York agricultural tech show to attract farmers despite low returns

Some 180 firms will showcase their latest, state-of-the-art farming technology at tomorrow’s Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show, an event which is expected to attract thousands of farmers from across the North of England.

Mr Tasker, who organises the show at York Auction Centre where he works as an agricultural auctioneer, believes visitors will be prepared to set money aside for innovations that should reduce their costs long-term.

“GPS, for example, is a massive, growing part of agriculture, everyone has to move forward with it to keep costs down and yields up and it’s amazing how many different makes and types of technology we have out there on the show site,” Mr Tasker said.

“Spending is tight, there is nothing in any part of agriculture, whether it is beef or potatoes or pigs, all sectors are struggling off the back of a strong pound. But if we standstill we go backwards so we have to look at, even in difficult times, what we are doing - whether it is with technology to improve on our input costs or at renewables, for example, to get an additional return.”

The indoor area of tomorrow’s show has been expanded in its third year, with 15,000 sq ft of space added for trade stands.

The vice president of the National Farmers’ Union, Guy Smith, is due to visit the union’s stand where he will be available to discuss any pressing concerns with farmers from 11am.