The glossy, 148-page publication is full to the brim of all the ‘must-know’ machinery news, and features a comprehensive directory of all the machinery available in Ireland right now, specifications, and prices.
Interviewees include Pat Costelloe, general group manager of well-known John Deere dealer, Templetuohy Farm Machinery (TFM), which celebrates 40 years in the business; and Sharon O’Brien, from Cork-based Egmont Agri who discusses making her mark on the family contracting and machinery-sales business set up by her father Timmy in the mid-1980s.
All-Ireland tractor-pulling expert and champion, Darren Bailey talks about the ‘anatomy of a super-powered tractor; while Alistair Chambers explores the fuels of the future for tractors, and the alternatives to fossil fuels.
Karol Duigenan of Claas, and current president of the FTMTA, talks about the general farm machinery industry, and there is a full run down on contractors' charges for the 2023 season; while communications director of the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) Michael Moroney provides an overview of the Irish tractor market.
Commenting on the publication of the yearbook, its editor, Noel Dunne, said: “I would like to thank the FTMTA for its continued support and valuable contributions to the yearbook, along with its members – the machinery importers, distributors and manufacturers of Ireland – and all the European manufacturers who supplied timely and topical information, too.
“The farm machinery industry in Ireland is worth in excess of €677m, annually, covering both new and secondhand machinery, along with parts and services. Our export market is worth in excess of €200m and the industry currently employs over 6,000 people.”
The machinery industry, he said, is a wonderful one to be involved in and, while good employment opportunities exist, it must market itself better.
“There is a need to recruit more young people into the industry in the areas of sales, service repair and manufacturing. There are opportunities out there, and it is a wonderful industry in which to work. We just need to market it a little bit better. The role of technology and its presence within the industry is increasing all the time, adding to great changes across all areas, especially in the farming sector, where tech is making things easier and easier, and more cost effective. And it is also creating greater tech-related opportunities.”
The Irish Farm Machinery & Equipment Yearbook 2023 can be purchased here