It's a pleasure to report some positive news regarding new recruits beginning their career in the industry in today's Update. 

Both John Deere and Kubota have welcomed a raft of young people on to their respective schemes - with the former reporting that this year's group is in fact the highest total intake since the first Ag Tech induction in 1992. An impressive statistic.

As we all know, a steady stream of new recruits entering the industry is vital. It has been a hot topic of discussion this year - although when isn't it, I suppose? I listened to BAGMA's Keith Christian discussing the subject at SALTEX and it was clearly on the minds of many of our delegates at the recent Service Dealer Conference, with several of the speakers addressing the topic.

One of the areas which has been cited in these conversations as a potential draw to garner interest amongst youngsters, is to concentrate on the cutting edge technology which they will have the ability to be heavily involved with, were they to join the industry. There is so much to be excited about right now in terms of new developments, across the sectors which dealers specialise in, we really should be shouting it from the rooftops.

Obviously the big ag guys, such as the John Deeres and Kubotas of this world, are very much at the forefront of boundary-pushing with the incredible advances in precision agriculture - but the garden machinery sector shouldn't feel left out. I'm aware that sometimes representatives of this field might feel that their products offer little appeal to the younger generations - 'unsexy' is a word one frequently hears bandied about.

However, I feel it's perfectly possible to argue that there are plenty of manufacturers of this description producing exciting and advanced products for the domestic market.

This week for example, I had the privilege to visit one such manufacturing facility - STIHL's manufacturing base in Tirol, Austria.

Many dealers will have visited here before, perhaps when it was still known as the Viking factory. When I last visited, three years ago it was the green liveried machines which were rolling off the production line - nowadays the future is of course all orange.

The place was huge before, but in the intervening years since I last went, it has increased tremendously in size and capacity. And whilst traditional petrol products are still part of the company's present and future, the main focus of the presentations I attended this week were very much all about the new technologies which they are promoting. Clearly this means a prevalence of new cordless and robotic machines.

It was very interesting, because also part of this press visit that I attended, were many members of the mainstream gardening press. Journalists who write the gardening columns for national newspapers, magazines and blogs. Mixing with these guys, which I don't often have cause to do, it struck me that whilst in our sector we have been discussing cordless and robotics quite seriously for a number of years now, I got the impression to these writers, the concepts were still pretty radical with a genuine quality of the unknown.

The publications they write for will increasingly be publicising this technology to the gardening public, who are of course both your customers and indeed your potential employees. The more this tech is talked about in the mainstream media, it should hopefully help in raising the perception of garden machinery, in the minds of the less well informed, from something old, polluting and greasy to something shiny, modern and advanced.

Testing a mixture of new battery and petrol mowers in the spectacular setting of STIHL Tirol

At STIHL Tirol we were shown and were able to test some new handheld machinery, some of which haven't been officially announced yet, new domestic mowers and new professional mowers. Also we heard of some interesting control developments for the iMows.

The new smart integration for the robots means the autonomous units can now be issued commands via smart watches integrated with the iMow app; via Amazon Alexa; and via innogy SmartHome, which is an advanced home control system being integrated into some new build housing. STIHL also said how they were in negotiations with other smart control providers like Google Assistant to establish contracts with those guys as well.

Again developments like this all could have the potential to appeal to tech savvy youngsters, who might be interested in working in a sector where it will be commonplace for them to deal with the latest gadgets.

STIHL told the press this week they are very much still a premium brand, albeit one with an eye on both ends of the market, with battery products for both entry-level domestic consumers and high-end professional users.

With companies such as these in the industry, investing heavily in new product development and, crucially, in marketing these the products to the public to increase awareness of what's going on in our sector, it would be great to think we can enter the new decade with a positive outlook.

New technology, such as I saw coming out of Austria this week, will hopefully keep both new customers coming in through your doors, as well encouraging the next generation to think about a career in the industry.

A record-breaking total of 66 young parts and service technicians are being trained in this year’s John Deere Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes, the highest total intake since the first Ag Tech induction in 1992.

John Deere’s new Ag, Parts and Turf Tech trainee apprentices, pictured during their induction day at the Albert Hall Conference Centre in Nottingham in October

The group includes for the first time apprentices from Ireland, the John Deere Forestry division and the Wirtgen road construction business, which Deere acquired at the end of 2017, as well as more female apprentices than ever before (five altogether). These annual programmes are run in partnership with the dealer network and national training provider ProVQ at the purpose-built John Deere Apprentice Training Centre in Radcliffe-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire in the UK.

“There’s never been a better time to consider an apprenticeship with John Deere,” says the company’s training centre manager Allan Cochran. “The increasing levels of automation used throughout our products, including artificial intelligence, advanced electronics, satellite guidance systems and telematics, give us the ability to diagnose and repair machines without even laying a hand on them. All this technology, as well as cutting edge engine and transmission design, means the need for skilled people within our dealerships is ever present.

