Exhibitor bookings for this year’s Midlands Machinery Show are running 15% ahead of normal, demonstrating the farm industry’s delight at getting back out and about post-Covid.
The event, which will be held on 16-17 November at Newark Showground, provides farmers and contractors the opportunity to view the latest kit, from new tractors to robots and precision sprayers to low disturbance cultivators. “Exhibitors are clearly keen to return to farm events; new bookings were 15% up by the early bird deadline at the end of May, and repeat bookings are also flooding in,” says show organiser Elizabeth Halsall.
The event promises to feature some of the newest, most advanced machinery and equipment on the market, including the latest tractor models, robotic machinery, loaders, telehandlers, and mowers. “Last year, 77% of our visitors attended to research and purchase new products and to meet suppliers face-to-face, and there will certainly be plenty for them to see.”
Chandlers (MF) Ltd will be bringing a large selection of the latest Massey Ferguson models and the Chandlers (FV) Ltd team will have a full range of Fendt and Valtra tractors, including some brand new models not yet released at the time of going to press. Telehandlers and loaders will also be on view, joined by the innovative FarmDroid FD20 – which will for many be the first chance to see the new fully automated machine. The lightweight six-to-eight row FD20 runs entirely off solar power to reduce labour and costs of sowing and weeding crops, while being CO2 neutral, explains Gavin Pell, managing director at Chandlers.
“The farming industry is changing towards machinery that is high tech and often robotic to reduce labour and costs,” he says. “Requirements are drifting towards newer, more advanced technology and we are excited to be able to offer the new FarmDroid to our customers.”
Returning exhibitor Setchfields will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and will be exhibiting Kioti tractors, mowers, and equipment. The Lincolnshire–based firm will also be joined by JCB loaders.
“The Midlands Machinery Show is a good place to catch up with new and existing contacts,” says chief operating officer Hannah Setchfield, who joined the family business last year. “The farming community is continually evolving, and through our parts, service and machinery offering we are well equipped to meet the demands of the modern farming business.”
Almost 35% of visitors last year ordered a new product from the show, and 82% learnt about new products and innovations, says Mrs Halsall. “Given the close focus on farm and turf care machinery and equipment, both exhibitors and visitors know that they will get what they came for. Last year 93% of visitors were satisfied with the exhibitors’ offering, and with advance bookings already up on previous years, it promises to be a fantastic event for all involved.”
