Comment – Goodbye ’25, Hello ’26

It’s been some week, having rushed to check on my map where Venezuela was yesterday, I’m now starting to think about what Trumps removal of the leader of the country with the biggest oil reserves will mean for the rest of us.

The oil business runs on risk and confidence, the majority of Venezuela’s oil infrastructure is now damaged and may take years to be repaired, and consequently their ability to service the oil export market is nil. Note most of those oil exports were to China, if and when they are back up and running, will that oil now divert north to Venezuela’s new big brother? Where will China’s oil come from? There’s a bigger game at foot here, as the message given to Putin is that you can effect regime change with whoever you want if you want to. Ditto China and Taiwan. I said it last year and I’ll say it again, we are in for a rough ride.  For a few different takes have a look at the Guardian (the other one) and this very long history lesson.

It’s obvious that international policy is way above my understanding and pay grade, but I suggest you fill your red diesel and heating oil tanks, plus the truck.

Closer to home Lloyd Limited’s announcement of dual branding New Holland and Case IH for the Cumbria branches, whilst not the first UK dealer to do so (see Turneys and Doe Power), does fill the gap in the red corner left by CT Hayton .

My big prediction for 2026 is that lamb will be in demand, as it happens I’ve got a few store lambs left, give me a call!

Happy New Year and have a good week.

Andy