Having started his career in agricultural engineering with Ludlow dealer FH Burgess, salesman Mike Wilding is now taking a well-earned retirement after half a century of preparing, selling and fixing machinery.

A week’s work experience had been enough to convince the dealer to hire Mr Wilding on a permanent basis in September 1974 – immediately after he left school.

After 14 years preparing and servicing machinery, whilst building strong relationships with many local farmers, he moved into sales in 1988.

When FH Burgess ceased trading in 1994, he had the luxury of three job opportunities with local dealers, and eventually joined Teme Valley Tractors (TVT).

“Over the years I have found trust and respect between the farmers and I are the main qualities to a successful relationship. Agriculture has changed hugely during my time, but these values are still so important.”

Over a sales career of 36 years, he has seen an increasing shift towards technology on machinery. KUHN power harrow combi drills, round balers, tedders, rakes and mowers have all been in high demand along with feeding wagons and bedding machines.

Mr Wilding reveals that leaving work doesn't mean he'll be slowing up too much: “I have a dozen vintage tractors and several conventional balers to keep me busy and I’m hoping to build a shed for them all to live in.

"I’d like to thank KUHN UK, area sales manager Dave Rose, TVT and all the staff, and all my customers for their support, business and friendship,” he concluded.