Midlands Machinery Show explores red diesel changes and grant funding for contractors

Over 90% of farmers use contractors, and with significant changes to legislation in the pipeline it’s more important than ever to work together for maximum success.

So what changes are ahead and how can contractors and landowners make the most of them?

© Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society

Contractor and NAAC chairman Matt Redman will be joining forces with NAAC chief executive Jill Hewitt at the Midlands Machinery Show in November to explore the impending challenges and opportunities.

“With the decline of subsidies, I think more farmers are going to be looking to contractors rather than investing in machinery themselves,” says Mrs Hewitt.

A good partnership

Having a good relationship with between farmer and contractor is undoubtably important. “It’s a partnership, it’s all about communication – sharing information is really key for safety too.”

An exciting prospect for contractors is potential new machinery grant funding. “This is massive for contractors because up until Brexit they have been excluded from applying for grants, particularly for machinery,” she explains.

“This will really level the playing field for contractors. We don’t know what exactly will be included in the grant, but it’s likely to be elements which are good for soil, like minimum tillage equipment.

New funding

“This will also mean that contractors will be able to get funding to be more innovative – they will be able to get ahead and invest in the latest technology. It’s a real recognition that contractors are a vital part of UK agriculture.”

However, there are some concerns ahead as well: Legislation for red diesel is changing next April, and while agriculture will retain red access, many sectors will lose their red diesel fuel tax entitlement

“We have been involved in the consultation process, but nothing is finalised yet – we are waiting on the detail which we hope to share at the Show,” explains Mrs Hewitt.

With such fundamental changes ahead in the contracting and agricultural industry, it’s vital to keep up to date, says show manager Elizabeth Halsall.

“We hope our informative seminars will provide visitors an opportunity to get an answer to any questions they may have about these important topics.”

Maintaining the fleet

Of course, keeping a contractor’s fleet running is essential, particularly at busy times of year, which is why the Show is also supporting the next generation of agricultural engineers through its Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award.

“The award aims to raise the profile of the sector and support young people from diverse backgrounds and skill-sets to develop the abilities they need to embark on successful agricultural careers,” says Simon Eccleston, CEO of Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society.

Frazer Cross was one of four winners in 2020 – and going into his third year of an Agco agricultural engineering apprenticeship, he is well on track to becoming a fully qualified technician.

“The day to day is so varied; calls are always coming in so you might be in the workshop one day and out on farm on another,” he says.

“There’s a lot of satisfaction in learning the skills that enable me to go out onto a farm and get these machines up and running again when they run into trouble.”

Apply for Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award online

• Applications can be made by completing a downloadable application form from the Midlands Machinery Show website, which also outlines entry requirements.
• Once completed please email to harriet.canovan@newarkshowground.com by 15 October 2021.

About the show

The Midlands Machinery Show is organised by the Newark and Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society and is a platform for SME and large agricultural businesses to show their diverse range of machinery and innovation to those who work and have an interest in agriculture. It attracts around 10,000 visitors over two days.

• The Midlands Machinery Show takes place on 9-10 November 2021 at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire. Entry is free but advanced registration is essential.
• For more information or to book tickets visit midlandsmachineryshow.com.