Progress demands that South African farmers ensure every seed they plant, every drop of fuel, and every cent spent on inputs contribute to earning a profit. Massey Ferguson has a long history of agricultural success in our country with its proven track record of reliable performance and value for money. However, Massey Ferguson also reaches far into our farming future with its technological advancements that remain at the forefront of global tractor development.
At a recent Massey Farmers’ Day in the Dalton area, it was once again demonstrated that Massey is focused on the farmer.
Dominik Reus, the managing director of the AGCO group, of which Massey Ferguson is a part, said they want to work closely with farmers to understand their needs and challenges. “We are focused on our farmers. We at AGCO, including our dealers, want to ensure our services are recommended as the best in the industry.”
The farmers’ day brought together farmers from all over the region for a day full of educational experiences and valuable networking opportunities. The day was organised by FMS (Farm Maintenance Services) from Pietermaritzburg, who is also the Massey dealer for the central Natal area. This Farmers’ Day gave the community a chance to expand their knowledge of modern agricultural equipment while also showing their appreciation for local farming support.
The managing director of the AGCO group, Dominik Reus, addresses farmers at the farmers’ day.
Cornie Tosen, sales manager of FMS, explained: “This farmers’ day started about seven years ago as a small tent event with a truck and a braai in the field. Since then, it has grown so much that five years ago we decided to step up our efforts to offer a farmers’ day that fits our company and products, and also to show farmers that they can use our services and products with peace of mind and confidence.”
“This day is not about us, but about giving back to the community.”
Cornie says: “We are very privileged to have everyone here today. Year after year, this day is a highlight for us to reconnect with our existing customers and network with new potential clients. We get as close to the farmers as we can. We are the farmers’ partners, not just a supplier, and I truly hope that this is the message and feeling the farmers take away from today.”
In addition to Massey’s involvement in the day, other suppliers like Radium Engineering, Falcon Equipment, Amazone, and Rovic also had the opportunity to showcase their equipment to the farmers.
Farmers could not stop driving! Massey’s workhorses in action in the fields at the Farmers’ Day.
A one-of-a-kind farmers’ day
This farmers’ day is considered more of a farming experience day, where farmers can drive the tractors themselves and experience firsthand how they work, how they ride, and the comfort inside the cab.
After the demonstrations, the keys were left in the tractors, and farmers who attended the day got the wheels rolling. There was little downtime, and the farmers could not get enough of the tractors, implements, and equipment.
Cornie says: “The demonstrations give farmers a practical look and firsthand experience of how this technology can make their daily tasks easier and faster.”
Building unity and networks
Farmers also had the opportunity to chat with each other, exchange experiences, and build valuable networks. The sense of unity was strong throughout the day, and many participants said they left the day informed and impressed.
“We attend this farmers’ day year after year, and it is wonderful to see how it keeps growing,” one of the farmers explained. “Events like this are important because they give us, as farmers, the opportunity to reconnect with our fellow farmers, chat, exchange ideas, learn from each other, and discover new solutions for our challenges. It is also great to see how Massey is not just growing in this district but also as a market leader.”
Another local farmer added: ‘I am sure we all have a soft spot for Massey Ferguson. We grew up with Massey. I still remember well, back in 1953, I learned to drive a tractor on a Massey “vaaljapie,” and it is fantastic to see how the technology has advanced. We truly hope they keep hosting this farmers’ day for the next few years.”
Another farmer commented, ‘It was not just an opportunity to learn more about the latest agricultural equipment, but also a chance to come together and support the community. I appreciate how FMS gives back and supports us as farmers.’
One of the highlights of the day was the new 7S Massey tractor, but what makes the 7S so unique?
Ryan Clark, product marketing manager for AGCO Africa, explained that this tractor received an upgrade from the previous model series, not only externally but also within the cab. He shared what is new: ‘This tractor has even more hydraulic power, with full precision enabled through AGCO’s trimble precision technology.’
The tractor also features a full touchscreen. This screen is ISOBUS-ready, which means that when you connect an ISOBUS-equipped implement to the tractor, the screen communicates with both the tractor and the implement, allowing you to control both from within the cab. This means you no longer need a cab filled with multiple monitors – just one that does it all for you.”
Ryan believes these tractors are incredibly simple to understand and adjust, making work a pure pleasure for the operator!
The FMS team at the recent farmers’ day in the Dalton area includes Nick Straus, Christiaan Matthysen, Andrew Nicholson, Cornie Tosen, MC Nagel, and Carl De Villiers.
Meeting the farmer’s needs
Cornie shared: “Our Global series tractors really stand out in this area, specifically meeting the needs of our farmers, especially the sugarcane, dairy, and vegetable farmers. One of the biggest challenges farmers face recently is the high fuel prices and input costs, and we are truly trying to bridge that gap, helping farmers to farm more profitably and efficiently at the same time.”
A day to remember
FMS has shown that they are not only interested in equipment sales but also in the success of the farming community. With initiatives like this, farmers can be assured they have the right partner by their side to tackle the challenges of modern farming.
For more information about FMS and how they can assist you in your area, visit their website at www.mf-pmb.co.za, you can also contact Corne Tosen at (+27)83-260-0215 or via e-mail cornie@fms.org.za.
Visit Massey Ferguson South Africa’s website at www.masseyferguson.com.
