The big machinery manufacturers have grim prospects for 2015
CNH Industrial, makers of Case IH and New Holland equipment, forecast challenging conditions in the farm machinery market lasting through next year. Like rival AGCO, the company faces decreasing production in the face of falling demand.
World tractor sales fell 1% in the July-to-September quarter, and combine sales slumped by 22% at CNH.
This is even after farm machinery production was cut by 12%, quarter-on-quarter to the lowest level in three years. Output exceeded demand by 10%, driving inventories of unsold equipment to a level not seen for years.
The comments come two days after AGCO, maker of Massey Ferguson and Fendt machinery, said it was taking “aggressive action to control expenses, reduce our production levels and lower our investments in working capital”, foreseeing full-year machinery output falling by 14-16%.
The group’s sales in North America tumbled 23% to $531.3m during the July-to-September quarter, which Martin Richenhagen, the AGCO chairman and chief executive, said has seen “significant declines in sales of high-horsepower tractors, combines and sprayers”.
In Europe, AGCO’s core market proved relatively resilient, with sales falling 5.6% to $1.03bn. “Industry sales have weakened in the largest markets of France and Germany, with modest recovery experienced in the UK and parts of southern Europe,” Richenhagan said.
CNH believes “trading conditions in agricultural equipment will remain challenging through 2015”.
Like AGCO, the company sees poor potential in the combine and high-horsepower segments. The reason for this is the pressure on grain prices, and poor economic returns in the arable sector.
World tractor sales this year are expected at best to match last year’s, and potentially fall 5%. CNH forecasts combine sales will fall 10-15% next year, following a 15-20% tumble expected for the remainder of 2014.
CNH and AGCO both said the one area of promise is the market for smaller tractors, with the livestock industry showing good signs of investment. New tractor sales in Ireland remain ahead of last year.
JF harvester upgrades for 2015
A New Model, FCT 1060C Trailed Harvester is being introduced for 2015. This harvester is designed for the farmer/smaller contractors with tractors of up to 190 pto horsepower. This machine replaces the FCT 960, which had a driveline designed for up to 140 horsepower tractors.
The differences between a FCT 1060C and the FCT 960 is a stronger Walterscheid PTO shaft with a wide-angle joint between the drawbar. The lower feed roller is reinforced, with a larger shaft diameter. Also new to this machine are one-piece front upper feeder roller support arms. The drum bearings have been upgraded, with points on intermediate shaft bearings. This machine can be fitted with load-sensing hydraulics, and the optional hydraulic folding chute, for filling into higher-sided trailers. Further information is available from the local JF dealer or alternatively, contact Frank Ward on 0044 7858 334436.
A first for the Kverneland Group
Kverneland universal terminal, the IsoMatch Tellus, is the first universal terminal in the world to gain an Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) isobus certification for task control basic and section control. The IsoMatch Tellus passed the AEF certification test on 6 November. Kverneland is providing this technology option across all precision farm machinery implements in the range. The testing is carried out by three independent electronic laboratories in Germany, Italy and the USA. The IsoMatch Tellus is available via Kverneland Group’s dealers in Ireland.
Quad auction
Looking for quad bike or a trailer for the farm for Christmas? Mad Bikes Ireland’s no-reserve auction will take place on Sunday 30 November at 12pm in Bonnettstown, Tullaroan Road, Kilkenny.
The range of lots will appeal to adults and children alike, golfing and biking enthusiasts and particularly farmers who are increasingly using quads around their farms. As a no-reserve auction, the highest bidder on the day gets the lot so there will be great value on offer.
The full catalogue is available on www.merlin.ie. Viewing will take place on Saturday 29 November from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday morning from 10am, ahead of the auction at 12pm. There will be a refundable bidding deposit of €200 required for registration.
Portumna open day
Portumna Agri is holding an open day on 27 November at its premises on the Bridge Road, Portumna. They are main dealers for Pottinger, Mchale and Claydon. New Holland ex-hire tractors are available for sale at the branch also.
On the night, Pottinger will discuss the cleanest methods in its view for forage harvesting. There is also a 45% discount on all safety items purchased in the store on the day. For further information, contact Portumna Agri on 09097 59793.
FCI farm vehicle meetings
Farm Contractors of Ireland (FCI) has arranged four information evenings at regional venues to provide members with an update on the Revised Standards for Farm Vehicles.
The meetings will be held with the support of the Road Safety Authority.
The dates and venues for the meetings, all of which will be held at 8pm, will be as follows:
Tuesday, 25 November – Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Galway.Thursday, 27 November – Headford Arms Kells, Co Meath.Tuesday, 2 December – Springhill Court, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.Thursday, 4 December – Charleville Park Hotel, Charleville, Cork.
