Giving 100% of new advertising revenue generated across all titles throughout the month of April to the Red Cross, can help the industry contribute.
It's difficult to think about anything other than the appalling events in Ukraine at the moment.
I distract myself for a while, with my work or whatever, but it isn't long until that gnawing feeling in my stomach overtakes again, and I end up reading the latest developments. I am trying hard to limit my doomscrolling, because even though I believe it's important to keep informed, oversaturation doesn't help anybody.
It's the feeling of helplessness that is the most crushing. That feeling that sympathy is all very well, but what does it achieve? Equally feelings of guilt for living in the safety of the UK, also doesn't help anyone.
So I suppose in trying to be level-headed about these horrific events, yes we do need to be aware of what's going on, but reading constant updates all day and all night isn't the healthiest for our own mental well being.
And if we want to help, the best we can do is donate.
Initiative launched
By following the news cycle these past couple of weeks, the message regarding what is of the greatest benefit to give, has shifted from physical items to money. Cash, given to the correct places, seems to do the most direct good to help suffering Ukrainians - which is what we all want.
Having spoken to a few people who know more about these things than I do, the consensus of opinion of a truly great place to donate money right now is the British Red Cross. One can be confident that money donated here, is making a difference on the ground. As they say on their website, they are part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which unites 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialists in different areas of disaster response.
As such, in wanting to play a small part in helping where our industry can, Service Dealer is pledging to give 100% of new advertising revenue generated across all titles throughout the month of April to this amazing charity.
This is all additional advertising revenue gained from this Service Dealer Weekly Update, Service Dealer Ireland Update, Service Dealer's website, TurfPro Weekly Briefing, TurfPro's website and the Garden Trader website. All of our digital channels.
Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "We are not political, but what we're seeing in Ukraine isn't a political issue - it's a humanitarian crisis.
"We felt we had to do something and thought that donating all new digital advertising revenue earned in April, could be a way of our industry coming together to offer some help to the people of Ukraine.
"For our industry colleagues we hope this will be a way for them both to get across whatever messages they want to the UK dealer network, whilst at the same time directly donating to an organisation that has teams on the ground, distributing aid directly to those who most need it.
"I know first hand how friendly and caring this sector can be, so I'm confident we can raise a significant contribution."
I agree wholeheartedly with Duncan. I think this is a tremendous initiative and one that I hope can generate a decent sum for the Red Cross.
As anyone that's ever asked me anything about advertising will be aware, it's something I know almost nothing about! But even I can put my salesman hat on for this and say it's something worth getting behind. To our industry partners, please do consider taking out a banner or two in April. It's essentially free advertising for yourselves and you'll be helping those who so desperately need our support.
For more information please contact Nikki (details below), who'll be able to help you with prices.
In this week's WEB ONLY story, the manufacturer of land-based machinery says they are monitoring the situation and are abiding by international sanctions.
The AEA says the number of agricultural tractors registered in February 2022 was again slightly lower than in the same month last year.
According to figures released by the AEA the number of agricultural tractors registered in February 2022 was again slightly lower than in the same month last year, as supply chain disruptions continue to delay the delivery of machines to end customers.
At 571 units, 4% fewer tractors were registered during the month than in February 2021 but this year’s number was marginally above the average for the time of year in the previous five years.
Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, said, "After a sharper fall in the opening month of the year, registrations for the year to date were 9% down on the first two months of 2021 [at 1071 units].
"The opening two months are always a quiet time of year for registrations and we will get more of an idea of the underlying situation in March, which is usually the peak month."
With three branches in England at Redditch, Stockbridge and Tetbury (Knockdown), T H White are able to service the needs of customers in the Birmingham and West Midlands area, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bristol, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey.
A spokesperson for T H White said, "These vast area mowers are perfect for turf farms and large private estates. By having GPS and RTK, this increases mowing capacity making them faster and more accurate.
"AMS products suit our existing professional customer base and we are frontrunners in the dealer network being able to supply this unique product to customers who don’t have time to cut grass."
Mike Garwood, dealer principal and Richard Amphlet, territory manager for Opico Ltd
With depots in Alton, Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, Mike Garwood's business has been established for over 30 years and the relationship with Opico goes back almost as far, selling their machines since the early noughties.
Commenting Charles Bedforth, sales director for Opico said, “We go back a long way together and we’re really pleased that Mike Garwood has chosen to sell and support our HE-VA brand, in addition to the range of Opico machines.”
