I've heard very similar stories this week from a couple of dealers, based at opposite ends of the UK, of how the season is panning out for their businesses so far.

Like a yo-yo is how one put it. Very much up and down.

I had another tell me that it had been intensely busy in the dealership during the run-up to Easter - then for no obvious reason it tailed off early.

Perhaps with the rainy weather most parts of the country have experienced this week, we'll see some serious grass growth before the summer properly kicks in? Get some momentum going again.

We've said it before, but experienced dealers know there'll be these periods of flux. Weeks where you're rushed off your feet, with the showroom full and the phone never stopping ringing. Only to be chased up by a fallow spell, with few boots through the door and an ominously mute phone. I suppose you could say it's part and parcel of the industry?

When I hear dealers talking, I get an impression of a resigned acceptance of this situation. It's not like changes in the weather come as a surprise living in this country!

One element which I do sense is vitally important to keep spirits and enthusiasm going during periods of both boom and bust, is knowing your business is dealing with great manufacturers and suppliers who you can trust and rely upon to provide you with support and back up at all times of the year.

I met one such dealer this week who seemed to epitomise how this relationship can work at its best. He seemed genuinely happy with his situation, which I have to say, was delightful to see.

Blec, which is now of course under the ownership of Charterhouse Turf Machinery, chose to hold an event for the trade press on Wednesday, to show off their refreshed range of products for sports surface preparations at the premises of their dealer Acorn Tractors, based in Derbyshire.

Julian Simpson, the owner of Acorn, became a Blec dealer in 2016 and I remember the manufacturer introducing him to the press at the BTME show in January '17. Since then I get the impression that Julian has thoroughly relished his experience acting as dealer for the range. And it worked both ways with the manager of the BLEC division, Curtis Allen, jokingly introducing Julian to the assembled press people this week by saying, "Blec don't have favourite dealers, but if we did, Julian would be one!"

Julian explained, "When we were offered the chance to sell Blec under the Charterhouse banner, we leapt at that. It was like a dream come true."

He told us how confident they are as a dealership with the products they sell. He said, "We order the product, we PDI the product, we send it out and we never have problems. The quality of the build is brilliant and it’s just one of those franchises which you simply love to have."

He went on to explain how the machines are a specialist product which require specialist, professional dealers to sell them. "I’m fortunate," Julian said, "with my lads here to have a great team which allows us to count ourselves in that specialist area. Our expertise allows us to sell with success.

"We’re having a great year this year and we had a great year last year."

Julian wasn't only pleased with his Blec relationship. He also talked about how he finds the Iseki franchise a superb combination of products to hold. He said, "Iseki is a dream franchise for us too. I consider ourselves very, very lucky. It’s absolutely brilliant."

Hearing such enthusiasm is so good for the spirits. I realise it's tempting to let all the things which try our patience and throw spanners in the works dominate the discourse, but sometimes it's just refreshing to take a step back and say, do you know what, there's something which is working well - and presumably will only go from strength to strength.

It doesn't take a business expert to surmise that a great and trusted working relationship will lead to mutual benefits for both dealer and supplier.

If both parties are happy it has to make life easier and business better doesn't it?

Husqvarna has been successful in a test of the best robotic lawnmowers on the market. Husqvarna Automower 310, Husqvarna Automower 430X and Husqvarna Automower 450X have all come out on top in their respected categories.

The test was carried out by PriceRunner and compared a total of 24 models over a period of several months. Challenging the mowers on a range of different lawn types and in all kinds of weather, each model was assessed on performance, efficiency, reliability, ease of use, functionality, security, design and build quality.

The mowers were then compared on their price and value, and overall winners were confirmed. Husqvarna's Automower® 310, 430X and 450X all came out winners in the categories "Best in test", "Best premium choice” and“ Best luxury choice ”.

Automower 310 – Best in Test

The testers praised the good terrain handling, smart connectivity and an almost silent operating level of the Automower 310.

The machine's ability to navigate complicated gardens and keep heavily sloped areas and elongated corridors well cut also impressed PriceRunner’s team of testers.

Automower 430X - Best Premium Choice

PriceRunner’s test said that Automower 430X is industry-leading when it comes to dealing with different terrains, making light work of heavy slopes, bumps, roots, loose surfaces, high grass, complex areas and obstacles, navigating narrow passages and hard to reach areas with ease.

