Farm tractors haven’t changed much since internal combustion engines started replacing steam power 100 years ago. But, today’s machines are faster, more powerful, lighter, cleaner and smarter than ever. In fact, some large tractors boast more lines of software code than early space shuttles.

Assembly lines are humming at AGCO, CNH, Deere, Kubota and other agricultural equipment manufacturers. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) predicts that the North American market will grow 5 percent in 2012. Net farm income is expected to be up 28 percent, while net cash income will grow nearly 19 percent.