Agrimachinery.trade, Killington Hall Farm, Carnforth (2026)

12/01/2026

This week, every year, I suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). It’s the Oxford Farming Conference, and I am trudging through the frozen wastes of the North feeding sheep and cattle, not in my best tweed three-piece suit on the High St in Oxford.

In farming, and the machinery supply chain by default, the global picture influences the national picture. Which in turn affects our world. For that reason I always enjoy Oxford.

It’s the start of the new year, and when better to take stock and consider which way ‘the job’ is going?

I do have my spies in the room, and this year’s conference kicked off with a Farmers Weekly Question Time session looking at Farming Profit and Policy.

This week, every year, I suffer from FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). It’s the Oxford Farming Conference, and I am trudging through the frozen wastes of the North

05/01/2026

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 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

05/01/2026

From 1 January 2026, Lloyd Ltd’s Carlisle and Penrith depots begin representing Case IH as a dual-branded dealer alongside New Holland, bringing the full Case IH range of tractors, harvesting equipment, hay and forage machines, telescopic loaders and precision technology solutions to the area.
The move follows wider dealer network changes in the region after the closure of CT Haytons in Cumbria, and is part of a strategy to improve local access to sales, service and parts support for both brands under one roof.
Managing director George Lloyd says the expansion marks a significant milestone for the business, reflecting a long-standing partnership with the manufacturer and the deep loyalty of local customers to both product lines. He adds that sales teams are already training on the new offering to ensure a seamless transition for existing and new customers.

From 1 January 2026, Lloyd Ltd’s Carlisle and Penrith depots begin representing Case IH as a dual-branded dealer alongside New Holland, bringing the full Case

30/12/2025

Vervaet importer J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd will hold its biennial working demonstration in late January 2026. This ever-popular event is widely regarded as unmissable for those involved in sugar beet harvesting and the wider industry, as well as being an enjoyable day out with a now legendary hog roast.
The latest Vervaet beet harvester range will be at work including both turbine and rollerbed versions of the Q-Series which remains the UK’s best-selling harvester by a strong margin, the unstoppable six-wheel Beet Eater 625 plus the Riley Beet Chaser conversion. Additionally, the Vervaet Quad 550 self-propelled slurry applicator, which has quickly taken the UK market by storm to assert itself in pole position, will also be shown.
The Riley business is well known for its refurbished harvesters, completing a large number to a very high standard each season.

Vervaet importer J Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd will hold its biennial working demonstration in late January 2026.

29/12/2025

A revised UK distribution strategy comes into effect from 1 February 2026, with German agricultural machinery manufacturer Strautmann moving to a direct-to-dealer model.
Under the new approach, the company transitions away from working with a single exclusive importer and instead supplies an independent UK dealer network directly from its headquarters in Germany. The move is positioned as a long-term investment in the UK market, aimed at strengthening dealer relationships and improving customer support across the full product range.
By working directly with dealers, Strautmann says it can streamline communication, shorten response times and offer more consistent technical and aftersales support.
The UK point of contact for distribution, sales and aftersales matters is sales and aftersales specialist David Mein, who brings experience in the agricultural machinery sector alongside detailed product knowledge of Strautmann equipment.

A revised UK distribution strategy comes into effect from 1 February 2026, with German agricultural machinery manufacturer Strautmann moving to a direct-to-deal

29/12/2025

A new dealer partnership is announced for northern England, bringing together Brockhills of Yorkshire and P.V. Dobson to represent the Fendt machinery range across Cumbria, Lancashire, Yorkshire and the North East.
Trading as P.V. Brockhills from the start of 2026, the business operates from a head office at the Dalton depot. Dedicated Fendt service centres are based at existing P.V. Dobson locations in Levens and Skipton, with a further centre at the Washington depot. These sites provide specialist sales and aftersales support for the brand, operating independently from P.V. Dobson’s other franchise operations.
The new partnership is jointly owned, with managing director Peter Swales and director Andrew Dobson holding equal shareholdings. Andrew Dobson continues to oversee the Massey Ferguson, Kubota, Manitou, Bomag and Thwaites franchises within P.V. Dobson, while remaining involved with the Fendt operation.

A new dealer partnership is announced for northern England, bringing together Brockhills of Yorkshire and P.V. Dobson to represent the Fendt machinery range acr

29/12/2025

Cross Agricultural Engineering Ltd. has expanded its sales operation with the appointment of Tom Sheedy as Dealer Sales and Equipment Specialist.
In his new role, Tom is responsible for managing dealer sales activity across the UK and Ireland, while also supporting direct sales enquiries where required. The appointment is aimed at strengthening dealer relationships and providing enhanced technical and commercial support to customers.
Tom brings practical agricultural experience to the role, having previously worked with a local agricultural contractor and farmer close to the Cross Agricultural Engineering manufacturing facility. Alongside this hands-on background, he holds a degree in business and finance, giving him a strong understanding of both the operational and commercial demands of the agricultural machinery sector.
The company says this combination of field experience and business knowledge positions him well to support dealers and customers across the full sales process.