“It’s not just about the machines either - sophisticated parts and service systems require the same skills too. The John Deere dealer of tomorrow is a challenging business, with a wide range of opportunities and exciting prospects for talented, enthusiastic people from any background.

“Like all apprenticeships, the programmes combine on-the-job training with paid employment at the dealership, leading to nationally recognised and valued qualifications. Apprentices undergo fully supported training, assessment and guidance, gaining valuable workplace skills by undertaking practical tasks and experiencing real-life challenges. They also spend eight weeks each year at the John Deere Apprentice Training Centre and at our head office in Langar.

“We are delighted to expand the programmes for the first time to our dealers in Ireland. This will allow us to deliver the same consistent, high quality apprentice training across the UK & Irish network, to the benefit of all our customers in both countries.”

John Deere’s three-year Ag Tech and Turf Tech and two-year Parts Tech apprenticeships involve students being trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales and marketing. The programmes lead to IMI Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Landbased Engineering and Vehicle Parts Competence, and registration at LTA Intermediate level in the industry’s Landbased Training Accreditation scheme.

In subsequent years qualified technicians undergo further education and adult training within the John Deere University programme, on a career path that can ultimately lead to the highest possible LTA Master Technician accreditation.

Coleg Cambria Llysfasi and Kubota have joined forces to launch the Kubota Apprenticeship Scheme, a three-year block release initiative blending on-the-job experience with education at the Denbighshire site.

The Scheme has now unveiled its first cohort, six dealership employees who travelled from as far as Yorkshire and Northampton to attend the course.

The group will reside in student accommodation at Llysfasi, near Ruthin, during each four-week block, and on completion will have achieved a City and Guilds Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Land-Based Engineering.

Tutor Simon Parker, a lecturer in Agricultural Engineering, says interest in the Scheme is growing all the time.

“There has been a lot of buy-in from dealerships and partners across the country, so we’re really pleased,” he said.

“The trainees are already enjoying being part of the community here at Llysfasi, and the nature of the qualification means they will be able to stay in full-time employment while taking time out to study with us."

Among the first to sign up was Aimee Hunt from Hardwick Agricultural Engineers Ltd, near Scarborough.

The 16 year-old had planned to join the Army but swapped “tanks for tractors” and looks forward to a career in the sector.

“There is a need out there for more people in this industry, particularly women,” said Aimee.

“I’m proud to be the first girl to join the apprenticeship scheme and to be here at the beginning of what is a great partnership. I saw the opportunity and just went for it, and I encourage other people who want to work in agricultural engineering to do the same.”

Kubota has presented the college with three tractors and will replace them with new vehicles every six months so the trainees are always using the latest technology and equipment.

Michael Bywater, Group Training Manager of Kubota (UK) Limited, is heartened by the response to the initiative, which was launched earlier this year.

“It’s fantastic to see such positive support from the dealer network and prospective delegates,” said Michael.

“To have six in the first cohort is terrific and going forward we will aim for no more than 10 so we retain that personal touch and hands-on, quality learning experience - they will support and learn from each other.

“It’s an exciting time for Kubota and Cambria, and we are delighted they are the first college we have worked with on the agricultural apprenticeship side. I’m sure this is the start of a great adventure together.”

Head of Llysfasi Iain Clarke added, "There has been a real buzz about it since the Scheme was launched in the Spring, and I’m confident that as it grows, we will see even more applications and help to meet demand for more skilled workers in the agricultural engineering industry.”

According to figures released by the AEA, UK registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) took a "decisive downward turn" in November, falling to more than 20% below their level a year before.

At 558 machines, the total was the lowest for the time of year since 2014 and registrations have now declined in five of the last seven months.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist, at the AEA said, "It is likely that this downturn reflects a number of factors, including the challenging weather conditions experienced this year, subdued crop and livestock prices and Brexit-related uncertainty.

"Nevertheless, strong growth in the early months of the year means that the cumulative total for the year [11,676 units] is still running 4% ahead of January to November 2018."

It has reported in the U.S that Doosan Bobcat Inc. is to acquire the assets of the BOB-CAT Mowers, and the Steiner and Ryan brands of groundscare equipment from Schiller Grounds Care Inc.

The transaction is expected to close by December 31st 2019, subject to customary closing conditions and approvals.

“As a pillar of our growth strategy, this acquisition will complement our existing business and expand our footprint to additional, growing industries,” Scott Park, president and chief executive officer of Doosan Bobcat Inc is quoted in U.S trade magazine, Rural Lifestyle Dealer. “These successful brands bring market leadership and closely align with our vision, which will further diversify our business as we expand the reach of Doosan Bobcat to more customers and markets.”

