The industry knows why it's hard to recruit young people, but what can practically be done to help the situation?
I suspect many reading this today will have already seen the article, but there has just been a fascinating piece published in Farmers Weekly, looking at what they describe as "Britain's biggest farm machinery dealers."
The detailed and well-researched story by ag journalist Peter Hill entitled Turnover stats reveal Britain’s biggest machinery dealers, looks at some remarkable turnover increases seen in businesses in the farm machinery sector during 2022. Encouraging to read, there are names of many companies familiar to our readers who it seems have experienced a buoyant period.
As well as sheer hard work throughout a turbulent time that was beset with issues regarding machinery supply, several of the dealerships mentioned in the piece with large increases in turnover, have also recently acquired or merged other dealerships into their structure - which as we know, is an on-going trend in the marketplace, especially in the ag machinery space.
Anyway, if you haven't read it, do take a look as it makes enlightening reading.
Encouraging the next generation
Of course, to ensure their continued prosperity into the future, all of these successful dealerships - and indeed ones not featured, who instead focus on garden machinery or professional turfcare machinery - will be reliant upon a stream of enthusiastic young people to regularly join their businesses. Which as we all know, is hardly the easiest!
It happened to be National Engineering Week last week, and I read some interesting quotes on this subject from the CEO of a company in a different engineering sector to ours, but one that nonetheless clearly experiences similar issues with recruiting young people into mechanical-minded roles.
CEO of multi-disciplinary engineering firm adi Group, Alan Lusty, had issued a press statement commenting on what he described as the "dire need" to engage and inspire young students into the engineering profession.
He said, "Creating environments that nurture the growth of STEM skills, eliminate stigma and break down barriers is invaluable. Put simply, the perception of engineering needs to change in the eye of young people if we are to make progress."
He continued, "Stigma surrounding engineering is a major obstacle. Negative perceptions of the industry are widespread, largely stemming from a harmful lack of awareness and understanding of what engineering entails."
These views are very much familiar territory for dealers in our sector looking to recruit young people into their workshops. It's a subject that is constantly discussed by dealers, manufacturers, trade associations and the press - with, for many, frustratingly slow progress. We are frequently told by our readers that when they are looking to employ, youngsters simply don't appear to be interested in a career in OPE maintenance.
I think everyone concerned fundamentally knows why it's hard to encourage fresh blood to join. Concepts such as the perception of the industry as one inherently greasy and dirty; a lack of awareness regarding the diverse range of opportunities available; competition from other similar, but perhaps more glamorous or well-paid industries - these factors and others are frequently cited as barriers to entry.
Equally, I think there is a rough consensus on what could or should be done to increase the numbers joining the sector. Notions such as collaborating with schools, technical colleges, and vocational training programs to promote careers; emphasising the technological advancements and innovations within the industry; highlighting the various career pathways available; promoting a positive workplace culture that values diversity, inclusivity, and employee well-being - these and other ideas to cast the industry in a positive light are often talked about.
I suppose going forward, efforts from all with a vested interest will need to be redoubled and laser-focused into getting these messages across to the right audiences. Steps must continue to be made - which of course they are. I'm aware for example, that there's some great content being worked on by a new industry group, who aim to spread the word of what a career in a dealership can offer, specifically to young women thinking of how to start their working lives. We will keep you informed of how that endeavour progresses.
Until then, what are your thoughts on how best to encourage young people to join the industry?
Home of groundscare brands including Dennis, SISIS, Lloyds and Hunter Grinders, has announced the appointment of a new commercial director.
Howardson Group Ltd, home of groundscare brands including Dennis, SISIS, Syn-Pro, Lloyds and Hunter Grinders, has announced the appointment of David Williamson as its new commercial director.
David Williamson
The group say they have doubled in size since 2019 due to investment in new product development, site and team. They 2023 marked a huge year for the business with growth levels of just short of 30%.
David will oversee and support both the UK and international sales teams. Speaking about his new role, David said, "The commitment to a quality product manufactured in the UK, coupled with best-in-class customer service, truly resonated with me."
He continued, "Customer service features in everything that I do. It sits at the very top of every strategy we develop at the Howardson Group. I’m very much looking forward to continuing the upward trajectory of the organisation and supporting the business as it evolves into the next generation.”
Megan Oliver, future managing director of Howardson Group, welcomed David's appointment, saying of David, "His extensive experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are excited about the fresh perspectives and innovative strategies he will bring to the table. David's appointment reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence in both product quality and customer service.”
The first family support and young farmer grants have been awarded - alongside ones for an agricultural engineer plus special launch grants.
Kramp has announced the first people to be awarded their Cultivate a Generation initiative grants - which provide £30,000 annually for essential workshop equipment from the company's range.
Claire Gammin from Devon and Jack Sowerby from Cumbria won the first family support and young farmer grants.
