We will all have been appalled and deeply saddened at the images seen this week, coming out of Ukraine. Utterly sickening and completely heartbreaking. The barbarity on display is shocking to the core.

As a consequence, the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding is almost too tragic to comprehend - and is something that I feel in no way qualified to comment on. I did however, read a take on the implications of the situation this week, that considered how the events might directly effect the worldwide land-based machinery industry. Whilst of course trivial compared to the stories we're seeing each night on our televisions, is it of undeniable significance to our industry.

The statement came from the FederUnacoma, who are the Italian agricultural machinery manufacturers federation - their equivalent of our AEA. In discussing the outlook for the global agricultural machinery sector for this year they said:

"The forecasts for 2022 formulated at the beginning of the year are positive, but the Russian-Ukrainian military crisis is changing the scenario, and threatens to heavily influence the global economy."

The above statement was actually within a piece where the federation is discussing what a strong place the agricultural machinery sector currently finds itself in. "The global agricultural machinery market continues its positive phase," is how they put it. Which when one considers that we are just beginning to emerge from two years of a global pandemic, is quite remarkable.

Their evidence for this claim of a worldwide positive phase for ag machinery is compelling. They say that tractor sales - which in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, had already recorded a global increase of 7.7% to 2,200,000 units - recorded further increases in 2021 in countries across the globe.

They say the United States closed the year with a total of 318,000 tractors registered, up more than 10% compared to 288,000 the previous year. They also describe the Indian market as "consolidating its supremacy" in terms of units sold by exceeding 900,000, an increase of 13%.

The FederUnacoma believe high levels should have been reached by the Chinese market too, for which the final 2021 figures are apparently not yet available but which already recorded a record increase in 2020 (+47% against 470,000 units sold). They go on to report that the European market is also in the black, with an average increase of 16.6% with almost 180,000 units registered compared to 154,000 the previous year. 

For the UK specifically, we heard from the AEA just recently who confirmed that 2021's full year tractor sales were up on 2020. The total number of machines registered during the year was 12,017, which the association's agricultural economist, Stephen Howarth confirmed was " . .16% higher than in 2020 but very close to the size of the market in each of the three years before that."

Further global supply chain worries

Despite these encouraging figures, a salient point that Stephen goes on to make in that story linked to above, was in regard to the global supply chain. When commenting on the increase seen in sales, he said, "It is likely that registrations would have been higher still were it not for disruptions to global supply chains, which led to an increase in delivery lead times for a wide range of manufactured products, including tractors."

Everyone in our sector is still acutely feeling the effects that the pandemic has had on delivery of stock. The way that production and shipment of wholegoods and components around the world is so intrinsically interconnected in the modern age, has been highlighted by empty shelves and waiting customers. Almost regardless of where a machine is principally manufactured, if there's disruption in the chain, the bumps are inevitably felt somewhere down the line.

Now with the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, there is another, horrific, disruption to the natural movement of the world's economy.

As well as this, it does also make the world's marketplace that much smaller - with these two huge agricultural nations removed from trade. Nations that in recent years, many of the large agricultural machinery suppliers have been making inroads into.

Interestingly today, on our friend Chris Biddle's podcast he is talking to some industry colleagues who have done business with Russia and Ukraine. It's very hard to get your head around the moment when James Tuckwell of Tuckwells describes receiving text messages this week from one his customers in Ukraine whom he has done plenty of business with, but who is now out in the street fighting for his country and presumably his life.

Unclear future

Going back to that statement from FederUnacoma, they conclude by saying " . .the Russian-Ukrainian military crisis is now a very influential variable for the economy as a whole, with effects that are still difficult to measure."

Whilst the outcome is unclear, it cannot be described as anything other than worrying. Besides the dreadful human costs, around the globe price rises in raw materials, gas, fuel etc all seem inevitable now. 

As the past two years have made abundantly evident, we are living and working in a truly worldwide economy. The consequences of catastrophic events are felt everywhere.

And what we're seeing play out in Ukraine, is a true catastrophe on every level.

Jim McGlinchey, Henton and Chattell’s sales director, has retired following nearly half a century with the company.

Jim McGlinchey

Jim started his long and successful career with H&C back in the summer of 1973. He had played professionally for Notts County football club, a stone’s throw away from the company’s showroom and offices.

In the 1970’s, Jim drove forward sales of Ransomes of Ipswich turf machinery to local authorities, golf courses and contractors in the East Midlands. Always looking for new opportunities, the then managing director, John Chaloner saw there was a gap in the market. Pioneering parts distribution to garden machinery dealers initially on a regional basis, but progressively expanding the area. Jim was instrumental in developing the customer base for parts and later the machinery distribution.

