Growing up as a child I took everything for granted. Electricity, telephones, and cars were things that already surrounded me. I was used to them and thought nothing of how they were invented or developed. As I got older I started to think about how people, at the beginning of the last century, adapted to all these new inventions. It must have been a strange learning curve for them. It must have been strange for farmers as well as they replaced the horse with the tractor. This was the birth of our industry. Dealers and distributors of powered equipment emerged and began to appear around the country. Dealers began to replace the horse trader and farrier.

One hundred years later people, once again, are finding themselves overwhelmed by new inventions. The arrival of the internet and mobile phones has changed everyone’s lives, mostly for the good. The machines that we sell have now taken advantage of new technology such as the introduction of GPS assisted equipment and digital controls in farm tractors and equipment. It can be all a bit overwhelming for those who have been used to the old ways of farming for most of their lives. 

Facilitating our customers to successfully adapt to this new technology and digitalization is a role that we should play an active part in, especially in areas where digital literacy is lower. It requires the involvement of a number of stakeholders such as manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and repairers.

Upgrading to more efficient forms of mechanisation also requires a lot of investment from the end user. At this time of high inflation, increasing energy and fertiliser costs, it will be a big ask for some to upgrade. Therefore, for them to embrace these technological advancements, they should be made aware of how sustainable, economically viable, environmentally friendly and, above all, affordable to them especially for small-scale operators. Sales reps will need to convince their customers of the savings they will make by investing in modern equipment. They should be told how productivity will improve and how they will make more efficient use of resources by investing in new technology.

For me, the convincing argument for embracing new technology is the potential saving of labour costs. The agricultural sector is experiencing labour shortages at the moment. It is so hard to find people wanting to work in that industry. New machinery that helps reduce labour inputs is a move in the right direction.

Finally, a reminder that there will be two shows taking place this month. The first is the FTMTA Farm Machinery Show, running this Wednesday and Thursday at Punchestown Event Centre in County Kildare. Tickets to the show can be bought online by visiting www.ftmta.ie 

The second exhibition taking place this month is GLAS. This takes place on Thursday the 21st of July at The National Basketball Arena Dublin from 9am - 5pm. The theme of this year’s exhibition is ‘Your industry. Your event’. Supported by Bord Bia, GLAS features exhibits from leading suppliers including a sportsturf and machinery section. Pre Registration is required and is free. Visit www.glasireland.ie for more information. 

For the first time tickets for the 2022 Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) Machinery Show can be purchased online via the new FTMTA website.

Michael Farrelly, executive director of the association said, “There has been a significant effort made by the association to move forward with a new and invigorated presence and we are seeing a renewed appetite for the return of the Machinery Show which was last run in 2019. We recently rebranded and have been rolling this out across the association’s advertising and promotional materials.

“We are delighted to have also just launched our new website that better reflects and represents our membership, while also facilitating ticket sales to our flagship event which went live only this week,” Farrelly added.

This year’s FTMTA Machinery Show takes place at Punchestown Event Centre in Co. Kildare on July 13 and 14, which has been a change from its usual date in February.

The show is expected to attract crowds in the region of 20,000 people over the two days.

The event is no longer limited to farm machinery and will for the first time have a large display of plant machinery and grounds care from a number of exhibitors.

The FTMTA is recognised as the official representative trade body of the Irish farm machinery industry.

The association has said that the Farm Machinery Show is underpinned by the ethos that it is organised by the trade for the farmer and contractor, which has driven the success and growth of the show over the years.

“It is the weight of this representation that attracts so many to our flagship show in Punchestown,” Farrelly added.

The new website just launched by FTMTA now also features a search tool where visitors can search machinery for sale from FTMTA members across the country.

STIHL Group has unveiled plans for a new €125 million manufacturing site for their electric and cordless power tools, that they say will significantly enhance their battery-powered product manufacturing capacity.

 
Set for completion in 2024, the company says the new 147,000m2 facility in Oradea, Romania, will create 500 new jobs in the local area and expand their international manufacturing network. In an official statement they say this will strengthen the "flexibility and resilience" of its supply chains.
 
The statement continued, "The new manufacturing facility has been designed with lean production in mind and will utilise the latest technology to maximise the productivity, efficiency and sustainability of the plant in line with STIHL Group’s climate and carbon footprint targets. In addition to the production halls, the site will also comprise offices, a cafeteria, and break rooms for employees."
 
Martin Schwarz, STIHL executive board member for manufacturing & materials, said, “Battery-powered products represent the fastest-growing market for STIHL at the present time. We expect demand for these products to continue rising faster than any other category in the years ahead.
 
“This means that our Tirol plant, which currently manufactures a large portion of our battery-powered range, will one day reach the limits of its space and capacities. The new location in Romania will add to our global manufacturing network and keep us in the best possible position to continue supplying our customers with battery-operated products in the future."

Today, the STIHL Group has production plants in seven countries: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the United States, Brazil, China, and the Philippines, with facilities opening soon in China. 

Club Car has completed the acquisition of Garia A/S a Denmark-based manufacturer of electric street legal low-speed vehicles for the utility, consumer and golf markets.

The acquisition also includes Melex, which Garia acquired in 2021 to accelerate its growth in the utility space. Melex is a manufacturer of lightweight utility vehicles based in Poland.

“We are incredibly excited that Garia and Melex have joined Club Car. Together, we share a passion for innovation, design, and commitment to our customers,” said Club Car president Mark Wagner.

“We look forward to increasing the global reach of the combined brands. We see the acquisition as an opportunity to mature our go-to-market strategies and tap into new offerings - like street-legal utility and last-mile delivery.