With an RRP. of £2,700, the testers stated it offered an “unbeatable combination of reliability, terrain handling and ease of use."

Husqvarna Automower 450X – Best Luxury Choice

PriceRunner’s testers commented on Automower 450X’s ability to handle extreme slopes as well as navigating a range of challenging terrains in different weather conditions, meaning there are very few lawns this model can’t handle.

The testers concluded this model is in a "class of its own".

An important two-way technical communications role between the Argo Tractors factory and independent dealers supplying Landini and McCormick products has been taken on by Andrew Starbuck, a new recruit to the growing team covering the UK and Ireland.

New recruit - Andrew Starbuck (right) has been appointed product manager for Argo Tractors operations in the UK and Ireland as Paul Wade retires from his product specialist role after a 44-year career in agricultural engineering

“As product manager, my principal role is to communicate technical information to our dealers about the features and benefits of the tractors so they are fully informed when talking to customers,” he explains.

“But I will also be referring any constructive comments and observations from users back to our team at Harworth and also to the product managers and engineers at the Argo Tractors factory.”

Adrian Winnett, managing director of Argo Tractors operations in the UK and Ireland, says that effective two-way communication is essential to help with Argo’s philosophy of continuous development as current products are refined and improved while new tractors are planned for the future.

He adds: “This is an important role in our expanding team, so I’m delighted to welcome Andrew, whose past experience working for dealers and for Europe’s leading potato and sugar beet equipment manufacturer will be invaluable.”

Andrew takes over from product specialist Paul Wade, who has retired after a long career in agricultural engineering, first with International Harvester in the UK, then with the merged IH and Case operation before the Doncaster factory became part of the Argo Tractors group as McCormick.

“It’s 44 years since I made the journey from Bourne in Lincolnshire to Doncaster to work temporarily for IH on a programme of overseas market training,” says Paul. “That temporary position later became a permanent one and ever since then I’ve worked in product sales and technical training, and liaison with product management at various tractor factories in Europe and North America.”

Adrian Winnett said: “For years, Paul has been the go-to man for anything technical, for when product features needed explaining and putting into an on-farm context. He’s made a tremendous contribution to the uptake of tractor technology in general, as well as to the Argo Tractors business and others he’s worked for over that time. We wish him a happy and relaxed retirement.”

As the new product manager, Andrew Starbuck is realising an ambition to work with tractors once more after 10 years with Grimme in area and national sales roles within the UK, which followed three years in farm management and two years with a dealership in his home county of Nottinghamshire demonstrating tractors and harvest machinery.

“This new role combines elements of all the jobs I’ve had in the past - product technical detail, technical and sales training, and liaison between all parties in the process of supplying machinery to end users,” he says.

“My background is very much hands-on farming, mainly arable and beef, and of course I’ve always been interested in machinery and tractors in particular. To now have an involvement in the tractor industry at this level is brilliant, a fresh challenge; the Landini products are durable and user-friendly and I’ll happily put a McCormick X7 Series in the field against any competitor - it’s that good!”

E. P. Barrus has expanded its merchandising team to meet demand as the business continues to grow.

E. P Barrus’ merchandising team left to right: Craig Stone, Scott Routledge, Terri Oxley, Ray Newman, Nicola Evans, James Utton, Sam Thompson

The latest recruit to the team is James Utton, who joins E. P. Barrus with years of experience in garden centre retail. James said, “I’m delighted to be part of the merchandising team at Barrus where I will be looking after the South East region of the UK. I have enjoyed my few weeks getting to know the business and the rest of the team have been a great help."

Mark Hewett, divisional sales manager for E.P. Barrus, said, “We are thrilled to welcome another member of staff to Barrus and feel that James’ expertise is sure to make him a valued member of the team. Our priority is to continue to provide an excellent service to retailers nationwide as the company looks forward to continued expansion with a move to a new permanent warehouse later in 2019/2020.”

T H White Machinery Imports will be exhibiting the Spider mower at the forthcoming 2019 Safety & Health Expo at Excel London on 18th to 20th June.

The company, who are attending for the first time, say they will be the only provider of their kind at the event and are looking forward to showcasing the unique safety benefits of Spider remote-controlled mowers to an expected audience of over 14,000 health and safety professionals.

Spider mowers are commercial remote-controlled mowers for use in high-risk areas where it is considered unsafe to cut grass with a traditional walk-behind mower or ride-on lawnmower.

