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The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has launched a new, revitalised website at www.naac.co.uk, featuring an improved, easy to navigate ‘Find a Contractor’ area.
With Brexit looming the number of UK SME manufacturers expecting to see growth in their business has hit its lowest point in a nearly decade. That’s according to the latest UK SME Manufacturing Barometer, which reveals a sector braced for uncertainty.
51% of UK SME manufacturers surveyed expect their sales turnover to increase in the next six months.
OPICO Ltd has announced the appointment of L Evans & Son to their Maschio Gaspardo dealer network in the UK.
OPICO has appointed Dominic Burt as Territory Manager to cover Wales, West and South West England. Adding further strength to the sales team, Dominic will also take responsibility for the Maschio Gaspardo brands in this area.
Commenting, Robin Immink, Maschio Gaspardo UK Sales Manager said, ‘I am delighted to have taken on such a knowledgeable and respected individual. Dominic joins OPICO with a wealth of experience garnered in the trade over the last 20 years. Most recently he has specialised in precision technology, but is also well versed in the Maschio Gaspardo range.’
The NFU is urging the farming industry to reverse the stigma around mental wellbeing as statistics released by the Health and Safety Executive have identified stress, depression and anxiety as some the main causes of work-related ill health.
The report outlined that the overall illness rate for agricultural workers is 46% higher than the industry average, and highlighted that stress, depression and anxiety are significant causes of ill health alongside musculoskeletal disorders and lung disease.
For the third month in a row, UK registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) were almost unchanged from a year earlier in October.
The total of 836 machines registered during the month was only 10 fewer than in October 2017; the total for August – October was five machines down on the same period last year.
This followed a period of robust growth and the total number of registrations for the year to date is up 6% on the first ten months of 2017, at 10,542 machines.
Registrations of compact tractors (under 50hp) were again higher than last year, for the fourth month in a row. At 153 machines, they were up 4% year on year, bringing the total for the year to date to 1,322 units, 2% more than in January to October 2017.
Amazone Ltd is a leading manufacturer in the agricultural and amenity sector with a reputation for innovative and quality equipment.
Due to internal promotion, we are looking to recruit a Territory Aftersales Service Manager, North-East England & East Midlands
Home-based and reporting directly to the Aftersales Manager, this role aims to provide field-based technical service and parts support to our dealers and customers across this key geographical area. The candidate must have good communication and organisational skills, be IT-literate and have a committed approach to customer care. They will also be self-motivated with a flexible, professional approach and show a desire to learn.
The ideal candidate will have an extensive agricultural background, will have a formal qualification in agricultural engineering and be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems.
Please apply in either instance by e-mail attaching your CV to: Simon.Brown@amazone.co.uk
This year marks the 10th anniversary of CLAAS UK working with SRUC Barony to offer apprenticeship courses for students from CLAAS dealerships in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland.
CLAAS UK is still the only major machinery manufacture to offer the option of studying either at SRUC Barony or at Reaseheath College in Cheshire. The demand for a course based in Scotland is more than evident in the fact that of the 25 new Landbased Service Engineering and Parts Sales & Marketing apprentices starting their training this autumn, 16 of them are enrolled at SRUC Barony, the second largest intake there since the course started in 2008.
Over the first three years of their four-year apprenticeship, the students will receive comprehensive training, in addition to CLAAS product and general technical training while working with their dealership, where they will be mentored and supported. During their final fourth year they undertake additional advanced technical and industry training.
Those studying for the 3-year CLAAS Parts Sales & Marketing apprenticeship, which is based at Reaseheath College, similarly split their time between formal training and practical time back at their supporting dealership. Upon competition of the course, they will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Operations, which is the equivalent of three ‘A’ Levels.
For all the students however, the completion of their apprenticeship will be just the start of their training with CLAAS. Having qualified, working with their dealership and CLAAS UK they will have access to ongoing training and development and ultimately the opportunity to move into more senior management roles within their dealerships or with CLAAS should they so wish.
