As I set off to LAMMA 2007, I soon realsied that the weather was going to play a big part in the day! In the middle of Mansfield I was past by a lone brolly, then saw the wind push a child of the pavement, luckily she was unhurt as the traffic was stationary. Past the guys picking leeks, rather them than me on a day like Thursday 18th of January, only the outdoor pigs at Bilsthorpe seemed to be enjoying themselves, rooting and wallowing in the nights downpour.
On to Newark and the showground, access was nice and simple, parked up on what I assume was an old runway and headed for the show. Vredestein were making the most of the weather handing out baseball caps to anyone without headgear, most were egerly accepting the free gift.
As machinery shows now go LAMMA is very good, the majority of the big tractor manufacturers were there in their own right backed up by local dealers who sell their products in the area. Certainly for the arable farmer the selection of bright new shiney kit to perouse was excellent. As for myself who definatley classes as a smallholder there was enough relevant sized machinery or stands to keep me occupied. A couple of items would definatley be on my list if money were no object. The 83hp Deutz below (centre) being one, compact and as powerful as I will ever need.
The full Agco range was on show, the much talked about Fendt 936 seemed to be tucked away in the corner of the stand though! It's a pity that the 'Black Beauty' special wasn't there, although LAMMA is probably not the correct stage, this is a show for farmers, contractors and people who want to get up close to machines they are likely to use day in, day out.
The general views I came across both from both exhibitors and farmers was that the show was good for both side, people were they because there was something they wanted to see. Going to the Royal last year certainly showed the difference and that was only because the Young Farmers did well in the tug of war. I left the Royal last year thinking I wont be coming here again, whereas yesterday I was quite upbeat when I left clutching my leaflets with something to ponder once I got home.
As we move towards a 'greener' age, it struck me that there was no biodiesel stands at the show, I only saw one outdoor stand to do with coppice harvesting. There was certainly plenty of stands offering bunded diesel containers, but I was suprised to see no oil presses or mills.
The new Unimog certainly looks the part, the view from the cab was very impressive, the external roll bar also helps the beefy image.
Unfortunatley the show finished early yesterday as one of the margues finally lost its battle against the wind, but I'm sure that LAMMA will have established itself as a firm farmer favourite for years to come. The billboard was upright when I arrived!
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