Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show (YAMS) final preparations underway

Marquees are being erected, trailers of equipment are arriving, car parks are being laid out: with less than a week to go, preparations for the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show (YAMS) are reaching a climax.

Wednesday, February 7, is the date to remember, when more than 200 exhibitors will be displaying their wares and services at the tenth edition of the award-winning event which is held at York Auction Centre, ideally located just off the A64.

“Setting up hasn’t been easy this year, with repeated storms bringing wind and rain, but everything is gradually falling into place,” said show secretary, Richard Tasker.

“A few late bookings have brought the final total of stands up to 205, including 29 first-time exhibitors, which is always great to see and provides an ever-widening selection of equipment and services for visitors to take in.”

Exhibitors at YAMS 2024 range from the main machinery dealerships, such as Ripon Farm Services and Russells, down to small bespoke engineers, plus companies specialising in buildings, concrete panels, forestry equipment, groundcare and demolition, to name just a few.

Despite the impressive line-up of state-of-the-art hardware, the show is about much more than machinery: there are technology, CCTV and GPS providers, financial and training consultants, the Rural Payments Agency providing advice on the Sustainable Farming Initiative, Yorkshire Water giving information about Catchment Sensitive Farming, plus many more sources of advice on a wide range of subjects.

YAMS takes place at the ideal time for anyone considering investing in new machinery for 2024, be that in the field of farming, forestry or ground care – and with every major supplier in the county (and, indeed, many from beyond) in attendance, there is no better opportunity to see their latest offerings in one place.

Richard said: “Whether times are good or bad in farming there is always a need to look at making improvements to achieve better efficiency, cost savings and improved output, in order to remain competitive and ahead of the game.

“If you stand still then, in effect, you go backwards – and this is a philosophy we apply to the show, too, so we are always looking for new exhibitors and other ways to make it a more attractive event.

“This year we will have more catering, offering outstanding local meats, rolls and pies, the washrooms have been upgraded and we will have a new traffic management system in place.”

The show officially begins at 8.30am but the café will be open from 7am, serving a full Yorkshire Early Bird Breakfast.

York Auction Centre is located on the A166, immediately off the A64 York bypass: follow the signs for Bridlington from the junction. There is on-field parking at the site, with overspill parking well marked.

Alternatively, take advantage of an efficient park-and-ride bus service from Grimston Bar, which is signposted from the A64’s junction with the A166.

For a full list of exhibitors and any last-minute updates, visit the show’s website at www.yams.uk.com