Farming Connect Study Visit - Cleifiog Group

Funded through the Knowledge Transfer, Innovation and Advisory Service programme under the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020

Cleifiog Group

LAMMA Show NEC Birmingham

4 May 2022 – 5 May 2022

1    Background

All the group who attended were farmers and agricultural contractors. The aim and objective of the visit was to maintain and create new relationships with companies that provide cutting-edge machinery, technology and equipment for the farming industry. Also, the group gained knowledge from the exhibitors who showcased the latest tractors, combines, arable and grassland machinery, as well as a wide range of new technology, services and tools. This greatly benefited the people attending to perhaps expand their business in the future. LAMMA also provided new ideas and innovations and information on new machinery and global brands. LAMMA also hosted smaller agricultural engineering and machinery companies from across the UK, showcasing their products to suit all budgets, which helped inspire the group.

 

1.1    Attendees

Gareth Hughes
Ieuan Hughes
David Woodhouse
Gareth Parry
Dewi Taylor
Meurig Roberts
Dafydd Parry 
Alwyn Owen
Robert Owen
Siôn Morris
Elwyn Evans
Tony Jones
Craig Mansell
Eilir Williams
Geraint Harper
Dafydd Morris

 

2    Itinerary 

2.1    Day 1

Gareth Hughes, who is one of the partners at T. J. & E.J. Hughes & Sons, was interviewed by the presenter of a popular agricultural programme entitled “Ffermio” for the Welsh television channel (S4C), on the first day of the LAMMA show. The presenter accompanied Gareth whilst visiting the various company stands, and discussed the products they were showcasing. Gareth spoke to the presenter about the advantages of attending the show and how invaluable it is for the farming community throughout Wales to be able to meet and gain new contacts, whilst also obtaining knowledge of the new cutting-edge machinery that is invariably showcased at the show.

The programme has since been broadcast and was very well received by the farming community. 
   
2.2    Day 2

Day 2 was spent conversing with representatives on the Krone, Slurrykat, Storth, Agquip and Slurry Quip stand, gaining invaluable knowledge and details on their products, specifically dribble bars to fit slurry tankers.
The group also spoke to other farming contractors to enquire as to their thoughts and processes, and how they established and managed their business, which was very beneficial to the group.

 

3    Next Steps

The next steps for the group:

  • Enquire with various local suppliers on best prices for specific equipment / parts for agricultural machinery from advice gained whilst at the show
  • Arrange finance to purchase new equipment / parts for machinery
  • Liaise with contacts gained at the show to purchase new cost-saving products and machinery parts in the future, which will greatly benefit the business.

Following advice sought at the show, the business is now planning to buy a dribble bar due to the rising cost of fertiliser. The advice given was to purchase the dribble bar, which will enable the slurry to discharge little and often, which, in turn, will save costs. These savings will then be spent to sustain the crops.