You may have already seen the news that September's APF Exhibition, which takes place biannually, is the latest industry event to fall foul of the current situation.

If you've never attended, it's an absolutely huge show for the forestry machinery industry, that takes place across a massive outdoor site. However, even with this in their favour, the organisers have reached the conclusion that it simply isn't viable to hold the show in 2020. Another sad but inevitable postponement.

With SALTEX already having confirmed a shift until March next year, pretty much the only autumn UK events left on the calendar for our sector are Tillage Live which takes place at Down Ampney, Gloucestershire and GLEE at the NEC. This morning both events' websites say they are still scheduled to take place in September.

One imagines it's Glee that will find it harder to continue as planned, seeing as they are an indoor show. Perhaps they have a grand plan up their sleeve to make holding the show possible? Or maybe they are just waiting a bit longer for further announcements from government before saying something more? An announcement on their site says, "We are in constant contact with health authorities and UK government and will provide an immediate update should the situation develop further."

SALTEX released a statement just this week, which spoke about the positive feedback they had received both from manufacturers and their turf professional end-user visitors, over announcing their decision to postpone early.

Combined with these trade show postponements, there will of course also be a lack of manufacturer-organised dealer demo days this autumn. We surveyed our readers on this subject a few weeks ago, with the findings set to be published in the forthcoming issue of Service Dealer (which is currently at the printers). Not spoiling anything, but the headline takeaway is that dealers who responded told us they are not ready to attend events such as this right now anyway.

Therefore there appears to be an issue which needs addressing regarding the presentation of new products to dealers. As one dealer said to us recently, 'if manufacturers don't introduce their new products to me, how am I going to introduce them to my customers?'

The obvious answer is of course video conferencing. 'Hooray', I hear you all cry, 'more Zooms!'

We report today on the claims of success by the organisers of last week's Cereals LIVE event, which had to take place online. They say they had over 10,000 visitors joining them virtually, from around the world, across their two days. They managed to hold machinery demos, seminar discussions and even a virtual beer tent for visitors to chat and relax in.

And there have been other similar examples recently. On one of our calls with manufacturer representatives, Makita told us an online presentation, attracted close to double the number of dealers they might expect to see at an event in real life. Around 400 logged on apparently, which is certainly impressive when you consider just how busy dealers will have been with everything these past few weeks. It clearly shows there's an appetite out there for digital information.

In years gone by we have heard grumbles regarding the time away from the dealership that demo days take up. Driving to and from an event can often take up much more time than the actual content of the presentations! So clearly video and online will play an essential role this year - and almost inevitably into the future.

To what extent will it continue though, once distancing rules are reduced and mass gatherings are acceptable once again?

Do you think Zoom and Teams remove the element of wasted time and money involved in travelling to an event? Will virtual meetings, combined with visits from manufacturers' reps be more than adequate? Has this enforced change, actually been the kick in the modern direction that was required?

My guess, for what it's worth, is that we'll see a blend of both video conferencing and traditional live events. That face-to-face interaction will always be special - I don't think anyone would deny that. What I suspect we'll find happening is fewer but more significant in-person meetings and increased online activity than perhaps we've been used to pre-2020.

But what do you think? Would you be happy with this? Do you want more of one than the other? Let us know in the comments below.

Dealers looking to increase their followers on social media will be very interested in this week’s new Dealer Digital Toolkit module which has just gone live.

It covers the importance of listening to your customers and includes ideas for increasing your reach, using influencers and paid promotion.

This is the sixth module in the free Dealer Digital Toolkit, which has been created with the support of dealers, manufacturers and the wider industry.

If you haven’t already registered you can do so by visiting: https://www.servicedealer.co.uk/dealer-digital-toolkit Or if you registered last week you can access the toolkit by logging in with the details you received via email.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media too - @ServiceDealer

Government body, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, say the need to attract young and upcoming talent into the agricultural sector, including land-based engineering, has never been greater.

As such, they are inviting interested parties to take part in a consultation to help shape the T Level training programme geared at 16 to 19-year-olds.

The Institute’s deputy director for technical education implementation, Carmel Grant, said, “T Levels can play a vital role in attracting younger people into agriculture, land management and production and maximising benefits to the sector from technological advances. This consultation is open to everyone who cares about agriculture and how we train the next generation. We need feedback from as many people as possible.”

The consultation is focused on the draft outline content for the T Level designed by our panel of industry experts. It involves seven training specialisms: land-based engineering, crop production, floristry, habitat management (land and water), livestock production, ornamental and environmental horticulture and landscaping, trees and woodland management and maintenance.

T Levels are new two-year classroom-based technical study programmes, which will also involve a substantial amount of work experience. They are being rolled out across the economy and alongside apprenticeships and A levels, T Levels will be one of the three major options available to students aged 16 – 19.

The Institute will be running webinars for employers starting next week to gather feedback on the draft outline content and ensure T Levels include the knowledge and skills required by those who will be recruiting people into the industry. For more information email them at Employer.Panels@education.gov.uk. 

