AGCO and TAFE resolve long-running dispute over Massey Ferguson brand rights
The drawn out separation of global giant AGCO and its Indian partner TAFE seems to be ending.
This striking machine featured a full gold exterior, a patriotic window wrap and a Farmer-First message: “We Support American Farmers.”
Built in Jackson, Minnesota, the shiny Fendt 1167 Vario MT track tractor symbolises Fendt’s commitment to US growers, exemplified by the brand’s Gold Star Customer Care program. Every Fendt product includes a three-year full warranty with maintenance and inspections.
“Fendt is proud to stand with American farmers,” said Mike Long, vice president, Fendt North America. “This golden tractor is a tribute to their resilience, innovation and the vital role they play in helping feed the world.” Following its Capitol appearance, the golden tractor will return to the Fendt Lodge in Jackson, Minnesota, the brand’s official North American home.
In other news, the parent company of the Fendt, MF and Valtra brands, recorded net sales of nearly US$4.7 billion in the first half of 2025, around 24% lower than the US$6.2 billion achieved in the same period of 2024.
The Europe and Middle East regions saw net sales dropping 13% to US$3.10 billion (US$3.57 billion in 2024), while the North American results were a third lower at US$816 million, compared to US$1.22 billion in 2024.
The results were driven by lower sales in North America, particularly in highhorsepower tractors, sprayers and grass equipment through April to June.
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In Europe, environmental regulations and weatherrelated disruptions have put traditional equipment sales under pressure, with industry retail tractor sales down 12% (combines -8.0%) in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. In Europe, there were, apart from Spain and Italy, double digit percentage decreases across most markets.
Demand is expected to remain soft throughout the rest of this year, with the company expecting full-year net sales in 2025 of approx. US$9.8 billion (US$11.7 billion in 2024, and the record US$14.4 billion in 2023).
