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The Massey Ferguson MF DELTA combine harvester has won the prestigious Machine of the Year Award at the Agritechnica Show in Hannover.

“Massey Ferguson is now reaping the reward of our investment in developing new and innovative harvesting machinery,” said Richard Markwell, Vice-President and Managing Director, Massey Ferguson, Europe, Africa and Middle East.

“We are very proud to receive the Machine of the Year Award I and must thank all our colleagues in the harvesting division for their innovative ideas, hard work and commitment that has resulted in this great achievement.

“Our clear goal is to deliver combine harvesters of the highest quality and upmost reliability. Our major investment in manufacturing and engineering development at Breganze is now delivering the results that have been recognised by this award,” he said.

The wide range of novel, innovative features on the MF DELTA combine help improve harvesting performance and increase efficiency while reducing power and fuel consumption.

At the Agritechnica show in Hannover on 10th to 16th November Massey Ferguson will be celebrating award-winning success as well as introducing a huge array of innovative equipment. While the new MF 8700 Series, which is being launched at the show, is set to be the star of the stand, it will be on show alongside a wide range of new combines, balers and telescopic handlers.

“Agritechnica is set to be another highlight in an already enormously exciting and successful year for Massey Ferguson,” says Campbell Scott, Brand Development Manager. “We continue to invest in developing new and innovative products to help farmers to improve efficiency in all operations and are proud this is being recognised with awards.”

On show at Agritechnica for the first time are three, new four cylinder tractors in the MF 5600 Series. These go on display alongside a wide range of new harvesting equipment introducing significant changes to the MF DELTA, MF CENTORA and BETA combines, as well as the new MF 2200 Series large square balers, the new MF 1840 in-line, small square baler and new MF 9000 Xtra Series telescopic handlers.

Agritechnica will also see the introduction of the MF 470 tractor. This Brazilian-built, 120hp model is aimed specifically at Eastern European countries, which do not require engines to comply with the strict emission regulations and is likely to attract much interest.

Award winning success

Massey Ferguson is proud that, yet again, its investment is tractor innovation has been recognised by the Jury for the respected Tractor of the Year Awards, which has nominated the MF 6616 as a finalist for this year’s awards.

“We are, of course, extremely gratified and honoured the MF 6616 is a finalist in the awards,” says Mr Scott. “We are pleased the jury appreciate how this advanced design offers users the power, torque and operating benefits associated with a six cylinder tractor, but in a compact and extremely agile machine with a great power to weight ratio. Indeed, with the MF 6600 Series Massey Ferguson has created a new class of 150hp+ four cylinder tractors. Developing 185hp, with Engine Power Management on the Dyna-6 model, makes the MF 6618 the most powerful four cylinder tractor available.”

Massey Ferguson is also very proud to be receiving a prestigious Milestone 2013 Award at Agritechnica for its pioneering innovation in farm mechanisation in developing the MH-20 – the world’s first self-propelled combine harvester.

The timing of this award could not be more appropriate, with 2013 seeing Massey Ferguson celebrating the 75th anniversary of the introduction of the MH-20 combine harvester.

To mark this special occasion Richard Markwell, Vice-President and Managing Director, Massey Ferguson, Europe, Africa and Middle East will unveil a stunning new bronze sculpture at the awards presentation ceremony, in Hall 7 at 11.00hr on Sunday 10th November. This unique artwork, especially commissioned by Massey Ferguson, has been crafted by the internationally recognised artist, John Sherlock.

“The MH-20 SP combine was a masterpiece of engineering and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate it with this new sculptural masterpiece,” says Mr Scott. “We were determined to produce a symbol that would have lasting significance beyond the 75th anniversary date and which could be enjoyed for years to come.”

Massey Ferguson invests in farming’s future

At the Agritechnica Show Massey Ferguson will also sign a new partnership with CEJA – The European Council of Young Farmers – and will be hosting its members from across Europe at a series of events at the show.

“The goals of CEJA – to promote the interests of, and be a serious voice for, young farmers in the EU are identical to that of Massey Ferguson and are aligned with our “For a New Generation – From Massey Ferguson” approach and is a further commitment to the industry that we all work within,” explains Mr Scott.

This involvement not only translates into action the message from its unique ‘New Generation’ study, but also builds on Massey Ferguson’s Vision of the Future Event, held this summer near Beauvais in France.