Reaseheath College 2018 CLAAS Apprentice intake
Jack Reynolds EASTERN, Markham Moor
James Howe WESTERN Cirencester
Jordan Seeley MANNS, Saxham
Ruben AntunesMANNS, Thursford
Will Clayton MANNS, Thursford
Henry BenbowMorris Corfield, Docklow
Samuel Oliver Morris Corfield, Craven Arms
Matthew SavillOlivers, Luton
Joseph Richardson Rickerby, Bowburn (Parts)
SRUC 2018 CLAAS Apprentice intake
Ronald MacDonald-Jarvie Gordons, Berryhill
Gregor Bell Gordons, Dumfries
Ryan Widdowson Gordons, Castle Douglas
Drew Ritchie Gordons, Strathaven
Joshua WinderRickerby, Carnforth
Owen Blackburn Rickerby, Carlisle
Matthew Whitehead Rickerby, Alnwick
Peter Scott Rickerby, Cornhill
Danny Wilkinson Rickerby, Hexham
Robbie Aitchison Rickerby, Dunbar
Alasdair McGavin Sellars, Forres
Lloyd Cathro Sellars, Letham
Calum Czaja Sellars, Forres
Gregor Innes Sellars, Huntly
Finlay Pass Sellars, Perth
Richard Meaney Kellys
Agricultural School and Practical Training Centre in Kaczki Średnie has become the first European educational facility equipped with precision farming teaching tools from Kubota. The Precision Farming Centre project was launched in cooperation with the Kubota distributor in Poland and their dealer Polsad Jacek Korczak.
The Mechatronics Dept. of Kubota has prepared a range of tools and accessories to be used by pupils in Kaczki Średnie. This includes models of implements, ISOBUS simulators and universal K-Monitor terminals. The addition of this equipment to the school makes it the most modern and best equipped precision farming teaching facility in Poland.
Amazone Ltd is a leading manufacturer in the agricultural and amenity sector with a reputation for innovative and quality equipment.
Due to internal promotion, we are looking to recruit an Aftersales Support Engineer (office based).
Reporting directly to the Aftersales Manager, this role provides in-house technical service and parts support to our customers via telephone and e-mail. Although primarily office-based at Amazone Ltd.’s headquarters at Auckley, near Doncaster, the job will also involve some travel within Great Britain. The ideal candidate will have an extensive agricultural background, will preferably have gained a qualification from an agricultural college, be IT-literate
and be self-motivated with excellent communication and organisational skills.
This is a rare opportunity to work for one of Europe’s leading machinery manufacturers, and specific product training
will be provided at our production facilities in Germany and France. Knowledge also of the German language would be of benefit.
Please apply in the first instance by email attaching your CV to: Simon.Brown@amazone.co.uk
KUHN UK will be launching a radar-equipped, automatic spread pattern control system for its AXIS 50.2 twin-disc fertiliser spreader at this year’s CropTec Show at the East of England Showground, Peterborough on Wednesday 28th November.
The AXMAT Plus concept, which was awarded a gold medal at AGRITECHNICA in 2013, is now being officially launched in the UK. This novel fertiliser spread pattern controller is equipped with 54 radar sensors (27 on each spreading disc) which are arranged in a horseshoe shaped layout underneath the twin spreading discs of the Axis H 50.2 EMC+W fertiliser spreader.
The Advanced Driving System for the Landini REX 4 received the coveted Technical Innovation Award 2018, which is given during EIMA, the trade show dedicated to farming equipment held in Bologna.
“At Argo Tractors – said Antonio Salvaterra, Marketing Director of the industrial group based in Reggio Emilia – we believe that this award further validates our continued research efforts aimed at improving comfort, safety and performance, which are at the core of our corporate mission”.
Specialty tractors require a great deal of effort on the part of the operator, who needs to control both the vehicle and implements. Based on this consideration, the Advanced Driving System aims to enhance operator comfort by making it easier to control and manage operations rather than driving the vehicle.
AGCO has appointed G Hegarty & Sons Ltd as a new distributor for its Massey Ferguson farm machinery brand in South East Ireland. The move is part of AGCO’s long-term strategy to strengthen customer service, offer full-line product ranges and ensure an increased availability of exclusive brand expertise at its distribution outlets.
“This is a significant change in this key territory,” says Mark Casement, AGCO Director Distribution Management UK and Ireland. “G Hegarty & Sons Ltd is a highly-experienced dealership, extremely well-equipped and fully-focused on serving customers in this important farming area. It is a great pleasure to welcome them on board”.
Farmers in the Midlands can apply for a £5,000 environmental grant to help fund management and infrastructure changes that will protect watercourses from pollution.
Dr Jodie Rettino, Severn Trent catchment management and biodiversity lead, explains that the Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS), now in its fourth year, is the organisations biggest catchment management funding programme.
“To date we’ve awarded 936 grants worth £4 million and our farmers have also match funded £4.2 million between them,” says Jodie.
Maschinenfabrik Schmotzer GmbH has transferred its hoeing range to the Amazone Group effective January 1st, 2019.
The manufacturing of the hoes will remain at the site in Bad Windsheim and all employees will remain with the newly founded Schmotzer Hacktechnik GmbH & Co. KG and become part of the Amazone Group. Schmotzer Hacktechnik will carry out all of the sales and service activities as before and the implements will continue to be sold under the label Schmotzer.
