Machinery in the farming industry doesn’t come cheap and farmers can be forgiven for taking a cautious approach when making a purchase.
Trust is a major issue when spending thousands of euro and that is why many farmers stick with what they know best and remain with the same dealer over the years.
This is certainly the case with Waterford based Kill Agricultural Services Ltd as this family run business has built up a huge customer base over the years as their friendly approach and quality of service has earned them a glowing reputation.
Situated in Kilrossanty, Co. Waterford, (next to Kilrossanty Church). Just off the N25, they are 13km (14 min) from Dungarvan, 11km (14 min) from Kilmacthomas and 2.7km (6 min) from Lemybrien which is in the heartland of dairy and beef farming.
The Fitzgerald family have been running the business for close to 60 years now and a lot has changed since Paddy and Anne Fitzgerald first opened their doors all those years ago.
These days, Kill Agricultural Services Ltd is managed by their son Patrick, assisted by his brother Gerard. Patrick spoke to Irish Tractor & Agri about the success that they have had over the years.
“My father came from a farming family in Kill where the business was first established, following his marriage, the business was moved to Kilrossanty, my Mother’s home place. However the Name Kill Agricultural Services was kept,” said Patrick.
In the early years, repairs were the mainstay of the business, sales being the lesser part. Farm machinery was simpler and farming was not as intensive as today. There were fewer machines to choose from, and farmers tended to buy machinery less often. Kill Agri’s main agencies were Viking (Finger-Bar mower) and Alice Chambers (round balers). They also imported a wide variety of machines from England, this was an important part of the business as times were hard. Value for money was priority for customers and new machines were not easily affordable. The reputation for providing a quality service at a reasonable price soon spread and so too by word of mouth, the customer base soon grew.
Farming practices have changed considerably in the intervening years. Machinery now plays a more important role than ever before, due to more intensive farming. Machinery development has kept pace with these changes and expert service is more necessary than ever before. Over the years Kill Agricultural Services gradually grew their sales and acquired a wide range of agencies. “We were appointed main Case IH dealers in 1997 which is now a very strong element of our business. Our other agencies include other leading Farm Machinery brands such as, Kuhn, McHale, Hi-Spec, Lely/Welger, Rauch, JF-Stoll, Tanco, Osella, Rossmore, Twose, Belmac, NC Engineering, Nugent Engineering, Fleming & Walter Watson, Quicke & Suzuki Quad Bikes.
“We stock a wide range of machinery, both new and second hand. The service department is one of the busiest areas for us as our experienced mechanics have an excellent reputation for getting the job done efficiently and quickly. Our workshop carries out Repairs and Maintenance and staffed by fully qualified personnel. Service vans are equipped to provide Breakdown Maintenance in the field.
“With increasing sales our stores department has grown accordingly. It now forms a vital part of our service to the farming community. We carry an extensive range of parts to support counter and service demands.”
The summer months are always a hectic time for the team at Kill Agricultural Services, and Patrick revealed that their dedicated staff are on hand to deal with any queries or problems that a customer might have.
“Most of the staff have been with us years and are very experienced. There are 15 people employed here in total and commitment to our customers is our main priority.”
The customer base is not just confined to the people in Waterford as farming and Agricultural Contractors would come from neighbouring Kilkenny and further afield to do business with this family run operation.
“The customer base has grown considerably over the years and we are always adding to it, while we would have a massive amount of repeat custom also.”
As stated, Kill Agricultural Services stock a wide range of Machinery which includes Balers, Diet Feeders, Harvesters, Belmac O-Grazers, Mowers, Quad Bikes, Rakes, Tedders, Shear Grabs, Slurry Equipment, Sprayers, Manure / Fertiliser Spreaders, Wrappers, Tillage Equipment and Land Rollers. They also have a wide range of New & Used Tractors in the Case range, as well as other makes. “We are delighted with the way the business is going.”
“We appreciate fully that our success would not be possible without a very committed and hard-working staff, my parents always put the customer first and that is what we continue to do, to this day.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, for their continued support over the years, it is greatly appreciated.”
Kill Agricultural Services
Kilrossanty,
Co Waterford.
Patrick Fitzgerald
Mobile: 087 2594667
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 3 No 8, September 2015
