BEFORE graingrowers begin this season's harvest, they are advised to consider how they will bring next season's crop in.
To be certain of taking delivery of a new combine harvester in time to put it to use next season, an order will need to be placed soon, Wessel Oosthuizen, commercial director of AFGRI Equipment Australia, WA's leading John Deere supplier, advised last week.
The COVID-19 global pandemic disruption of manufacturing and trade meant equipment factories around the world and supply chains were struggling to cope with both order backlogs and component supply shortages, Mr Oosthuizen said.
Shortages of common components like tyres or electronics microchips for example could affect all equipment brands.
"It's an uncertain time for all of us (agricultural machinery suppliers) and it will remain a challenge for all machinery dealers in the near future," Mr Oosthuizen said.
"It is a challenging environment to be in as farmers haven't even started this year's harvest and they already need to be thinking about what they are going to do regarding next year's harvest.
"Usually, farmers had time to evaluate crops or go through their budgeting process before they had to place orders, but in the current environment this has meant customers have to make purchasing decisions earlier to make sure they can secure equipment to meet their needs.
"Our salesmen have already started discussions with most of our customers, but people will have to make a decision earlier to make sure they receive their equipment on time.
"In normal years, we would plan 12 months ahead regarding forecasts and stock, but we had more room to manoeuvre pre-COVID.
"We were able to balance demand through a mix of retailed orders and orders for stock, but with production limits and component shortages it has become more difficult.
"Manufacturers give preference to retailed orders and our ability to order dealer stock is limited.
"Although we are working closely with them to secure stock for next year, the message from manufacturers is clear, order early," Mr Oosthuizen said.
"We were very excited to receive our demo John Deere X9 series combine last week and have received a lot of interest in it already - it is obviously something people want to see.
"We have an extensive demo schedule planned over the next two months where interested farmers will have the opportunity to experience all its features first-hand.
"However, due to supply constraints expected for next year, we urge interested customers to talk to your local AFGRI branch to discuss your needs early to confirm production availability for delivery in time for next year's harvest season."
Mr Oosthuizen said AFGRI's combine orders for this season had either already arrived or were mostly due in the next fortnight.
"Our workshops are working hard to do the pre-delivery work to get these harvesters out to farms on time," he said.
"It certainly is a very challenging time and we want to thank customers for their support and wish them good luck with the upcoming harvest."