HEADLINES DOMINATED! He only meant to watch the trailer! by Service Dealer Editor, Steve Gibbs
With searching for tractors prominent in the news cycle, what better time for the live return of a major ag machinery exhibition?
Have many of our ag machinery dealers recently seen a spike in visits to their website from the Westminster area?
Actually perhaps not because I'm led to believe from one of our most respected representatives in the House Of Commons, that it's terribly easy to be searching for entirely legitimate farm equipment information - such as Dominators or hoes - and find oneself confronted with quite unexpected content.
So do please be careful when setting up your online presence, making sure not to use easily confusable - titillating even - terminology. You could cause upstanding members to point in the wrong direction.
Show time again
Seriously though, what with all the free publicity that searching for tractors gained this week in the mainstream press, you'd think the way couldn't be paved more ideally for the return of one of the sector's biggest national shows.
Wednesday and Thursday saw the return of LAMMA to the NEC following a two year absence and various false dawns. Similar to the recent BTME held at the end of March though, the scuttlebutt beforehand was that the show was going ahead at a less then ideal time of year for its intended audience. Like greenkeepers before them, the thinking was that many farmers would be too busy carrying out crucial tasks vital to their jobs, to find the time to attend an exhibition.
However, similar to the BIGGA organised event, I did also get the impression that there was enough goodwill from both exhibitors and visitors, who were keen to support a key date in their industry's calendar and not see an important opportunity to gather together and showcase the sector fall by the wayside.
You can read the initial thoughts of Service Dealer's agricultural machinery editor Martin Rickatson today, who tells us that the show appears to have drawn decent visitor numbers despite its date move - with a full report to follow in the next issue of the magazine. Also #TeamTAP were out in force in Birmingham, capturing the action on film - the results of which you can watch here.
Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke with Anthony Deacon of dealers MKM Agri at LAMMA yesterday
Hopefully the show has at least fulfilled its purpose from a dealer's perspective. If it has generated interest and enthusiasm amongst end-users in new, innovative machinery options that can make their lives easier, thus promoting them to visit their local dealership or book a demo, then it has worked. The proof will of course be in that pudding over the next couple of months.
Feeling the pinch
As discussed last week, the cost of living crisis is high on the national agenda currently. Asking dealers if they've noticed an adverse change in their customers' spending habits, interestingly presented us with polarised views.
One dealer posted, "New sales last year were at a 20 year high. The first 4 months of this year has seen us 30% higher than even last year. We have noticed high end £1000+ pedestrian domestic machines are easier to sell, with customers specifically requesting these machines."
Whereas another said, "I would agree that more people are appearing with old machines they are looking to repair, usually themselves, and thus seeking spares for same. As for purchasing a machine, they always seem to ask for secondhand ones. Neither of these scenarios particularly helps our businesses, nor does it really help the customers, as the outcome either way is likely to be short lived."
I'm sure many of our readers are greatly concerned both by how consumers are choosing to part with their cash and, crucially, with their own incurred costs. Concerning the latter, I have been told that regular overheads such as utility bills etc are being exacerbated by certain suppliers recently adding an additional surcharge on to orders - and back orders - placed with them. One dealer I spoke to said they were "thoroughly fed up" right now.
They told me they were having to take steps such as turning the lights off on display stands, or not putting the heating on the office, in order to send a message to staff that costs need to be carefully monitored in the business. More than ever, every pound counts.
There may have been an assumption that this year would see society and business begin to get on the up and up once more. As we progress through 2022 though, perhaps it's being revealed that was based more in hope than fact?
This week’s LAMMA, the first time the NEC-based national farm machinery show has been held since January 2020, appears to have drawn decent visitor numbers.
This week’s LAMMA, the first time the NEC-based national farm machinery show has been held since January 2020, appeared to have drawn decent visitor numbers across the key early hours of both days, despite worries that the COVID-enforced date shift from January to May would deter many from coming given the busier time of year for both arable and livestock farms.
