News & Events

​Last week, we had the pleasure of exhibiting at the National Plant Show – and what a brilliant two days it was. As always, it was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with candidates, clients, and friends, and remind myself of everything the industry has to offer – from the latest plant launches to key sector news and conversations.There was more conversation than ever before around technology and automation in horticulture. From smarter growing systems to supply chain innovation, it’s clear that businesses are thinking ahead.Alongside that, there’s still a very real, ongoing need for people, especially in commercial growing roles. In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges continues to be changing perceptions of horticulture. Too often, the industry is misunderstood or dismissed as ‘just grass cutting’ or ‘what you do if you’re not academic.’ In reality, it’s full of opportunity – whether you’re keen to get your hands dirty or carve out a career in business, marketing, operations, or science. There’s something here for everyone.One thing that stuck with me is the sheer volume of new plant varieties being introduced each year. These new products are the result of years – sometimes decades – of work behind the scenes: breeding, trials, testing and refinement. Being a keen amateur gardener myself, I find the process behind the scenes fascinating. It made me think - do the general public realise what really goes on behind the scenes? Do they understand what goes into bringing a brand-new plant to market? Would they be interested if they knew? It’s a story that deserves to be told more loudly, and a story that my colleague Emily recently witnessed first hand at the Rochfords Rose Trials. You can read all about her experience here.The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) hosted a networking event on day one, giving members the chance to meet new faces, share experiences and build new connections. Events like these are so important for building confidence and a sense of community, especially in a sector that can feel lonely at times.We also launched an exciting new collaboration with Barclays Life Skills, giving YPHA members access to seven online learning modules, covering topics from Mental Resilience to Business Planning. Giving young minds access to these resources is vital, whilst making them aware of all the opportunities within Horticulture that they can kickstart a career in.It was also encouraging to see more businesses bringing their younger team members along to the show. A few senior leaders told me they made a point of it, to inspire and energise the next generation – and with free tickets, there’s really no reason not to.The National Plant Show is a perfect snapshot of why horticulture is such an exciting, diverse, and evolving industry. It’s multi-faceted, fast-paced, and full of genuine passion. For anyone thinking of entering the industry – or just starting out – I couldn’t recommend it more. You’ll leave with new ideas, new contacts, and a fresh sense of what’s possible.I am always available for a chat about getting into the industry. You can contact me here.  

​Cultivated meat—also known as lab-grown meat—has moved well beyond the early experimental phase. A few years ago, it felt like something you'd only see in a science documentary, but now companies worldwide are producing real meat without animals. Some have already launched products in places like the US and Singapore, and the UK seems to be moving toward regulatory approval in the next couple of years.The tech is getting more advanced (and cheaper) all the time. We’re seeing developments like AI being used to optimise how cells grow, plant-based scaffolds to give meat realistic textures, and 3D printing to build structure into the final product. It’s clever stuff, but what I keep returning to is—what does this mean for the people?As someone who works in recruitment in the food industry, I'm always thinking about the human side of these shifts. Where do the jobs go? What new ones get created? And what happens to the people who’ve been doing things the traditional way for generations?New Tech Means New RolesAs you'd expect, there’s a growing need for people in science and engineering—biotech specialists, lab technicians, automation experts, and quality and safety roles. There’s also a lot of crossover with tech and manufacturing—things like data analysts, machine operators, and people who can help scale processes from lab to factory.But What About Traditional Roles?I can’t help but wonder what impact this might have on more traditional parts of the industry—farming, meat processing, supply chain. Could we see job losses as cultivated products grow in popularity? Possibly. But I also think there’s a conversation to be had about working together.Could traditional meat processors bring expertise to help refine these new products? Could farmers supply some of the raw ingredients for cell culture or alternative scaffolding? Could rural communities benefit from new types of facilities opening locally?Room for Both?It doesn’t have to be either/or. Traditional meat and cultivated meat might end up sitting side by side for a long time, each appealing to different consumers. What interests me is whether the people behind both approaches can learn from each other, and how we as an industry support that.These are big changes, and like a lot of things in food right now, they’re happening quickly. I’m definitely not an expert in cell biology, but I am interested in how this all plays out for real people and jobs across the sector.

