Claydon has expanded its UK distribution network with the appointment of JJ Farm Services Limited in Gloucestershire. Based at Far Stanley, Gretton, near Cheltenham, the family-owned business will manage the sale and service of the Opti-Till range bordered by the M5 to the west, north to the M42 in Warwickshire, south to Cirencester and across to the M40.
Beef farmer and contractor James Jenkins established JJ Farm Services in 1980 and the business takes pride in its ‘old-school’ approach of integrity, personal service and a no-pressure approach to sales. This has seen customers from across three counties return to the business year after year.
A main dealer for Kubota Tractors, the company also represents a range of carefully selected franchises. It also has a well-respected workshop staffed by five engineers who deal with repairs and service work, both on-site and on farms, plus a well-stocked parts department employing two staff.
Martin Jenkins, managing director, said: “Claydon is a very well-known and respected company, so we are delighted to represent them in this remarkably diverse farming area. As farmers and contractors, we understand what customers require from their dealer and go the extra mile to ensure that they are well looked after. The innovative range of Claydon products is designed by farmers for farmers. They are manufactured to an extremely high standard, very versatile and complement the other brands which we offer, enabling us to cater for every requirement.
“The UK farming sector is having to adapt to a range of pressures, from ever-rising inputs costs such as fuel and labour to increasing legislation and a greater focus on soil health. These are prompting a move towards reducing the time, cost, complication, and risk of establishing crops, key areas where Claydon products offer tremendous benefits. Despite having only just taken on the franchise we have already sold two Claydon Hybrid drills following successful demonstrations with our own Hybrid M3F 3m Seed & Fertiliser unit.”
Rob Dunk, Claydon’s sales manager – UK and ROI, added: “Claydon’s strategy is to offer Opti-Till® products through a network of carefully selected, enthusiastic, professional dealers. We are delighted to have JJ Farm Services on board as the business has an excellent reputation thanks to the expertise and customer-focused service which it provides. Undoubtedly, they will attract new owners to the Claydon brand, as well as support existing farming businesses that already operate our machinery and will benefit from local service and efficient parts support.
“All types and sizes of farming businesses, including dairy units, increasingly recognise the financial, operational and environmental benefits of Claydon Opti-Till®. It is particularly relevant now because of the significant opportunities to save money, combined with massive improvements in soil health and structure, lower carbon emissions, reduced soil erosion and environmental benefits which are in line with the likely future requirements of the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS).”
