Role of machinery trade highlighted

During his remarks at the official opening of the recent FTMTA Farm Machinery Show, FTMTA president Graham McHugh stressed that “agricultural mechanisation has a critical role to play in ensuring our farmers are able to produce high-quality products”.

McHugh highlighted that “with the move to more sophisticated tractors and machinery by all manufacturers, it is important that the machinery trade is able to support the farming sector in maintaining and developing its efficiency”.

The FTMTA president stated that “the requirement for closer co-operation between the farmer and farm machinery suppliers, along with farm advisory bodies, is essential.

The machinery requirements for effective production are best known by the farmers and contractors.

It is essential for dealers, importers and manufacturers to listen to these requirements carefully and apply the best technology available to the design of their machines. Ireland has seen the success of our agricultural machinery manufacturers in domestic and export markets directly as a result of listening and responding to their customers’ needs”.

While accepting that “last year was a difficult year from an agricultural commodity price perspective particularly in the first half of the year”, the FTMTA president was positive about the future. Graham McHugh told the large crowd attending the official opening of Ireland’s flagship farm machinery event that “agriculture is, and will remain, the most resilient industry in the world, quite simply because there will always be a food requirement”.

Kellys of Borris open days

FTMTA member firm, Kellys of Borris will celebrate their 60th anniversary with open days on Thursday 9 March, Friday 10 March and Saturday 11 March from 11am to 10pm on Thursday and Friday and 11am to 6pm on Saturday.

There will be an extensive display of new and used machinery on view with all major suppliers to the business in attendance.