​Insights from the Young Farmers Stage at CerealsAgriculture is no longer just about muddy boots and tractors; today’s industry offers a diverse and rapidly evolving range of careers. From agronomy to AI, from livestock to logistics, the Young Farmers Stage at Cereals hosted an inspiring session exploring the future of agri-careers in the UK. Away from Wardy’s Waffle Bar and attendees queuing up to look at the new John Deere 9RX, this lively one-hour panel brought together experts from across the sector to discuss not only current job opportunities but also the emerging roles and skills needed for the decades ahead.Panel FormatThe session began with a series of 5-minute speaker introductions, supported by slides, and concluded with a Q&A from the audience focused on real-world job descriptions and audience questions.This format allowed attendees to hear directly from leading voices in the industry while gaining practical advice on career paths, skills development, and where the sector is headed.What the Audience Wanted to KnowThanks to a recent visitor survey from Cereals 2024, we ensured the panel reflected what matters most to young people considering a future in agriculture. Topics included:Emerging Agritech jobsThe impact of AI, robotics, and drones on employmentMentorship and coaching programmesInclusivity and workforce diversificationTraining and apprenticeshipsRoles in the food supply chainMeet the PanelModerator: Hannah Cuthbert – Recruitment Consultant, MorePeopleAs both Chair and speaker, Hannah brought valuable insight from the world of ag recruitment. She explored the breadth of available roles, highlighted the increasing importance of soft skills, and shared live job descriptions to spark discussion. Hannah also introduced the work of MorePeople, explaining exactly what we do and what we specialise in!Thomas Price – Employment and Skills Adviser, NFUThomas provided a market overview from the NFU, spotlighting what members are looking for in new hires, the challenges employers face, and how policy changes are influencing workforce demand.Marcus Travers – Agri-Food Technology Lead, Anglia Ruskin UniversityMarcus focused on educational pathways from undergraduate and graduate programmes to apprenticeships. He explored how future ag roles are evolving and what skills today’s students need to stay competitive.Corrina Urquhart – CEO, BASISCorrina introduced the audience to ongoing professional development programmes including BASIS, NRoSO, FACTS, and Agronomy certifications—essential tools for anyone looking to upskill or re-skill in land-based sectors.Charles Jarvis – Case Study SpeakerCharles offered an inspiring and practical first-hand account of his career journey, sharing the challenges and breakthroughs that shaped his path in agriculture.Tess Howe – Head of PartnershipsTess unpacked the innovation pipeline in farming and introduced the work of TIAH (The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture). She discussed precision ag, specialist roles, and shared findings from their recent Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) report on the skills we’ll need to succeed in agriculture by 2040.Why This MattersEvents like Cereals are vital in shaping the future of UK agriculture and sparking these types of conversations. They aren’t just about showcasing the latest kit and crop science—they're also critical for shaping the workforce of tomorrow. They give career changers, students and industry professionals a chance to connect, ask questions, and explore new directions.During the panel, a question stood out to me: "How can I stay on the pulse when it comes to finding my first role in the industry?"They were already doing the right thing; they were at Cereals. The network and calibre of attendees is fantastic and a great way to learn more and develop new connections. I remember being a nervous University Student myself, walking around Cereals completely excited by all of the opportunities agriculture possessed. Speaking to anyone and everyone, they were all very happy to explain their business and career opportunities to me. Today, I’m lucky enough to help others navigate those same choices, whether they’re just starting out or stepping up into senior and board-level roles. The diversity of career paths in agriculture has never been greater, and there’s never been a more exciting time to get involved.Want to learn more or get involved?Check out MorePeople, the NFU, Anglia Ruskin University, BASIS, and TIAH for resources, courses, and career advice.I am always available for a chat... contact me here!​

