FTMTA AGM

In addressing the recently held annual general meeting of the Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association, FTMTA president Graham McHugh stated that the association is putting a considerable effort into developing its membership to represent the industry as comprehensively as possible. This effort is bearing fruit with the addition of a significant number of new members in recent months. The FTMTA president detailed the work done by the association in a number of areas in recent years with a view to supporting the business of its members and strengthening the trade as a whole. Much of this work goes largely unseen but can only be delivered by an effective and representative trade body.

McHugh identified the pressures on the trade in relation to working capital and explained that the introduction of the upcoming FTMTA Farm Machinery Trade Auction was a reaction to this as a service for FTMTA members only to provide a new mechanism for the reduction of levels of unsold inventory. McHugh highlighted that the farm machinery industry overall, while subject to many external market forces, must concentrate on the factors which it can influence through a balanced approach to the sales, service and parts businesses in tandem with effective credit and working capital management.

The president stressed the commitment of the leadership of the association to making the FTMTA more relevant to the wider membership on an ongoing basis and, in that regard, welcomed the addition of a growing number of new executive council members in recent years, all of whom bring their own experience and views to council.

FTMTA auction

As the first FTMTA Farm Machinery Trade Auction draws near, interest levels are building among both FTMTA member firms and machinery buyers.

The auction, in conjunction with Paul Cooke Auctions, will take place at Punchestown Event Centre on Saturday 30 September.

The number of machinery lots consigned to the auction is growing by the day now and there will be many items of interest for sale on the day including numerous unused or slightly used machines.

New member of FTMTA executive council

Colin Bell of member firm SAME Deutz-Fahr UK Ltd has joined the executive council of the association having been elected to fill a council position at the recent FTMTA AGM.

A graduate of Greenmount Agricultural College, Colin was appointed to the role of Same Deutz-Fahr area sales manager for Ireland in May 2016 and has worked within the wider farm machinery industry for over 10 years.

In welcoming Colin to the executive council of the association, FTMTA president Graham McHugh expressed the hope that he will find his time on council beneficial.