Midlands Machinery Show 2017 earns positive recognition from farming community
The key talking point during the Midlands Machinery Show 2017 was the opportunity provided by the show to bring the agricultural industry together.
Visitors at the Midlands Machinery Show 2017
Inventive machines – there were plenty on show. Innovative ideas – many were shared. Yet the key talking point during the Midlands Machinery Show 2017, which took place on 22 and 23 November at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire, was the opportunity provided by the show to bring the agricultural industry together.
Returning for the fourth year and organised by the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, the two-day farming event saw a record-breaking 4,300 visitors through the gates on day one alone.
The event featured around 250 exhibitors, who used the show as a platform to launch new products, demonstrate advances in agricultural technology and show off their diverse range of machinery and innovation. Yet the show provided much more than this for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Andrew Guest of Andrew Guest Ltd, winner of Best Stand Overall at the show, said: “One thing that we have picked up on at Midlands Machinery Show this year is the friendly atmosphere. People are interested in the machinery, but are just as interested in having a conversation and really getting to know each other. We have had a really successful two days, making a number of sales but also some important connections.
“We are already looking forward to coming back next year – being a Newark based business this is a local show for us and so we look forward to seeing it continue to build and grow.”
Providing a platform for networking opportunities was indeed top of the agenda for the organisers of the Midlands Machinery Show this year. During the course of this year’s show, Newark Showground was delighted to host the official website launch of social media based farming group #clubhectare, which has over 400 members with a range of agricultural backgrounds.
The launch marked an important moment for the group which, after initially providing a way for farmers in an often isolating industry to connect back in 2012, have continued to recognise how the changing world can help the agricultural industry to stay in touch.
Giving young farmers the opportunity to network and build relationships was another key offering provided by the show.
Lauren Clark, county development officer at Notts Young Farmers Clubs, said: “The Midlands Machinery Show hosted the first ever Young Farmers Club ‘talk to DEFRA’ discussion, which took place on the first day of the Show at the Lady Eastwood Centre.
“There was a great turnout of members from across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and the meeting included thought provoking discussions about future agriculture policies post-Brexit.
“Giving members a voice and encouraging discussion on the future of their industry is something that Young Farmers Club strive to achieve, and the Show provided us with the opportunity to do exactly that.”
George Taylor, show manager, said: “We have been delighted with the record number of guests we have had through the gates this year – after day one we were up by almost 45% on visitor numbers compared to last year, which is something really special.
“It is really great to see the show growing year on year, and also to receive such positive feedback from both guests and exhibitors. We pride ourselves on the personal and friendly feel of the show, as well as the networking opportunities it provides for farmers and exhibitors to interact with one another and share ideas.
“The support we receive from our steering committee, sponsors and ‘founder members’ is marvellous. We are looking forward to building on our relationship with Woldmarsh Producers Ltd who provided an excellent ‘try before you buy’ service for a range of 4x4s and cab pick-up trucks this year, as well as with Flach & Le-Roy Ltd. We would also like to say a big thank you to our media partner, Farmers Weekly.
“The dates for next year are 21 and 22 November 2018 and we have taken bookings for exhibitors already – it is exciting to see the buzz and positive atmosphere the show creates for the agricultural industry.”
For more information on Midlands Machinery Show visit www.midlandsmachineryshow.com
