Visitors see latest farm buildings at Agricultural Buildings Show

Keen interest in the continuing process of updating farm buildings, on all types of farm, ensured a positive turnout of farmers and sector specialists for the Agricultural Buildings Show 2014 at the Epic Centre on Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln on Thursday 3rd April.

“With overall farm investment plans set to benefit from the Budget rise in Annual Investment Allowance to £500,000 it was perhaps not so surprising to see farmers keen to invest in the future through new farm buildings,” noted Andy Newbold, of show organiser FarmSmart Events.

Visitors came to the UK’s only farm infrastructure event - now in its 13th successful year - to see the latest farm buildings technology on display, to speak to the sector’s experts, and to hear practical experiences and advice first hand from a specialist seminar programme. Exhibitors represented the full range of buildings and services, including grain stores, livestock housing and slurry handling, and building design, planning, repairs, fixtures and fittings.

“Exhibitors were very pleased with the level of interest, which probably stemmed from improved farm profits in part, but also changes in tax allowances and the imminent arrival of CE marking regulations on farm buildings,” said Mr Newbold. “It was clear that visitors were making buying decisions to put their businesses on a stronger financial and logistical footing for the future.”

‘Better by design - improving profitability through farm infrastructure’ - the event’s theme - was expanded upon in a special seminar programme, which addressed three key areas:


• New CE marking regulations for farm buildings – Niresh Somlie from BM Trada.

• The Solarbarn design concept for incorporating solar energy into new farm buildings - Alexander Creed from Strutt & Parker.

• Best practice in implementing new farm infrastructure projects, including grant availability and project plans - David Ellis from rural property service Acorus.

“Investing in buildings is one the most significant and long lasting decisions a farmer will make, with the results being a vital factor in the success or otherwise of the business for many years,” Mr Newbold continued. “The Agricultural Building Show has become the industry’s key reference point, bringing farmers and trade together under a single roof to discuss the best possible way forward.”