​A few days have passed since the Cereals Event 2025 in Lincolnshire, and what an event it was! As a recruitment consultancy that lives and breathes the rural and agricultural sectors, this event is always a big one for us.  With over 400 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, Cereals once again proved why it’s the go-to event for arable farming in the UK. For us, it was more than just a chance to see the latest kit or catch a few talks (though we did plenty of that too!). It was about staying close to the pulse of the industry, meeting the people who make it tick, and understanding where things are headed – so we can keep doing what we do best: connecting great people with great opportunities.The Big Picture: Change, Challenge, and InnovationThere was a sense of unease in the air this year. From food security and climate resilience to the role of tech in farming, the conversations were big and bold. NFU President Tom Bradshaw kicked things off with a strong message: food security should be treated as a national defence issue. That really set the tone, and he isn’t wrong. The #backafarmernotstarmer flags elicited more than a few wry smiles, and Steve Reed and Daniel Zeichner were conspicuous only by their absence, though this wasn’t necessarily surprising. I can’t imagine them feeling entirely comfortable in a field full of people that their government seems to be hell-bent on kicking at every turn.  But amongst the restlessness, there was also a feeling of optimism and forward thinking. We saw some incredible innovations – from drone spraying demos to AI-powered crop analytics – and it’s clear that the sector is evolving fast. It’s now less about who can plough the straightest furrow and more about ‘who can adapt to technology’. For us, that means the types of roles we’re recruiting for are changing too. There’s growing demand for people who can bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern tech, and who understand both the land and the data.Hannah Cuthbert at the Careers Luncheon A standout moment for our team was seeing our very own Hannah Cuthbert speak at the Careers Luncheon. She joined a panel of industry voices to talk about career pathways in agriculture, and she absolutely nailed it. Hannah spoke passionately about the variety of roles available in the sector today – not just on farms, but in agronomy, sustainability, tech, and rural business. She highlighted how important it is to support young people coming into the industry and to show them that the sector is full of opportunity, purpose, and innovation. We couldn’t have been prouder. It was a brilliant reminder of why we do what we do: helping people find meaningful careers in a sector that really matters.Reconnecting with Clients and Candidates One of the best parts of Cereals is the people. We had so many great conversations – some planned, some spontaneous – with clients, candidates, and industry friends. It was lovely to catch up with familiar faces and to meet new ones too. We spoke with candidates who are thinking about their next move, and with businesses that are growing and looking for the right talent to take them forward. These chats are invaluable. They help us understand what’s happening on the ground, what challenges people are facing, and where the opportunities are.And let’s be honest. There’s something about chatting face-to-face, in a field, with a coffee in hand, that just can’t be replicated over email or Zoom.The Great Big (Green) Elephant in the Field Of course, we couldn’t leave Cereals 2025 without mentioning the new John Deere 9RX – a true beast of a machine that drew plenty of attention. It’s undeniably impressive in scale and engineering but seeing it up close only reinforced my feelings outlined in my recent blog post, “How Big Is Too Big?”. For UK farming, where field sizes and terrain often demand a bit more agility over brute strength, the 9RX feels like a mismatch. It’s a marvel, yes, but it’s hard to see it being practical for most British operations. The horsepower race continues, but I remain unconvinced that bigger always means better, especially in our corner of the world.What We Took Away Here are a few things that really stood out to us this year:Food and energy security are now front and centre. This is going to shape policy, funding, and hiring in a big way – especially in areas like soil management, biofuels, and supply chain resilience.Tech is transforming the sector. From robotics to data analytics, the future of farming is digital. That means new skills, new roles, and new opportunities.Young people are key. There was a real focus on the next generation, and it’s clear we need to keep investing in them – not just with training, but with clear career pathways and support.Climate resilience is critical. Farmers are under pressure to adapt, and that’s driving demand for expertise in sustainability, regenerative practices, and environmental compliance.Business skills matter more than ever. As farms become more complex and diversified, there’s a growing need for people who can think strategically and manage operations like any other business.Why Events Like This Matter to Us For us, Cereals