CEREALS QUIETER THIS WEEK
But enquiry quality good
by Martin Rickatson
While the organisers reckoned on numbers holding up when compared with last year, according to the manufacturers present, there was a noticeably thinner crowd at this week’s Cereals, the annual arable farming industry event.
But many were pleased with the quality if not the quantity of visitors, suggesting that those present were still intending to invest in their businesses despite the continued depression in the sector.
The continued steady decline in the number of big names present remained notable, though. Claas continued its leave of absence from the show, and while in recent years it has been present by proxy through its Combine World used equipment business, this year that was absent too. Among the others to stay away were McCormick and Landini importer AgriArgo, and JCB . Others, though, chose to capitalise on their absence by returning for the first time in many years, with SDF showing Deutz-Fahr tractors and a combine, and holding a working demo of its Agrosky precision farming technology. Market newcomer Armatrac also had a considerable presence.
Confidence generally was at a low level, with many suggesting that this season they could not justify the expense of the transport, accommodation and associated costs of the show. Where does Cereals go from here? It will be interesting to see who commits to next year’s show as bookings for 2017 get underway…
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Visitor numbers appeared to be down at this year’s Cereals, according to exhibitors, although the organisers suggested the first day total was near 2015’s.
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Following the winding down of the RECO business, power harrows from Breviglieri have found a new importer, in the shape of Weaving Machinery.
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This was the first Cereals for Hubert ploughs, retailed through Suffolk former Dowdeswell dealer Agri-Hire. The firm says it may at some point be seeking sales agents.
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Yorks firm Ryetec is now importing the Ma/Ag range of double-disc direct drills from Italy.
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Landquip managed to get around the show absence of JCB, still securing a Fastrac 4220 to show off its new rear boom fold demount
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Chafer chose Cereals to launch a new range of self-propelled sprayers based on an in-house design.
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Essex used machinery specialist Brock is building the range of new equipment it offers under its own banner, topped by these massive 24m ring rolls.
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How long might it be before New Holland dealers are retailing the brand’s methane-powered tractor?
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