So, there it is then. Cereals 2021 is done and dusted. Despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic, the uncertainties as to whether the event could proceed or not, the concerns regarding on site Covid-safety, and indeed the questions raised by some about diminishing exhibitor and visitor numbers potentially compromising the very future of the event itself, the show did go on.
Was it a success? The jury is still out. But what is certain, even as we await the official attendance figures to be announced by the organisers, is that visitor numbers for the UK’s leading technical arable event will be nowhere near the 20,000 plus regularly recorded across both days of the event in pre-Covid years. In fact, estimates for the first day are rumoured to be around the 4,000 mark.
In addition, a number of major tractor and machinery brands were conspicuous by their absence. Other than McCormick, very few tractor manufacturers were exhibiting in their own right and were represented instead on a much smaller scale on the stands of a number of the larger dealer groups.
Having said all of that, and with the proviso that we have yet to properly assess how our own Stand performed across the two days, both in terms of footfall and enquiries, the feedback from staff working the Lynx stand was generally positive.
We enjoyed a prime location this year. Situated on a perimeter corner of the main sprayer demo ring the stand benefitted from a high volume of passing traffic.
As a result, we had a steady stream of visitors across both days with Stoll front loaders, Streamline front presses, Zuidberg front linkages, Dromone ball hitches and our range of weight systems, including the pre-launch preview of the new Master Box toolbox weight, all attracting lots of interest.
With Cereals following hard on the heels of Groundswell and the Great Yorkshire Show still scheduled to go ahead in mid-July over four days for the first time in its history, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for traditional outdoor agricultural events. However, with major shows such as the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh still opting to host virtual events this year behind closed doors, a full return to normality any time soon for the agricultural show season remains frustratingly elusive.