There were certainly some quieter periods later on both days, some blank spaces here and there, and some disquiet among some exhibitors around how some unfilled stand space had been allocated in the run-up to the event. And, as anticipated, some big names were missing. But the LAMMA organisers had used initiatives such as a new ‘LAMMA365 dealer zone’ to ensure most makes were presented, while others - such as Massey Ferguson - teamed up with their local dealer, and Case IH, for example, supplied a suite of tractors for UK retailing partner Bednar’s cultivation equipment stand. Marques such as Kubota, though, were fully represented by a UK HQ team.
Credit is due to the new organisers for restarting the show, with LAMMA and its associated magazine titles, including Farmers Guardian, Arable Farming and Dairy Farmer, having been acquired by new owners Arc, a global events, data, and media company, only last August. It remains to be seen how visitor numbers translate into trade down the line for manufacturers and dealers, with continued concern over high steel, fuel and fertiliser costs and the prospect of reduced farm support on the horizon – although high commodity prices, largely driven by the conflict in Ukraine, are tempering this slightly. As farm consultants Andersons pointed out in an early-morning press briefing, prospects for this harvest - given a little May/June rain - look ok. It is next year in particular when farmers look likely to have to tighten their belts.
There was certainly no hiding the fact some exhibitors were unhappy with the rescheduled date, fearing that livestock producers would be busy making silage and arable farmers would be busy on their sprayers in the midst of disease control programmes. Some had chosen to shrink their originally-planned stand sizes, and it was suggested many had done so on the basis they would be recompensed for the space they didn’t use only via reduced payment for stand space at next year’s event. However, despite the fact no-one can be sure how many attendees at a free-entry show are tyre-kickers and how many are serious prospective buyers, many reported a decent level of enquiries despite the rise in ag input costs and machinery prices. The next challenge will be to see whether sufficient support can be garnered for the next event, which barring another other unforeseen issues should fall back into its usual January slot – only eight months from now…
Read Martin's full LAMMA report in the next issue of Service Dealer magazine.
Service Dealer is proud to launch a new recruitment service for the industry today.
Service Dealer is proud to launch a new recruitment service for the industry today.
As well as job vacancy adverts appearing in this Weekly Update every Friday, there is now a dedicated Jobs page on Service Dealer's website where the latest industry positions will be accessible 24/7.
Service Dealer owner Duncan Murray-Clarke said, "As the only media title that links the entire industry - from domestic to professional groundcare & ag dealers, to manufacturers & suppliers - we felt it was important that we offer our assistance in linking recruiters with potential employees.
"We all know that there's difficulties in finding candidates in our sector right now, so we hope our new Jobs section can give those looking to employ the best chance to find the right candidate.
"Service Dealer is in a unique position to reach people from all walks of our diverse industry."
For more information on how your company can benefit from Service Dealer's new Jobs section contact Nikki Harrison on Nikki@theadplain.com or on 01491 837117.
Find out who won best Overall, Medium and Small dealer categories amongst others.
New Holland has announced the winners of its 2021 UK and Ireland Dealer of The Year Awards, which celebrate excellence in performance and service quality across its extensive dealer network.
In a statement the manufacturer said, "In a year where the whole dealer network delivered fantastic results, the four main category winners together with the product Line category winners should feel justifiably proud."
Pat Smith, New Holland business director for the UK and Ireland, said, “The purpose of these awards is to acknowledge and reward the performance and effort that our dealers put into the service they provide to our customers.
"The past two years have presented a unique challenge, not just in the agricultural machinery sector, but to all of us. That 2021 was a very successful year for New Holland and our dealers shows the excellent teamwork across our whole dealer network”.
The company says this development allows them to offer a new four-season product line under the Gravely brand to serve the rental and construction markets.
Thomas Equipment has been a manufacturer of outdoor equipment for 79 years based in Beechwood, New Brunswick, Canada. Started in 1943 by the Thomas Brothers as an agricultural repair business, they expanded into manufacturing equipment for agricultural purposes, namely potato harvesting and handling. In 1969, the company introduced the world’s first hydrostatic drive skid-loader. Thomas Equipment was purchased by A-L Parts Inc. in 2013.
AriensCo say they are partnering with Al Downy and Leon Butterfield, owners of A-L Parts Inc. to launch the production of the Gravely branded Mini Skid Steer line in their Canadian facility.
