What they said...
Graham McHugh FTMTAFTMTA PresidentPresident
“This is my first show as President of the FTMTA, so it’s extra special. Over the coming two years of my term, I’d like to get the message out there that we are here to serve the machinery industry and its farmer and contractor customers. I know times are hard for some sectors, but good quality, reliable machinery will always be sought after. It’s a two-way street — machinery dealers depend on their farmer customers and vice versa.”
Liam Hayde Area Sales Manager for Ireland, New Holland
“It was a busy show, but there was limited actual business being done. I think we’re going to get a tougher year for tractor sales in 2017. The sales figures available so far this year would confirm that: 333 new tractors sold in January 2017 versus 391 sold in January 2016. That’s a sizeable 15pc reduction. There’s plenty of time left for business to heat up and we have a great line-up of tractors ready when it does.”
Pat Griffin Health and Safety Authority
“We’re here as a reminder in the middle of all these big tractors that when an accident occurs, a machine will usually be directly involved. There’s already been three farm fatalities in 2017. This year, we are setting up new farm safety knowledge transfer groups to reinforce the safety message.”
Patrick Ryan D & S Farm Machinery
“We’re long term supporters of this event — it’s always good to meet and greet customers. This is my fifth Punchestown show working with D & S Machinery. The first couple of weeks of the year were strong, but then there was a lull. I think there is potential there for the market to improve as the year goes on. The tractor market is more competitive now — you have to do a lot just to hold your own market share.”