IFM launches new website

FTMTA member firm, IFM of Dunleer, Co Louth, well known as a distributor of hydraulic accessories, oils and greases, have launched a new retail website. The online presence will cover the retail side of the business, which sells Teng Tools, Snickers Workwear, 247 Lighting, Baldwin Filters and many other ancillary products.

The site was launched recently with “Dessie’s Deals” promotional campaign offering unbeatable value exclusively available to online customers. Customers setting up an online retail account will receive 20% off all Teng Tools orders. For further information, please visit the site at www.ifm.ie/retail .

European manufacturers remain downbeat

CEMA is the representative body of the European agricultural machinery manufacturing sector, and through its membership of nine national associations, represents more than 4,500 manufacturers. Every month, CEMA provides an insight into the current business climate of the European agricultural machinery industry through a survey, the CEMA business barometer. While not providing any information on the Irish market as such, these barometers are an interesting glimpse into the mood of the wider European trade.

The latest such survey, issued on 12 July, continues a recent trend of negativity in European agricultural machinery markets. Most countries, other than in Scandinavia, report expectations of reducing sales in the next six months. Not surprisingly, CEMA states that the UK reports the lowest expectations for sales performance for the rest of the year, which may reflect feelings of uncertainty following the Brexit vote.

In terms of dealer stock, the various markets reported high stock levels of new machines when compared with the average of the past three years.

Sprayer testing

Having been much discussed in recent years, sprayer testing is no longer such a distant prospect. The EU Directive 2009/128/EC establishes a framework to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides. Under the implementation of this directive in Ireland, boom sprayers greater than 3m and all blast and orchard sprayers must be tested by a registered inspector of pesticide application equipment by 26 November.

New sprayers will need to be tested only once within a period of five years after purchase. All sprayers retailed more than five years prior to 26 November must be tested by a Department of Agriculture and Marine (DAFM) registered inspector of pesticide application equipment by that date. The interval between inspections must not exceed five years until 2020 and must not exceed three years thereafter.