The land-based engineering webinar takes place next Wednesday, June 24th.

Rod Gaskin has been appointed as a new Etesia dealer and will be distributing the manufacturer's complete product range.

A family business formed in 1994, Rod Gaskin will be distributing the products from both of its depots located in Hampshire and West Sussex.

Tom Gaskin, sales manager of the company which specialises in agricultural, groundcare and garden equipment, said, “We wanted another product range - particularly the ride-on brush cutters and the smaller petrol ride-on mowers. The Etesia range is very good; the machines are well built, they are premium products, and they sit incredibly well with the other equipment we supply.

“They were products that we didn’t previously offer so therefore they are an excellent addition which we can offer to our existing customers and hopefully will help get us into other markets too.”

With immediate effect Rod Gaskin will be on hand to offer professional support, sales and servicing on Etesia’s product range - plus the sales team say they will be happy to carry out site visits and demonstrate the products.

Organisers of last week's Cereals LIVE - the online version of the arable event - have proclaimed it a "resounding success", saying it attracted over 10,000 visitors from all over the world.

Having postponed the physical event due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the organisers say they decided to deliver as much content as possible online to support the industry during lockdown. The result was a two-day online event on 10-11 June featuring a seminar programme, video demonstrations of machinery and new kit, crop plot tours and interactive chat with exhibitors.

“We have been overwhelmed at the reaction from the farming industry,” said event director Alli McEntyre. “Everyone has been really keen to get involved – and the response to the live webinars far exceeded our expectation. We had more than 9,000 live viewers, with the top session drawing over 800 attendees and every session producing some excellent questions from the audience.”

Visitors were also able to view machinery in action in the Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena – where the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year presentation took place. Scooping the top spot was Matt Fuller, who works at Heathcote Farms, Toddington, Bedfordshire. 

The event offered an opportunity for visitors to collect BASIS and NRoSO points, as well as a plethora of technical advice from exhibitors and through the NIAB virtual event hub. There were also virtual crop walks and video from crop plots at the original Cambridgeshire site.

Closing the event on each day was a virtual beer tent, where visitors could relax with friends, request live music from the resident DJ and pledge money to the charity partner RABI.

“Nothing can quite replace seeing friends, machinery and crops in person, but going online has enabled us to deliver a wide range of content and to reach a totally new audience,” said Ms McEntyre. “I’d like to thank all of our exhibitors, sponsors, speakers and visitors for contributing to such a successful event, and look forward to meeting you face-to-face next year.”

Staff from the Colne-based GGM Group were disappointed that due to current restrictions in the lake district, they are unable to complete the company’s annual charity walking event, which this year was to climb the three highest peaks in England.

Determined not to be defeated, managing director Chris Gibson has come up with his own ingenious way of completing the challenge.

Chris Gibson

Chris has pledged to travel from his home town of Lancaster to the businesses’ head office in Colne and then back again covering a distance of approximately 100 miles - through a combination of cycling and walking. The walking element will cover the Lancashire Witches Walk which passing through the Forest of Pendle, the town of Clitheroe and the Forest of Bowland to finish at Lancaster Castle.

Chris said, “Last year the GGM team completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks in aid of our company charity, Greenfingers, and we were looking forward to this year’s event.

“As part of the Government’s initiative to get us back to work via walking or cycling, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to continue our fundraising. I’ve decided to create my own version, which adheres to government guidelines and so I will be cycling to work from Lancaster and then walk home over the Lancashire Witches Walk.

"I’ve chosen this route because it was created to mark the 400th anniversary of the trail of the 'Lancashire Witches' held at Lancaster Castle and I wanted to recognise the injustice and prejudice of the past and the need continue to fight to remove these from society today. Our team will be participating in our efforts, with people undertaking different legs in pairs, to enable social distancing."

The event will raise money for charities who are finding themselves cash-strapped during these difficult times. Greenfingers is the company charity for the second year running, dedicated to supporting children who spend time in hospices around the UK, along with their families, by creating inspiring gardens for them to relax in. In addition, funds will also be raised for St John’s Hospice in Lancaster which provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions across North Lancashire, South Lakes and parts of North Yorkshire and Pendleside Hospice in Burnley, which exists to promote and enhance quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Chris  concluded, “It’s a key part of our ethos at The GGM Group to give something back to the local community so for this event we’ve decided to support both St John’s Hospice in Lancaster and Pendleside Hospice in Burnley, as local charities who are desperately in need of funds at this time alongside Greenfingers our nominated company charity.

“As we all adapt to the “new normal”, becoming more environmentally aware is a key part our business strategy and we are currently working with East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce undertaking ISO14001 accreditation - the small things like staff walking or cycling to walk all make a difference."

The GGM Group has set a target of £1000 for the event. You can support this worthy cause by donating here.

Last year, Cobra launched a new partnership with Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity, by launching its limited edition pink mower that raised money for the charity.

Following the success of the campaign which saw the manufacturer donating £5,000 to the charity, Cobra has announced it is continuing its support for 2020.

