LAMMA Show continues to grow

This month's LAMMA Show, which takes place on 18 and 19 January 2012, at the Newark Showground, on the Lincoln/Nottingham border in England, continues to attract a growing Irish following. The show has, in the past few years, led to a tremendous increase in both visitor and exhibitor numbers. Michael Moroney reports

The organisers report that, for LAMMA 2012, there will be approximately 750 exhibitors, the largest participation in history. And Irish farmers, contractors and machinery dealers are using the event to catch up on the latest in farm machinery in the absence of a national farm machinery show here at home.

The LAMMA Show is unique in many respects. It is run by a voluntary committee of farmers and machinery interests. From the outset, the primary aim of the LAMMA Show was to offer a low-cost shop window for small manufacturers to display their products.

Now, more than 30 years later, this is still the case and the success of this policy is evident from the large number of small companies, from all parts of England and a growing number from Ireland, who are taking part.

Combine this fact with the presence of all the major players in the farm machinery, equipment and services sectors, and it becomes evident why an increasing number of farming decision-makers from Ireland view the LAMMA Show as an important date for their diaries.

Farm machinery companies are using the show as their launch pad for new machines or for the British and Irish launch of machines already introduced at the Agritechnica Show in November. The show combines outdoor stands with a packed indoor display area that's practical and functional for farmers to appreciate.

This year's LAMMA Show confirms that it has evolved from being predominantly focused on arable machinery, parts and workshop equipment, to one which now includes a wide range of horticultural, amenity and livestock equipment.

In addition, there will be 'green energy' products, seed suppliers, agro-chemical, farm management and financial advisory services on display.

This year will include new specialist companies supplying re-cycling and construction equipment. These sectors have provided diversification opportunities for farmers and contractors in recent years.

For Irish visitors, the nearby East Midlands Airport is only a short drive away, making a day trip a very practical option. There are a number of package tours in place that might suit other travellers and they include factory visits to the Midlands region.

Last year was my first visit to the LAMMA Show and I was impressed. The range of machinery on view was impressive and, thankfully, the weather held up well. This is a combination outdoor and indoor show so come prepared for the worst, while hoping for the best in terms of weather and you'll enjoy the event and you'll see a lot.

The good news is that car parking and entry remains free as the organisers have kept costs to a minimum and the exhibitors pay for the running of the event.