Hot on the heels of LAMMA last week, from Tuesday it's the professional turf maintenance side of the industry's turn to kick off the year's schedule of events.

BIGGA's BTME show will be taking place in Harrogate again, back in its traditional January slot for the first time in a couple of Covid-effected years. Myself and Laurence Gale, editor of our sister title TurfPro, alongside our colleagues Duncan and Nikki, will be attending the show. It'll be great to say hello to any of our dealer readers who make the trip.

It'll be fascinating actually, to see just how the busy the show is overall. Will being back in January boost figures from last year's delayed edition that took place in March? At that show, the halls felt somewhat sparse on occasion, with some stand-holders expressing disappointment with the footfall they saw across the three days.

Hopefully next week the buzz will return to Harrogate, for what has traditionally been a vibrant, social show. Certainly LAMMA saw the crowds turn out to the NEC - so perhaps there is an appetite amongst end-users this January, to check out new machinery options despite the much-discussed cost-of-living crisis.

As Laurence said in his TurfPro blog this week, for the golf greenkeepers that the show is principally aimed at, it's always been a "must attend" event, that offers a great opportunity to see what's new for the coming year. And having that inspiration regarding what new developments are in the offing and could help the business, is vital for both end-users and dealers alike.

New avenues

Speaking of which, have you been making decisions about any new avenues to pursue in your dealership this year? I asked one dealer recently where they felt potential growth might come from for their business in 2023 and they were thinking along the lines of expanding more into a sector they already knew.

They told me, "We see our growth coming from more business (both sales and repairs) within the professional user and contractor areas. Our pro customers want a good, reliable and trustworthy business they can use time after time and that is exactly what we have built our business on. These customers need their equipment to be reliable and up to the job from which they earn their living. Therefore, us providing that level of service and mix of products, is where we are putting our efforts, making this an area of ongoing success and growth."

So delving more deeply into an established area is certainly one area that dealers will be looking towards in order to expand profits this year.

As has been discussed in the mag and our Dealer Digital Toolkits previously though, perhaps others might be looking to diversify more widely from what has been traditionally stocked? For dealers with an interest in this sort of thing, there's interesting news today regarding the CAA granting a particular type of agricultural drone operational authorisation to spray in the UK.

It's an interesting question to ponder, whether our readers think drones will become an area that we will see machinery dealers begin to specialise in? To be fair, this particular drone importer mentioned today has told us at the moment they only have two re-sellers which is probably enough for them right now - but they do go on to say " . .in due course, as the market grows, we may well require more."

Would this kind of new technology interest your dealership? If the CAA has granted this first authorisation, it seems a safe bet that more will follow. A dealer who I know who is interested in this field sees potential for drone use in many areas other than farming too. Golf course or woodland owners for example, could further enhance their uses for various tasks.

So might a machinery dealership end up the natural home for an outdoor-use tool such as a drone? And other new tech too, such as those precision weed-killing robots? Will the dealership of the future have dedicated floorspace, and indeed dedicated staff with specialist knowledge, devoted to this type of future-tech?

What do you think? Do you have any grand plans along these diversification lines? Let us know in the comments below.

Last week, the AEA shared final figures for UK tractor registrations, which showed a 4% year-on-year decrease, to 11,580 machines.

Now, the Association has looked at those registrations in more detail, giving a breakdown by region and power within the UK.

The figures show that registrations declined in most English regions, except for the Home Counties (including London), Yorkshire and the Humber and West Midlands.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth said, "The three regions with the highest number of registrations - the South West, East of England and North West - all recorded year-on-year declines between 2021 and 2022, though, while the sharpest fall was in the South East. Scotland and Wales also saw lower registrations in the latest year but there slightly more machines recorded in Northern Ireland than in the previous year. The latter was a result of a big increase in the final quarter of the year, a period during which UK-wide registrations were more than 5% higher than in the equivalent period of 2021, reversing the trend seen earlier in the year."

Looking now at power levels, the average power of all agricultural tractors registered in the UK in 2022 was 168.4hp, which was slightly higher than the previous year (166.3hp) but was below the record high reached in 2020 (171.0hp), when the market was disrupted by Covid-19.

Stephen Howarth said, "There are signs that the long-term upward trend in tractor powers has slowed in recent years, although the widespread disruptions since the onset of the pandemic may be having an effect."