Under the agreement, Doosan Bobcat will acquire the Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, manufacturing facility, and the BOB-CAT Mowers, Steiner and Ryan brands of ground care equipment. The Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. employees working at the Johnson Creek location, as well as the distributor and dealer direct field sales and technical support teams, will join the Doosan Bobcat team once the acquisition is finalised.

“We see tremendous opportunity in these brands and the grounds care industry,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “We look forward to welcoming these employees to our North America team and are excited about what we will be able to accomplish together.”

The purchase price of the assets of the BOB-CAT Mowers, Steiner and Ryan brands of ground care equipment from Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. was not disclosed. BDO Capital Advisers LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Schiller Grounds Care Inc.

The UK distributor of Ferris, Wright and Spider mowers say they were delighted to welcome sales representatives from 11 different dealerships in November for the first of their new UK Dealer conferences.

Delivered at Haynes International Motor Museum and the RHS Garden at Wisley, over 30 representatives attended across two dates in November, with further Dealer Conferences planned for 2020.

Delegates at the South West Dealer event, outside the Haynes International Motor Mueseum with the new Ferris FW15 32” pedestrian mower

Attendees heard from all three of the brands, learning more about their core USPs, new innovations and future plans for each.

Hosted by the team from Machinery Imports, delegates were also able to ask questions and speak directly to staff from the brands, with guests such as Lubor Hladik, International Sales Manager for Spider, and Gerd-Jan Driessen, New Business Development Manager for Ferris.

Many dealers shared their experience of the industry over the past few seasons, as well as their opinions and experiences of the machinery that they work with.

Delegates at the South East Dealer event, hosted in the gardens of RHS Garden Wisley

Gerd-Jan was very positive, commenting, “There was an open and constructive atmosphere, with dealers and manufacturers sharing their views, with special attention paid to current market issues, and how Ferris copes with these challenges.”

“We definitely see the importance of close manufacturer and distributor relationships” added Spider’s Lubor. “Together with the Machinery Imports team we want to focus on dealer support to ensure all dealers are confident in offering and servicing the Spider product.”

Dealers finding out more about the new Spider Cross Liner mower

Grant Buckingham, Area Sales Manager at Ernest Doe praised the event from a dealer perspective “It was a very enjoyable day. I thought the format was very good, not too technical, it was a good reminder of the attributes and selling features of the brands and models.”

Taking place at Ragley Estate on 20-21 May, the organisers of the Grassland & Muck 2020 event say over 70% of stands have already sold out, with leading machinery brands snapping up the grass and muck demonstration opportunities to showcase their machines in a working environment.

“Grassland & Muck really is a unique demonstration event,” says event organiser Alice Bell. “We plant and manage the grass specifically to give us the best possible crop to host over 170 acres of machinery demonstrations. With a new and improved layout, it really is the best place to see and compare the latest machines in action and pick up ideas and expert advice.”

Organisers, the Royal Agricultural Society, say the muck machinery demonstrations are in high demand for 2020 with both muck spreader and slurry injector bookings above those seen at the last event in 2017.

The Ragley Estate team did a great job to get all the grass drilled in September before it then rained every day for a month, says Ms Bell. The sown plots are also well established, enabling visitors to see and compare over 100 of the latest grass mixes and recommended grass varieties in the ground next May.

New for 2020 is the opportunity for exhibitors to have a half acre working plot, suitable for bale wrapping and handling, overseeders, pasture improvers, aerators and zero grazers. These demonstration plots will offer visitors the chance to compare a greater range of machinery.

Precision agriculture and connectivity were hot topics at the Midlands Machinery Show recently, with new technology and efficiencies in the spotlight.

Organisers report that farmers from across the country headed to the Newark showground to see the latest machinery and discuss innovative technologies in the seminar theatre.

Smart farming proved particularly popular, with John Deere and Fendt focussing on how connectivity can improve efficiencies.

John Deere dealers exhibiting at the show included Ripon Farm Services, Sharmans Agri, Doubleday Agriculture and Farols, with Massey and Fendt represented by dealers B & B Tractors and Chandlers.

“Through JDLink we connect machines to the farm office, allowing customers to track their fleet and monitor machine health, as well as transferring agronomic information straight from the field,” says Jack Howard, precision agriculture specialist at John Deere.

“We’re trying to maximise time in the field; we had a good selection of agricultural students and discussion about connectivity from both a customer and dealer point of view.”

Fendt discussed smart farming as another way to improve efficiencies and brought along its FendtONE system which offers integrated connectivity between the office and the machines, merging them into a single operation unit.

With around 300 exhibitors there was plenty for visitors to see, and the new ride and drive feature attracted a lot of attention alongside the live demo area, says event manager Elizabeth Halsall. “Feedback from visitors was very positive with a full range of tractors and machinery in action and a friendly environment in which to do business.”