“We think this is a perfect extension of our Gravely product line,” said Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of AriensCo. “This multi-tool piece of equipment is great for hardscape work with accessories like a tree auger, stump grinder, pallet forks, etc. It’s a big tool but is small and compact so it can fit through a gate and can be hauled on a trailer with other mowers. We think it will be a great offering for commercial landscapers.”
AriensCo is providing management support for the increase in production. They say five Gravely branded Mini-Skid Loaders (3 diesel and 2 petrol powered models) are planned for the autumn.
New role comes at a time when " . the need for qualified engineers, researcher’s and academics has never been more important".
Steve Constable, managing director of Spaldings Limited, has been appointed as the new President of IAgrE.
Steve has worked for Spaldings for 32 years and was previously operations director before being appointed managing director in 2019.
He studied a degree in agricultural engineering at Harper Adams University and has an MBA in Business Management and Marketing.
Steve became President at an official ceremony at the Institution’s annual AGM and award ceremony held this year at the Claas UK headquarters in Little Saxham, Suffolk. His Presidency will last for two years.
Commenting on his appointment Steve said, “I am privileged to be appointed President of the IAgrE at a time when the need for qualified engineers, researchers and academics has never been more important. Recent events such as Covid, Brexit and the conflict in the Ukraine have highlighted to all stakeholders the importance of producing food efficiently, effectively and with the least harm to the environment. I am committed to working hard in helping develop this Institution to remain at the forefront of this exciting industry”.
President Elect is Dr Mark Moore FIAgrE. Mark is Director, Government Affairs at AGCO
Dealership says taking on the range will allow them to enter new market sectors.
Vicon has appointed Norfolk-based SAS Agri to further extend its dealer network. The manufacturer says this expansion gives them a greater presence throughout East Anglia and north Suffolk.
L-R: Dameon Leyt (sales), Richard Gay (dealer principal) and Tim Austin (service manager)
Based at Church Farm, Mautby near Great Yarmouth, SAS Agri has been steadily expanding since new owners Richard Gay and Emma Davey bought the company from founder Alan Suffling. With a mix of franchises to support growers across the region, the pair are passionate about machinery and engineering, with both actively involved in farming.
“We’re delighted to add the Vicon portfolio to our business,” explained Richard Gay, a director of SAS Agri. “Vicon is a well-established premium brand with a strong reputation, and its extensive product range now takes us into new market sectors.
“We have recently appointed sales, workshop and parts staff, to ensure we deliver excellent customer service across all aspects of the dealership,” he added. “Being farmers ourselves, we understand the needs of our customers first-hand.”
Commenting on the appointment, Vicon sales manager David Furber said, “We’re pleased to have secured this well-known machinery dealer to handle sales, service and support for new and existing Vicon customers across Norfolk and north Suffolk."
Built by a group of groundcare industry specialists, the forum will introduce its objectives to the industry later this year.
SAGE have announced that they have become the home event for GRASS, a newly launched forum built by a group of groundcare industry specialists.
Taking place 6th and 7th July, SAGE say they will provide a platform for GRASS to introduce its objectives to the industry this summer.
GRASS stands for, Groundcare Resources & Sustainability Suppliers, and is the idea of Mark Tomlinson head of environmental and sustainability stadia projects at Bio-Circle.
The new networking and support forum is a free to join group that says it supports all groundcare and other sporting industry sustainability projects, providing free advice and knowledge of sustainable pitch care.
They say that grounds personnel, manufacturers and senior experts have come together to form a group that allows grounds staff to begin their own sustainability projects with support and advice.
Mark Tomlinson said, “By coming together and sharing knowledge GRASS can help and support groundcare personnel with their sustainability projects. We want to help and protect our environment and make a difference.”
Local supplier delivers machine to grassroots cricket club following prize draw held at SALTEX.
Westgate-on-Sea Cricket Club is the lucky winner of a Toro Greensmaster 800 pedestrian mower after entering distributor Reesink Turfcare’s competition at SALTEX.
