Firstly today, all at Service Dealer would like to convey our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Paul Reeves, md of Malpas Tractors, whose passing we must sadly report in today's news. 

Elsewhere, we have more market information from the AEA that, unfortunately, does not make the best reading.

The Association has confirmed that UK agricultural tractor registrations continue to track below last year's levels, with July's total of 948 machines being 14% lower than what was seen in 2023. They go on to explain that the total of 6,830 tractors registered in the year so far is 10% below the five-year average for the opening seven months of the year.
 

This less than brilliant news follows on from what they told us a couple of weeks ago, when their analysis revealed that tractor sales have declined in all areas of the UK during 2024.

As well as this statistical analysis to illustrate what conditions are like out there at the moment for ag machinery dealers, in our news pages we have reported several dealerships who serve the farming sector closing their doors for good these past few months - most recently, MKM Agriculture deciding to shut their branch in Bury St Edmunds. Managing director Anthony Deacon told us last week that this was due in large part to "economic challenges and online competition".

I spoke to Service Dealer's agricultural machinery editor, Martin Rickatson, to hear his take on the current situation. He told me, "Things are definitely a bit tough in ag at the moment - and it’s probably having a knock-on effect in associated industries like forestry."

Martin was keen to point out though, that these conditions do not seem to be unique to us this year. He said, "Dealers might be interested to know that this downturn is not just a UK thing. We are hearing reports of just how downbeat things are in ag machinery around the world."

An article in U.S trade journal Farm Equipment this week for example, quotes a manufacturer as saying the ag industry, ". . . is on the fastest roller coaster ride down in a quarter-century." The piece continues with four reasons why this individual has increased concerns, "beyond what’s normal in an election year." It's well worth a read.

This story follows the news out of the States a couple of weeks ago that John Deere has made some significant redundancies amongst its salaried employees. You can read the American site, AgWeb's interview with Cory Reed, president of the company's Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division here - who discusses what he sees as the current challenges in the ag economy.

Elsewhere in Europe, the Italian equivalent to the AEA, the FederUnacoma, recently published a report saying how their domestic market for all types of agricultural machinery has continued to decline in sales compared to the same period in 2023.

How is your dealership coping?

Reading articles like these certainly gives the impression that there's a global downward trend in the agricultural machinery sector in 2024.

This prompts the question for our UK dealer readers serving the ag sector, does it offer any solace to know that your contemporaries in other countries are finding times just as tough? Perhaps knowing that your business isn't doing anything inherently wrong might be some comfort if you're feeling the pinch? Although that comfort is likely to be of the cold variety, if wages and bills are struggling to be paid! 

And looking beyond agriculture, do our domestic and commercial turfcare machinery dealer readers feel circumstances are similar for your businesses this year? It's harder to keep tabs on these sectors because the industry does not receive monthly updates on sales figures from a trade body, similar to how we do from the AEA regarding ag tractors. For these markets we're reliant on more anecdotal accounts to gauge the rough temperature of how it's going from our dealer readers. And by that yardstick, the word I keep hearing repeated is 'busy'!

So how are all our dealer readers feeling? With the odd weather patterns, cost of living, change of government, major summer sporting distractions etc, - is a downturn in sales obvious to you this year?

And if so, does the knowledge that it is - in agriculture at least - a worldwide phenomenon, ease how you feel about it?

Let us know in the comments below.

Wrexham-based dealership Malpas Tractors has announced with deep sorrow that their managing director, Paul Reeves, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, 7th August 2024.

Paul Reeves pictured on Malpas Tractor's website

In a statement posted to their website, the dealership said, "Paul was a much-loved leader, son and brother and the loss is felt by friends, family and staff alike. We know this news will be felt by everyone, including our many loyal customers, whose support we appreciate at this difficult time."

The statement continued, "As co-owners, Edward and Rachael Reeves will continue to work in the business to ensure our customers and suppliers continue to receive the best service. However, the family would like some space during the immediate few days."

