A STRONG example of the power of farmers' co-ops will be showcased at the imminent Highland show.

The rebate scheme, negotiated collectively by Scotland's nine machinery rings with Case IH, sees ring members save up to £3000 on the purchase of a new piece of equipment from the manufacturer.

Manager of the Tayforth Ring, Bruce Hamilton, commented: “Our Case IH rebate scheme works really well, and is a great example of how the collective power of farmer and contractors – in this case the 7000 members of Scotland’s nine rings – can be used to negotiate a better deal, even with a global corporation such as Case IH.”

“Essentially, should a farmer or contractor wish to buy a new Case IH tractor, baler or combine, they simply negotiate and complete the purchase with their chosen dealer, then submit the invoice to their local ring to retrospectively claim their rebate direct from the manufacturer," explained Mr Hamilton.

“As one Farmer from Forfar put it: 'there is no catch with this scheme, it couldn’t be simpler and is a welcome bonus!'”

Mr Hamilton said that the co-op representatives would be working with staff from Case IH and local dealers – including some new names and faces – to highlight this ring membership benefit on the Case IH stand at the Highland and other shows over the summer.

“Dealers welcome our scheme as the rebate does not come out of their margin, but is an extra incentive direct from Case IH, paid in the Spring following a purchase. It does not affect the price customers negotiate with the dealer,” he clarified.

The Scottish Machinery Ring Association will also have its own stand at the Highland, where staff from the rings will be on hand to discuss all aspects of their work, from the traditional matching of labour and equipment supply and demand, to collective purchasing of utilities, fuels and other farm inputs.

“Whilst a large proportion of our work remains focussed on the labour, training and machinery needs of local farmers, it is encouraging that, nationally, we can offer more and more direct benefits to ring members, such as the CASE IH rebate, our 16% discount off the Toyota Hilux range, and 15% off parts and spares from Spaldings,” Mr Hamilton concluded.