I am writing this blog with one eye on my keyboard and the other watching for any news updates on Covid-19.

Just when we thought everything was going well for us, we have seen a large increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, most of which are under 45 years of age. The government announced, almost two weeks ago, new restrictions that are to last until September the 13th. Up to now things have not improved. Can we afford another lockdown? Hopefully it will not come to this.

Because the virus has not gone away, the amount of online engagement is now increasing. Many people are still working from home. Some companies are offering incentives for their employees to work from home as it saves on office rental space. Will this have an effect on the domestic garden equipment sector, now that more people are staying at home? Time will tell.

I recently read about a project that is in the early stages of development. It is a virtual reality training programme in agricultural mechanisation. Electude is a Dutch company that specialises in automotive e-learning. They have teamed up with Tim Europe to develop agricultural machinery and vehicles as part of their virtual training, which includes practical training. They hope to transform practical teaching modules from mobile equipment into a virtual environment and link it with the Erasmus + project.

I’m trying to get my head around the idea of how mechanical training in agricultural equipment can be done online. In normal times, students would put on their overalls, have oil on their hands and get dirty to try and diagnose problems with engines, mechanics and electrics, while their teacher guides them through the process.

Tim Europe's wish is to create a virtual, game-like environment that helps students with the practical part of the mobile equipment training, offering digital teaching programs that are performed with virtual reality glasses. It will be completely in 3D with almost unlimited possibilities in terms of failures and diagnostics. The idea is that it should feel as if the student is in a workshop where tools, machines and vehicles are installed. The glasses register the student’s movements and actions.

Koen Berends from Electude says, “All conceivable and unlikely malfunctions can be simulated in a program. Tools and measuring equipment, such as a multimeter, really work.

“It is not a picture of a multimeter, it IS a multimeter. You operate it yourself and it shows the values exactly as in a real situation”.

Getting young apprentices into formal agricultural mechanical training has been difficult over the last few years. There is a shortage of trained mechanics in Ireland. This European project sounds very exciting and could be the answer to getting more students into formal training. Maybe online learning will be the way of the future? It is in the early stages of development and could take a few more years to complete. The hope is that it will be available to many European countries and in different languages. Something to watch out for.

Kubota are celebrating Michael Keniry who has just retired from one of their leading dealerships in Ireland, Atkins Farm Machinery.

Michael Keniry, left

Michael worked at the dealership in Cork for 44 years, with 30 of those years selling Kubota machinery.

Michael began his journey as a sales representative at Atkins in 1976. At the time the dealership looked after 26 counties across Ireland for agricultural machinery. In 1980, Michael opened a new branch depot where he stayed until 1990 - at which point he specialised in machinery used to meet the requirements of the golf community.

When asked what advice he would give to other dealerships looking for longevity, Michael said, “Good advice and support is very important. We also provide excellent back up to our customers. Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten - and this has always been our motto at Atkins.

“The Kubota sales management team in Ireland have also been very good. We’ve found them to be helpful and supportive and this is important. If you’re looking for advice or for help or support, they will be there for every step of the way. They will come out to meet the customer and really go the extra mile to ensure both Atkins and the customer have everything they need, including being able to give competitive pricing, which in turn, has helped us retain customers. This has made all the difference.”

Looking back at his career highlights, Michael reminisces back to 2005. “It was the first time we sold over 100 machines and we threw a big party to celebrate this. Every year since we have been selling over 100 machines a year”.

Michael Keniry, left

Michael’s commitment to the trade also won him a trip to Japan, one of his greatest career moments. “Kubota gave us targets and if you met them, you’d win a trip - which was always fantastic. It helped us feel motivated and rewarded for the hard work we’ve been doing.”

The trips also provided an opportunity for Michael to meet other dealers from around the world and a chance to see the product assembly lines.
As for retirement plans, Michael is taking a rest from over four decades of working at the dealership, spending time with the grandchildren and enjoying his lifetime connection with golf.

Tim Yates, Kubota’s business development manager, Groundcare said, “We would like to thank Michael for his service as a partner to Kubota UK. It is not every day that we get to celebrate such achievements, but in some ways, both Michael and Atkins really represent some of the values that customers have come to expect from Kubota.

“We wish Michael a happy retirement and many years of good health.”