Mike Garwood, dealer principal added, “I’ve worked with the team at Opico for many years. I’ve always been impressed with their support and I can’t think of a better cultivation brand to add to our machinery portfolio than HE-VA. We have new stock available in both our depots and we are looking forward to getting out in the field and demonstrating to our existing and new customers this season.”
Family owned company say they are very proud to have reached this milestone.
Fentons of Bourne Ltd, the family-owned agricultural, estate and turf maintenance equipment supplier, is celebrating its 35th anniversary on 7 April with an Open Day at its head office in Kates Bridge near Bourne in Lincolnshire.
Some of the team at Fentons
The event will feature working demonstrations from manufacturers including Avant, Becx, Etesia , Farmtrac, Husqvarna, Homburg, Iseki, Major and more. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Commenting on his company’s milestone, Glen Bellamy said, "We are very proud that we have reached this milestone for the business. We have survived the precarious nature of various business cycles, the latest being the Covid pandemic, but we are still here and stronger than ever.
"I think our longevity is a combination of excellent customer service, the ability to adapt in a dynamic marketplace and a dedicated and loyal staff with unparalleled knowledge of the products we represent. We look forward to welcoming customers to Kates Bridge to help us celebrate on 7 April.”
Company says they aim to strengthen the existing partnership between the Case IH and Steyr brands and their dealers.
Case IH and Steyr have announced the appointment of Marco Lombardi as head of commercial marketing for Case IH and Steyr Europe.
Marco Lombardi
Marco joined CNH Industrial in 2007, taking up his first position in the UK. Since then he has gained considerable experience within the business. During the past 14 years has held positions in various marketing and sales departments in the UK and Italy, before being appointed to his new role earlier this month.
“This new position gives me the opportunity to strengthen the existing partnership between the Case IH and Steyr brands and our dealers,” he says. “At the same time, I’m keen to intensify co-operation with new business partners and ensure we continue to build on the first-class service and support that customers expect from Case IH and STEYR."
Marco added that the company's marketing will also continue to grow its focus on digitalisation. "The Case IH and STEYR marketing teams have done a lot of good work in recent years to position our brands firmly at the forefront of such solutions, and together with them I plan to help continue to build on this excellent foundation," he said.
A new machine from Pöttinger was recently presented with with title Farm Machine 2022 by a jury of trade journalists.
The Jumbo 7000 series loader wagon by Pöttinger recently won the trade journalists' vote in the forage harvesting category, being awarded 'Farm Machine 2022' in an online ceremony on March 4th, 2022.
The international award for new products and innovations in agricultural technology was previously called 'Machine of the Year;. This coveted award in the agricultural machinery industry is presented by trade journalists working for international farming magazines. There is one winner in each of 12 categories (plus an audience choice award).
Pöttinger say with this award, the jury recognised the uniqueness of the multi-purpose rotor loader wagon with its new drive concept, optimal power transmission and other, innovative core components.
The manufacturer says they are delighted to have won the award. Gregor Dietachmayr, spokesperson for the management team and Markus Baldinger, managing director research, development, digitisation, accepted the award online.
"This special award is pleasing confirmation that we have hit the mark with our high standards in the development of the new generation of the Jumbo. Top forage quality and cost effectiveness make the loader wagon process even more attractive, " they said.
BRP, the owners of Can-Am utility vehicles, have announced its expansion with the creation of a new design studio.
BRP, the owner of Can-Am utility vehicles, has confirmed its expansion in Europe with the creation of a new design studio in Sophia Antipolis in the South of France.
The new studio will officially open its doors in December 2022, which the company says will mark another step towards developing and leveraging its design expertise worldwide.
In this new studio, BRP say their design professionals will focus on developing concepts in the world of sustainable mobility. The facility will also provide additional design services to internal partners based in Europe and Scandinavia such as Rotax and Lynx.
Denys Lapointe, senior vice president, design, innovation & creative services, said, “We are extremely proud of this new design studio. It will enable us to continue to diversify our workforce and attract top design professionals from Europe. I am sure that Sophia Antipolis will be a great area for insights and inspiration which will stimulate our teams to create highly innovative concepts and designs.
"Design and Innovation is an intricate part of BRP’s DNA. We look forward to welcoming new members to our world-class design team and work together to push the boundaries of innovation to a greater extent,” he added.
As part of its long term partnership with Thomley, the manufacturer has recently installed a new ride-on mower to help the three-man maintenance team.