Looking at individual power bands, the main decline in registrations was for machines below 140hp, for which 13% fewer tractors were recorded in 2022 than in the previous year. Above 140hp, registrations increased, compared with 2021, although there was a decline for the largest machines, those over 260hp, which account for a little over 6% of total registrations.

The Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) is inviting all interested industry members to a forum to explain the recent shake-up in education and what this means for the Land-based sector.

The Institution says the free online event which will take place on Thursday 16 February from 11am-12.30pm, will draw together a panel of experts to explain what T-Levels are, how they work and what this means for employers, students and colleges.

Charlie Nicklin, IAgrE CEO says, "The T-Level in Land-based Engineering will become the new vocational course for those wishing to study full time in college from 2023. T-Levels are 2 year courses, equivalent to 3 A-levels and will eventually replace the National Diplomas in England. As an alternative to apprenticeships and A-Levels, the T-Level will give learners a pathway into the industry or higher education, and includes a 45 day industry placement.

"This event will be of interest to both employers and training providers, industry and educational experts will give an overview of the background to the qualification, the content it will cover and the different pathways and routes the young person can take once completed."

Highlights of the event include:

• Overview of T-Levels in the Land-based sector - Chris Jones, Industry Manager Land-based Services, City & Guilds
• Content of T-Levels in engineering & technology and how industry/employers can help - David Kirschner, Independent Land-based Engineering Consultant
• T-Level Courses-how they work and who is supporting them - Melvin Johnson, Land-based Engineering Consultant with LANTRA & City & Guilds

For more information and to register for the event click here.

Overton Ltd have announced that Balgownie Limited have become their latest Mean Green and Altoz mower dealers covering the north of Scotland.

L-R: Stuart Allan, sales manager and Mike Singer, md
 
Chris Stephen, marketing manager at Balgownie said, “With the world moving towards net zero and consumers being more conscious of purchasing sustainable and environmentally friendly equipment, it was important for us to build our brand profile with more sustainable and zero emission products.
 
“There is a greater need from consumers for battery operated equipment suited to the commercial user and the Mean Green brand is pitched perfectly for fulfilling the needs of these customers.”
  
Chris continued, “We are also delighted to be adding Altoz to our brand line-up as well. These tracked zero-turn machines give you the power and control to take on any job.
 
“We are delighted to be strengthening our current brand portfolio with Altoz and Mean Green and look forward to working alongside the team at Overton to increase brand awareness in the North of Scotland.”

Kubota (UK) Ltd has introduced a new range of auto-steer options for its M-series tractors following an agreement to partner with Topcon Positioning Systems throughout Europe. 

Topcon distributors LH Agro and Topcon Ireland will supply the auto-steering solutions through the Kubota dealer network, along with providing warranty, service and support of the auto-steer kits. Installation will be through Kubota dealers, and will also include access to the complete Topcon portfolio.

“This agreement provides Kubota customers with an extensive suite of guidance options for M-series tractors, available directly through the Kubota dealer network,” explained Henry Myatt, Kubota’s product manager for M-series tractors. “There are a variety of kits available to suit the steer-ready M7 Premium models, and non-steer ready tractors in the M-series.”

Henry continued, “This agreement also provides a great solution for the M6002 series, where customers are looking for greater sophistication and increased efficiency with field work. With these Topcon auto-steer options, we can provide solutions for all M-series tractors from the 66hp M4-063 through to the 170hp M7-173 KVT Premium.”

This partnership follows the news Service Dealer reported in 2021 that Kubota Corporation, Topcon Corporation and Topcon Positioning Systems Inc, entered into a collaborative research agreement, to work together to innovate for future commercialisation through mutual research in the field of smart agriculture. 

Kubota says the companies, each having its own technical knowledge, are working collaboratively to move forward with research and development in smart agriculture. This includes the collection of agronomic data using various sensor technology; research on crop cultivation solutions utilising big data; fleet management and automation technology.

Opico has announced that the Crawfords Group will be joining its established dealer network.

L-R: Charles Bedforth, sales director, Opico; Wes Crawford, managing director, Crawfords Group; Nunzio Rio, group sales director, Crawfords Group; Harvey Sherwin, territory manager, Opico

 
Established in 1980 as an agricultural machinery dealership in Essex, Crawfords have expanded to seven depots and have extended their reach into Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire.  A key AGCO dealer since 2001, Crawfords Group runs the Fendt and Valtra Franchise from their Crawfords depots and the Massey Ferguson Franchise from their Agwood depots.
 
