It was nice to see two trade exhibitions taking place in England during the last two weeks.

The first event was BIGGA’s Festival of Turf, which took place outdoors at the Warwickshire Event Centre on the 21st and 22nd of July. The organisers couldn’t have asked for better weather, though this may have been a factor in a smaller attendance than expected. I hope that the machinery stands were busy showcasing what they had on offer to those that were there. Three days earlier international non essential travel restrictions had just lifted in Ireland, so I would be interested to know how many Irish visitors attended the event.

The second exhibition took place the following week. This was the Sports And Grounds Expo (SAGE) and this took place from the 27th – 29th of July at The Three Counties Showground in Worcester. I hope that more events like these will follow, especially in Ireland, where people in our industry can meet face to face once more. 

I heard in the news recently that the price of second hand cars has increased in recent weeks. If you bought a second hand car a year ago, chances are that it is worth more today. This was unheard of before. Apparently, the reason for this is mainly down to the global shortage of electronic chip supplies. This affects the production and supply of new electronic equipment, including cars and even farm tractors and equipment. The reason why the massive shortage of electronic chips happened is because, at the beginning of the pandemic, manufacturing factories shut down and the supply of microchips decreased.

The companies that were able to keep producing microchips were not manufacturing as much, because they were afraid that people wouldn’t buy them, and the products that use them. However, as individuals began working from home and children were getting new video games, the demand for microchips began to increase.

While farm equipment makers require far fewer chips than automakers, the drive to make their machines smarter has also made them susceptible to chip supply shocks. The situation is worse in America where some dealers have fewer new tractors on display in their showrooms. They are turning to virtual showrooms instead. The increase in raw material prices and shipping costs doesn’t help matters either.

This situation is seen to continue into early 2022. Despite the shortage of supplies, sales of tractors so far this year have increased. The European Agricultural Machinery Association’s (CEMA) monthly Business Climate Index show that tractor sales this year reached their peak in May and June, the highest level since 2008. However the July figures show a slight decrease in sales. According to CEMA, more than 90% of the companies participating in the index survey complained about supply bottlenecks. 36% of the respondents from the tractor factories expect a production stop due to a lack of certain parts in the coming months.  

We have to wait and see what happens.

Service Dealer has announced that it's all systems go for the 2021 Conference & Awards - which will take place as an in-person event. We hope to be near to full capacity but the event will take place within regulations and of course, we will do what is right and appropriate at the time.

The theme for the Conference this year, that takes place on November 25th, will be 'Smart Working' - a subject that was all set to be tackled last year before the event, like so many others in 2020, was forced to cancel.

Duncan Murray-Clarke, owner of Service Dealer, said, "We are delighted to be announcing the return of our Conference and Awards today, which will be returning to its home at the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry, England. I want to stress we have been very careful with all our decisions and we will stage a safe and welcoming event.

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke presenting at the 2019 Conference

"It was disappointing for all of us not to be able to go ahead as planned last November, so we can't wait to get back into the room with our readers, sponsors and guest speakers. We will be following the most up-to-date guidance to make sure the day is a safe, welcoming and valuable experience for all attendees.

"For all of us, these past 18 months have been unlike anything ever experienced. We have all had to adapt and find new ways of working. We’ve had to be smarter with our time, juggling home life and our businesses. We’ve also had to find alternative ways for communicating with our teams and our customers to ensure business continuity. Technology has played an important part in allowing us to continue to operate and to keep in touch.

"All of these things encapsulate the theme of the 2021 Service Dealer Conference and Awards - Smart Working. Our superb lineup of expert speakers will focus on how technology and communication tools can help us work more efficiently and ultimately more profitably."

Dealer Awards

The always-popular Dealer Awards will also return this November - albeit in a slightly modified format. Service Dealer will be introducing some new categories this year to reflect the incredible dedication, creative thinking and community spirit that dealers have displayed this past year and a half.

Keep watching this space for more information regarding how your dealership can be in the running for recognition!

Further details about the 2021 Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced over the coming weeks in this Weekly Update and in Service Dealer magazine.

Emak Spa have announced that as of the 1st of August 2021 Camsaw Distributors are the new exclusive distributor of Efco in the Republic of Ireland. 

Established in 1987 by Philip Carney, Camsaw is one of Ireland’s leading providers and distributors of garden machinery and have distributed Oleo-mac in Ireland since its inception, making it one of Emak’s longest serving partners worldwide. 