It wasn’t long before Jim was soon promoted to sales manager and then a little time later sales director. 

At the start of this century the business took the strategic decision to dramatically expand the business. Along with Peter Chaloner, the current managing director and Andy Marvin, the sales manager, Jim grew the business from a regional distributor to a national distributor. In the latter years, the company developed its distribution range, many with exclusive agreements across the UK and Ireland. 

“Jim has been fundamental to the success of our company. We are very grateful for his considerable dedication and contribution over nearly 50 years. Whatever the challenge, Jim has always had a positive ‘can do’ attitude and mucked-in wherever needed. We will certainly miss working with Jim, but we wish him a very long and enjoyable retirement, he’s earned it!”, stated Peter Chaloner.

Jim has always enjoyed walking, gardening and the great outdoors, as well as holidays in warmer climates with his wife Amanda, and their family. 

Briggs & Stratton have announced that Michelle Kumbier has joined the company as senior vice president & president of its Turf & Consumer Products business, which consists of the company's Ferris, Snapper, Simplicity, Billy Goat, Victa and Branco brands of commercial and residential outdoor power equipment. 

Michelle Kumbier

Michelle joins Briggs & Stratton after more than 22 years at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, where she most recently served as chief operating officer. Briggs say she has substantial experience leading transformations across multiple disciplines and driving improvements in results and customer satisfaction. Prior to Harley-Davidson, she spent 11 years at Kohler Company.

"Briggs & Stratton is quickly transforming its business and requires fresh perspectives and different experiences to drive change and success," says Steve Andrews, president & CEO at Briggs & Stratton. "Michelle's leadership and expertise in operations, supply chain and product development will be integral in continuous improvement efforts and positioning Briggs & Stratton as a best-in-class provider of innovative power products and solutions."  

In addition to Michelle Kumbier, Briggs & Stratton have named Chuck Marckwardt, previously the vice president of operations & supply chain with Brasscraft Manufacturing Co, as its new vice president operations for its Turf & Consumer Products business. 

As the industry and technology evolves, what factors might impact on the shape of UK dealer network in the years ahead?

In the latest Inside Agri-Turf podcast, a panel comprising James Tuckwell managing director of multi-branch John Deere dealership Tuckwells, David Withers, managing director of Iseki UK and Howard Pullen, Board Member of European dealer association CLIMMAR consider The Future for Agri-Turf Dealerships.

At the outset, a very strong connection was revealed between Len Tuckwell, James’s grandfather and company founder – and with David Withers’s Iseki company.

But first the panel considers the likely impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a fertile market for used tractors and machinery (6:06) with James Tuckwell reporting how his main customer has taken up arms.

. 

The issues then considered by the panel were Prospects for new dealerships (10:14), What makes a good dealer and supplier(14:23), Availability of funding and dealer contracts (18:12), Long line dealers and niche opportunities (23:57), Challenges of dealer expansion (29:55), Staffing for new technology (36:03) and Creating the right industry image (41:32).

All these sections can be accessed by the time-stamps on the episode show notes.

“We are fortunate in having a strong, stable and well-funded dealer network in the UK based very firmly around family companies and family values,” says Chris Biddle. “But it is inevitable that it will polarise with long-line manufacturers and their dealer network strengthening their position, allowing significant opportunities for dealers serving niche markets, with perhaps different types of dealerships emerging.”

LISTEN TO EPISODE

Toro U.K. Limited have expanded their customer care team with the appointment of Lee Pace to technical service representative.

Lee Pace

Lee joined Toro U.K. on 24th January and will be based at their Spellbrook manufacturing facility, reporting to Martin Holden, UK service manager.

Lee will take on the role of technical support representative for Hayter and Toro Consumer, Landscape Contractor and Siteworks System products in the U.K. 

Toro says Lee joins with over 20 years’ experience within the automotive industry, working as both technician and trainer.

"With the growing UK market, ever increasing product complexity, diagnostic challenges, and advancing technology, Lee’s technical/customer experience and diagnostic skills are a great addition to the customer care team.” said Martin Holden. “Toro is dedicated to its UK dealer network and ensuring our dealers have all of the resources needed to sell and support the Hayter and Toro brands.” 

Lee and the customer care team can be contacted on 01279 603019 or service.uk@toro.com

BOSS ORV, the sole UK distributor for Corvus Terrain 4x4 utility vehicles, has expanded their UK dealer network further with the appointment of B&B Tractors and Kirkland UK.

L-R: Phil Everett, MD Boss ORV with Tim Norman, B&B workshop manager

B&B Tractors is a family owned and managed business with four depots covering Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire. 