Wes Crawford, managing director at Crawfords Group commented, “We are a family-run business. Maintaining our high level of customer service and company values is as important today as it was 40 years ago. We’ve found that Opico’s vision aligns with our own and, of course, it helps that they offer a premium machinery portfolio to complement our existing range. Our team are really looking forward to learning about the machines and can’t wait to demonstrate them to our customers.”
 
Charles Bedforth, sales director at Opico added, “Working with Crawfords is a win-win situation. A cornerstone in our strategy is to partner with leading dealers throughout the country. In Wes and his team, we believe we will create a long-term relationship for the benefit of both companies but especially for Crawford and Agwood customers.”
 
Crawfords Group will sell Opico grain dryers, mechanical weeding, arable and grassland equipment, alongside HE-VA cultivation and grassland machines, SKY drills (Agwoods only) and Strautmann forage and feeding wagons.

XAG Agricultural Drones, P40 and V40, have been granted the UK's first-ever Operational Authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for agricultural spraying operations.

With the efforts of XAG's partner in the UK, AutoSpray Systems, drone spraying and spreading on farms has now become legal in the UK.

Service Dealer contacted AutoSpray Systems, asking what their route to market will be for these drones? CEO Rob Person told us, "We sell through re-sellers, of which we currently have two.  As things stand, in such an new market, that is probably sufficient but in due course, as the market grows, we may well require more."

In the UK, the application of drones is strictly regulated by the CAA. A drone's takeoff weight was limited to under 25kg, and dropping materials from drones is also prohibited. XAG say that although farmers have a growing demand for intelligent production tools, agricultural drones were not permitted for use on UK farmland. 

This change has come with the release of the UK Government's ambition statement and vision for commercial drones. The CAA started to consider granting Operational Authorization to heavier spray drones.

XAG say their autonomous drones for agriculture can spray and spread precisely straight to the target. They not only conform to the operational safety standards, but the company also argue they help farmers boost yields with less input.

A spokesperson for XAG said, "Drones deliver clear environmental benefits in agriculture. Running on batteries, the electric XAG Agricultural Drone reduces diesel use and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It is designed for precision, with RTK centimeter-level navigation, to decrease the amount of chemicals used. Also, aerial operations protect the soil from compaction. Typical applications for drones include plant protection spraying, fertilizer spreading, broadcast sowing, and greenhouse shading."

Since cooperating with Harper Adams University in research on precision agriculture in 2018, XAG say they have never stopped exploring the UK drone market. The granting of Operational Authorization they say marks a significant change meaning that agricultural drones can officially be used in the country. 

Staff from BIGGA joined the greenkeepers and members at Harrogate Golf Club recently to plant a ‘community woodland’, comprising more than 200 trees donated by exhibitors at the upcoming BTME.

 
BTME is taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre next week, from 24 to 26 January and expects to have more than 5,000 golf greenkeepers and turf professionals in attendance.
 
High on the agenda each year, say BIGGA, is sustainability and the increasing importance of environmentally friendly practices on golf courses, particularly with the annual Golf Environment Awards taking place in Harrogate concurrent to the trade show.
 
Overall, British golf courses cover an area roughly equivalent to the whole of Greater Manchester and provide wide-ranging habitats including wetlands, wildflower areas and woodland. Countless forward-thinking golf clubs around the UK are now undertaking activities that boost their environmental credentials and the team at BIGGA say they wanted to do their bit.
 
When booking their spot at the 2023 exhibition, supporting companies were invited to ‘Plant a Tree for BTME’ and it is hoped that over the years sufficient trees will be planted to create a network of ‘BTME community woodlands’ around the UK, with Harrogate Golf Club the first to participate in the scheme.
 
BIGGA  say they are extremely grateful to those exhibitors who have participated in the scheme, with Reesink UK purchasing 100 trees, Aquatrols purchasing 50 and The FairWays Foundation purchasing 20. Other contributors included: Advance Grass Solutions; Bernhard and Company; Campey Turf Care Systems; COMPO Expert; East Riding Turfcare; EVEN Products; GreenBest/Velvit; LFP Civil & Environmental Engineering; Redlynch Leisure; Shelton Sportsturf Drainage; and The Double A Trading Company.