Phillip’s son, Paul Carney, took over the business in 2005 and explained that this new partnership outlines the future vision of the company.

Paul Carney said, “We are delighted to add Efco to our portfolio and believe this underpins the strength of our longstanding relationship with Emak Spa. They have shown that their pathway to growth is through new product developments and innovations”. 

Emak Spa say they appointed Camsaw exclusive distribution of Efco to support and develop the current dealer network whilst also focusing on development of the brand in the DIY and Hardware channels. 

Andrea Vezzani, Emak export manager, added, "We are delighted to announce Camsaw as the new distributor of Efco in Ireland. Camsaw is a leader in the industry in Ireland and we wanted to underpin our already successful relationship. We want to be associated with a company that is driven to deliver a high level of service to its customers like Camsaw have done for over 30 years."

To contact Camsaw about Efco equipment, call  +353(0)578623809 or visit Camsaw.ie

The Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) have announced that Michael Farrelly has been appointment to the position of Executive Director. Michael will commence in the position on Monday 9th of August 2021.
 
Having worked in the agricultural machinery industry for the last number of years and with a strong commercial and business background, Michael brings with him knowledge and expertise that will help develop the association to meet the evolving needs of its members and the machinery trade in Ireland. The FTMTA is committed to working on behalf of its members and to represent the agricultural farm tractor and machinery trade at the highest level. 

FTMTA President, Diarmuid Claridge, commented “On behalf of the association and the Executive Board I extend a warm welcome to Michael. Michael’s skills and knowledge will be pivotal in the growth of the association and the future services we provide to our members. I look forward to working closely with Michael over the coming months”.

Michael Farrelly said, “I am delighted to be joining the FTMTA and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. The FTMTA membership range from world leading machinery brands, Irelands own indigenous machinery manufacturers who are winning on the world stage and other home-grown companies such as dealerships and distributors who are the backbone of the Irish economy. The world we live in is changing rapidly. Climate action, advancing technology and the way people work are all challenges and opportunities and I look forward to helping our members navigate their way through these exciting times”.

Returning to the Double Tree by Hilton Oxford Belfry this November, the Service Dealer Conference & Awards will once again benefit from Kramp UK as Principal Sponsor.

The date of this year's event has been confirmed as Thursday November 25th 2021.

Des Boyd, Sales Director of Kramp UK (2nd from right) presents Jason Nettle of Winchester Garden Machinery with their Overall Dealer of the Year Award at 2019's Service Dealer Awards - with Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke (left) and comedian Charlie Baker (right)

Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are delighted to once again announce Kramp UK as Principal Sponsors for Service Dealer's Conference & Awards.

"We have established a fabulous relationship with Kramp who have supported our Conference and Awards on five previous occasions and we couldn't be more pleased that they are returning in November for what is lining up to be another valuable day. We are also grateful to Kramp for standing by the Conference through the enforced cancellation of 2020's event."

Lexi Gilders, UK and Ireland marketing manager at Kramp said, "Kramp are incredibly proud to be sponsoring Service Dealer once more at their conference and awards! The Service Dealer Conference has always been invaluable in providing the most up-to-date insights for businesses, and this year promises to be the best yet, with the theme of ‘Smart Working’ being more relevant than ever. We can’t wait to be a part of it and look forward to seeing everybody."

Des Boyd, sales director, Kramp UK and Ireland added, "We have such a fantastic dealer network and we’re thrilled to be able to support them and celebrate their hard work and achievements. These awards are always a brilliant occasion and we’re delighted to be sponsoring the event."

More details about this year's Service Dealer Conference & Awards will be announced in due course.

You can watch an interview with Des Boyd from 2019's Service Dealer Conference below:

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), has announced that they have transferred the ownership of BAGMA, the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association, to the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) with effect from the July 1, 2021.

BAGMA Director Keith Christian and Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA

A statement released jointly by the associations said, "After a long relationship between Bira and BAGMA, this has been a difficult decision. However, it is in the best interests of both BAGMA and Bira. The AEA is more aligned to the industry sector BAGMA operates in and this will enable BAGMA to offer more support relevant to its members’ business needs."

Bira have confirmed they will maintain a working relationship with BAGMA and the AEA for at least the next 12 months, with members of BAGMA still having access to the services available from Bira, including legal advice and Bira Direct.