Mr. Ferdinand Wahl, a longstanding managing partner of Maschinenfabrik Schmotzer GmbH, will stay affiliated with the new company and will continue to have an active role.
HORSCH will be offering exclusively its full machinery range through CLAAS Eastern and its eight locations covering Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. The partnership will cover all HORSCH cultivation and seeding machinery, together with their trailed and self-propelled sprayers, allowing customers to order HORSCH machinery from this dealer now.
“We’re delighted to be working with CLAAS Eastern. Our ‘farming with passion’ philosophy extends throughout the company from innovative product development to outstanding customer support from our dealers. By working with CLAAS Eastern, we have two businesses focused on providing great products and support,” says Stephen Burcham, General Manager at HORSCH UK.
Damian Quigley (age 34) has been appointed to the position of Technical & Training Manager with agricultural and construction equipment, forestry and waste processing machinery distributor, McHale Plant Sales.
In his new role, his primary function will be to advance the careers of apprentices, give technical support to the company’s own field engineers, and provide customer service personnel with even more direct and streamlined access to technical guidance. Internally, health and safety training issues also form part of his remit.
AGCO Corporation has appointed Eric Hansotia as its Chief Operating Officer, a new position within AGCO effective January 1, 2019.
Mr. Hansotia will assume responsibility for all of AGCO’s regional commercial operations as well as its global product management, engineering, manufacturing and supply chain functions. He will continue to report to Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President, and CEO of AGCO.
Darren Atherton Account Executive at Bradshaw Bennett Insurance takes at look at Cyber crime.
In 2017 Cyber losses cost the UK economy £27 billion and according to the Government around 46% of businesses have suffered a digital attack. Which, when you consider there are around 5.5 million UK companies, implies 2.5 million have been victims of Cyber Crime, which shows just how valuable data is to criminals.
Data leaks and breaches can have far-reaching consequences and specific data protection insurance policies are available to cover these risks, as they are often not automatically insured under any standard Office, Commercial Combined or Motor Trade insurance policy.
General Data Protection Regulation [Read More…]
With Brexit looming the number of UK SME manufacturers expecting to see growth in their business has hit its lowest point in a nearly decade.
That’s according to the latest UK SME Manufacturing Barometer, which reveals a sector braced for uncertainty.
51% of UK SME manufacturers surveyed expect their sales turnover to increase in the next six months.
While this is more than half of those surveyed, it is 13% fewer than the last quarter and, worryingly, continues a downward trend seen over the last year, resting now at a level not seen for six years.
John Deere Limited has announced changes to its agricultural dealer organisation in north-west England and south-west Scotland. As of 31stOctober 2018 Johnston Tractors Ltd at Carlisle, Appleby and Dumfries no longer holds the John Deere franchise and has been replaced by Cornthwaite Group.
Cornthwaite Group has secured new premises in Dumfries on the Heathhall Industrial Estate, which are currently under construction and will open in the near future. In the meantime it has an interim facility on the same estate, to provide ongoing parts and service support.
CLAAS EASTERN have recently announced that Simon Wood has joined the team at Markham Moor, Retford as a Field Sales Manager. Covering North Derbyshire & Adjoining areas of South Yorkshire Simon can be contacted on 07730 780508
CLAAS Eastern are part of the CLAAS dealer network, employing over 100 staff between their 7 branches, which cover Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire. They sell a full range of CLAAS harvesting equipment, tractors, telehandlers, balers and green harvest equipment, together with other complimentary exclusive franchises including LEMKEN, SAMSON and KRM.
Kramp and John Deere are to expand their strategic partnership to France, Poland, Portugal and Spain. Other European countries will follow in the next phase and the agreement will be formalised next year.
As leading companies in their industries, Deere and Kramp share similar values and a common
Purpose to partner up with their dealers and ensure their success. This was the starting point for the partnership in Germany and it has proved to be beneficial for both dealer and farmer.
The partnership made it easy for John Deere dealers in Germany to order, stock and sell parts and accessories, which complement the John Deere portfolio, via a single channel.
HORSCH will be offering exclusively its full machinery range through CLAAS Eastern and its eight locations covering Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. The partnership will cover all HORSCH cultivation and seeding machinery, together with their trailed and self-propelled sprayers, allowing customers to order HORSCH machinery from this dealer now.
“We’re delighted to be working with CLAAS Eastern. Our ‘farming with passion’ philosophy extends throughout the company from innovative product development to outstanding customer support from our dealers. By working with CLAAS Eastern, we have two businesses focused on providing great products and support,” says Stephen Burcham, General Manager at HORSCH UK.
