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Smithfield Tractors to end John Deere franchise after 30 years of service. 20 Oct 2026 Builth Wells-based Smithfield Tractors is to end its franchise with John Deere, three decades after it began working with the manufacturer. Two existing dealers - Charlies Ag and Turf, and Tallis Amos Group - are to expand their areas of responsibility to support Smithfield's existing customer base. Dealer Principal Tim Hughes stepped up to take over from his father, Mike, in 1996 when the company was awarded the sales territory in mid-Wales, and has managed the relationship with John Deere ever since. Smithfield Tractors will continue to operate a complete sales and service offering for its remaining franchises, but Tim says the time is right for the next chapter after 30 extremely successful years. "Looking back, there's been a lot of change during our time selling green and yellow machines," says Tim. "They have become higher specification and continue to be able to do more, which is what my customers have demanded. "Features such as AutoTrac GPS guidance are very popular, even in our area where many of our customers are small, family enterprises or hill farms. They see the value of it to their bottom line." Smithfield mostly operates within a 30-mile radius of its depot. Tim has formed a strong bond with customers who have been loyal for many years, thanks to the support of his 12 employees. "We're looking for repeat business so we try to give customers a good service and backup and we see our customers keep coming back." Three members of Tim's staff have worked at the dealership for the entire duration of the John Deere franchise. Gwyn Dobbs, Mark Hammond and Trevor Williams have been at the company for more than 30 years, with Gwyn and Mark having worked there for 40. The pair received awards from the Royal Welsh Show Society for their long service to agriculture in July. "I want to thank my team for their hard work, dedication, and high standards," says Tim. "I also want to thank our customers for their continued loyal business over the past three decades. I have no doubt that John Deere's high standards will continue with Tallis Amos Group and Charlies Ag and Turf." John Deere Division Sales Manager Will McKnight thanked Smithfield Tractors for their tireless work supporting John Deere's customers. "We are extremely grateful for the loyalty and service Tim and has team has shown during its time working with John Deere," he said. Ben Tallis, Managing Director of Tallis Amos Group, said: "Tim and his team have done a fantastic job over a long period of time, so we have big boots to fill. But we are really looking forward to working with Smithfield Tractors during the transition into our new area of responsibility." Ross Holloway, Dealer Principle at Charlies Ag & Turf, added: "Farming wish Tim and his dedicated work force well with the next chapter. Farming is looking forward to providing the same quality of service, sales, and parts as Smithfield tractors has done for the past 30 years. The Smithfield Tractors franchise with John Deere will end on 31 October. Customer queries can be dealt with by Smithfield Tractors on 01982 553221, or by calling John Deere UK & Ireland on 01949 86049.

Radicle Growth launches the Radicle Renewables Challenge by John Deere, Land O'Lakes and AgRogue. Global challenge seeks innovative companies creating revenue sources and demand through renewable fuels, feedstocks, materials, chemicals, and business models. Farmers already play a critical role in the development of renewable fuels, biomaterials, and other bio-based products, and they can play an even greater role in the future." - Nate Green, Director of Biofuels at John Deere SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / - Radicle Growth today announced the launch of the Radicle Renewables Challenge, sponsored by John Deere, Land O'Lakes and AgRogue Growth Partners. The Challenge is a global search for companies developing innovative technologies that help create new value, demand, and revenue opportunities for farmers through the rapidly expanding renewables economy. As demand grows for renewable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based products, agriculture is increasingly positioned at the center of the transition. Renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable chemicals, bio-based materials, and other emerging sectors represent significant opportunities for agricultural production and rural economies. The Challenge is designed to identify breakthrough companies building the technologies, infrastructure, and business models that can enable agriculture to participate more fully in the growing renewable value chains spanning fuels, feedstocks, materials, chemicals, sustainability, and other market opportunities. The Radicle Renewables Challenge builds upon Radicle Growth's proven model of identifying breakthrough technologies and connecting entrepreneurs with strategic industry partners capable of accelerating commercialization and market adoption. "The renewables economy represents one of the most significant growth opportunities for agriculture in the coming decades," said Kirk Haney, Managing Partner of Radicle Growth. "Farmers are positioned at the foundation of many emerging renewable value chains, yet significant innovation is still needed to connect agricultural production with downstream markets. Through the Renewables Challenge, we're seeking