The business revolves around the production of high quality hay and haylage, destined mainly for the equine and pet markets, but there is also a small flock of breeding ewes, with a small herd of suckler cows.

The enterprise is run by Simon Broad, together with his wife, Sue, and his mother, Dianne. All of the forage is sold through their retail business – Broadfeed Ltd – which specialises in animal and pet feed.

For nearly a decade now, Simon has relied on Massey Ferguson power and equipment to help the business thrive – currently built around a brace of MF tractors – a 6270 and a 6465. “They appear to be well thought out and well built, with good residual values and low running costs,” he states.

Central to the grass operation at Hartsland are a MF RK 662 rake and a TD 868 tedder, both of which have pleased Simon with their performance. “The RK 662 rakes cleanly and follows the ground contours closely,” he states. “It's easy to adjust the working width and swath shape – and to put on and off the tractor. If I had to pick on a downside, it would be that there are too many greasing points.”

A similar level of satisfaction is generated by the TD 868 tedder. “Again, we're very happy with its performance – it spreads the grass really well and evenly, and follows the ground contours closely,” Simon comments. “With it having eight rotors, you can cover a lot of ground quickly. It's quick and easy to fold, and not too wide for transporting along country lanes. Again, the only negative we've found is that it uses bolts, rather than pins, to adjust the working height.”

For the past five seasons, the business has relied on MF baler technology, in the form of the 1840 model. “It makes a good bale, with a decent output,” states Simon, “and has been 100 per cent reliable since we bought it. The in-line design makes it really easy to work with and in transport.”

Since embracing the Massey Ferguson brand, Simon has been doing business with the Agwood dealership's Linton depot, where his principal point of contact has been Trevor Sacree. “They are very helpful and competitively priced,” he states. What more could one ask for?!