£25 from every sale of the GTRM38P mower will be donated to the charity to help fund world class research and life changing support for anyone affected by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Now is the UK’s first comprehensive breast cancer charity, steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care. The charity is here for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future.

Lisa Gilmour, head of regional fundraising at Breast Cancer Now, said, “From everyone at Breast Cancer Now, I would like to say a massive thank you to Cobra staff and customers for their ongoing support of the charity.

“Despite decades of progress in research and care, around 11,500 women and 80 men still die from breast cancer every year in the UK, with hundreds of thousands more living with the devastating, long-term physical and emotional impacts of the disease.

“The money that Cobra continues to raise will enable us to continue our vital work and help us get one step closer to our ambition that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with the breast cancer lives - and is supported to live well. Every pound, every hour, every action will help us to get there. Thank you to Cobra for your on-going support and we are looking forward to continuing the partnership.”

The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) have produced a short video announcing the winners of this year's awards.

Usually these prizes recognising design across agri-sector machinery and equipment would be announced and presented at The Royal Highland Show. However, due to the event having to postpone this year, the Society had to find a virtual alternative.

To watch the announcements, presented by RHASS director, Jim Warnock, click below:

The GMA has said it is "highly encouraging" to see the support they have received from the industry regarding their decision to postpone 2020's SALTEX.

Speaking on behalf of the GMA Board, Geoff Webb, CEO at the GMA commented, “We would like to thank our exhibitors, visitors, partners and suppliers for their support and patience during this challenging time.

"It has been highly encouraging to see the industry come together and support the GMA’s decision.

“We feel we have acted quickly, working hard to secure these new Spring dates, in order to deliver the event the industry deserves.”

The GMA says their announcement has been well received by exhibitors and those working in the industry who have praised the timing of the decision.

David Cole, managing director of Reesink Turfcare, said, "We are pleased to see the GMA take decisive steps to deal with the growing doubt and anxiety about SALTEX going ahead in November. It would have been a difficult decision for a variety of reasons, but for us the right one to remove uncertainty and replace it with a forward date that we can look forward to with optimism. Early March keeps us in the ‘pre-season’ window to be able to give focus to the exhibition before the pressures of the season takeover."

David’s views were echoed by Caroline Shaw, European marketing manager for Trimax Mowers. Caroline said, “The decision to postpone the largest show of the year couldn’t have been easy but the decisive action, coupled with the determination to put the health and well-being of our industry professionals first, is something we are proud to support.”

Tom Shinkins, operations manager at GKB Machines, believes that the new dates could be advantageous, saying, “I believe the new dates will actually be more beneficial because we’ll be able to arrange demonstrations with prospective new customers straight after the show.

“With the show previously in November, we would meet lots of visitors on our stand but quite often we would not be able to carry out demonstrations for them until the new year due to the unpredictable weather. Now we will have the whole of Spring to visit SALTEX customers.”

Industry professional end users also had postive things to say about the move. Neil Stubley, head of courts and horticulture at the All English Lawn and Tennis Club, Wimbledon, said, "It’s a sensible decision which allows everyone to concentrate on the here and now and then focus for 2021."

Karl McDermott, head groundsman at Lord’s, said, “Sad news but the right decision. I always see SALTEX as a great way to finish off the cricket season but now it is going to be a nice warmup for next season. I’m looking forward to March 2021.”

SALTEX will now take place on 3 and 4 March 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Kubota this week became the first tractor manufacturer to be double AEF certified with its combination of TIM M7003 Premium KVT tractor series and TIM baler BV5xxx series earning the certification.

In the work environment, this will allow the M7003 tractor to communicate with the AEF certified implements, allowing the TIM baler or other AEF certified TIM implements to control tractor functionalities such as PTO, hydraulic, and vehicle speed.

The AEF (Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation) recently announced that both the baler and the M7003 tractor developed by Kubota have received the certification of the TIM conformance test. AEF, in its role as an international organisation dedicated to the technological innovation of agricultural equipment has the mandate to test and ensure that the manufacturers are following the protocol to be TIM certified.

Kubota say their TIM (Tractor Implement Management) enables bilateral communication between tractors and implements, allowing them to work in harmony and reduce the possibility of committing human error. On top of this, the TIM technology has the capacity to increase driver comfort by automatically performing the repetitive actions of the baling process and gives the tractor real-time information which means the driver does not have to check the state of the bales to complete baling. Once an exact bale diameter is reached, the tractor stops and discharges it, always maintaining the same compaction level, achieving the highest quality work.

The international landscape, outdoor living and equipment show.

Visit the Kentucky Exposition Center, between the 21-23rd October 2020, to take part in GIE+EXPO’s:

• 4,000sqft hands-on Drone Zone
• UTV Test Track for driving and comparing the latest vehicles on real terrain
• Remote Pilot Certification Course
• Arborist demos and classroom courses
• Keynote presentation from Admiral James Stavridis
• Free dealer workshops by Bob Clements International, as well as much more…

Visit gie-expo.com to find out more.

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It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year to be listed and all revenues in 2020 will be reinvested into promoting the site online.

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