Customer Overview
Archer Farming is a mixed arable and agricultural contracting business based in Derbyshire, farming around 400 acres alongside a wide range of contracting services including drilling, baling and cultivation work.
The family-run business has been operating on the same farm for over 110 years and continues to focus on improving efficiency and investing in the right machinery for the job.
The Challenge
Matt Archer first approached AMTEC while seeking a solution for a specialist contract-drilling project involving species-rich grassland restoration schemes.
The work required a low-disturbance drilling approach to introduce new grass species while minimising ground disturbance.
“We needed something very focused on not disturbing the ground that was already there, which led us down the direct drill route.”
Initially, Archer Farming hired a Väderstad Rapid through AMTEC, which proved ideal for much of the work thanks to its depth control and drilling performance.
However, some of the sites presented additional challenges, including narrow roads, stone walls, and restricted access, which made transporting the larger drill difficult.
A Flexible Hire Solution
After discussing the situation with AMTEC, an alternative drill was suggested, and the 3M mounted Weaving Fenix was the perfect solution.
This gave Archer Farming the flexibility to continue the project across all sites without committing to purchasing specialist machinery outright.
“One of the reasons the hire option was perfect was because it gave us flexibility. We knew what costs we had in the job, and it meant we didn’t have to commit too much revenue into machinery.”
The ability to hire machinery specifically suited to each task allowed the business to complete the work efficiently while managing risk and maintaining profitability.
Putting the Machinery to Work
During the hire period, Archer Farming also used the Väderstad Rapid for its own autumn drilling campaign, covering approximately 120 acres of winter wheat.
“We tried to make the most of the hire while we had it, and it worked absolutely brilliantly.”
The experience gave Matt and the team an opportunity to properly evaluate different drilling systems in real working conditions before making any long-term machinery decisions.
From Hire to Purchase
Following the positive experience, Archer Farming later purchased a Sky Maxi Drill from AMTEC.
The move formed part of a wider change in the farm’s drilling setup, replacing a tine drill that no longer suited the business’s requirements.
“We looked at several options, but the hiring experience definitely helped give us confidence in the direction we wanted to go.”
The new drill now forms part of Archer Farming’s evolving establishment system alongside their existing combination drill setup.
The Importance of Trust & Support
For Matt, one of the key benefits of working with AMTEC has been its straightforward, flexible approach to machinery supply.
“When it comes to second-hand machinery, you guys are always good with us. It’s always good to see what you’ve got and catch up.”
By offering both hire and purchase options, AMTEC helped Archer Farming access the right equipment for the job, reduce financial risk, and build confidence before investing.
Looking Ahead
As Archer Farming plans to move forward with both its farming and contracting operations. Machinery flexibility remains an important part of the business.
The ability to hire equipment before purchasing has provided a practical route into new systems and helped ensure investment decisions are based on real on-farm experience.
For businesses considering a machinery upgrade, Matt believes the ability to trial equipment properly in real working conditions can make all the difference.
