Do you operate an exceptional piece of kit? Or perhaps you’ve manufactured one? Either way, if you think a machine deserves industry-wide recognition, why not nominate it for the International Machinery Manufacturers’ Awards?

The 2015 competition is now open for nominations from manufacturers, dealers or farmers with first-hand experience of the machine they wish to put forward.

The IMMAs, launched by Cereals Event organiser Haymarket Exhibitions in 2014 to recognise machines that deliver a mix of innovation, cost-effectiveness and value, are aimed specifically at machines sold in the UK, regardless of where they were made, to help recognise and encourage the uptake of novel, practical technologies.

The four categories cover cultivation equipment, harvest machinery, sprayers and tractors, and attracted entries from 28 companies in its first year. These ranged from combines, power harrows, self-propelled sprayers and a variable transmission system as well as simpler but effective technologies such as drain cleaners, spray nozzles and spray can rinsers.

This year’s line-up of judges brings a wealth of experience from all areas of the agricultural machinery industry. The panel includes:

Peter Redman representing IAgrE, Prof Dick Godwin, Harper Adams University (soils and cultivation); Prof Toby Mottram, Royal Agricultural University (robotics); Prof Paul Miller, NIAB (spray application expert); Phillip Clappison, Farmers Weekly Contractor of the Year 2013 and David Cousins, machinery editor, Farmers Weekly.

Peter Redman, chair of the judging panel said: “Selecting the most appropriate machine or form of technology is increasingly key to the success of farming businesses.

“These awards guide buyers in their selection process with the benefit of the judgement of independent experts and they both encourage and show case innovation that is essential to the development and competitiveness of the industry.

“The judges are looking forward to reviewing entries offering combinations of features to improve soil care, reduce inputs and raise efficiency and provide more advanced information and control systems to support operators and improve management decisions.”

Nominations are open until 17 April 2015. Entry forms can be found on the Cereals 2015 website (www.cerealsevent.co.uk/machineryawards). Prizes will be awarded on the first day of Cereals 2015 and the winning machines will be on show at the event.

Cereals 2015 takes place on Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th June, at Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire. Tickets cost £24 each (£20 for students) and are available at www.cerealsevent.co.uk. Visitors qualify for NRoSO points and BASIS points for attending either day (number to be confirmed). Further information on the website.