The recent fine weather has put a spring in people’s steps. Machines are back out on the land cultivating the fields for the summer crops, and the birds are now busy building nests. These sights are much needed tonics from the winter blues of Covid-19 restrictions. It looks like Level 5 restrictions will stay in place for some time, as case numbers have not yet fallen enough.

In the March 1st edition of Service Dealer Ireland I wrote about how advanced technology in machines can benefit the environment. I am heartened to see that one of the topics up for discussion at the upcoming CEMA Summit is ‘What is the role of farm machinery technology in delivering more sustainable agriculture?’ Another topic that will be discussed is ‘Are farm technologies and agricultural robots the gamechangers for the farming of the future?’.

The CEMA Summit will take place virtually on the 14th of April from 9:00am – 16:30pm and is open to farmers, agricultural dealers and distributors. The theme of the summit is ‘Seeding the Future of Sustainable Farming – Advanced farm machines & solutions to deliver on the European Green Deal’. You can register to attend by visiting www.cema-agri.org 

So what is the European Green Deal? In a nutshell it aims to transform the 27-country bloc from a high to a low carbon economy, without reducing prosperity and while improving people’s quality of life, through cleaner air and water, better health and a thriving natural world. The hope is that the EU will become climate neutral by 2050. From a machinery point of view, particularly the agricultural sector, the European Green Deal aims to reduce engine carbon emissions. It is anticipated that jobs will be created, for example from electric vehicle manufacturing. This is a highly ambitious plan. Time will tell if it will be successful or not. 

I read with interest that the British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) have organised a brand new outdoor festival and exhibition called Festival of Turf. It will take place at the Warwickshire Event Centre from the 21st – 22nd of July. It was originally scheduled to take place from the 8th – 9th of June. This is will be one of the first real life events, within the industry, to take place in the UK since the pandemic. The UK’s vaccination role out programme has been the envy of many countries around the world. By July, most of the British population will have had their 2nd vaccination. However, given the recent clampdown on people travelling into Ireland, I’m not sure if there will be many from Ireland attending the BIGGA event.

To conclude, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tracy Martin (née Coburn) on the 21st of March. Tracy was a former work colleague of mine in our GCSAI days and she later became administrator with the Irish Links Initiative (ILI), which was established by her late father, Brian Coburn. Many in our industry would have known Tracy through her work with organising GCSAI trade shows, conferences and setting up the ILI and organising its seminars. She is survived by her mother Elizabeth, husband Phillip and sons Kyle and Ross, along with her extended family and friends. Being a mother, it was ironic that Tracy died on Mothers Day. May she rest in peace.