isn’t just a day out. It’s a chance to listen, learn, and stay connected. It helps us to:Keep up with what’s happening in the industryUnderstand what our clients and candidates needSpot trends and opportunities earlyStrengthen relationships and build new onesIt also reminds us why we love working in this space. Agriculture is full of passionate, innovative, and resilient people, and we’re proud to play a part in helping them thrive.Looking AheadWe left Cereals 2025 feeling informed and energised. There’s a lot of change happening in the sector, but also a lot of opportunity, and we’re excited to help our clients and candidates navigate it all.If we saw you at the event, thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. And if we missed you, we’d love to catch up. Whether you’re hiring, job hunting, or just want to chat about what’s next for the industry, we’re here. Let’s keep the conversation going.Contact me | Max Johnson

​On Tuesday 3rd June, Felicity and I had the pleasure of attending the Rochfords International Rose Trials as part of a HTA Members Regional Event – and we left with a renewed appreciation for both the complexity of rose breeding and the quiet innovation happening behind the scenes of UK horticulture.RIRT is the only independent site in the UK where unnamed seedling roses — varieties not yet commercially available — are trialled on behalf of breeders from around the world. Judged over two years using WFRS (World Federation of Rose Societies) standards, it’s a rare opportunity to see the future of the rose market taking shape, long before these plants reach garden centres.The trials form part of Rochford's broader CSR commitment. In addition to supporting breeders and growers, the initiative places a strong emphasis on education and outreach, engaging schools, colleges and horticultural societies to help promote horticulture to a wider and younger audience.A Unique Space in the MarketThe day began with a welcome and introduction from the HTA, followed by a tour through the trial beds. It was such a valuable chance to witness how innovation and product development are unfolding at the breeder level. These are the formative stages of varieties that could become bestsellers — or never even make it past this field.One particularly exciting development from our visit was the announcement of RIRT’s collaboration with the RHS, which will allow top-performing roses from the trials to be considered for the Award of Garden Merit. For breeders, this could be the bridge they need between trial success and commercial recognition. Also announced during our visit was the launch of the Peter Seabrook Award for Novelty in Rose Breeding. The award, in memory of the late journalist and plant trial advocate, will be judged by Kerry French and Robert Wharton, with the first winner to be named in 2025!Industry Questions with No Easy AnswersDuring the Q&A session, much of the discussion focused on the public perception of roses. A key question emerged: Should we be encouraging consumers to view roses as part of a mixed border, rather than relegating them to traditional rose beds?This led to a broader debate around responsibility. Should garden centres be rethinking how roses are displayed and marketed? Or should breeders and growers be doing more to simplify care instructions and ensure varieties are accessible to less experienced gardeners?While no clear consensus was reached during our Q&A, it was really great to hear this kind of dialogue taking place. The fact that the issue remains unresolved highlights the complexities of connecting plant development, marketing, and consumer behaviour — a challenge familiar to many of the people working in the horticultural supply chain.Observations from the FieldOne of our favourite aspects of the day was the opportunity to cast a vote alongside other HTA members. We assessed fragrance and overall appeal — it became clear that Felicity and I have very different taste in roses, while she opted for a much more classic silhouette, I love the simpler plants with smaller, less elaborate flowers. For those of us working on the people side of horticulture, it was a reminder of just how many disciplines contribute to getting a new plant to market — and how many conversations are still being had around innovation, accessibility and consumer engagement.RIRT may be a quiet player in the public eye, but its role in shaping the future of rose breeding in the UK is significant. With a focus on both quality and inclusivity, it offers a model for how public opinion around growing roses can evolve, not just for experts, but for the next generation of gardeners and growers.As the trials progress, it will be interesting to see how many of these currently unnamed seedlings actually find a place in the wider market — and what kind of support, branding and education they’ll need to thrive once they do.

