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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 successful two days , making several sales but also some important connections .
“ We are already looking forward to coming back next year – being a Newark based business this is a
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Best Overall Stand ( Agricultural & Allied ) in Show ; Andrew Guest
local show for us and , so we look forward to seeing it continue to build and grow .”
The exhibition winners were :
• Best Overall Stand ( Agricultural & Allied ) in Show ; Andrew Guest
• Best Agricultural Stand ; Weaving Machinery
• Highly Commended ; Altek International
• Best Allied Stand ; JRH Water Management
• Highly Commended ; Fuelwood ( Warwick )
Providing a platform for networking opportunities was indeed top of the agenda for the organisers of the Midlands Machinery Show this year . During 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
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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
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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
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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 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 .
“ 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 .”
www . midlandsmachineryshow . com
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