The company say one of the primary safety benefits of these machines is their ability to cut grass on slopes of up to 40° independently, or up to 55° using the integrated hydraulic winch.

These gradients are often referred to in risk assessments as ‘exceeding the safe operating limits’ of standard mowers and requiring additional, specialist machines.

Controlled from up to 100 metres away, Spider operatives remain out of harm’s way and away from risk of injury whilst controlling the machine, with full visibility of the site and surrounding hazards.

The Spiders can be found on Stand SH1040 at the Safety & Health Expo.

Tickets are free of charge and include access to Firex International, IFSEC International security show and Facilities Show, all taking place at the same time at Excel London

Opico has appointed Dan Barnes as new UK technical support, to cover the South West, Central South of England and South and mid Wales.

The company says Dan brings both practical and technical experience to the after-sales team. Since gaining his National Diploma in Land-based Engineering in 2013, he has built upon his knowledge, securing service and technical positions with Class, Case and AGCO dealerships. In 2015 he followed the US grain harvest for 6 months gaining invaluable practical experience. Dan will work on all Opico, HE-VA, SKY, Strautmann and Maschio brands across his area. He will be based from home, in Dorset.

Angus Steven, Opico after-sales director said, "I am delighted to have taken on such a passionate and enthusiastic engineer. Dan joins Opico with a breadth of technical and practical experience."

Dan said, "This is an exciting move for me. Having spent several years as service manager within a well-respected agricultural dealership, the challenge to move to Opico and spend more time out and about on-farm is an opportunity I’m really looking forward to."

A South Devon farm and garden machinery dealership has joined forces with Devon and Cornwall Police's Rural Crime Team to help engage with farmers and to raise awareness about protecting valuable assets.

CR Willcocks have given officers use of a Polaris Ranger off-road utility vehicle (UTV) throughout the summer to help raise awareness about rural crime issues. The UTV, resplendent in police livery, will be used to accompany rural crime officers and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner's team at agricultural shows and events around Devon and Cornwall.

PC Martin Beck (Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Crime officer), Stephen Retallick (sales director at CR Willcocks) and PC Chris Collins (Devon and Cornwall Police Rural Crime officer)

A key objective of the partnership is that the public will be able to come and see the UTV, giving officers the opportunity to engage and not only raise awareness of preventative theft measures that can be taken with agricultural vehicles, but to also receive feedback on any rural crime issues.

"The police are grateful for the support CR Willcocks are offering in recognising the importance of tackling rural crime together in our rural communities," said PC Martin Beck, Rural Crime Officer. "The police cannot tackle rural crime alone and the more we can connect with people who live and work in agriculture and rural area the more we will understand how best to help and tackle rural crime. CR Willocks understands that, and utility vehicles and quad bikes are a valuable part of daily rural life."

Stephen Retallick, sales director at CR Willcocks, added, "Our utility vehicle in its police livery looks fantastic. It's currently in our yard and has been stopping customers in their tracks. They all want to know about it. It's a great conversation piece with a thought-provoking message."

John Deere Manure Sensing uses the HarvestLab 3000 sensor’s near-infrared (NIR) system to measure nutrient values during slurry application. This technology has now been recognised by the European Land and Soil Management Award jury as a major breakthrough in soil technology.

The award is designed to highlight outstanding land use and soil management practices that help to protect the soil.

The Land and Soil Management Special Recognition prize was awarded on 9 April 2019 during a Forum for Agriculture (FFA) event by the European Landowners’ Organisation (ELO). The award is endorsed by the European Commission (DG Environment and Joint Research Centre) in association with the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) in Vienna.

The company says HarvestLab 3000 provides farmers and contractors with a new technology for more sustainable management of the nutrient cycle and to improve the efficiency of using manure as a fertiliser. The system prevents over- or under-fertilisation by constantly measuring nutrient values during slurry application.

John Deere Manure Sensing allows users to apply N, P and K more precisely, based on a nutrient target and/or maximum application rate in kg/ha. These ingredients and the total volume applied are automatically and accurately documented, with the system also able to utilise site-specific prescription maps.

This coveted prize recognises the highly valuable work of farmers, universities and private companies by promoting the winning project as good practice across Europe. It also enhances the visibility of farming methods that protect the soil at a local, national and European level, and encourages farmers to adopt more sustainable practices.

“On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to congratulate John Deere for this remarkable technology and achievement,” said EC Director General for Environment Daniel Calleja Crespo at the award ceremony. “It is exactly the kind of technology that the European Union wishes to promote, and will inspire our policies for a more sustainable agriculture.”

Registration is now open for the GIE+EXPO 2019 trade exhibition which takes place from October 16-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, USA.

Online registration is available here, with early bird registration for $15 on offer until September 5th.

According to Kris Kiser, managing partner of GIE+EXPO and OPEI President, this year's show will feature a winning combination of new products, demos, networking opportunities and dynamic education.

"GIE+EXPO is the place to be for landscape professionals and dealers who want to take their company to the next level," Kris said. "Plan to land in Louisville this October for the industry's biggest show - it's the place to be if you're in the outdoor living and equipment business."

This year the exhibition will open for dealers on Wednesday 16th October at 11am. Dealers, distributors, retailers and the media are invited to this exclusive preview. All attendees are invited beginning at 3pm, which includes a welcome reception until 7pm.

Thursday hours, indoors and out, are 9am - 5pm. Friday the indoor exhibits will be open 8am - 2pm, and outdoor exhibits will be open 8am - 1pm.

The number of farmers already committed to hosting LEAF Open Farm Sunday events is up 10% on this time last year.

Three hundred farms from Jersey to Shetland are set to open their gates on the 9th June to give the public a first-hand insight into farming. The national organisers, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) are encouraging more farmers to seize this opportunity to connect with the consumer and build loyalty and support for the British farming industry.

“We are calling on more farmers across England, Scotland and Wales, of every size and every sector, to fill the gaps across the country, open their farm and to share their story,” said LEAF Open Farm Sunday manager, Annabel Shackleton. “We need more farms to respond to the public’s compelling appetite to visit a farm and learn more about where their food comes from and how it is produced. It’s the perfect time for farmers to strengthen the connection with their customers when the industry is being challenged by policy changes, dietary trends and, potentially, of cheap foreign imports.”

Of the 362 farms which hosted a LEAF Open Farm Sunday event last year, 26% did so for the first time - the highest number to date. These farms encompassed all types of farm enterprise - arable, livestock and dairy through to horticulture.

“Even at this stage there is still time to organise a small event such as a farm walk for a few people," Mrs Shackleton continued.

The combined positive impact of farms across the UK opening for this annual event is huge, say LEAF. In a visitor survey carried out in 2018, 92% said they had a greater appreciation of the work that farmers do after visiting a farm; 86% said they felt more connected to the farmers who produced their food, and 78% reported they were now more proactively looking to buy British food.

One of the event's principal sponsors is John Deere. Chris Wiltshire, marketing manager of the manufacturer said, “LEAF Open Farm Sunday provides an ideal opportunity, not only to show a wider public audience how advanced farming technologies are being applied to the benefit of farming, efficient food production and sound environmental management, including the reduction of harmful emissions, but also to encourage young people to consider a challenging and worthwhile career in farming and agricultural engineering.”

This year Cobra are introducing an exciting selection of lawnmowers into their already comprehensive range.

The two lawnmowers highlighted below are feature rich petrol and cordless models are expertly powered by Honda and 40v Lithium-ion battery power.

The Cobra MX3440V 40v Li-ion cordless lawnmower has a cutting width of 34cm / 13” and is ideal for small to medium lawns.

With exceptional performance and style, the Cobra MX3440V allows you to get more done without the need for petrol or electrical cables. Other features include quick charging, up to 30mins cutting time, a quality plastic deck and 5 cutting heights. The stocking dealer price is £121.00 ex VAT.

The Cobra MX534SPH self-propelled lawnmower has a 4-speed gearbox and a cutting width of  53cm / 21”.

Powered by a Honda GCV170 4-stroke engine, for unprecedented reliability and performance, this lawnmower is perfect for a medium to large domestic lawn and is able to collect, mulch or side / rear discharge. The stocking dealer price is £255.00 ex VAT.  An optional swing tip blade accessory is also available, which can both help to improve cutting and reduce risk of damage to the crank shaft.

For more information on Cobra products visit: www.cobragarden.co.uk or to become a Cobra dealer, please contact Andy Marvin on: 07771 581 296 or call our sales team: 0115 986 6646 today.

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