2020 marks the 60th year anniversary from when local farm machinery business, Murphy’s Motors, Glenmore, opened their doors, making it the oldest New Holland dealer in Ireland.

Directors of Murphy’s Motors, Bernie and Dick Murphy

To celebrate the 60-year milestone, the team at Murphy’s Motors are offering farmers in the Southeast the opportunity to win the use of a new T5 New Holland Tractor for 3 months or up to 300 hours of use along with a New Holland Driver Kit of goodies.

The current directors, brother and sister team, Richard and Bernadette Murphy, are the third generation of the Murphy family to be involved in the running of the dealership and are keen to thank their longstanding customers for their support over the years.

Bernadette commented, “While 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, over the past 60 years we have experienced many ups and downs. It is the loyalty of our suppliers and customers that has remained constant and for that we are grateful.”

Murphy’s are hoping all their customers will get to partake in some of the 60-year celebrations which, in addition to the T5 giveaway, will include features on some of their longstanding customers, friends and colleagues along with other giveaways throughout the remainder of the year.

The main event being the T5 giveaway will take place on Friday October 30th where a new T5 will show up in the yard of one lucky winner. Full terms and conditions, along with how to enter the competition, can be found at www.murphysmotors.ie/competition/ The winner will be selected within the Murphy’s Motors New Holland Sales Area.

Bernadette also encourages farmers to keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages for other offers and surprise giveaways as they celebrate 60 years as Murphy’s Motors.

As recent as 2019, Murphy’s Motors opened a new Parts and Sales Depot in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny along with the widening of their territory into South Wexford.

Quaile Machinery Ltd based in North Dublin has been appointed main dealer for Deutz-Fahr, covering Counties Louth, Meath and North Dublin.

Colin Bell, territory sales manager with SDF with Kenny Quaile managing director Quaile Machinery Ltd

Quaile managing director Kenny Quaile, said, “Geographically we are well placed to supply and service existing and new Deutz-Fahr customers in Counties Louth, Meath and North Dublin, and with a wide range of tractors from 50 to 350hp we now have a tractor to suit any farm operation.

“Deutz-Fahr is well known for high quality and high technology tractors so it’s going to bring opportunities for us to grow our business, especially with larger six cylinder tractors and combine harvesters.

“We’re looking forward to meeting the Deutz-Fahr customers in the area, introducing the tractors to new customers and building our relationship with SDF and territory sales manager Colin Bell. We will soon be busy with demos for anyone that wants to test out the Deutz-Fahr brand.

“The tractor market is very competitive and being able to give good back up support is vital. We’ve all come from service backgrounds so that’s something I’m confident we can do well,” says Kenny.

Organisers of the SALTEX exhibition, the GMA, have released a statement saying they are confident they will be able to stage a safe and successful event next spring in the UK.

Geoff Webb, CEO of the Grounds Management Association, says he believes that the exhibition will be a huge first step towards the industry’s recovery.

“We believe that there comes a point where we lay the foundations for recovery and we of course want SALTEX in March to be a catalyst for this to showcase products, demonstrate the innovation this industry possesses, engage, network, renew acquaintances and generate new business for our exhibitors," he said. "In fact, we are making every provision to build assurance for a positive ‘return on investment’ for our exhibitors.”

In an official statement the GMA recognised that there may be "potential protocols" in place as a direct result of Covid-19. They went on to say how they believe that SALTEX is in the "safest and most professional of hands".

Geoff Webb explained, "The National Exhibition Centre is one of the foremost venues in the UK and as such is at the heart of discussions as to how to run events safely and securely. The GMA has also taken advantage of its membership with the Association of Exhibition Organisers, who are closely working with the Events Owners Association, the Association of Event Venues, and the Event Suppliers and Services Association – which covers almost every facet of the events industry, looking at the impact of the pandemic globally, as well as the UK from an events management perspective. We’re very proud to have established these excellent working relationships and it has allowed us to learn from others, network, and input into the guidance now issued and being supported and used by Government.

“The events sector is holding some pilot exhibitions over the coming weeks to detail the best procedures to ensure exhibitions are the best possible environments for staff, exhibitors, and visitors alike. Learning from these pilots will be addressed. In the meantime, we are currently mapping out several scenarios based on restrictions that may be in place in Spring 2021, so the event runs safely and efficiently, while creating a positive experience for both visitors and exhibitors.