“We wanted to work with B&B Tractors because of their delivery of the highest levels of customer care to their agricultural, municipal and industrial customers,” said Phil Everett, BOSS ORV’s managing director. “Not only can they represent the Corvus Terrain range to those sectors, they can also provide the highest levels of service and support that go hand in hand with being Corvus dealers, as they have shown with the other brands offered by the business.” 

L-R: Phil Everett with Scott Worsley, Kirkland MD and Ben Devine, Kirkland sales manager

Scott Worsley of Kirkland UK says he's excited to bring the brand to the south-east of England. He said, “We found Corvus UTV’s to be the perfect addition to our range of machinery solutions for our customers."

 
Phil Everett added, “It was obvious that Kirkland UK would be a natural fit with us. We share the same passion for success and rapid growth and an impatience to achieve. They are an extremely customer focused organisation and hungry to grow the business and explore diverse opportunities to achieve this."

Polaris has appointed R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs as a new dealer covering the areas of north, west and south Norfolk. 

Located on the Sandringham Estate, the dealership will offer the full Polaris agricultural line-up of the Ranger, Sportsman, General and Youth as well as parts and accessories for each model. 

Richard Ward, owner of R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs said, “I’ve been servicing and repairing Polaris machinery for around ten years and when the opportunity arose that I could become a Polaris dealer and expand the business beyond just repairs and servicing, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

Coming from an ATV repairing background with over 20 years of experience, R Ward Vehicle & Machinery Repairs believes that the maintenance and care of an off-road vehicle is just as important as selling the machine itself. They will now have a stock of parts and will carry out repairs and maintenance in both their workshop and at the customers’ premises. 

The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) have revealed details of their Welcome Celebration, taking place on the opening night of BTME 2022.

Naga Munchetty
 
Presented by television presenter and golf personality Naga Munchetty, BIGGA say the Welcome Celebration is a an informal event that recognises the achievements of their members throughout the previous year, including the presentation of the BIGGA Awards 2022. This year its lead sponsor is AMS Robotics.
 
The free-to-attend event takes place in the Main Auditorium of the Harrogate Convention Centre and will recognise the many people who have contributed positively to the industry since the previous BTME in January 2020.
 
The BIGGA Welcome Celebration takes place on Tuesday 22 March at 5.30pm. At the event will be announced:

• The winners of the BIGGA Awards 2022
• The winner of the Innovation and Thought Leadership Award sponsored by Campey Turf Care Solutions.

Also recognised will be the:

• BIGGA Annual Photographic Competition winner
• BIGGA’s latest Life Members
• CPD achievers
• Master Greenkeepers

Also introduced will be the association's new president and vice president for 2022.
 
BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said, “The BIGGA Welcome Celebration is the one event of the year where every BIGGA member can join us to recognise all the hard work that has been done across the association. It’s free to attend so you don’t need an invitation and there’ll also be all necessary COVID safety measures in place. All we ask is that you come along and celebrate everything we have overcome since the last time we were together in January 2020. The world has changed, but let’s use this as an opportunity to announce that we are back and better than ever!"

The organisers of June's Cereals say visitors will be able to enjoy established attractions alongside new features at this year’s event.

New additions for 2022 include a demo area for machinery and kit that qualifies for the Improving Farm Productivity grant scheme, Crop to Kitchen which will showcase arable farmers selling direct to consumers, and a curated version of the winter wheat and barley RL .
 
The Improving Farm Productivity grant scheme covers up to 40% of the costs for slurry treatment and robotics and innovation equipment. Such kit, including for robotic weeding and harvesting, will be on show in the dedicated demo area.
 
The Direct Drill Arena will be expanded for 2022 to include a full arena with amplified AV and presentation. Demonstrators will showcase and discuss the benefits of their technology and offer sustainable solutions for farmers. Aitchison, Amazone, Claydon, Horizon, Horsch, John Deere, Kuhn and Mzuri will be among the exhibitors demonstrating in this area.
 
Among the regular features are the crop plots, both breeder variety plots and agronomy trial plots - with companies such as Bayer, Corteva, KWS and Senova/Just Oats back this year. The NIAB Soil Hole is returning and the Syngenta Sprays and Sprayers arena will be centre stage.
 
As well as inter-row weeding demos, this year there are also plans to have in-row weeding demos. Visitors will be able to see working demo plots from Agxeed, Claydon, Horizon, J. Brock, Kuhn, Mzuri, New Holland and TWB Engineering.
 
The Cereals Event will be held near Duxford, Cambridgeshire on 8-9 June 2022.

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