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No matter where you are in the world, you are never far from Massey Ferguson – and that’s been the case for decades!

2013 saw great celebrations to mark 60 years for the brand in the beautiful island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, 2000 km off the southeast coast of Africa.

The first tractor to land on its shores was a 28hp Ferguson TEA20, built at Coventry, England, in 1953. The latest to arrive is a 240hp MF 7624 produced in Beauvais, France.

A diamond jubilee is certainly something to celebrate and SCOMAT, MF distributor in Mauritius, invited 180 customers from the islands to a 60th anniversary party.

“Nearly all the Massey Ferguson ranges from our factories in Brazil and France are sold in Mauritius,” remarks Stuart Scott, Massey Ferguson Area Business Manager. “Tractors are worked very intensively for 1500-2,500 hours a year, mostly for the cultivation and transport of the chief crop – sugar cane.”

MF tractors are incredibly popular here and the brand claims over 50% market share. So unlike like the famous dodo which lived on Mauritius until the late 17th century, there’s absolutely no chance of Massey Ferguson becoming extinct!

Thursday 17 October at London’s Soho Hotel sees the first screening of the brand-new children’s series ‘Little Grey Fergie’ featuring the adventures of a full-size, live-action Ferguson TE20 tractor.

Filmed on location at a Warwickshire farm, this new show is an English version of the popular Norwegian children’s story and TV series ‘Gråtass’. Over the last 15 years, the original story has grown like topsy with not only the TV series but two feature film hits, nine theatrical productions, several more books, DVDs and spin-off articles.

Aimed at pre-school kids, the new adventures of Little Grey Fergie are set on a farm near Coventry in England in the present day with English farm animals, settings and characters.

Production company, Farmyard Stories shot the series on a farm not far from Massey Ferguson’s UK Sales operations at Abbey Park Stoneleigh and only 20 km from the site of the original Coventry factory where the TE20s were built between 1946 and 1956.

A new star for the series is a shiny red, ultra-modern MF 7600 which adds 21st century tractor power to the narrative. Creator of the programmes, Morten Mycklebust is very excited about the launch of the new series. “Massey Ferguson is one of the world’s most recognised brands,” he remarks. “We’re really pleased that our films are giving a completely new generation of youngsters the opportunity to learn about and enjoy the brand and its history.”

“We fully support the development of the Little Grey Fergie character,” says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson Brand Development Manager. “The stories are captivating and we’re sure kids and their families will love him.”

The films have no dialogue – the tales are told through action, sound effects and music – so they will be understood all over the world. You can watch the first adventure at www.littlegreyfergie.com from 18 October.

Three new telescopic handlers in the MF 9000 Xtra Series from Massey Ferguson make their debut at the Agritechnica Show in Hannover on 11^th to 16^th November. All are powered by new Stage 3b/Tier 4 interim compliant engines and feature a new multi-function joystick option, which allows operators to control the transmission without removing their left hand from the steering wheel.

These new models build on the success of the MF 9000 Series, which introduced the best visibility on the market through a unique curved rear screen. The new MF 9000 Series Xtra models remain compact, agile and manoeuvrable machines that sit on a short, wide chassis, which provides exceptional stability, while the laterally, side-mounted engine offers great access for service.

MF 9000 Xtra Series telescopic handler features

All models powered by latest 3.6 litre, four cylinder engines that employ efficient, straightforward technology to meet the latest exhaust emission regulations

New  joystick option allows operators to control the transmission without removing left hand from the steering wheel

Unique and patented curved rear window provides unrivalled, industry-leading visibility to the rear right three quarters, with no cab post to obstruct the view

Short, wide chassis combines the benefits of superb stability with exceptional manoeuvrability from standard four-wheel steer system. Four-speed hydrostatic transmission provides a true 40km/hr top road speed. Ability to fit wide tyres to all models

Novel boom configuration with low rear pivot point for a clear view of the rear right-hand side; up to 190 litres/min closed centre load sensing (CCLS) hydraulics with fully proportional joystick control boom suspension option.

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.”