AGCO Announces Layoffs for Employees at Kansas Facility

Oct 17, 2024

AGCO announced layoffs at its Hesston manufacturing facility this week, following a 6% workforce reduction in June due to decreased demand in the agriculture industry. The company cited a drop in customer demand after three years of strong sales.

In a statement, AGCO emphasized the need to reduce costs and create efficiencies to remain competitive while continuing to support farmers. The recent layoffs will affect fewer than 70 employees.

"Aligning our workforce and production schedules to meet current demand can be difficult for our team, and we will continue to take steps to minimize employee impact while meeting farmer needs. AGCO is proud to be part of the Hesston community, where our employees build the world-class equipment that help farmers feed the world. ”

Source : Farm Equipment

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.