Investing in new equipment can hone-in on efficiencies, cut operating costs and increase production, and though it’s not always a simple choice, expert advice can shed vital light on the best options.

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Visitors to the Midlands Machinery Show at Newark Showground on 20 – 21 November will have the opportunity to discuss all their farm business options with industry experts to help improve efficiencies and make decisions on investments.

“Every farm has areas it could improve, from simple mechanical issues to time management and technology, and larger investments such as trackways, housing and grain management,” says Elizabeth Halsall, at the Midlands Machinery Show. “Face to face conversations with experts can help farmers decide if an investment is worthwhile or suited to an individual farm business.”

So what kind of investments should farmers be thinking about?

David Perry, managing director of Perry of Oakley, advises considering grain drier efficiencies to aid in reducing post-harvest costs and help improve safety. Options such as automated and remote-controlled machinery is enormously beneficial for this. The PERRY drier provides remote technology that facilitates efficiency and farm safety without the need of operator presence.

“This system controls the drier based on changes in moisture content. Additionally, if drier operation is left unattended, there is our fire detection system, for peace of mind.”

However, completely new systems aren’t always needed or financially viable. Investment in monitoring technology can give a new lease of life and boost efficiency through better accuracy and understanding of inputs and outputs. Charles Goldingham, CEO of Agricultural Supply Services, highlights that discussing the particulars can ensure matching the right technology to the farm requirement. “Accuracy can only come from knowing the details.”

Larger investments, and the acceleration of diversification has created new territory for a lot of farm businesses. Tony Aspbury, director of Aspbury Planning Limited, who is running a seminar at this year’s event covering planning issues, stresses the importance of careful business planning and preparation.

His seminars will cover the issues raised by the three main types of development: Operational agriculture including livestock housing; diversification projects and the re-development of farmland including developments for non-agricultural use.

“We will be focussing on the value of taking professional advice at an early stage; of ensuring that sufficient time and resources are set aside for the planning process; and that all the necessary evidence and information is assembled and is carefully presented,” explains Mr Aspbury. “The aim should be to identify and overcome any potential pitfalls and to formulate a persuasive case for the development concerned. The planning application process itself should be smooth and speedy with the minimum of risk and a predictable outcome.”

Planning and development are key aspects for farmers to master in order to move forward, says Mrs Halsall. “Talking to the experts at the Show can offer valuable insight that could help a business flourish in the future.”

Entry to the show is free of charge, however, visitors will be required to register their attendance. For fast track entry, pre-registration is available at:https://midlandsmachineryshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/