Not surprisingly, leading the discussion during the latest Agri-Turf Talks episode for the Inside Agri-Turf podcast hosted by Chris Biddle was the current supply difficulties.

The panel featured a manufacturer, Shaun Groom of Merlo UK current AEA President, dealer Jason Nettle of Winchester Garden Machinery and end-user Angus Lindsay, Group Head of Assets and Fleet Management at landscape contractor idVerde.

Ultimately, the supply difficulties most severely impact the customer. Angus Lindsay, who is responsible for over 17,000 machines and more than 2000 vehicles, said, “We are winning more business, but I have no idea how I am going obtain the machinery and vehicles to service new contracts, let alone replace machines that are no longer reliable.”

Shaun Groom said in 30-odd years in the industry, “This is the most difficult period that I have ever known,” whilst Jason Nettle said that dealers are naturally over-ordering in order to be ‘in with a shout’ of getting the stock they require. This means that manufacturers do not know the true extent of the current demand (see Steve Gibbs' editorial in this issue).

The panel also discussed the limited visibility of the industry and its impact on recruitment; the industry’s environmental challenges following COP26, and how to deal with adverse comments received online, often by ‘keyboard warriors”. 

“We are a people business , so just pick up the b. . . .  phone in response,” was the consensus.

LISTEN TO  Agri-Turf Talks episode