The push by the Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) to grow its membership is “continuing at pace”.

The September and October meetings of the association’s Executive Council confirmed three additional member firms.

First up was JF Centre Tullamore – a retail farm machinery business specialising in the supply of trailed silage harvesters and parts, as well as service and repair activities.

Image source: Justin Roberts

Led by Alan Gethings (see main/featured picture), the firm is based at Annaharvey (near Tullamore) and is also an agent for Cross Agricultural Engineering and Farmec (Ireland).

Also Read: Trade focus: Foraging for an affordable answer in Tullamore

Conlan Oils, established in 1985, was next up. It’s a supplier of lubricating oil, fuel-related equipment and air-powered machinery. The firm, led by Adrian Conlan, is based at Dublin Road, Athy, Co. Kildare.

Barron Machinery was also admitted to the association’s membership. It’s a retail dealership based at Rathnure, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

Founded by Seamus Barron, the business is now led by his son Barry and is a dealer for McCormick (tractors), as well as Vicon, Quicke and Major (among others).

More space at Farm Machinery Show

Meanwhile, preparations are ongoing for the 2019 Farm Machinery Show.

According to the FTMTA, February’s event will be larger than before, thanks to “a substantial expansion of one of the marquee pavilions”.

A spokesperson explained: “At the previous [2017] Farm Machinery Show, a total of nearly 170 individual exhibitors exhibited across some 14,000m² of indoor exhibition space in four pavilions.

“The exhibition area included over 210 distinct exhibits, including shell stands, open stands and outdoor display areas.

“The 2019 event will be even larger, with a substantial expansion of one of the marquee pavilions.”