The big machinery manufacturers have grim prospects for 2015
CNH Industrial, makers of Case IH and New Holland equipment, forecast challenging conditions in the farm machinery market lasting through next year. Like rival AGCO, the company faces decreasing production in the face of falling demand.
World tractor sales fell 1% in the July-to-September quarter, and combine sales slumped by 22% at CNH.
This is even after farm machinery production was cut by 12%, quarter-on-quarter to the lowest level in three years. Output exceeded demand by 10%, driving inventories of unsold equipment to a level not seen for years.
The comments come two days after AGCO, maker of Massey Ferguson and Fendt machinery, said it was taking “aggressive action to control expenses, reduce our production levels and lower our investments in working capital”, foreseeing full-year machinery output falling by 14-16%.
The group’s sales in North America tumbled 23% to $531.3m during the July-to-September quarter, which Martin Richenhagen, the AGCO chairman and chief executive, said has seen “significant declines in sales of high-horsepower tractors, combines and sprayers”.
In Europe, AGCO’s core market proved relatively resilient, with sales falling 5.6% to $1.03bn. “Industry sales have weakened in the largest markets of France and Germany, with modest recovery experienced in the UK and parts of southern Europe,” Richenhagan said.
CNH believes “trading conditions in agricultural equipment will remain challenging through 2015”.
Like AGCO, the company sees poor potential in the combine and high-horsepower segments. The reason for this is the pressure on grain prices, and poor economic returns in the arable sector.
World tractor sales this year are expected at best to match last year’s, and potentially fall 5%. CNH forecasts combine sales will fall 10-15% next year, following a 15-20% tumble expected for the remainder of 2014.
CNH and AGCO both said the one area of promise is the market for smaller tractors, with the livestock industry showing good signs of investment. New tractor sales in Ireland remain ahead of last year.
JF harvester upgrades for 2015
A New Model, FCT 1060C Trailed Harvester is being introduced for 2015. This harvester is designed for the farmer/smaller contractors with tractors of up to 190 pto horsepower. This machine replaces the FCT 960, which had a driveline designed for up to 140 horsepower tractors.
The differences between a FCT 1060C and the FCT 960 is a stronger Walterscheid PTO shaft with a wide-angle joint between the drawbar. The lower feed roller is reinforced, with a larger shaft diameter. Also new to this machine are one-piece front upper feeder roller support arms. The drum bearings have been upgraded, with points on intermediate shaft bearings. This machine can be fitted with load-sensing hydraulics, and the optional hydraulic folding chute, for filling into higher-sided trailers. Further information is available from the local JF dealer or alternatively, contact Frank Ward on 0044 7858 334436.
A first for the Kverneland Group
Kverneland universal terminal, the IsoMatch Tellus, is the first universal terminal in the world to gain an Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF) isobus certification for task control basic and section control. The IsoMatch Tellus passed the AEF certification test on 6 November. Kverneland is providing this technology option across all precision farm machinery implements in the range. The testing is carried out by three independent electronic laboratories in Germany, Italy and the USA. The IsoMatch Tellus is available via Kverneland Group’s dealers in Ireland.
Quad auction
Looking for quad bike or a trailer for the farm for Christmas? Mad Bikes Ireland’s no-reserve auction will take place on Sunday 30 November at 12pm in Bonnettstown, Tullaroan Road, Kilkenny.
The range of lots will appeal to adults and children alike, golfing and biking enthusiasts and particularly farmers who are increasingly using quads around their farms. As a no-reserve auction, the highest bidder on the day gets the lot so there will be great value on offer.
The full catalogue is available on www.merlin.ie. Viewing will take place on Saturday 29 November from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday morning from 10am, ahead of the auction at 12pm. There will be a refundable bidding deposit of €200 required for registration.
Portumna open day
Portumna Agri is holding an open day on 27 November at its premises on the Bridge Road, Portumna. They are main dealers for Pottinger, Mchale and Claydon. New Holland ex-hire tractors are available for sale at the branch also.
On the night, Pottinger will discuss the cleanest methods in its view for forage harvesting. There is also a 45% discount on all safety items purchased in the store on the day. For further information, contact Portumna Agri on 09097 59793.
FCI farm vehicle meetings
Farm Contractors of Ireland (FCI) has arranged four information evenings at regional venues to provide members with an update on the Revised Standards for Farm Vehicles.
The meetings will be held with the support of the Road Safety Authority.
The dates and venues for the meetings, all of which will be held at 8pm, will be as follows:
Tuesday, 25 November – Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Galway.Thursday, 27 November – Headford Arms Kells, Co Meath.Tuesday, 2 December – Springhill Court, Waterford Road, Kilkenny.Thursday, 4 December – Charleville Park Hotel, Charleville, Cork. 
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