 
James Hutchinson is membership services manager - ecology & sustainability at BIGGA and is considered one of the UK’s leading authorities on golf course ecology. James said, “Plant a Tree for BTME is a wonderful scheme and I’m delighted that so many exhibitors purchased saplings, which we have planted at Harrogate Golf Club. This is such a brilliant idea because trees sequestrate carbon in the soil, meaning we are able to offset some of the carbon that is generated at BTME.
 
“Not only that, but trees create wonderful habitats for the great British wildlife. Golf clubs are often overlooked by the general public, but they provide priceless habitats for countless species, often forming safe zones for wildlife to thrive in urban areas. Harrogate Golf Club is a fantastic example and the addition of these silver birch, downy birch, rowan and cherry trees will create outstanding habitats for years to come.”
 
Lauren Frazer, head of business development at BIGGA, added, “We’re committed to making Plant a Tree for BTME a fixture on the BTME calendar and I’m hopeful that next year we’ll be planting even more trees at another brilliant golf club and once again highlighting the vital work golf greenkeepers do to support the wider environment."

Dairy equipment specialist DeLaval has traded in Britain for 100 years following the company’s establishment in Sweden 130 years ago by founder Gustav de Laval.

Some dealerships in the UK have worked with DeLaval since the very beginning, and still work with farms that installed DeLaval equipment in the 1920s. Dealers such as T H White for example, have a significant dairy machinery division alongside their ag one.

 
“Our dealership network has been the backbone of our British success, helping DeLaval to forge strong relationships with British farmers. Mathers Ltd, operating in the northwest of England and Scotland is the longest standing DeLaval dealer in the world, having been with the brand since 1923,” explains UK & Ireland sales territory manager Ciaran Murphy.
 
In 1930, DeLaval was the first to introduce rotary milking parlours. In the 21st century, the rise of robotics has been the primary growth market for the brand as farms have struggled with skilled labour and equipment maintenance costs.
 
“Robots have marked a new era in dairying. Herd sizes have doubled since the millennium and labour shortages have become a concern worldwide. Our milking robots have been designed to improve cow health and yield, but also to restore a sense of balance to farm life by freeing up valuable time,” adds Mr Murphy.

Data driven farming has also led the brand to develop farm software to monitor every aspect of the milking process, from detecting cows in heat to identifying potential yield losses as a result of mastitis.
 
“Our Think Big initiative has helped hundreds of farms to plan for growth, and monitoring systems such as DelPro are helping herd managers to reduce costs, improve cow welfare and create more sustainable farms,” he says.
 
Despite a focus on technology, the brand still manufactures a wide range of dairy equipment, from brushes and cleaning products to clusters and conventional milking parlours.
 
The company will be celebrating their centenary at the upcoming Dairy-Tech.

At this time of year landscape tidying and garden clearance is a big job. Available in the UK via Henton & Chattell, Hansa Chippers are the ideal tools for this job. 

Established in the 1980s, Hansa specialises in the design and manufacture of high-quality brush chipping and shredding equipment. The family run company, based in New Zealand, has a strong heritage combined with constant evolution and innovation, with a focus on sustainable growth.    

As trees and hedges are pruned back, they can create messy piles of debris that are often used to create smoky, polluting bonfires. Family run company, Hansa, is dedicated to changing this practice, by offering an alternative solution. Instead of building climate-damaging fires, Hansa sees chipping as a cleaner, greener way of getting rid of waste. By using a chipper, green waste can be transformed into valuable mulch that can be used in beds and around tree bases. This recycled material helps to retain moisture and supress weeds while it breaks down and provides nutrients to plants as it decomposes. 

Hansa prides itself on the ethos of “providing the best chipping experience”. Whether being used in a garden at home, by a landscaper, professional arborist or other commercial user, Hansa chippers are all designed to make tough work enjoyable. It’s about getting the job done in the most efficient way.  

The domestic gardener can choose between electric and petrol options with the C3E and the C4, both weighing up 70kg making them perfect for home usage and storage. The C7 is the most popular model and, with a 6.5hp petrol engine, is ideal for those with larger gardens. For landscapers the C13, with a 13hp engine, easy engagement system and efficient self-feeding action, makes light work of large jobs. 

For large-scale, commercial applications there is the C21 and the C27. Both are extremely robust and have heavy-duty cutting disks that meet the rigorous requirements of heavy branches and bushy foliage. The C27 has a 360-degree turntable that allows feeding from any direction.

For more information on Hansa chippers visit: www.hansaproducts.com/gb/

or to become a Hansa dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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