| Machinery
‘Friendly’ Midlands Machinery Show 2017 brings
agricultural community together
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.
eturning 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
R
48 | Farming Monthly | December 2017
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 tha t.”
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
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk