Best wishes to outgoing machinery editor

The FTMTA extends best wishes to the outgoing machinery editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, James Maloney, on his recent departure from the role. In his time as machinery editor, James brought his own style to machinery coverage in the Irish Farmers Journal and has been a support and friend to the FTMTA and the wider farm machinery trade.

On behalf of the president, executive council and membership of the association, FTMTA chief executive Gary Ryan stated that he hopes James will enjoy, and thrive, in his new role with Enterprise Ireland and will reflect on his dealings with the farm machinery sector positively.

European machinery outlook improves

A report issued earlier this week by CEMA, the representative body of the European agricultural machinery manufacturing sector, points to cautious expectations that the European machinery market will return to growth in 2017. CEMA provides a monthly insight into the prevailing business climate of the European agricultural machinery industry through a survey called the CEMA Business Barometer, which is currently at its highest May level in five years.

The two largest European machinery markets, France and Germany, are experiencing contrasting fortunes to an extent. The French machinery market fell by 8% in 2016 and a further decline is expected to be reported for the first half of this year with the tractor sector in particular faring very poorly in France during the year to date and seeing a fall of nearly 26% in the first quarter.

In Germany, the agricultural machinery market fell by 5% last year but is slowly recovering with a small increase expected overall while forage harvesters and balers are expected to show the greatest growth. Interestingly, several markets, including the poorly performing French market, have indicated a good year for forage harvester sales. The outlook for the UK market appears to be flattening in demand with the effect of a weaker sterling reflected in rising prices for machinery imported from the eurozone.

A slight majority of European manufacturers report optimism in relation to sales prospects over the coming six months, with a belief that growth will be more driven by export than domestic demand.