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EDITOR ’ S INTRO
FEB / MAR 2021 • farmers-mart . co . uk
As we move into Spring , we can see normality just appearing above the horizon . I think agriculture has been one of the best industries to be involved in during this pandemic . Many businesses I have spoken to have had a good year , which is great to hear . As I have said before , I think normality could become a reality come summertime .
UNFORTUNATELY , the 5th May was a date too soon for YAMS at York and so the show will not be going ahead which is a big shame . 2022 ’ s show will be on the 2nd February and we wish Richard Tasker and his team at York Auction Centre all the best .
At the time of publication , The Great Yorkshire Show , following Boris ’ s briefing on the 22nd February , will still be going ahead on 13-15th July . Talking to the Yorkshire Agricultural Society , they feel it will be a smaller show than normal with no doubt some key differences , however there is much to be discussed beforehand . Let us hope this is the show that kickstarts the agricultural show season .
Although annual open days have had to be cancelled so far there have been some very successful online events that have taken place . The Farmstar Group ’ s online open week on 18-22nd January was a huge success both in terms of support from manufacturers with machinery demo videos , videos from Farmstar and the online auction of machinery during the week , many items hotly contested due to the fantastic deals available . It also attracted a lot of new customers from further afield . In 2022 the annual open day will return with the online event running alongside it . Read all about Farmstar ’ s successful 2020 and online open week from page 64 .
There will be a feature in the April / May issue focusing on the Rickerby Group , they too have not been able to stage their annual open event however they have much planned to engage with their customers .
See page 58 for a further update on Energy Crops Consultancy who are championing the integration of energy crops and agro-forestry into farmland use strategy . Staying on the arable theme I recently met up with Tom Hawthorne of Flawborough farms ( page 50 ) to see how the business has developed in the past 4 years . They now manage a huge contact farming operation alongside their own , using the best in machinery whilst maintaining and respecting the land they work .
Do not forget , we are still interested in writing features on women in the farming industry . Whether you are starting a new venture or have a well-established farm or business , do contact us if you are or know one of the many women blazing the agricultural trail . The Farmers Mart are also keen to recognise the many female graduates leaving college and starting up farming . We know there are a lot of young female farmers out there achieving fantastic results at college and afterwards .
All the best and here ’ s to a successful Spring .
Owner & Managing Editor Ian Wilkinson
LAMMA Show moves to January 2022 dates
Following the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic , AgriBriefing , the owners of the LAMMA show , have taken the difficult decision to cancel LAMMA 2021 on 25-26 May at the NEC . The show will return to its previously successful and proven slot at the start of the year . LAMMA 2022 will be held on 11-12 January 2022 at the NEC .
COMMENTING on the decision , Kate Walsh , Event Manager for LAMMA said :
“ The decision was not an easy one . We fully understand how important the show is to the industry and we were keen to make it happen in May . But after listening to the concerns of our stakeholders , and appreciating how much planning and work goes in to preparing for a show like this , a decision had to be made . As always , the safety of our visitors , exhibitors and staff is our top priority . With the lack of clarity around lockdown restrictions , particularly those related to holding trade exhibitions , it became clear an early decision was imperative .
We would like to thank everyone for the amazing support we have received throughout the year . We know how much everyone wants the show to take place but with the ongoing uncertainty we had to make a decision . Under the current circumstances this feels like the right thing to do . But we can ’ t wait to welcome everyone back to the NEC in January 2022 . With the level of enquiries and pent-up demand we are seeing , I can promise you our best show yet .”
In the meantime , keep in touch with all that ’ s new in the industry via our digital farm machinery platform LAMMA365 . The recently launched platform brings all facets of farm machinery together in one convenient place . It contains the latest news and industry trends , review comparison tool , independent product reviews , videos , podcasts , webinars and a directory of leading manufacturers and their dealers .
Visit : www . lamma365 . com
ISSUE 73 • FEB / MAR 2021
For more news , views and stories from the number one farming guide in the North , visit www . farmers-mart . co . uk
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