RAU winners with Kaleb Cooper
Six students at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) secured funding as part of the special launch grant; these were presented to them by Kaleb Cooper at RAU. They have been set up with a Kramp account with a local Kramp dealer, Carpenter Goodwin, and given £500 credit to spend at Kramp.com.
Cameron Merryfield presented by Kramp
Cameron Merryfield received the first agricultural engineer grant. Cameron has worked for the John Deere dealership Mason Kings, which covers the South West, since 2012. He began his career in the John Deere AgTech apprenticeship, and since graduating, he has established his career as a skilled agricultural engineer.
Kramp says acquiring workshop equipment is something many young engineers struggle with when they start as apprentices, and Cameron also experienced this. However, he stresses that there is now more support for apprentices than when he started.
“Acquiring tools is a slow burner. It is something you have to keep ticking away at every month when you can spare the money; it’s what you have to do to get started,” says Cameron. “You might go out on a job early on (in your career) and have to get by with a socket set, a spanner and a hammer.
“I was about five years in before I could say I had everything I needed to keep me going, and by then, you are talking of £15,000 worth of equipment.”
Cameron says he plans to spend his grant on axle stands to help with safer working when he is out at a breakdown. Promoting safety for agricultural engineers is something he feels strongly about.
“There is only so much equipment we can hold in the vans, and an axle stand isn’t always one of them unless you know it is needed. If you go out to a job that requires it and don’t have it, you are still expected to get the job done.
“You can always say no, but there can be pressure from the customer, especially at busy times, to get by without everything you need,” adds Cameron.
This is different to engineers in the construction industry, where it is more culturally accepted for engineers to leave a job and return once they have all the necessary equipment, explains Cameron. He hopes that agriculture gets to a similar point in the future.
Applications for Cultivate a Generation are still open. Anyone who fits into one of the categories can apply through the Cultivate a Generation website. Those who have already entered will remain eligible for a grant until the end of the year.
Manufacturer says their team will volunteer in a wide range of fund-raising activities with sponsored events including cycling, hikes, car washes and bake-offs.
STIHL GB have announced they are partnering with Perennial, the UK’s only charity dedicated to helping people in horticulture.
L-R: Perennial marketing manager, Jonathan Sharpe; Perennial marketing officer, Beth Porter; Perennial corporate partnership manager, Phil Swainston; STIHL events manager, Anna Perkins; STIHL marketing communications manager, Vicky Tween; STIHL GB head of marketing, Simon Hewitt
The manufacturer's team will volunteer in a wide range of fund-raising activities to provide financial support for Perennial with sponsored events including cycling, hikes, car washes and bake-offs. Helping the charity provide free and confidential advice, information and support to people working in, or retired from, horticulture and their families.
As part of the new charity partnership Perennial will launch the STIHL equipment replacement fund, to help those in need with donations of tools and PPE.
STIHL GB’s head of marketing, Simon Hewitt, said, “We are delighted to be supporting Perennial, a charity whose purpose is so closely linked to our own values. STIHL has been focused on making people’s lives easier when working in and with nature since our founder, Andreas Stihl, invented the first portable chainsaw in the 1920s. In pledging our support to Perennial and combining our efforts we hope together we can help many more people in horticulture.”
Phil Swainston, Perennial’s corporate partnership manager, said, “The financial and social pressures faced by individuals working in, and retired from, horticulture are acute, particularly in today's challenging economic climate where horticulture professionals often contend with relatively low pay and the physical demands of their work. Perennial serves as a lifeline for many in our community, and thus, STIHL’s invaluable support plays a crucial role in our ability to assist those within the horticulture community. STIHL’s support holds immense value, especially as we’ve seen a notable 21% increase in individuals from our sector seeking personal support and a significant rise in those accessing our online tools.”
Company announces partnership for customer prize draw, designed they say, to enhance the customer's experience.
Handy has announced it has joined forces with GreenThumb, with the intention to help enhance the retail experience and drive sales with its latest Webb customer prize draw.
Customers who purchase any petrol, electric or cordless Webb lawnmower at participating retailers will be eligible to enter into a free prize draw to win their money back plus win a year’s worth of GreenThumb lawncare treatments, worth up to £700. Launching in May, the free customer prize draw will run for three months, with winners announced across the Webb brand’s social media platforms.
Mark Moseley, Handy sales and marketing director, said, “At a time when rising costs are making it a challenging environment for all, our exciting new prize draw is designed to help retailers drive sales whilst continuing to meet the needs of their customers”.
Paul Edwards, GreenThumb’s managing director, added, “As partners with our customers in creating lawns to be proud of, we’re excited to extend that relationship into gardening tools and equipment with Webb's support. With our focus on wellbeing through the benefits of a green outdoor space, we see Webb as an enabler for a gardening experience made more pleasurable through reliable machinery.”
Steven Davies from tells us more energy will be used worrying about taking a call, rather than taking it and dealing with it.