Väderstad was awarded the Agritechnica Machine of the Year Award for its innovation, Tempo WideLining at the recent event in Hanover.

Machine of the Year is the show’s most prestigious honour, bestowed on the winner by a jury comprising agricultural journalists from all over Europe. This is the third time Väderstad has won the award.

Mattias Hovnert, SVP global sales and marketing, for the manufacturer said, “We are, of course, both proud and delighted to once again be awarded 'Machine of the Year'."

The winning WideLining system is described as the worlds’ first industry manufactured tramlining system that makes it possible for the farmer to spread liquid manure in a standing silage maize crop, without having to lower the total yield potential of the field.

“Instead of preparing the wheel tracks for the liquid manure spreader by shutting off row units, WideLining instead automatically changes the row spacing on the planter while in operation. This means that 8.3% more seeds can be sown in the field compared to current technology on the market today,” said Mattias Hovnert.

Facilities management company, Sodexo, say they are committed to sourcing responsibly and providing services that reduce carbon emissions.

As such, over the past five years the company has steadily increased the use of battery-powered products supplied by Husqvarna and now has a policy to use battery-powered products where possible.

David Ramsay, plant manager at Sodexo Horticultural Services has overseen the adoption of professional battery products and, after trials with several manufacturers, decided upon Husqvarna. He said, “Husqvarna battery products are playing a major role in helping us reduce the impact our services have on the environment by reducing the amount of petrol and diesel we use. The change towards battery-powered products has taken some time, but we are happy that we have been able to make the move.”

He continued: “The battery-powered products we are using are performing beyond what we were expecting. Each product is comfortable, lightweight and easy to use for our landscapers, which has increased staff productivity as they are able to use the products for longer periods.”

David added: “The use of battery products has changed the way our staff work. Many of our jobs are in locations such as office blocks, cemeteries, schools and housing estates with workers using blowers, hedge trimmers and brushcutters to complete tasks.

“The low noise of battery in comparison to petrol means we no longer cause a disturbance to people in these areas, allowing us to work more quietly and efficiently without stoppages."

David concluded, “At Sodexo, safety is paramount. These battery-powered machines produce less vibration, meaning comfortable operation day-to-day for our teams. We’re very excited to be working with Husqvarna and by supplying its battery-powered products we’ve already seen positive results”.

Husqvarna have announced the launch of two new powerful battery-powered brushcutters which will raise the bar for performance. Increased levels of productivity are available for professionals when using the Husqvarna 535iRX or 535iRXT, thanks to the Husqvarna-developed high torque motor, large cutting diameter and effective anti-vibration system. A host of new key features make the products a great addition to the collection of any landscaping professional.

After significant demand from municipalities and professional landscapers for more robust battery solutions with less environmental impact Husqvarna has inspired the launch of Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT- two new brushcutters with increased levels of professional performance. Designed and developed with commercial tasks in mind, these two innovative brushcutters are built to be robust, powerful and equivalent to petrol products in the 35cc range.

The new Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT brushcutters are part of the 500-series product range and offer Husqvarna’s first anti-vibration system on a battery brushcutter. This feature further reduces strain on the user allowing for smoother operation during extended hours of use. These products are also equipped with a new user interface, allowing the user a constant view of the battery status to more easily plan their work.

Johan Svennung, product specialist, commented: “We’re excited to launch these new products as there’s a strong demand from our commercial customers for high-quality, innovative battery solutions. The performance of the Husqvarna 535iRX and 535iRXT is comparable to petrol machines, but with key benefits such as no direct emissions, lower vibrations and lower noise. Our high torque motor, extended cutting diameter and robust design mean that we will be able to meet the needs of our professional customers who rely on these products day-to-day.”

Key features of the 535iRX and 535iRXT include:

True cordless - Full flexibility to choose between internal or backpack battery and these products are also compatible with all Husqvarna BLi batteries. The BLi300 is the recommended choice of battery for best balance and productivity.

Anti-vibration system - Superior anti-vibration. First on a Husqvarna battery brushcutter.

Built-in Connectivity (535iRXT) - The integrated Bluetooth® module makes 535iRXT compatible with Husqvarna Connect and Husqvarna Fleet Services, where Husqvarna Fleet Services is specifically designed for commercial users to keep track of the entire machine fleet.

New user interface – Offers an improved, tactile feel with battery status always visible on the product handle.

ErgoFeed trimmer head (535iRXT) – Saving time and money, the ErgoFeed trimmer head feeds line with a button and is both easy and robust. Eliminating unintentional line feed when hitting stones and debris.

Weatherproof design – IPX4 rain resistance classified.

Availability and price

The Husqvarna 535iRX/535iRXT bruschcutters are available from February 2020 at Husqvarna authorised dealers and are priced: 535iRX (£519.00) and 535iRXT (£599.00).

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