In the fast-paced, high-demand world of food manufacturing, operational efficiency is everything. With tight production schedules, stringent food safety standards and rising costs, the pressure on engineering teams has never been greater. But as the industry faces a growing shortage of qualified engineers, an often-overlooked solution is stepping into the spotlight: should skilled operatives be trained in basic maintenance tasks? The Engineering Talent GapFood manufacturers across the globe are feeling the pinch of an ageing engineering workforce. With fewer young professionals entering technical trades and many experienced engineers approaching retirement, it's becoming increasingly difficult to staff facilities with fully qualified maintenance engineers. This scarcity doesn't just stretch existing teams. It can directly impact production uptime, response times, and overall plant efficiency.A Smarter Division of LabourEnter the skilled operative: a production team member trained to carry out fundamental maintenance tasks. These tasks might include simple equipment inspections, lubrication, cleaning, filter replacements, or minor adjustments that don’t require a full-fledged engineer. By equipping operatives with the skills and autonomy to handle this first line of maintenance, food manufacturers can:1. Free Up Engineering TimeSkilled operatives can take on the “low-hanging fruit” of maintenance work tasks that, while essential, don’t require deep technical expertise. This allows engineers to focus on more complex diagnostics, critical repairs, or improvement projects that directly impact throughput and quality.2. Improve Responsiveness and UptimeIn a busy production environment, delays in responding to minor faults or preventive maintenance tasks can snowball into bigger issues. Skilled operatives can act as the eyes and ears on the ground, addressing simple issues immediately and escalating more complex problems with valuable first-hand insight.3. Reduce Maintenance CostsDeploying engineers for every task, no matter how basic, is inefficient and expensive. By assigning low-level maintenance to trained operatives, companies can reduce overtime, contractor reliance, and unplanned downtime, all while optimising labour resources.4. Encourage Ownership and EngagementTraining operatives in basic maintenance fosters a sense of ownership and accountability for the equipment they work with every day. This proactive culture can lead to better housekeeping, more accurate reporting of equipment issues, and a greater overall commitment to operational excellence.5. Support Compliance and SafetyWith the right training, operatives can contribute to safer working environments by spotting early signs of wear, leaks, or hygiene concerns. Their involvement enhances preventive maintenance programs, which are critical in ensuring both equipment reliability and food safety compliance. Making It Work: Training and StructureImplementing a skilled operative model requires more than a quick training session. It demands a structured approach:Clear Role Definition: Delineate which tasks can be safely and effectively handled by operatives and which remain the responsibility of engineers.Robust Training Programs: Provide practical, standard-aligned training that ensures operatives understand safety protocols, GMP, and the technical fundamentals relevant to their duties.Continuous Support: Equip operatives with the right tools, reference materials, and access to engineering support when needed.Feedback Loops: Create a communication channel between operatives and engineers to ensure knowledge sharing, incident reporting, and ongoing improvement.Conclusion: A Strategic AdvantageAs the food industry continues to face workforce challenges and increasing pressure to do more with less, the role of skilled operatives in basic maintenance is becoming a strategic necessity. By expanding their capabilities, manufacturers can build more resilient, cost-effective operations while easing the burden on a dwindling engineering workforce.In a sector where every second counts and every ounce of efficiency matters, the answer isn’t always hiring more engineers; it’s about working smarter.For a discussion on hiring the right engineers, ready to adapt to whatever your workforce demands, please do reach out to see how I can help.Contact me Ben@morepeople.co.uk

​MorePeople Podcast: Creative Courage and Garden Sector Growth with Phil WrightWelcome back to The MorePeople Podcast, your go-to source for the latest insights and conversations in the world of recruitment, careers, and industry innovation. In this episode, Andrew Fitzmaurice sits down with Phil Wright, Managing Director of WrightObara, a creative marketing agency specialising in the home and garden sector.From architecture student to band member to marketing expert, Phil’s journey is anything but conventional, and that creative DNA runs right through the work he does today. From Video Editing to Garden MarketingPhil’s route into marketing began behind the scenes as a video editor, before expanding into directing, writing, and ultimately launching a full-service creative agency. WrightObara now works with some of the biggest and boldest names in the garden industry. Think Evergreen Garden Care (Miracle-Gro) and Pyrex, as well as supporting exciting, fast-growing startups.