man.

Mark your calendar for the 2025 Marketing & Distribution Convention, coming up October 27鈥�30 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Registration opens soon鈥攚atch for updates!

Their sponsorships offer them elevated visibility among convention attendees, and their contributions help lower costs for attendees. If you would like to sponsor a portion of the Supplier Showcase, call the office at (314) 878-2304.

Ahoy, members! The 2025 婷婷激情五月天 (FEMA) Supply Summit is setting sail, and it鈥檚 your chance to navigate the vast ocean of opportunities awaiting in the farm equipment industry. As you note, our theme for this convention is 鈥淲aves of Innovation.鈥� Much like a ship embarking on a grand voyage, this event promises a journey filled with exciting discoveries, networking adventures, and valuable insights that will propel your business forward. Whether you鈥檙e charting a course for new technologies, partnerships, or ideas, the convention is your chance to set sail on a path to success.

Appropriately themed, 鈥淲aves of Innovation,鈥� you鈥檒l be immersed in a sea of innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies presented in our Technology Track, all designed to help you stay ahead of the tides. From engaging exhibits in our Supplier Showcase, to informative sessions, to engaging discussions with fellow industry leaders, this event will equip you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the ever-changing landscape of farm equipment manufacturing. Just like navigating the open waters, you鈥檒l find new horizons, making connections that can help your business grow and thrive in the months to come.

So, grab your compass and prepare to embark on a memorable journey at the FEMA Supply Summit & Showcase. With the wind at your back and the excitement of fellow members guiding your way, you鈥檒l leave this event with a fresh perspective and a stronger foothold in the industry.

Don鈥檛 miss your chance to dive deep into the heart of innovation and make waves with new opportunities. This is more than just a convention; it鈥檚 your chance to sail towards the future of farm equipment manufacturing!

Full steam ahead to Fort Myers!

Participants can register for the Technology Track as a standalone option for just $300鈥攑erfect for those looking to stay ahead of industry trends without attending the full convention.

鈥� Technological Advancements: Integration of AI and emerging technologies in farm equipment.
鈥� Smart Implements & Autonomous Operations: Solutions for agriculture鈥檚 labor shortage.
鈥� ISOBUS: Current capabilities and its role in automation.
鈥� Software vs. Hardware-Centric Systems: Insights for better design decisions.
鈥� Welding Cobots: Benefits in farm equipment manufacturing.
鈥� FarmIQ Platform: Real-time decision-making in farming.

NOTE: Meeting attendees who have already registered for the entire convention can attend the Technology Track sessions at no additional cost.

Register now for the Technology Track and position your team to lead the way in innovation! Click here for more information or contact Gina@FarmEquip.org.