Dealer looks forward to ‘perfectly-timed’ show

• Time to look ahead after Budget

• Farmers have clarity on finances

• Industry purchases for long term

Farmers and contractors looking for some much-needed clarity before purchasing much-needed kit can look forward to a perfectly timed Midlands Machinery Show.

That’s the feedback Chandlers Farm Equipment has received from customers ahead of this month’s two-day extravaganza at the Newark Showground on 20-21 November –three weeks after the government set out its Autumn Budget.

“We’ve had a few people say they were going to hold off on big purchases until after we heard from the Chancellor,” says Rob Immink, director of sales FV at Chandlers Farm Equipment. “They wanted that clarity.”

Having identified a need for a particular machine, most farmers and contractors would have probably ended up making a purchase anyway, says Mr Immink. But they wanted to make a final decision when there weren’t as many unknowns.

Although painful for some, the Budget wasn’t so bad for others. Either way, few businesses thrive on uncertainty and everyone now knows where they stand. This means they have an expectation of what the future looks like.

“That will install a bit more confidence in the sector,” says Mr Immink.

Challenges in the agricultural sector and the wider cost of living crisis have meant that many farmers have already altered their priorities when it comes to purchasing farm equipment.

“People are looking for fuel efficiency. That’s why we sell so many Fendts, because if there is one thing Fendts are, it’s fuel efficient.

“People aren’t necessarily looking for a cheaper investment – the vast majority of customers are looking for better quality machinery that they can keep for five to six years, rather than three.”

Chandlers is one of the UK’s biggest AGCO dealers. Representing a host of agricultural big brands including Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra, it also carries a full range of complementary machinery from other leading manufacturers.

Great location

“We like the Midlands Machinery Show because it’s in a great location for us – it covers 50% of our 16 depots so we will see clients from seven or eight of those. It’s local to our head office and the time of year is perfect as it’s quieter for most farmers.

“It can be raining or cold in November – but nowadays it can be like that in July too. You can’t guarantee the weather any day or month now – but we can guarantee there will always be a warm cup of tea or coffee waiting for customers on our stand.”

Visitors to the Chandlers stand at the Midlands Machinery Show can expect to find a variety of kit on show. And as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary, Mr Immink says Chandlers is looking forward to a birthday of its own next year.

“Chandlers will mark 90 years of serving the farming community in 2025 – and we’re looking forward to celebrating with all our customers as we mark our history and look forward to the next chapter in our story.”

Water is focus for NFU environment event

Top speakers have been confirmed for the NFU’s environment conference, which takes place on the first day of the Midlands Machinery Show.

The theme of the conference is Water Under Pressure – including the latest thinking on flood prevention and abstraction. NFU deputy president David Exwood will give an update on the government’s strategy on water for farming.

Other speakers will include Paul Carrott from Dyson Farming, irrigation expert Jerry Knox from Cranfield University, Severn Trent Water principal catchment scientist Georgina Key and NFU water specialist Mark Betson.

NFU Midlands regional director Rob Newbery said: “Our annual environment conference is a key date in the regional calendar and an opportunity for us and members to delve into a topic in greater detail.

There was no more pressing issue than water in Midlands farming and wider agriculture, said Mr Newbery. With the global population set to exceed 10 billion people by 2050, there would be increasing demand for water resources.

“British farmers’ ability to maintain and increase efficient, high quality food production is being threatened by growing competition for water, climate change, severe weather events and ageing and inadequate infrastructure.