There was a positive mood among exhibitors at the show, with many of them reporting strong interest being shown by farmers in buying machinery.
However, the majority also saw lower levels of potential sales, with Brexit weighing on farmers' minds.
People are a bit cautious with the whole Brexit thing
According to Richard O’ Shea of O’Shea Agri Sales: “People are a bit cautious with the whole Brexit thing, but, as a rule, interest has been quite good.”
Richard also noted an increased level of interest in larger pieces of machinery.
Bigger machinery
“Machinery is getting bigger because farmers and contractors don’t have the labour to do things in a small way, they want to get through the work quicker.”
Certain exhibitors cited a rise in interest in newer technologies, such as the trailing shoe for spreading slurry.
“We have generally the same interest as any other year, especially with the grant that’s going on the trailing shoe,” said Hi-Spec sales rep Jimmy Nolan.
Caught up with Eoin Clarke, marketing executive for @McHaleOfficial , the company will be offering 35 jobs at our #AgriCareers Expo next week???????? You could be working at @FTMTA_ next year with Eoin ?? #AgriCareers pic.twitter.com/WPO1MvlJJJ
— FJ Machinery (@FJMachinery) February 8, 2019
On the farmers' side, the issue of Brexit was mentioned frequently.
Steven Nolan, a farmworker from Co Wexford, said: “There’s a lot of lads holding back to see what way Brexit goes, but if things work out okay for us there’ll be a lot of lads buying.”
There were impressive crowds present at the event this year once again and many exhibitors expressed the hope that this bodes well for another good year of sales.
Absolutely incredible 1st day at the 2019 FTMTA Farm Machinery Show in Punchestown.
— FTMTA (@FTMTA_) February 7, 2019
See you all tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/3bmTha4Ur5
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