Steven Davies, head of agriculture, from Societe Generale Equipment Finance spoke to Service Dealer, saying how our sector is very much a people industry.
He tells us more energy will be used worrying about answering a call, rather than taking it and dealing with it.
Manufacturer says it's "absolutely extraordinary" to receive four awards for a new product in such a short period space of time.
Following its Tractor of the Year 2024 and Farm Machine 2024 (Large Tractor Category) awards at Agritechnica, followed by an AE50 award in the United States, Claas's Xerion 12 Terra Trac has also recently been awarded the Grand Prix in the International Product Development category at the AGROmashEXPO in Hungary.
The Claas team with the latest award
“It is absolutely extraordinary to receive four awards for a new product in such a short period space of time,” said Dr. Martin von Hoyningen-Huene, chief technology officer at Claas Group and responsible for the Tractors and Implements division. “Thanks to its unique features, the large tractor sets benchmarks in many ways that help our customers work even more productively and efficiently while reducing the burden on the driver and the environment.“
The new Xerion 12 series is positioned above the 4200, 4500 and 5000 models. After what the company describes as a successful start of production at the main plant in Harsewinkel, an initially limited number of machines will be built this year and marketed in the core target markets. It will be introduced in other sales regions at the same time.
"There is great interest in the new series,” explained Steffan Kurtz, global product team Large Tractor. “After all, the Xerion 12 series not only offers the most powerful four-wheel tractors with continuously variable transmissions on the market, but also sets new standards in this segment in terms of efficiency and comfort.”
A unique tartan tractor has rolled off a production line honouring Scottish rugby legend and motor neuron disease campaigner Doddie Weir.
A unique JCB tartan tractor has rolled off the production line at Staffordshire’s JCB Landpower factory honouring Scottish rugby legend and motor neuron disease (MND) campaigner Doddie Weir.
Angus Weir with the tartan tractor
The Fastrac 4220 iCON wrapped in Doddie’s own design tartan livery was welcomed off the Cheadle production line by son Angus Weir, ready to report for fundraising duty with the ‘My Name’5 Doddie Foundation’.
Scottish and British and Irish Lions international, Doddie, who died of MND, aged 52, in 2022, founded the charity to fund research with the vision of ‘A world free of MND’. So far, more than £11 million has been committed to vital research in his name and the Foundation is dedicated to continuing the fight against the cruel disease.
The Doddie iCON Fastrac is the brainchild of Doddie’s schoolfriend and Director of Crop Services in the Scottish Borders, Douglas Stephen, who joined Angus for the unveiling. Douglas operates a number of Fastrac tractors, and approached his JCB Dealer, Kelso-based Scot Agri to build a special edition machine in support of the Foundation.
The blue and yellow tartan tractor will make starring appearances at major agricultural shows and rugby games north of the border over the coming months raising funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The grand tour began at the Royal Northern Spring Show, Inverurie on Wednesday this week (February 28th) before it moves on to the Fife, Northumberland, Royal Highland, Border Union, Perth Shows and many other agricultural events over the summer.
Angus Weir said, “It has been fantastic to be here to unveil the new Doddie tartan tractor. Dad would have absolutely loved it and I’m sure it will turn a lot of heads, raise a lot of smiles, and help continue his fundraising legacy.”
For Douglas Stephen it was an emotional day. He added, "Our Doddie was born into a farming family, was part of the farming community and loved tractors. He was also always accustomed to wearing big, bright, garish tartan suits, so this is right up his street. What JCB has done is beyond all expectations and they have really pulled out all the stops. Doddie was a great friend who is sorely missed and this will help us to keep his memory and MND legacy alive.”
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation director of fundraising and communications, Paul Thompson added, “We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with JCB and expect it to raise a great deal of awareness of both motor neuron disease and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The Fastrac looks brilliant, and we can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when nine tonnes of tartan tractor arrive at one of our events.
“When the tractor was unveiled, it was a real lump in the throat moment. Doddie was a farmer and loved his tractors, so we know that this collaboration would have meant a lot to him.”
JCB territory manager Sam Taylor said, "For JCB it is an honour to support the incredible work of the ‘My Names’5 Doddie Foundation’. Doddie Weir was an icon, not only in the way that he played his rugby, but also in the way he handled his MND diagnosis, setting an example of bravery, and inspiring others to take up the fight.
“The JCB Doddie iCON Edition Fastrac is a great example of teamwork - bringing together an amazing charity, a valued JCB customer, our brilliant dealer network, designers, and production team. We hope it will raise greater awareness of the condition and fund more groundbreaking research to find a cure for MND.”
Anyone interested in supporting the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation can donate via this Just Giving page.
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The M18 FUEL™ Outdoor Power Head with QUIK-LOK™ is compatible with a new cultivator, reciprocator, hedge trimmer, and blower attachments.
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