2018 marks a significant milestone for Kverneland precision seeding equipment – it is the 25th anniversary of using electric seed metering drives (e-drive). It is an achievement that reinforces a wealth of electric drive experience that is unmatched by any other precision seeding company.
Electric drives for seed metering grew out of the development of the Unicorn Synchro in 1993, and have since advanced to e-drive II. Along the way, section control has evolved too, and combined with greater computing power, has led to the integration of the sophisticated GEOSEED.
Ben Cooper, a graduate from Reading University, has joined the team at IBR-Ltd in the newly created position of Precision Farming Executive to support the widening interest of the new satellite data service “My Data Plant” from the Klefmann Group.
This new service provides growers with processed satellite data on a 5-day frequency to monitor crop biomass development. It also has the ability to create soil zone and variable fertiliser maps.This initiative enables the grower to be in control of localised monitoring of their crops to optimise crop-based inputs. Maps can be transferred directly to tractor terminals.
A Duchy College Rosewarne student has been awarded a scholarship with Fraddon based machinery dealership, Vincent Tractors & Plant.
This years’ recipient, Barnaby Hills has already started his work placement at the Cornwall and Devon Kubota franchise as part of his scholarship package as he works towards his Level 2 land-based engineering certificate at Duchy College.
It is the third year in a row that Vincent Tractors & Plant have offered this scholarship to a Duchy College Rosewarne student as part of its ongoing commitment to encourage new entrants into the engineering industry. Paul Vincent, Managing Director at Vincent Tractors & Plant recognised that there was a shortfall in engineers and provided the scholarship as a means of encouraging youngsters into the industry.
CNH Industrial, in cooperation with Zhejiang Yizhong Education Consulting Ltd (Yizhong Edulife), has established a new industrial equipment youth training program through the Xinjiang Agriculture Vocational Technical College and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Agricultural Machinery Bureau. This new program will provide local youths with valuable skills in industrial equipment repair and maintenance to help prepare them for future careers in the industry.
CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE: CNHI /MI: CNHI) has launched the latest edition of its TechPro² Technical Professional Program dedicated to industrial equipment in Changji, near Urumqi. Located in China’s northwestern Xinjiang region, CNH Industrial is already present in Urumqi with a manufacturing facility specialized in making cotton pickers for the Case IH brand.
The winners of the 2018 British Farming Awards have been revealed at a fabulous award ceremony, held at the National Conference Centre, Birmingham on the 18th October and supported by Morrisons.
More than 700 farmers and industry professionals attended the event, which showcased the innovation and achievements of British farmers across the agricultural industry.
Organised by AgriBriefing, parent company of Farmers Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming, the 14 awards welcomed entries from across farming’s core sectors including beef, arable, machinery, agricultural students and diversification.
Sophie Throup, Morrisons agriculture manager, says: “Morrisons is pleased to once again sponsor the British Farming Awards and help celebrate some of the great work British farmers do.
“Our customers tell us year in, year out, buying British and supporting British farmers is as important to them as it is to us.
“As British farming’s biggest supermarket customer, we value the 3,500 farmers and growers we deal with directly and know that by working together, we can build long-term business sustainability through strong and enduring relationships.”
Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture
Kicking off the evening was the presentation for the Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture Award, given to Mary Mead co-founder of Yeo Valley.
As the biggest organic brand in the UK, nine million homes buy at least one Yeo Valley dairy product including milk, yogurts, crème fraiche and butter.
With a career spanning more than 60 years, Mary Mead moved to Holt Farm in Blagdon, Somerset, with husband Roger in 1961. The farm then had just 35 cows.
Their entrepreneurial spirit launched the award winning brand from scratch and following the passing of Roger, Mary continued to lead the family-run unit alongside her son, Tim.
Today the business runs 450 pedigree cows across two units spanning 1,400 acres and employs more than 1,700 people.
Recognised for their product quality, innovation and sustainable farming practises, the company have been awarded two Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the revolutionary way it works with its farming suppliers, encouraging them to turn organic and giving them long-term ‘fair trade’ contracts.
Visitors to the Midlands Machinery Show can discover ways to save energy – not to mention time and money – in their agricultural processes by stopping by the Gibbons Agricultural stand when the two-day event begins on November 21.
Essex-based Gibbons will be found at stand JCH3 2, where experts will be on hand to explain the company’s complete range of grain store products and services.
Now in its fifth year, the Midlands Machinery Show will showcase the latest agricultural machinery to thousands of visitors – the ideal platform for Gibbons to display its range of crop-conditioning fans and grain store temperature control systems.
