Industry Insight

John Deere is delighted to sponsor the 2013 Lawn & Landscape State of the Industry Report. The opportunity to gain insight into the projected trends and financial health of the industry is essential to your business planning and ours.

Upon reviewing the valuable information in this issue, you’ll find the outlook for the lawn and landscape industry is promising. Nearly half of the contractors surveyed have more work backlog than they did a year ago. Looking at the year-over-year profit perspective, 90 percent of the contractors responding to the survey indicated they would also generate a profit this year. That’s good news, indeed!

Other leading indicators such as weather, housing starts, home values and landscape services employment figures support the positive trends you’ll see in this issue. It appears the overall industry may have turned a corner with a projected growth of 3 percent for 2013 and 3.7 percent for 2014.

One thing I have learned over the years is that there is tremendous benefit in listening and learning from those who have experience and insight within our industry. As the major sponsor of the Green Industry Conference, as well as various industry conferences throughout the year, we continue to gain greater knowledge into the opportunities and challenges that you, our customers, face. 

As you read through this issue and start planning for next year, I would encourage you to get involved! Be an active member in your state or national trade associations. PLANET members cite education and networking as their top reasons for joining.

I would also invite you to join John Deere in expanding the Come Alive Outside movement in the communities where you work, live and play. The Come Alive Outside Challenge encourages and rewards FFA and 4-H Club members who conduct service projects within their local communities that promote and reinforce the benefits of well-maintained green spaces.

To take full advantage of the projected continued growth in the industry, you will need to implement new and innovative approaches to business. John Deere is dedicated to providing you with the products, dealer support, financing and other integrated solutions to help you grow and prosper.

Growth is important for all of us. There has never been a better time to clearly define your brand, your niche, strengthen your business and better serve your customers.

We wish you a safe and prosperous year!

Sincerely,

Ken Taylor, CLP
General Sales Manager
John Deere Corporate Business Division