“We realised we loved working with companies in the garden sector,” Phil says. “So two years ago, we made the decision to specialise.” Creative Thinking for Every Client SizeWhether it’s big brands with huge marketing teams or ambitious independents needing guidance, Phil and his team approach each project with the same passion: creative storytelling.Clients often come to Writer Bar with challenges - maybe a product isn’t selling well or a message isn’t landing. The solution? Step back and diagnose the root issue, whether that’s branding, positioning, or audience mismatch.“We’ll often present three creative routes: safe, bold, and brave. Sometimes the boldest option is the one they’ve been too afraid to consider - until now.” The Power of PodcastingPhil is also the host of The Underground, a podcast shining a light on the business side of the garden industry. While it started as a way to promote the agency, it quickly became a community-driven platform.“It’s less about how many people listen and more about who’s on the show,” he explains. “The conversations, the networking, the insights - it’s invaluable.” Future Trends in Garden RetailLooking ahead, Phil sees sustainability as a defining theme over the next five years. From compost innovations to eco-friendly product lines, the industry is evolving fast. But there’s also a shift in audience: younger, urban buyers are turning to houseplants and balcony gardening.Stores like Not Another Jungle are leading the way in this new landscape, catering to customers who want greenery in small, stylish spaces. No garden required.“There’s a big opportunity for brands to meet this audience where they are, especially in city centres,” says Phil. What's Next for Writer Bar?While Phil can’t reveal the brands just yet, he teased two exciting new campaigns:A full range repositioning for 2026 to better align with customer expectations.A bold new messaging strategy to highlight a product’s unique value.Expect surprising, memorable work with that signature WrightObara creativity baked in. Final ThoughtsFrom championing courageous creativity to helping redefine the future of the garden sector, Phil Wright and WrightObara are proving just how powerful the right story can be.​​

​As a recruiter in the food and fresh produce industry, I spend most of my time speaking with clients about people, not passwords. But over the past few months, even from the outside looking in, it’s become impossible to ignore the rising importance of cybersecurity. At MorePeople, we are exposed to a monthly training to achieve a Cyber Essentials qualification, just to ensure we are as safe as possible, as you can imagine having a potential leak of data could be disastrous to the clients and candidates we work with. It’s impossible to ignore with two-factor authentication seemingly required to log in to everything and phishing emails coming through daily, as well as the ever-present request for Gift cards as a reward for staff. The recent cyberattacks on Marks & Spencer and Co-op have been headline news, no doubt spoken about in boardrooms across the food sector and even brought up in my friendship group, to which I jokingly exclaimed IT recruitment isn’t my field. The fallout has impacted everything from customer orders to supply chain logistics, and the ripple effect has reached every corner of the industry. M&S’ recent hit by a major cyberattack is estimated to be costing the retailer £43 million a week in lost sales. That’s on top of serious reputational damage and the start of legal action from affected customers. Meanwhile, Co-op faced a data breach that forced systems offline and caused significant disruption to stock availability in its stores. These are big names. Big businesses. And while most of us recruiting for or working in the food industry may not be cybersecurity experts, the message is pretty clear: this stuff matters. So why does it matter for the rest of us? From what I’ve read and the conversations I’ve had, there are three big reasons why everyone in the food supply chain, including growers, producers, distributors, and retailers, needs to be thinking about cybersecurity: For consumers, it’s about trust. When online services go down or personal data is breached, it damages confidence, and trust is hard to win back. For retailers, it's not just a tech problem, it's a business continuity problem. The M&S situation shows how cyberattacks can bring trading to a halt and cost millions. For suppliers, when systems go down, so do supply chains. Delays, miscommunication, and stock issues start to snowball, and everyone pays the price. What’s the takeaway? As someone who works in recruitment, my focus is on people. And what I take from all this is that cyber resilience isn’t just about systems, it’s about having the right people in place to spot risks, provide training, lead during a crisis, and build a culture of responsibility and preparedness. You don’t need to be a tech whiz to appreciate how vital this is. Just like food safety or compliance, cybersecurity is becoming a core business priority even if you’re not working in IT! So if you’re running a food or fresh produce business and you’re not already thinking about cybersecurity, the events at M&S and Co-op are a loud wake-up call. And if you're hiring, whether it's for IT, logistics, operations, or any leadership role, it might be time to ask: does this person understand how digital risks could affect our business? Because these days, cybersecurity isn’t just a ‘tech thing’. It’s everyone’s business. ​

