this is the first of a few post on a tribute to AGCO founder Robert Ratliff. ---

The annals of history  concerning farm machinery have many individuals who were 'hall of fame' worthy. None is more deserving than member, the now late,  Robert (Bob) Ratliff.   Mr. Ratliff  was chosen to head the faltering Deutz-Allis company, which was the result of the German farm machinery manufacturer  KHD's  purchase and then the merger of Deutz-Farr  with the farm equipment division of Allis-Chalmers. The new Deutz-Allis brand was a result of the farm depression era of the 1980's which saw the demise of many farms, equipment dealerships, and even farm equipment manufacturers. Deutz was looking for a dealer organization in North America and the AC dealers were the recipients of new products and new management which really struggled to find its place in the market.

Now, enter Bob Ratliff.  Mr. Ratliff  was hired as the leader of Deutz Allis. Ratliff brought with him to DA a management team that was a hallmark of the Ratliff management system. He, as the head and ultimate decision maker, and under him a great engineer and brilliant mind,  John M. Shumejda, and an assistant manager , James Seavers, and a market wise old AC man, Ed Swingle. These four horsemen were soon to make business and farm equipment history.    more later...