The Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) was formed in 1913 when a group of dealers created the Agricultural Implement Trade Association Ireland ltd.

There are currently over 200 members of the association.

The current FTMTA President is Graham McHugh. Graham is the joint Managing Director of McHugh Components Ltd and Gary Ryan is the CEO.

The Farm Machinery Industry Training Centre (FMITC) is the headquarters of the FTMTA and is based in Toughers Business Park, Newhall close to Naas.

It is a unique facility designed to meet all the training needs of manufacturers and dealers in the Agricultural Industry.

New members who have joined recently include Alan King Agri Sales - a well-known farm machinery business based at The Pike, Ballingarry, Roscrea.

The dealership is a franchised agent for several brands, including Lely and Quicke. The business also sells second-hand tractors.

Another dealer to join the association recently was M Healion Tractors which is based at Arden, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

It specialises in the sale of used tractors, spare parts and repair service. It’s headed up by Micheal Healion.

Another new member is Eardly Agricultural Service - based in the Hebron Industrial Estate in Kilkenny.

This is a franchised dealer for brands including Krone, Amazone, Bomford, Tanco, Gregoire Besson, Quicke and APV – and is headed up by Michael Eardley.