The UK's largest farm machinery show welcomed over 45,000 visitors as manufacturers unveiled new tractor ranges and precision technology at the NEC Birmingham
LAMMA 2026 has cemented its position as the UK's premier agricultural machinery and technology exhibition, recording its highest-ever attendance figures across two days at the NEC Birmingham on 14–15 January.
The free-to-attend show drew more than 45,000 visitors and hosted over 800 exhibitors – the largest number in the event's 44-year history. The record turnout demonstrated robust demand for new equipment and technology despite challenging economic conditions facing British agriculture.
For the first time, the event operated as a fully co-located showcase alongside CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture, transforming the exhibition into a comprehensive hub for machinery, agritech, and sustainability solutions.
The exhibition floor saw a succession of high-horsepower tractor unveilings from leading manufacturers, signalling confidence in the sector's premium machinery segment.
Deutz-Fahr enlisted Clarkson's Farm star Harriet Cowan to reveal its completely redesigned 8 Series TTV tractor, fresh from its global debut at Agritechnica. Engineered and manufactured at the company's Lauingen facility in Germany, the range represents what the manufacturer describes as "a new era for comfort, digital intelligence, and raw performance."
Available in two high-output variants delivering 313hp and 340hp, the 8 Series features the latest N67 engine with eVGT technology and an advanced Hi-eSCR system producing up to 1,398Nm of torque. The HVO-compatible powerplant boasts an industry-leading 1,000-hour oil change interval, designed to maximise uptime whilst minimising maintenance costs.
Power delivery is managed through an advanced TTV continuously variable transmission, offering seamless traction and control from 0–60km/h at low engine speeds. The range's robust credentials include a 12,000kg rear lift capacity and 5,450kg front lift capability.
JCB, celebrating its 80th anniversary, showcased the Fastrac 6000 Series after it claimed gold and was named Machine of the Year. The range comprises two models – the 284hp 6260 and 335hp 6300 – both equipped with a 6.7-litre, six-cylinder FPT engine and ZF continuously variable transmission capable of 66km/h top speed.
The Fastrac 6000 features high-output variable flow hydraulics with a standard 205-litre/minute pump, upgraded to an optional 410-litre/minute twin pump on the 6300 model. A redesigned chassis combines a cast front section with fabricated rear, accommodating an 11-tonne rear lift and optional 5-tonne front linkage alongside a new 1,000rpm reversible PTO shaft.
Weight distribution maintains the characteristic Fastrac 50:50 balance, engineered to enhance both field traction and road stability.
New Holland took centre stage with the long-awaited T7 Standard Wheelbase (SWB), described by the manufacturer as delivering "a genuine step change for the 180–225hp segment in terms of driveability, operator comfort and versatility."
The company also highlighted its T7 XD range, marking New Holland's entry into the 350hp+ category. The three-model line-up – spanning 360hp to 435hp – is designed around a Stage V 8.7-litre FPT Cursor 9 six-cylinder engine mounted on a structural sump to minimise vibration and maintain a narrow waist for improved manoeuvrability.
"The T7 XD will extend the compact design, versatility, and excellent power-to-weight ratio characteristics of our T7 family into the high-horsepower segment," explained Richard Hollins, New Holland's global T7 product manager. "The new range will appeal to customers looking for that all-round capability, from heavy fieldwork and demanding PTO or hydraulic tasks to high-speed haulage."
Fendt launched its 800 Vario Gen5 series, comprising three models offering 260–343 horsepower. The new generation introduces VarioDrive, the low-speed Fendt iD concept, and a self-cleaning engine air filter for the first time, alongside enhanced cab lighting designed to boost operator comfort.
The range includes the 826, 829, and 832 models, each available in Power+, Profi, and Profi+ specifications. Fendt's DynamicPerformance concept provides an additional 23hp power boost when required.