“We have a very experienced team, who with the NEC, I am confident can stage a safe and successful event in the Spring next year.”

AriensCo has announced the appointment of Brad Stiles as director of sales and marketing EMEAA, reporting to vice president Darren Spencer.

“The appointment reflects the strategic importance of growing the EMEAA business," said Darren Spencer. "Brad’s priority will be on building upon the existing footprint and successes.” Massimo Caner, European sales manager, Matt Wilson, UK sales manager and Jef O’Riley, marketing manager EMEAA, will report to Brad.

Brad grew up in the industry, with a father at AriensCo for 25 years. Brad himself has been with the business for 9 years and started in 2011 with Stens, which was owned by AriensCo at the time. He specialised in parts programmes and strategies with dealers to grow their overall parts business.

In 2014 Brad was promoted to a district manager representing a territory in Indiana, where he specialised in creating plans to grow dealer business, regional marketing programs, commercial product sales, and new dealer acquisition and growth. He was subsequently promoted in August 2020.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Brad to our team," added Darren Spencer. “We very much look forward to working together on this new stage in the development of the company. Brad brings a wealth of experience with a fresh view of our marketing future and he will be out to meet customers as soon as possible.”

Brad says he is exceptionally pleased to have this opportunity. His wife, Hannah, is from the UK and they have a 3-year-old daughter, Madeline, both of whom are already in the UK awaiting his arrival.

“While these are challenging times, ahead of us are very exciting developments for AriensCo and the Outdoor Power Equipment industry alike. We have many innovations coming in the next twelve months which will shape the way our business grows, to the ultimate benefit of our relationships with our dealers and customers. My family and I are very appreciative of this opportunity from the Ariens family and look forward to making the United Kingdom our home.”

Brad’s full-time move to the UK is planned for autumn 2020.

AGCO has announced that Martin Richenhagen has chosen to retire as chairman, president and chief executive officer on December 31, 2020.

Martin Richenhagen

Its board of directors has appointed Eric Hansotia, currently AGCO’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, to succeed Mr. Richenhagen as chairman, president and chief executive officer effective January 1, 2021. In addition, Mr. Hansotia has been elected to the board of directors, effective immediately.

Martin Richenhagen joined AGCO in 2004 as president and CEO and was named chairman of the board of directors in 2006.

“It’s been my greatest privilege to serve alongside my AGCO colleagues for the past 16 years,” said Mr. Richenhagen. "Their dedication, integrity, innovativeness and commitment to our customers are what make AGCO such an extraordinary company, and I’m proud to have been part of its history. I have tremendous confidence in Eric, the board, our employees and our dealer network, and believe that AGCO’s best days are yet to come.”

Speaking on behalf of the company's board of directors, Gerald Shaheen, independent lead director, said, "Martin has served AGCO with great distinction through the years, and we are enormously thankful for his contributions to the company.

"Martin has been a model of corporate leadership and integrity in the industry. We wish him well in his retirement and look forward to new levels of success under Eric’s leadership.”

Martin Richenhagen added, “The Board and I are confident that Eric is the right person to build on AGCO’s solid foundation. Eric is a seasoned leader with broad industry knowledge, making him uniquely qualified to lead AGCO into the future. Eric has made significant contributions to AGCO’s success over the past seven years, most recently leading the company through the unique challenges presented by COVID-19."

Eric Hansotia

Mr. Hansotia joined the company as senior vice president, Global Crop Cycle and Fuse Connected Services in 2013 and and has served in the role of senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2019. Prior to joining AGCO, Mr. Hansotia had a successful 20-year tenure with Deere & Company where he held leadership positions including senior vice president, Global Harvesting and vice president of Global Crop Care.

Mr. Hansotia said, "I want to express my gratitude to both Martin and the board of directors for their confidence in my ability to lead AGCO into the future. Together with our talented team, I look forward to helping our global farmers sustainably feed the world through smart, innovative agricultural solutions. I believe farmer-driven innovation is the key to unlocking value for our employees, dealers and shareholders, and I look forward to building on Martin’s legacy as we realise AGCO’s bright future.”