Kubota has a long term partnership with Thomley, and has recently installed its latest G261 ride-on rotary mower to help the three-man maintenance team keep this green and pleasant space pristine.
Thomley is described as a special place in rural Oxfordshire, where the great outdoors brings together disabled and non-disabled children and adults to develop life skills and fulfil their potential.
Kubota's Rob Edwards with staff from Thomley
Founded in 1997 by parents of children with autism and other complex needs and registered as charity in 2001, Thomley’s eight-acre site near Thame delivers a programme of activities throughout the year from sports and outdoor play to creative pursuits and life skills.
In the grounds there’s a football pitch, playground equipment designed for the needs of disabled users, and one kilometre cycle track suitable for bicycles, tricycles and go karts. A new sensory garden has been created, and there are plans for a woodland area.
“Grounds maintenance is just one of our tasks, so having the Kubota mower makes a big difference,” explains David Francis, who heads up the team. “It takes about 10 hours to cut the whole grassed area, and there are different requirements according to its use.”
The football pitch, mini football and golf course fairways require the high level of presentation.
“I tend to cut those areas first and then it’s a quick job to raise the deck and top some of the longer areas. We also like to cut paths through long grass for the children to enjoy exploring, or produce a tidy area for camping.”
Kubota tractor business unit marketing manager Rob Edwards, added, “We have supported the Thomley Hall Centre for several years now. Thomley was identified though the employee forum several years ago as a deserving community organisation to support, and continues to be a key partner in the programme of Kubota community support activities undertaken in the surrounding area to our Thame head office. We are very pleased to continue our association with the loan of the very latest G261 ride on mower.”
Sponsored Product Announcements
THE HAWK HAS LANDED Hayter® introduces 36cm and 43cm Small Deck Rear Roller Mowers to battery-powered 60V Power System® line-up
Homeowners can now achieve traditional British Stripes in any size of garden with all-new additions and enhancements to the Hayter® 60V* line-up.
Homeowners can now achieve traditional British Stripes in any size of garden with all-new additions and enhancements to the Hayter® 60V* line-up. From cutting and trimming trees, creating pristine edges and mowing, the 60V family from Toro & Hayter is designed to help you maintain your entire garden as they share a battery system making the batteries and equipment interchangeable. Hayter is launching two new small deck mowers in its 60V range, and also expanding the breadth of its core category in battery technology.
Hayter has been leading the market in rear roller mowers for over 50 Years and continues to innovate in the rear roller category. In the past, customers have had to give up power and performance to get the convenience of battery. Hayter’s 60V platform combines best-in-class power with best-in-class products to deliver something truly unique in the industry – battery power without the compromise.
Hayter's brand-new additions to the 60V line-up include:
The Hayter Hawk 60V 36cm Rear Roller small deck push mower is ideal for lawns up to 200 square meters. The 36 cm cutting width covers a lot of ground while maintaining excellent manoeuvrability and the Power Boost Software maximizes run time and performance by automatically adjusting the speed of the motor to match the conditions. The upright vertical stow feature saves storage space and provides easy access for cleaning under the deck.
The Hayter Hawk 60V 43cm Rear Roller small deck mower comes in two versions, push and self-propelled. With the same great features as the 36cm Recycler, the 43cm makes quick work of lawns up to 300 square meters. Comfort is at the core of the Hayter Hawk 43 cm self-propelled version as you can adjust the speed to your liking, coupled with the ergonomic curved handles for effortless mowing.
Hayter has also added a L216 Battery (4.0Ah, 60V) and a 5.5Amp Quick Charger to its line-up. All batteries are interchangeable across the entire Toro & Hayter 60v Power System and all battery performance is optimised for each product/ application, so you'll always get the most out of your experience.
"Hayter has always been known for high-quality products with innovative features that help you get the job done,” said Craig Hoare, Sales & Marketing Manager – Toro U.K. Limited. "With the Hawk, we’re committed to delivering on that same brand promise in a new space, using the latest in lithium-ion technology and our passion for customer-focused innovation.”
The Hawk provides maximum runtime and power, all thanks to the cutting-edge Lithium-Ion battery technology. The Hawk will open up Hayter to a new market of customers and enable anyone, regardless how compact their garden is, to achieve the classic “Hayter Stripe”, and thanks to the vertical stow feature, the Hawk can be stored in the smallest of sheds.
For more information on Hayter, please visit www.hayter.co.uk or to become a dealer of Toro U.K. Limited, please email our sales team: sales.uk@toro.com today.
* Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum and 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load.
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