Paired with an efficient 8.0-litre, six-cylinder CORE80 engine, the VarioDrive transmission is engineered to maximise power whilst reducing fuel consumption. The CORE80 engine is approved for HVO100 and other fuels conforming to DIN 15940 standards, potentially delivering significant CO₂ footprint reductions.
Case IH presented developments across its Puma, Optum, and Farmall ranges. The reimagined Puma series features entirely new vehicle architecture, available in 155hp, 165hp, and 185hp configurations with advanced CVXDrive transmission for improved load handling, traction, and working speeds.
The tractors deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and productivity through 750-hour service intervals and the powerful FieldOps platform. Gross vehicle weight has increased by 18% to 13,500kg, with maximum payload capacity of 5,500kg.
Beyond iron, LAMMA 2026 showcased significant advances in digital agriculture and precision farming tools.
Yara launched YaraPlus, a comprehensive digital platform developed in collaboration with farmers, agronomists, and John Deere. Successfully trialled in Germany over 18 months, the platform consolidates Yara's agronomic tools, expertise, and products into a single interface accessible via desktop or mobile devices.
The platform's variable rate application system utilises satellite imagery combined with algorithms derived from Yara's N-Sensor technology to measure crop biomass and greenness, offering what the company claims is significantly greater accuracy than standard NDVI mapping.
Can-Am demonstrated the agricultural sector's evolving approach to power sources with its Outlander Electric ATV. Powered by Rotax's E-Power powerpack – shared with BRP's electric motorcycles and snowmobiles – the machine delivers 47hp and 53lb-ft of torque with up to 80km range in optimal conditions.
The electric ATV features instant throttle response, selectable ride modes (normal, sport, work), and charges from 20–80% in just 50 minutes using a Level 2 charger. Load capacity matches the Outlander HD5 and HD7 models, with 830kg towing capacity and combined carrying capacity of 164kg.
Kuhn showcased its next-generation Karan trailed sprayer range following four years of development. Making its UK debut, the Karan offers boom widths from 18–45m and tank capacities from 4,500–8,000 litres, with UK demonstrator machines available this spring.
The company also presented the Highlander tine cultivator, positioned between the Cultimer and Prolander models for shallow tillage operations of 3–20cm depth. Available in 6m and 7.5m widths, the implement offers customisation through various roller, harrow, seed hopper, and point configurations.
The 2026 Innovation Awards celebrated agricultural engineering and digital advancement, with Agro-Vital claiming both Overall Innovation of the Year and the prestigious IAgrE Ivel Award. The recognition reflected growing industry focus on smarter, input-efficient technology.
Exhibition halls and the Demo Arena featured a broad spectrum of new equipment, from grassland tools such as KRM's 8.5m Sprinter 8500P flail topper to precision data platforms designed to reduce fixed costs and improve operational timeliness.
New features enhanced the show's educational offering, including a Dairy & Beef Hub, Innovation Trail, and Future in Farming Zone, all designed to facilitate technical knowledge exchange and support new entrants to the sector.
Co-located theatres addressed arable efficiency through CropTec programming and decarbonisation via Low Carbon Agriculture sessions. Topics included low-carbon farm fuels, JCB's hydrogen development work with Lord Bamford, and broader policy discussions.
A strong "next generation" narrative pervaded the event, exemplified by Kaleb Cooper and Tom Pemberton launching the 2026 Young British Farming Awards on site.
Exhibitors reported encouraging lead quality and generally optimistic sentiment regarding investment in efficiency-enhancing machinery. Political visitors, including Victoria Atkins MP, highlighted recent policy successes such as inheritance tax provisions, crediting coordinated industry lobbying efforts.
The record-breaking attendance and robust manufacturer participation suggest the agricultural machinery sector maintains confidence in British farming's future despite economic headwinds, with technology and efficiency improvements positioned as key responses to ongoing challenges.
Tagged with: LAMMA 2026, agricultural tyres, VF tractor tyres, central tyre inflation, hydrogen engines, precision farming, HVO fuel, soil protection, high-horsepower tractors, NEC Birmingham, variable rate application
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