“With the most extensive line-up of low-speed electric vehicles in the industry, we anticipate a strong growth trajectory for years to come,” Wagner added.

Both the Garia and Melex businesses will continue to be led by Jakob Holstein, who said, “Club Car is known for their extensive dealer network. This, combined with their operational expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality products, will take our brands to a new level.”

Visitor registration is now open for November's SALTEX, via the show's newly relaunched website.

Sarah Cunningham, GMA director of commercial and events, SALTEX event organisers, said: “As the biggest event covering the supply and management of products and services that help to create high quality leisure, recreation, and sports surfaces, it’s important that the new website is easy to navigate for visitors and exhibitors. I’m confident that the new site will deliver for both.”

Speaking about the rebrand, Andrea McMahon, GMA director of communications said, “SALTEX represents innovation and progression. Its where the industry comes together to build networks, knowledge and learn about new innovations. It’s forward-looking and the brand needs to reflect this and we hope the new look strikes the balance of being modern and progressive, whilst retaining an element of simplicity connecting it to the previous look.”  

The opening of visitor registration coincides with the launch of the 2022 show’s social media campaign, #aheadofthegame. The show's visitors are being encouraged to use the tag, along with #SALTEX2022 on social posts to share what they learnt at the show that puts them ahead of the game. Likewise exhibitors are being encouraged to use the tag to promote what they will be bringing to the show. 

Sarah continued, “The event will host over 400 industry brands in one place – all lining up the best products on offer for today’s growing needs. And, as always, there will be a comprehensive schedule of speakers across three theatres sharing their knowledge and expertise - with sustainability and environmental pressure at the forefront of the 2022 agenda.”

The show takes place at the Birmingham NEC on 2-3 November.

The first open house event since 2013 at the Steyr tractor plant saw more than ten thousand visitors descend on the St. Valentin factory in Austria for STEYR@HOME 2022, to enjoy tours of the production facilities, a huge display of ‘oldtimer’ tractors-– and a glimpse into developments for the future.  

The first open event at the factory for nine years marked a significant milestone, celebrating 75 years since the first Steyr tractor was made.

Visitors were able to examine the latest models from across the tractor range, experience live tractor demonstrations and guided factory tours on small trains, enabling close-up views of how the company's tractors are manufactured.

There was also interest in future development displays, such as that for the Hybrid Drivetrain Konzept. This focus on new drivetrain ideas stems from the unveiling of the Steyr Konzept tractor at Agritechnica 2019, building on the benefits of electric drive. Meanwhile, a display of Steyr tractors through the decades from the 1940s to the 1990s drew the crowds, as many visitors recalled the machines they used to drive.

“We were really pleased to be able to open up the factory once more and hold this event again to be closer to our customers,” said Gunnar Hauser, business director Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia for Case IH and Steyr. “The attendance was really impressive, and so was the visitors’ enthusiasm for the brand. Steyr has held a special place for many years in the farm, forest and municipal businesses of many people,” Mr Hauser acknowledges. “This has been a great opportunity to recognise their support and to reinforce our commitment to the brand,” he adds.

Peter Friis, Steyr head of commercial operations in Europe added, "As we broaden our reach in existing markets and enter new ones, we want to show as many people as possible what is different about Steyr. Our plant, which regularly welcomes guest visitors, is an ideal place to do this, as the success of STEYR@HOME 2022 has shown.”

Toro has released its sustainability report for fiscal 2021, which highlights key achievements, metrics and newly defined sustainability goals as part of its Sustainability Endures strategic initiative. The company says the report builds on their commitment to making a positive impact financially, socially and environmentally worldwide. 

“At The Toro Company, sustainability is ingrained in our purpose, our actions and our approach to doing business,” chairman and CEO Richard M. Olson said. “It is rooted in a genuine desire to help our customers solve their most important challenges in a sustainable way, and extends to improving the rapidly changing world in which we live. Not only is sustainability at the heart of how we innovate and develop new products and technologies, it also influences daily operations, the way we invest in our people, and the way we compete and win in the right way. It is also displayed in our dedication to serving customers and giving back to global communities.” 

Toro’s established Sustainability Endures initiative includes newly established performance goals to help drive change:  

• Increasing the number of women and racial and ethnic minorities in leadership positions by at least 20 percent by fiscal 2025, as compared to fiscal 2021.
• Increasing battery and hybrid product sales to at least 20 percent of total adjusted net sales (motorized product sales) by fiscal 2025.
• Reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by at least 15 percent by fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2019.

In addition, Toro announced it has achieved multiple key sustainability initiatives, including:  

• Appointment of Blake Grams to serve as vice president of sustainability, business analytics and process improvement, further signaling the commitment to accelerating change and delivering meaningful results for stakeholders.
• Matching of employee contributions to non-profit organizations of their choice to support COVID-19 efforts and committing $500,000 to assist families and communities affected by the pandemic through The Toro Company Foundation.
• Developing advancements in battery and hybrid technology, helping customers reduce or eliminate exhaust emissions.
• Investing resources to enhance safety and wellness programs with a renewed focus on advancing continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
• Coordinating employee immersion experiences to help support smallholder farmers in Honduras, Malawi and Nicaragua with sustainable drip irrigation and water storage solutions that better meet the needs of farmers and their communities.

Toro also has strategically aligned its priorities with six United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to help address environmental and social issues globally in areas where it can make the most significant contributions: 

• Goal 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
• Goal 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
• Goal 13 – Climate Actions

“We have established a roadmap to achieve our stated sustainability goals in support of our strategic priorities – accelerating profitable growth, achieving operational excellence and empowering our people,” Olson said. “We are excited to share our progress and the achievements that got us here today, as well as future aspirations along our sustainability journey.”