Dorset machinery dealer Highwood has been appointed to the Claydon distribution network to sell and support the Opti-Till crop establishment range.
Based on the Grove Trading Estate in Dorchester, where the company has operated since 2001, Highwood is a main dealer for Kubota, alongside other premium brands in agriculture, ground care and garden machinery.
Nick Green, the company’s operations director, said: “With production costs spiralling, every farming business is looking for ways to operate more efficiently whilst maintaining or increasing yields and improving soil health. The Opti-Till System enables them to do that, with numerous other benefits, which is why we chose to add the Claydon range to our portfolio.
“Claydon products are designed by farmers for farmers, made in Britain, and very versatile. The fact that they can work in all situations is very important because across our trading area we have a wide range of farming customers and soil types range from those with a very high flint content to clay and sand.
“We like the fact that Claydon offers a wide choice of cost-effective options, including zero till and lower disturbance alternatives to the standard leading tine and A-Share arrangement. These are completely interchangeable and easily swap in or swap out, allowing Claydon drills to be adapted to suit different requirements quickly and cost-effectively.
“Our customers have responded very positively to the news that we have taken on the Claydon franchise. Soon after announcing it, we received our first order, for a 3m Claydon Hybrid mounted drill.
“To demonstrate our commitment to the brand we will shortly be taking delivery of three Claydon products to add to our demonstration fleet, a 3m Evolution drill with front cutting discs, a 7.5m Straw harrow and a 6m TerraStar light rotary cultivator. These will be demonstrated behind our 175hp Kubota M7173 tractor.”
Rob Dunk, Claydon’s UK and Ireland sales manager, added: “We are delighted to welcome Highwood to the rapidly growing network of enthusiastic, professional Claydon dealers who are at the heart of our strategy to make Opti-Till® products available to customers throughout the country and ensure that they are fully supported. Highwood’s appointment is a positive development for existing and potential Claydon owners in Dorset and the surrounding areas.”
