Supporting local machinery dealers is key for Suffolk farmer
1st September 2025
Suffolk livestock farmer Julian Hagger, of Blacks of Bacton, has just purchased his fourth Teagle trailed straw blower in 15 years, from the recently established DJ Agri Services – which took over from Suffolk Agri Centre when it closed in March 2024.
The farm’s brand-new Tomahawk 8500 replaces an older 8100 model which was due an upgrade and will continue to be used at another site with lighter duties.
Two of the farm’s sites have a Tomahawk each that are constantly on the go – when it’s time for a replacement, older machines are moved to other sites that use them 2–3 times a week. The new machine is expected to last 10 years on the current site.
Julian commented: “The Teagle machine, although it’s not the cheapest machine in the world, it has always served us exceptionally well, in terms of build quality and maintenance etc.”
Whilst there has been the temptation to opt for cheaper brands, he said he’s learnt the hard way and they now remain loyal to Teagle. Keeping the brand consistent is also an advantage as they run several of the machines. “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Julian said simply.
The 8500 is designed to process all bale types, straw or silage, as well as clamp silage. Compared to the previous model, it’s slightly bigger and has larger wheels to reduce soil compaction. “My guys are very pleased with it,” he added. “It just does exactly what it says on the tin.”
However, it sits slightly higher than the previous machine so DJ Agri Services has been helping them to adjust the drawbar down since it was delivered in late August.
Supporting local
Previously Julian purchased machinery from Suffolk Agri Centre before it went into liquidation – but David Filby, a former employee, subsequently started DJ Agri Services with his wife Jenna.
A fitter who previously worked at Brad Farm Machinery, which closed in 2021, also continues to work with Julian.
“I have numerous sites and there are breakdowns, which they cover very well, but I also have some routine maintenance on machinery for which I schedule them in. At the same time, when I say I need this done ASAP they’re there. David and Tony both provide a very good service,” Julian commented.
READ MORE: East Anglia: New machinery dealership opens to fill gap following Suffolk Agri Centre’s closure
READ MORE: Shifts in farming prompt unusually high number of machinery sales
Supporting local businesses such as DJ Agri Services is important for the farm.
“I did have a much larger organisation wanting to sell me a Teagle. Pricing wasn’t significantly different and I was very clear that I will always support the small guy, as long as there isn’t a huge price differential. I think it’s good to support local services,” he added.
Teagle main dealer
DJ Agri Services was appointed main dealer for the Teagle brand across Suffolk in May 2025.
Nigel Pedrick was appointed to handle parts and sales and said there’s strong demand for reliable spreading and application machinery in the region.
David Filby said the partnership has been successful so far, with the number of machines sold growing steadily. “Customers seem to like dealing with a smaller supplier as they feel they get a better one-on-one service and can pick the phone up to talk to the right person first time round.”
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