The Farmers Mart Feb-Mar 2020 - Issue 67 | Page 48

48 RIPON FARM SERVICES FEB/MAR 2020 • farmers-mart.co.uk RIPON FARM OPEN DAY EVENT STARTS THE YEAR IN STYLE RIPON Farm Services’ New Year open day event is always one to look forward to. It is a major event, both in size and content. The Yorkshire Event Centre is a perfect venue having nearly everything under cover, which is very a welcome break from the usual cold and wet January weather. However, the sun was shining this year, which meant even more farmers taking advantage of the outside display of tractors for sale and the all-impor- tant demonstration area. The show is a big undertaking and takes a week from set up to close. Dan Robinson is the man responsible for all the organisation. Every year is that bit different, both in layout and the machinery on display. One thing that doesn’t change is that every franchise Ripon Farm have is represented at the show, including all the parts, accessories tools etc. Following their popularity in 2019 for the first time, there were three training seminars running on both days from John Deere (Agriculture’s Digital Revolution), Bridgestone (Choosing the Right Farm Tyres) and KUHN (Achieving Quality Forage). Manufacturers are encouraged to bring along any new models etc. This year it was the turn of the mighty John Deere, with both the new M Series tractors plus and the industry’s very first fixed farm four-track tractor, the all new 8RX. Kramer also cut a dash with their new KL55.8T Telescopic Wheeled Loader and their stunning Black Edition Telehandler – this caused a real stir, with two being sold directly after the show. Dalbo are celebrating 10 years in the UK with a competition to win a 3-day trip to Denmark in 2021, which includes a factory visit and gala dinner - this was on display at the event. The competition runs until 30th September on any Dalbo machine purchased. They also had two special edition rollers in black on display. Even though the event always looks good and is well laid out, it would be no good without staff on hand. Ripon excels here, with every depot and department represented, specialist salesmen for every brand are on hand as well as technical support staff from the manufacturers. New this year, were representatives from all 11-service depart- ments including managers, Continued on page 50 technicians and appren- tices who were on hand to answer any questions and queries. The parts department were also on hand, along with many of the key suppliers such as STIHL, Vapourmatic and Draper. Groundcare is an important side to Ripon’s business and again experts from all depart- ments were there, as well as a comprehensive product display. To complement the myriad of experts and technicians, Geoff Brown was there from the start, spending most of the entire two days doing what he enjoys most - talking to customers old and new.