AEM’s Ag Sector Board of Directors met in-person last week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they discussed several emerging issues impacting equipment manufacturers and agriculture, including artificial intelligence, machine data policy, market intelligence programs, safety initiatives, advocacy efforts, and upcoming industry events. The agenda also featured updates from AEM staff regarding association initiatives and priorities.
Ag Sector Board Chair Greg Petras, president and COO of Kuhn, called the meeting to order and welcomed directors to the second meeting of 2026.
AI in Agriculture
AEM Senior Director of Agricultural Services Austin Gellings provided directors with an overview of the AI in Agriculture whitepaper developed by AEM's Ag Technology Leadership Group in collaboration with the AEM Technology Innovation Council. The paper establishes an industry perspective on how artificial intelligence is being integrated into agricultural equipment and operations while providing policymakers and stakeholders with a practical framework to better understand current and future applications of AI in agriculture. Directors discussed the importance of ensuring agricultural AI is distinguished from consumer-focused AI applications and encouraged continued industry thought leadership in this area. The Board approved the content of the whitepaper.
Market Share Statistics Modernization
Directors received an update from AEM Senior Director of Market Share Statistics Jacquelyn La Favor and Lindsey Nelson regarding AEM's Market Share Statistics Modernization Project. Board members discussed opportunities to strengthen the program over time while preserving the elements that provide the greatest value to participants and encouraged continued engagement from member companies throughout the review process.
Advocacy
AEM Vice President of Federal Affairs Kate Fox Wood and Director of State Affairs Nicholas Rudowich led a discussion state and federal policy proposals addressing machine-generated data. Directors discussed the importance of establishing a unified cross-sector perspective on machine data issues affecting equipment manufacturers and approved continued work to develop an industry position paper on the topic.
Directors then received an update from AEM Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Kip Eideberg regarding AEMPAC fundraising efforts, current initiatives, and tools designed to improve member engagement and participation.
Industry Events
The meeting then concluded following updates from AEM Senior Director of Industry Sectors John Rozum on Commodity Classic, including future event planning considerations, as well as preparations for the 2027 Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Directors discussed opportunities to continue showcasing modern agriculture and promoting the industry's contributions to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public.
The next meetings of the AEM Board of Directors, CE Sector Board, and Ag Sector Board are scheduled for Nov. 11-12, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, during AEM's Annual Conference. For more information about the Ag Sector Board, contact AEM’s Curt Blades at cblades@aem.org