BAGMA director Keith Christian and his team, Kari Hearn and Richard Jenkins, will be transferring with BAGMA, ensuring continuity in the running and operations of BAGMA.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “I, and my colleagues in Bira, are very proud to have worked closely with the BAGMA team and BAGMA members over the past 25 years. There is a strong identity among BAGMA members that is to be admired.”

Ruth Bailey, CEO of the AEA, said, “The AEA is absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to be working with BAGMA and feel extremely positive about future developments and advantages that could be brought by the two organisations joining forces.

"For many years, there has been a clear working relationship between the two Associations but in more recent times the links and directional cooperation have become closer and closer and more aligned. As a collaborative voice to government and business, there is huge potential in adding impact and in bringing a difference to the sector.

“While the AEA sees a great amount of synergy between the two organisations, it fully respects the need, however, for the continuity of membership services from BAGMA to its members and to recognise the inherent strength that the BAGMA membership brings. It is for this reason that it is very important that the highly valued and distinct identity of BAGMA is maintained and supported independently.

“We look forward to providing a clear voice to industry yet maintaining the rich heritage of each of the Associations and the value of services to their respective members.”

Peter Arrand, BAGMA president, said: “The BAGMA Council of Representatives unanimously supported the purchase of BAGMA by the AEA. The acquisition will secure a future home within industry and allow the heritage and strong brand built up over 100 years as a dealer trade association to continue. There are many synergies between the two organisations which will enable a stronger representation for the industry we operate in whilst not losing sight of the individual needs of BAGMA members.

“The advantages of being a BAGMA member have been retained and we can look forward to a bright and collaborative future.”

Keith Christian, director of BAGMA, added: “Having been a part of the former British Hardware Federation (BHF) now the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) for the past 25 years It may be a surprise to some for BAGMA to be moving to new home.

“BAGMA’s 103-year history has always been intertwined with the AEA and whilst we represent different factions within the industry, we share a common goal in supporting the industry through both dealerships, suppliers and manufacturers.

“Whilst BAGMA will remain as an independent dealer’s association within its new home, it is expected that there will be new working relationships that will benefit BAGMA members in the future to come.”

With the latest Precision Farming DLC (downloadable content) running on GIANTS’ Farming Simulator, the makers say the general public will be able to improve their knowledge of modern farming techniques.

The second version of this popular video game’s DLC will focus on sustainability and will use modern technology to reduce the amount of herbicides, while the application of organic and mineral fertilisers will also be more accurate.

John Deere and GIANTS Software have jointly developed the Precision Farming DLC. This was achieved in cooperation with the University of Hohenheim, University of Reading and Spanish agri-food cooperative Grupo AN.

It has been funded by EIT Food, the world's largest Agrifood Innovation Ecosystem supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), with the goal of improving society’s knowledge of modern farming. The project led to the publication of a download link for the first DLC on December 8th last year:

Thomas Engel, project leader at John Deere, said, “The cooperation between all the partners has been fantastic and the DLC far exceeds my expectations.”

Thomas Frey, Creative Director at GIANTS Software, added “We’re excited about the continuation of the project and the opportunity to take part in this important undertaking to emphasise the benefits of sustainable farming technologies.”

In the meantime, the first DLC has been downloaded nearly one million times and the makers say feedback from the gaming community is very positive. Gamers’ excitement has also raised expectations for more features in the next version.

John Deere therefore recently started developing a new and extended DLC, again funded by EIT Food. Besides the existing partners, the team now involves the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research from the Polish Academy of Sciences, in order to include the farming community and young farmers from Eastern Europe.

The next Precision Farming DLC will be based on the new Farming Simulator 22 video game, which will be launched on November 22nd. Gamers can look forward to a host of new features.

While the first version included most of the basics of precision farming such as soil sampling and variable rate applications along with the economic benefits for the farmer, the second version will focus on advanced precision farming technologies.

These features allow the sustainability of modern farming to be increased even further, with a much lower environmental footprint. Camera technologies will be used to reduce the amount of herbicides used, and the application of organic and mineral fertilisers will be made more accurate with the use of modern sensors.

Visit the Kentucky Exposition Center, between the 20-22nd October 2021, to take part in GIE+EXPO’s:

• 4,000sqft hands-on Drone Zone
• UTV Test Track for driving and comparing the latest vehicles on real terrain
• Remote Pilot Certification Course
• Arborist demos and classroom courses
• Keynote presentation from Admiral James Stavridis
• Free dealer workshops by Bob Clements International, as well as much more… 

Visit gie-expo.com to find out more.