“This research indicates a dramatic step change is taking place in global farming. It shows how a New Generation of farmers is transforming the way the world is farmed and they are demanding the most appropriate tractors, harvesters and equipment.

“The New Generation of younger farmers across Europe are forging ahead, farming larger areas than their forebears as well as producing more from less. But the report also shows it is important that the industry has the correct balance of experience and young, dynamic thinking as we move forward,” he adds.

“By working with CEJA Massey Ferguson will be at the heart of these exciting developments – using our experience and expertise to provide equipment to meet future needs, while garnering the enthusiasm and ideas from young farmers who are the future of European Agriculture.”

Big congratulations to Dave Turner, Service Technician at Massey Ferguson dealership Highwood’s, Somerset, UK. Dave has just celebrated an incredible fifty years as a Technician at the Yeovil Depot. In 1966 Dave graduated from college with a 1^st Class certificate in Agricultural machinery, maintenance and repair and had the original certificates to show us. Dave had some fascinating stories to tell us, “Over fifty years you get to meet all kinds of people and machinery” Dave told us, “I actually retired two years ago but I like to keep my hand in and my mind active. I remember how I used to race around the countryside with my colleague, Salesman Jim Tooze, he’d sell them and I’d support them. We were a proper double act.”

We asked Dave how life in the workshop differs now from fifty years ago, he explains, “The biggest difference over the years has been speed. Machinery has advanced so much and the pace of life has quickened. Customers need their equipment as soon as possible so we have to fix things quickly, there’s little downtime. It’s so important to retain driver and customer relations, it may put pressure on us but it’s all part of the service.

We asked Dave what he most enjoyed about the job, he tells us “It’s all about the people. I’ve been lucky, I’ve worked closely with dealers, customers and colleagues and all have supported me over the years. It really is an extended family working for Massey Ferguson, it’s all about family.”

Ben Manning, Group Aftersales Manager at Highwood’s comments “The modern professionalism of the manufacturer, dealership staff, customers and drivers have all impressed on Dave the move forward in agricultural engineering, it’s imperative that we have people like Dave working to meet our consistently high standards of support.”

In an amazing feat of endurance, Lincolnshire farmer, Steve Smith drove an MF 6490 in a 24-hour Plough-a-thon to raise funds for the UK farming charity the Royal Agricultural benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I.).

Following a period of ill health in which he received support from the RABI, Steve vowed to do something special to raise money for the charity.

The challenge took place close to his home at Market Rasen and local landowner, Charles Jackson loaned the tractor and plough.

“The R.A.B.I. has been fantastic in helping both me and my brother who have worked hard on the land for most of our lives,” Steve commented. “I wanted to do something to give back to the charity and support other farming families in need.”

A presentation evening took place on 19 September, 7pm at The Nags Head in Market Rasen where Steve handed over a cheque to the R.A.B.I. He’s hoping that agricultural businesses and rural people will all get behind him to help swell the funds.

Anyone wishing to support him can donate online by visiting:

www.justgiving.com/24hrplough

Preparations for Antarctica 2014 from Massey Ferguson are progressing well. The MF 5600 tractor that ‘Tractor Lady’ Manon Ossevoort will drive to the South Pole in 2014 is built and currently being prepared for its arduous journey.

Staff at Massey Ferguson are also assembling a team of top specialists to support Manon and the MF 5600 tractor. These include top polar explorers, experienced expedition leaders, a highly trained tractor technician along with back up from other specialists.

“Massey Ferguson is very proud to be involved in this great adventure,” says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson’s Brand Development Manager. “The project is part of our heritage and follows in the tractor tracks of Sir Edmund Hillary, who completed the same journey on a Ferguson Tractor 55 years ago. It will be the 56th anniversary of that significant event when Manon’s MF 5600 reaches the South Pole in 2014.”

‘Tractor Lady’ Manon has undertaken polar training in Northern Canada as well as initial tractor testing on a glacier in Iceland, along with members of the MF team.

Manon said, “I am very excited about what we have achieved so far and how the project is proceeding. In recent months I have managed to keep quite a big secret – that is Tractor Lady is soon to become Tractor Mama! The birth of my baby is another whole new adventure for me personally. But I am really determined to complete the journey and finish the story I have been creating for the past nine years.”

Massey Ferguson is delighted with Manon’s special news, adds Mr Scott. “Naturally we share the joy of Manon and her partner, Rogier and send them every best wishes for the future and look forward to our continued progress towards the South Pole together,” he adds.