South Dakota ag dealers say it's too early to tell what 2009 will bring, especially considering the economic situation.

Several who were interviewed say solid sales have carried over from last year but farmers are cautious about the future. Still, farm equipment needs repairs even in a tough economy, which keeps repair businesses busy. In fact, some dealers say farmers seem to be opting for repairing equipment rather than buying new gear.

Bruce Daughters, general manager of RDO Equipment in Aberdeen, says the economic crisis hasn't hit South Dakota as hard as much of the rest of the country because of the ag economy.

But he also says people who have worked in the ag equipment market for years tell him farmers and ranchers are as uncertain now as they ever have been.

Farmers are preparing to get into the fields in the next four to six weeks.

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