The Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) is the trade body for the farm machinery industry in Ireland.

Best known to farmers and contractors for the Farm Machinery Show and Grass and Muck it holds annually on an alternate basis, the association recently saw its long-time CEO Gary Ryan leave to pursue other opportunities.

We caught up recently with Meath man Michael Farrelly, who has already served one month in the role.

What’s your own background?

“I started out my career in 1994 with my uncle, Philip Farrelly & Co. There, I worked in all aspects of agricultural consultancy, ranging from carrying out impact assessments to meeting and helping farmers through compulsory purchase orders for the construction of motorways.

“From here, I began to branch into finance, heading up a new financial services company to operate alongside the existing accountancy and advisory practice.

“In 2007, an opportunity arose to become the branch manager for the Navan division of Danske Bank. The financial crisis put an end to this when the bank was closed in 2012.

“I then went home to help my father run the family farm. Around the same time, I worked as part of a team developing a device to measure the levels of bulk feed in silos and then deliver the results to the farmers’ or merchants’ phone through an app.

“In 2018, I took on an operations and sales manager role in Meath Farm Machinery. The role was described as wide-ranging and varied and it certainly didn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed my time there, but now I’m ready for the next challenge.”

Why did you take on the role at the FTMTA?

“Why wouldn’t I? I think it’s one of the most exciting roles in the industry. Who wouldn’t want to represent our members who are made up of leading manufacturers with global brands, indigenous Irish manufacturers who are winning on the global stage and dealerships and other businesses who are the backbone of the Irish economy?

“Our members’ businesses help keep rural Ireland going. The financial crisis and COVID-19 are prime examples. Farm machinery dealers remained open and kept the wheels in motion, paying taxes, paying wages, etc.

“Take my previous employer Meath Farm Machinery as an example. They employ 40 people. Each day they sell machines, spare parts, lubricants, etc. I’d say 10 couriers come and go each day.

“They source tyres from a local business up the road. The staff go to the local shops and restaurants at lunch. These businesses really are the backbone of the rural economy.”

What are your goals?

“The sector doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. The first thing I want to do is highlight and showcase the importance of the sector and what it contributes to the Irish economy.

“The next issue that needs addressing is the problem of attracting new people into the trade. The farm machinery sector is one of the most exciting areas to work in. It offers great career progression opportunities.

“It’s one sector where a young person can start as a mechanic and with hard work, progress right up a senior role in sales or management.

“There are loads of upskilling and further training opportunities available in this industry.

“There is a big issue in the industry where customers have unrealistic expectations of farm machinery dealers.

“Farmers are being advised one way and another and they are understandably under pressure. This pressure is passed on to contractors, especially around the silage season. When issues with machines arise, there is too much pressure and unfair expectations being placed on dealers.

“Farmers and contractors can’t expect a 24/7, 365 service from dealers. We need to open dialogue with all the stakeholders involved.

“It’s not a blame game, but people need to understand the full picture.

“The problem is that if this sustained pressure remains in the industry, there will be an exodus of good people who offer the service required.”

When will FTMTA shows return?

“We are currently planning for a farm machinery show at the Punchestown event centre on 3 to 5 February.

“It will be of a similar format to previous shows, but we have some ideas to freshen it up. There is great demand in the industry for a machinery show.

“In light of the Government announcement in the recent days, we are confident a show will go ahead in February as planned.”