entrepreneurs developing technologies that can help agriculture participate more fully in these growing opportunities." The Challenge will seek companies developing solutions across a broad range of renewable market opportunities, including renewable fuels, next-generation feedstocks, renewable chemicals and materials, low-carbon production systems, carbon-intensity solutions, processing and infrastructure technologies, traceability and measurement platforms, and innovative business models that help connect agricultural production to renewable markets. As a sponsor of the Challenge, John Deere brings deep expertise in agricultural equipment, precision agriculture, farm management, and technology adoption, all of which play important roles in enabling new production systems and supporting participation in emerging renewable value chains. "For us, this work is about supporting demand for the crops our customers grow," said Nate Green, Director of Biofuels at John Deere. "Farmers already play a critical role in the development of renewable fuels, biomaterials, and other bio-based products, and they can play an even greater role in the future. We're excited to work alongside Radicle Growth to identify innovators who are building technologies for tomorrow that will enable farmers to further benefit from the bio-based economy." The Challenge also benefits from the perspective of leading organizations across the agricultural value chain that understand the importance of utilizing farmers' trusted retail partners to drive on-farm adoption, agronomic performance and scalable implementation. "The renewables economy represents a significant opportunity to create new sources of demand and value for farmers, but realizing that potential requires innovation that works across the entire agricultural value chain and through trusted retail channels," said Jason Trusley, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Land O'Lakes, Inc. "Through the Radicle Renewables Challenge, we are partnering with John Deere and AgRogue Growth Partners to identify and accelerate breakthrough technologies that can help farmers participate in these emerging markets." In addition to identifying promising technologies, the Challenge is intended to highlight commercialization pathways that can support the development of scalable renewable value chains. From renewable fuels and feedstocks to materials, chemicals, and carbon-related opportunities, the goal is to accelerate technologies capable of creating measurable impact throughout the agricultural economy. Applications for the Radicle Renewables Challenge will open on October 19, 2026, and remain open through November 20, 2026. Companies from around the world are encouraged to apply. About Radicle Growth Radicle Growth is a global innovation platform investing in and accelerating the most transformative technologies in agriculture and food. Through a differentiated approach to deal sourcing, capital formation, market access, and company building, Radicle ensures that breakthrough innovations reach scale and deliver meaningful impact. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and strategic stakeholders to address some of the sector's most pressing challenges - from sustainability and food security to productivity and supply chain modernization. Radicle's platform combines deep domain expertise with a hands-on model to help founders navigate commercialization, technology complexity, and global growth. About John Deere It doesn't matter if you've never driven a tractor, mowed a lawn, or operated a dozer. With John Deere's role in helping produce food, fiber, fuel, and infrastructure, Alternative Energy Reporter work for every single person on the planet. It all started nearly 200 years ago with a steel plow. Today, John Deere drives innovation in agriculture, construction, forestry, turf, power systems, and more. About Land O'Lakes Land O'Lakes, Inc., one of America's premier agribusiness and food companies, is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With 2025 annual sales of $16 billion, Land O'Lakes is one of the nation's largest cooperatives, ranking 273 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 100 years of operation, Land O'Lakes today operates some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including Land O'Lakes Dairy Foods, Animal Nutrition and WinField United. The company does business in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Land O'Lakes, Inc. corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minnesota. About AgRogue Growth Partners AgRogue Growth Partners, powered by Radicle Growth through participation from Land O'Lakes, Inc. and select agricultural retailers, is an Ag Innovation Platform focused on accelerating the commercialization of breakthrough technologies across agriculture and food. By connecting innovative companies with leading retailers and farmers, AgRogue helps bridge the gap between innovation and market adoption. AgRogue Growth Partners finds, funds and scales transformative technologies that strengthen the resilience, profitability and sustainability of the agriculture and food value chain. Retail partners include Keystone Cooperative (Indiana), Central Valley Ag (Nebraska), Farmers Cooperative - Dorchester (Nebraska), Farmward Cooperative (Minnesota), Alabama Farmers Cooperative (Alabama) and GreenPoint Ag (Alabama). Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. 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