Midlands Machinery Show exhibitors expect November's event to be an opportunity to gauge farmer confidence following the Labour Party's budget. 

The event kicks off on 20 November – three weeks after Chancellor Rachel Reeves sets out her new fiscal plan.

Tax rises and funding cuts are expected to follow what has been a challenging year for agriculture. But machinery dealers say most businesses just want clarity in order to make investment decisions. 

Chandlers Farm Equipment will be exhibiting at the Newark Showground and believes many farmers have postponed big purchases until after the budget. 

"We've had a few people say they're going to hold off on big purchases until after the budget," says Rob Immink, Director of Sales FV at Chandlers Farm Equipment.  

"They want that clarity – most will probably end up making those purchases anyway because they've identified a need for them, but they want to make the final decision when there aren't as many unknowns.  

"By the time the Midlands Machinery Show takes place everyone will know where they stand and will have an expectation of what the future will look like. That will instil more confidence in the sector."

The Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) reported in October that UK agricultural tractor registrations for the first nine months of 2024 were 15% lower than in the same period last year. 

The number of machines registered in the third quarter was down by an even larger 20%, compared with a year earlier. 

But despite the figures, the Midlands Machinery Show has seen strong support from exhibitors with well over 200 stands booked. 

Events and Development Manager, Elizabeth Halsall, said: "This will be the tenth Midlands Machinery Show and over the years we have seen farming's highs and lows. What always comes through is the resilience in the agricultural community. 

"When farm businesses come up against challenges they need the innovation and the technology developed by suppliers to help them become more efficient and profitable, and our show is a great platform to explore options and do business.  

"Among our exhibitors are firms such as Brown & Co and Wilkin Chapman who can also help digest and evaluate what the budget will mean for farm business from their respective points of expertise." 

Tickets to the Midlands Machinery Show are free but pre-registration is required at www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.