Food price boosts machine sales

Sales of farm machinery have risen as a result of high grain prices but some suppliers are struggling to deliver combine harvesters on time.

Claas Machines, of Bury St Edmunds, said 485 machines had been imported in 2008 and - a 25% increase in sales over the previous year.

However, it said more than 30 farmers were still waiting for delivery of the machines to bring in this year's crop.

The UK's biggest combine harvester will be displayed at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Trevor Gibbons, from Claas, said the company had imported 485 machines so far into 2008, with some selling for £400,000.

He added: "The fact that it's been such a good year for farmers, and our sales have increased by 25% and that itself has presented a problem with delivery.

"It's coming up to harvest about three or four weeks before they start and we're waiting for 30 or 40 combines."