​Lately, the UK agricultural market has seen a significant rise in the horsepower of tractors. This prolificacy of heavy hitters of the market has sparked a debate on our desk here at MorePeople: how big is too big? With the introduction of the John Deere 9RX 830 pushing out a bonkers 913 max horsepower - enough to make even the most stoic pit viper wearing, mullet sporting Agri-bro weak at the knees - the question has never been more relevant.When the 9RX 830 landed onto the pages of the Farmers Weekly last month, I’m certain low whistles of appreciation emanated from farm offices and houses all across the UK. Though how many of those, I wonder, were thinking “yes, the 9RX 640 sitting in the shed out there really just isn’t enough”? Now, don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate ‘big kit’ as much as the next person in the sector. Yet I can’t help but feel the introduction of this behemoth is a bit unnecessary on our little island. The average power of tractors registered in the UK has been steadily increasing. In 2023, the average power reached 173.9 horsepower, just over 5 horsepower higher than the previous year. The growth is particularly evident in the higher horsepower ranges, with tractors in the 241-320 horsepower category seeing a 29% increase in registrations. While the 9RX 830 will undoubtedly excel in specific environments, its utility in the UK is somewhat limited. Our agricultural landscape is diverse, with varying soil types and farm/field sizes. High-horsepower tractors are most beneficial in areas with heavy clay soils, where pulling through compacted soil requires significant power, but also in large, open fields where their ability to pull wide implements can be fully utilised. This grunt I can see being ideal for prairie-style farming in the USA, Australia or Eastern Europe, or areas with huge fields draped across undulating landscapes (the hills and hollows of Washington State spring to mind) but that’s got to be it.  For many UK farms, a tractor with such high horsepower surely has to be overkill. Most farms would not require the immense power of the new 9RX. In these environments, a more ‘modest’ tractor, such as the Case Quadtrac with its measly range-topping 715 horsepower, would be more than sufficient. And that’s before you even start to consider getting these machines from farm to field. The big 9RX has a base weight of 33-and-a-half tonnes and a ballasted weight north of 38 tonnes. Add to that the 10-or-so tonnes which would be hooked up to the back of the thing, and some will question whether the driver would need to be licensed, similar to STGO/overweight trucks. Then add into the mix the roads and bridges equipment has to negotiate even in those parts of the UK with the biggest fields and you soon think the odds are stacking up against machinery this big.I remember being surprised at the range of implements that could be pulled by more modestly powered tractors. At home, our biggest tractor, boasting 200hp, more than adequately manages a 4m seed drill, a 6m disc cultivator or a 6 furrow plough. We, being a mixed operation in Northumberland, obviously aren’t in the target audience of John Deere with their latest range addition, but this experience has made me appreciate the balance between power and practicality. And on some larger operations I’ve worked on, a Quadtrac 620 easily coped with a 12m Kockerling Allrounder and a Vaderstad TopDown 700, unless pulling up a significant hill.Anyway, on that note, what actually requires 913 horsepower? I’m no expert on the UK implement market but I’m pretty sure the most horsepower intensive implements in the UK are those in the deep tillage category – think Vaderstad TopDown, Kuhn Performer, Sumo Quatro, etc, and after a quick google, the most their respective specs state as a requirement is 700hp. This begs the question – what is the big green crawler going to be used for that other high-HP crawlers wouldn’t be able to handle? I suppose John Deere may be angling toward providing the capability for manufacturers to create even bigger implements, but that’s a lot of chicken-and-egg supposition. The final nail in the coffin in my mind is the topic of the cash you need to part with to have one of these rumble into your yard. The top-of-the-range 9RX will set you back a pretty terrifying £840k, with no added extras. If we compare this to the top of the range Quadtrac, which chimes in at a smidge under £600k un-spec’d, it’ll surely be tough to justify the extra £240k? (yes, I know almost all will be on H-P agreements/leased, but the argument remains). And with farming finances being in the parlous state they are at the moment, if Joe public catches wind how much the machinery sat in farmyards is worth, especially with the new JD present, it’ll be hard to continue to convince them to be ‘on our side’. Anyway, I’ll be in the presence of the new 9RX at Cereals this year – perhaps I’ll be won over when I see one in person. Those who aren’t going, maybe you’ll have to wait until a Yorkshire hill farmer gets one for his ‘awld Marshall side discharge spreader in a few years time. Drop me a message if you are attending Cereals this year, it would be great to meet and/ or catch up!Contact me