Cross Agricultural Engineering Ltd. has expanded its sales operation with the appointment of Tom Sheedy as Dealer Sales and Equipment Specialist. In his new ro

29/12/2025

So with Christmas Day on Thursday what better present for many in farming, than the Governments partial u-turn on Inheritance Tax? Albeit only up to £2.5m per person, ie a couple passing on a £5m farming business. Have a look at the NFU's take on this. The Guardian (the other one), reckons this equates to 85% of all farm businesses.

Elsewhere in the news, long standing Fendt dealers PV Dobson and Brockhills of Yorkshire are to merge their Fendt distribution businesses and territories into one operation, PV Brockhills, effective from the start of 2026. See here for the full story.

This week has been consumed (literally) with over-indulging on British produce, spending time with family and friends, plus taking some time to reflect, look back over the year and start to think about '26.

Let me know your predictions for next year.

Have a quiet and restful week, and I will look forward to catching up in '26.

Andy

So with Christmas Day on Thursday what better present for many in farming, than the Governments partial u-turn on Inheritance Tax? Albeit only up to £2.5m per

28/12/2025

BASIS has welcomed the publication of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture (APPGSTA) report, Feeding Britain Sustainably to 2050 – The 30:50:50 Mission, which sets out a bold vision to increase UK agricultural output by 30% by 2050 while halving the sector’s environmental footprint.
The report brings together evidence and insight from more than 100 organisations across UK food, farming, and agri-science, including BASIS, NFU, AHDB, NIAB, CropLife UK, SRUC, SHAKE Climate Change Programme, and British Sugar. Together, these contributors underscored the need for coordinated policy, science-led innovation, and professional upskilling to deliver sustainable growth in UK agriculture.
William Burgess, Chair of BASIS Reg Ltd, represented the organisation at the final APPGSTA 30:50:50 roundtable in September at Portcullis House.

BASIS has welcomed the publication of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture (APPGSTA) report, Feeding Britain Sustainably t

28/12/2025

A new survey of farmers in Germany reveals a significant shift in how agricultural machinery buyers view suppliers from Asia, suggesting potential opportunities for non-traditional manufacturers in European markets.
The survey, conducted by consulting firm MHP among 500 farmers immediately after Agritechnica 2025, finds that more than eight in ten respondents say they do not rule out purchasing machinery from Asian manufacturers when next updating their fleets. Around 82.6 per cent of businesses surveyed are planning to invest in large farm equipment within the next three to five years, and 80.7 per cent indicate they would consider machines from Asian suppliers alongside established brands.
Price sensitivity is a key factor driving this openness. A saving of just 10–19 per cent compared with current suppliers would prompt more than a quarter of respondents to consider a brand switch, rising to nearly 60 per cent if savings reach 20–29 per cent.

A new survey of farmers in Germany reveals a significant shift in how agricultural machinery buyers view suppliers from Asia, suggesting potential opportunities

24/12/2025

The Claas group reports sales of €4.9 billion for the 2025 financial year, maintaining a high level of performance despite ongoing volatility in global agricultural machinery markets. Net income reaches €230 million, while free cash flow improves to €252 million.
The manufacturer says a broad product offensive underpins its performance, with major launches across harvesting, tractor and forage segments during the year. Highlights include new jaguar forage harvesters, updated axion and arion tractor ranges, and developments in combine harvesting and baling technology.
Several new machines receive international recognition, including a gold innovation award at agritechnica, alongside multiple silver medals for advances in drivetrain management, harvesting efficiency and automation. Digital development also progresses with the expansion of the claas connect ecosystem, supporting mixed fleets and improved data integration.

The Claas group reports sales of €4.9 billion for the 2025 financial year, maintaining a high level of performance despite ongoing volatility in global agricu

23/12/2025

Carrfields has been appointed as the new distribution partner for the British-built applicator and seeder range from Stocks Ag in New Zealand, covering both the North and South Islands.
Under the agreement, Carrfields takes responsibility for supplying the full range of Stocks Ag applicators and seeders, alongside parts and service support for both new and existing machines. The partnership aims to enhance customer experience through the continued development of Carrfields’ regional support network across the country.
Carrfields’ technical sales specialist and newly appointed Stocks Ag product specialist, Paul Southgate, together with the company’s precision and technology manager, Paul Collins, bring extensive experience with the Stocks Ag product range, having previously worked with the machines under the former distributor in New Zealand.
Commenting on the appointment, Sean Stanfield, sales manager at Stocks Ag, said the company was pleased to formalise the partnership.

Carrfields has been appointed as the new distribution partner for the British-built applicator and seeder range from Stocks Ag in New Zealand, covering both the

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