The statement also said details of funeral arrangements will follow.

On the dealership's Facebook page, hundreds of messages of condolence have been posted by customers, colleagues and suppliers alike.

STIGA have announced that Mike Murray has joined their team as a territory manager for Scotland.  

Mike Murray

Mike has spent the last couple of years as an area sales manager with Reesink Turfcare, promoting and selling larger commercial product into the golfing industry. Prior to this he spent 15 years in area sales managers roles within the material handling sector, working alongside major forklift manufacturers. 

On his new appointment Mike said, “I am delighted to be joining the STIGA family. I’m particularly looking forward to working alongside new and existing dealer partners in the promotion of the great brands we supply. After many years in frontline sales roles, I’m excited to further my skill-set with this dealer support role”.

Over the next couple of weeks Mike says he will be visiting all the Scottish STIGA dealers to introduce himself.

XDC Autonomous Solutions has announced that they have been appointed UK distributor of the RM21 Combo robot from FJ Dynamics.

The new robotic system, which the company describes as a "world's first combination", offers a cutting deck and line marker to enable autonomous mowing and marking from the same unit. 

XDC’s director of sales, Matt Murray said, “We are delighted to be working in partnership with FJ Dynamics and offering this technologically advanced solution to the UK turfcare industry.

"Having been involved with autonomous solutions for several years I’ve seen how more customers are now embracing robotic technology to assist with their time consuming, day to day jobs. Having one heavy-duty machine that offers an extremely competitively priced single solution for mowing and marking takes things to the next level."

Matt continued, "The RM21 Combo is like a Swiss army knife; in addition to the rotary mower and line marker, there’s the optional cylinder mower, plus different attachments available including brushes and rollers for pitch striping, grass collection, and more in the pipeline for even greater flexibility.” 

Attendees of the upcoming Groundsfest will be able to get a first look at the RM21 Combo on the XDC stand RB380.

Bobcat has announced the appointment of Inverness-based MacGregor Industrial Supplies as the company’s new authorised dealer for the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire and Perthshire regions of Scotland. 

MacGregor Industrial Supplies provides industrial supplies and equipment in the North of Scotland, offering a wide range of products and services across the company’s 17 separate divisions, including those in forest & groundcare, fencing & agriculture and construction.

In addition to the Inverness headquarters, the dealership has seven further branches in Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverurie, Kirkwall, Portree, Stornoway and Turriff. They say they are continuing to expand their offerings to meet the needs of their diverse clientele.

John MacGregor, managing director at MacGregor Industrial Supplies, said, “We are excited to become an Authorised Bobcat Dealer. Under the management of my colleagues, Douglas Fraser and Keith Bremner, I’m sure the Bobcat brand will be even more successful in Scotland. Our team’s extensive experience with Bobcat equipment, combined with our dedication to exceptional customer service, positions us to deliver even greater value to our Bobcat customers.”

The new appointment follows on from the recent acquisition of Balgownie, the previous Bobcat dealer by MacGregor Industrial Supplies, adding staff with vast Bobcat knowledge and expertise. The company says the acquisition has ensured that they continue to offer parts and service support for existing Bobcat owners.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies has also added a range of Bobcat machinery to their hire fleet and offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area.

John Deere tractors were delivered to Morrisons stores and the retailer’s headquarters on Thursday last week (August 8th 2024) as the 24 Hours in Farming event, #Farm24, got underway.  

Ben Burgess provided a tractor in Norwich

Machines were set up outside seven stores to help engage the public in the initiative which aims to celebrate the hard work and dedication of those involved in the UK agricultural industry. 

The tractors were provided by John Deere dealerships Ripon Farm Services, Tuckwells, Ben Burgess, Masons Kings and Charlies Ag and Turf. They were branded and parked up outside stores in Skipton, Boroughbridge, Ipswich, Norwich, Teignmouth, Welshpool and Witham for Morrisons customers to see before they entered the shop. 