L-R: Colin Osborne, Martin Arnold and Raif Kelly from Westgate-On-Sea Cricket Club and Reesink’s Richard Wood
Raif Kelly, who has been at the club for 35 years having worn many hats along the way from president to secretary to community manager and finally, as head groundsman, is “incredibly pleased” with the result from the prize draw and can’t wait to put the machine to work.
Overseeing three groundskeeping teams that work diligently on the square every weekend, Raif explains, “The Greensmaster 800 will come very in handy to cut the cricket strips to the standards to which we have accustomed our members. This is our first Toro machine so we’re very excited to try it and see what it can do.
“We make sure the square is always in good condition. A lot of work goes into it over the year, starting in May and finishing in September, at which point we put it to bed during the winter. There’s only two months in the whole year where we don’t do any work so the Toro mower will be put to a lot of good use!”
Reesink’s South East branch will be delivering the machine to the club and branch manager Jon Cole says of the win: “Congratulations to the team at Westgate-On-Sea Cricket Club. We hope the Toro Greensmaster will help maintain your pitch to the highest level for this season and many more to come.”
This position would suit an experienced salesperson who is currently working with a main line franchise within the area and is looking to progress their future career into management within the next 2 years.
Looking for a change? Somewhere more relaxed, in a peaceful country where people look out for each other? New Zealand could be just the place you’re looking for.
STIHL’s new ADVANCE ProCOM headset offers forestry and landscaping professionals clear and high-quality communication in noisy environments, while offering a high level of ear protection.
STIHL’s new ADVANCE ProCOM headset offers forestry and landscaping professionals clear and high-quality communication in noisy environments, while offering a high level of ear protection. Using intercom mesh technology, up to 16 headsets can link automatically, allowing users to listen and communicate effectively as a team.
Designed with user safety in mind, STIHL’s new innovative headset has a high attenuation value of 31 for extremely high noise protection, and is available as a headset or as an accessory for the ADVANCE X-CLIMB helmet. ADVANCE ProCOM may also be fitted to other 3M compatible helmets.
ADVANCE ProCOM has a range of up to 600m depending on the terrain, however, each headset acts as an amplifier to extend the range even further if more than two headsets are in use. Multiple channels are available for teams working in close proximity, and users may choose the open mic setting for frequent communication, or alternatively, the push-to-talk button can be used instead to minimise background noise.
The intelligent ambient mode feature allows the user to clearly hear their surroundings and react quickly to potential dangers such as traffic or passers-by. Ambient mode de-activates automatically when a loud noise is detected, maintaining a high level of protection when it’s most needed.
Additional features such as smartphone voice assistance, an integrated FM radio and app customisation are also included in the ADVANCE ProCOM system. Thanks to an IP 64 protection rating users can also be assured that sweat, dirt and rain will not harm the headset's electronics, offering complete flexibility. The headsets also feature large, ergonomic buttons for easy use and handling when wearing gloves.
For more information on STIHL’s new ADVANCE ProCOM headset, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.
That’s the philosophy of Garden Trader and we have maintained our affordable annual subscription at £96 for the whole year. This equates to 26p per day and an average of just 83p for every potential customer the site delivers to dealers. Garden Trader has 160 skilled dealers subscribed up and down the UK and they are all benefiting from the 1m+ dealer search impressions the site generates each year. People want to buy from people and this highly targeted website is delivering quality leads to subscribed dealers for just 26p per day.
Our 2020 Summer research showed that on average, each Garden Trader dealer will be sent 114 new customers (or people with a buying intention walking through your door) per year. This works out at 83p for each new customer. A subscription rate designed to be all inclusive delivering unrivalled online results.
This site was purpose-built just for skilled servicing ground care dealers by the team that bring you Service Dealer Magazine. It is easy and quick to register and costs just £96 + VAT per year for a full listing. As this dealer site is designed to promote the UK dealer network, all revenues in 2022 will continue to be reinvested into promoting the site online and so supporting the dealer network.
Join the country’s only independent specialist website, created by the team that bring you Service Dealer. Join our subscribed Garden Trader dealers now by clicking on “Register Dealership” and let's fight back against the zero value retailers.