A tractor also took pride of place outside the retailer’s headquarters at Hilmore House, near Bradford. 

John Deere tactical marketing manager, Chris Wiltshire, said, “With a focus on showing consumers what really goes on in the agricultural sector, 24 Hours in Farming is a great initiative that shines a light on farming and everything that goes into producing food for the Great British public.

“All too often we hear about the disconnect between the food we eat and how it’s produced, so teaming up with Morrisons is a simple and effective way of reminding customers that there is a story behind every item of food they buy, just before they buy it.” 

Tuckwell's provided a tractor in Ipswich

Region by region 

Masons Kings, based in south west England, provided a 6R 250 plus a Gator ATV and an X127 ride-on mower to the Teignmouth Morrisons in Devon. Roger Prior, the company’s director, said, “We have been committed to the farming community for more than 40 years and we understand the challenges they face producing food. This is why we are proud to support #Farm24 which highlights the work they do on a daily basis.”  

Ripon Farm Services installed a 6R 250 at Morrisons in Skipton, as well as machines for the retailer’s Hilmore House headquarters and Boroughbridge store. 

Richard Halsall, group sales manager, said, “#Farm24 is a great initiative which highlights the daily efforts and hard work that goes into agriculture and food production. We have been supporting and serving the farming community for more than 40 years, we are proud to be a part of the campaign to show our appreciation for all the work that goes into feeding our nation.”

Tuckwells provided a 6R 185 to Morrisons in Ipswich and a 6R 250 at Witham. The company’s director, James Tuckwell said, “As a family-run business that has been involved in supporting the agricultural community for 70 years we are delighted to be part of #Farm24. 

“As well as running our dealership we are farmers too so know first hand the essential role farmers play in providing high-quality food in a sustainable manner while caring for our land and habitats. We are proud to support them and help highlight the incredibly important work they do.”

Ross Holloway, director at Charlies Ag and Turf, added, “We are proud to be able to supply and service our farming community and be a part of helping to produce British food.” 

Charlies provided a 6R 185 to the Welshpool Morrisons.

Ben Turner, dealer principal at Ben Burgess, added, "We're proud to contribute to #Farm24 by supplying a John Deere 8RX to the Norwich Morrisons.

“This event highlights the essential efforts of our farmers and their crucial role in providing food for the nation."

Leading garden machinery brand, Cobra, has launched a collaboration with creators of battery-powered outdoor equipment, EGO Power+. With a focus on innovation, the companies have joined forces to create a unique offering for lawn-lovers in the form of the new ‘Fortis powered by EGO’ products.

Last year, Cobra launched its Fortis range of petrol-powered cylinder lawnmowers with eight interchangeable cartridges, creating the ultimate lawncare system. Now, it has partnered EGO Power+ to provide the same level of lawncare for those who prefer a battery alternative.

The new ‘Fortis powered by EGO’ mowers offer the same extensive specifications and technology as the petrol models, combining the cutting expertise of Cobra with the revolutionary power and eco-credentials of EGO’s 56volt Arc Lithium battery technology.

There are four sizes available in the Fortis range, starting with a compact 14” model, and ranging to 17”, 20” and 25”. They are all self-propelled and have a three-way drive facility, allowing the blades to be disengaged without having to stop the engine.

Fortis mowers all feature a six-blade precision ground-cutting cylinder to give the finest, most precise cut possible. The height of cut can easily be adjusted too, with variants as low as 6mm and ranging up to 30mm. The finishing touch to the perfect cut comes from the steel front roller giving an enhanced definition to the iconic lawn stripes.

What makes the Fortis machines the ultimate in lawncare, however, is their ability to transform into seven other machines to ensure that lawns are immaculate and healthy. The Fortis six-bladed cassette can simply be removed and replaced with another accessory cassette in the range to switch its use. Other cartridges include a verticutter, scarifier, dethatcher, aerator, turf rake, lawn brush and ten-blade cassette. 

For more information on Cobra 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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