JCB has been presented with the top Machine of the Year award at the LAMMA show, the UK’s biggest agricultural machinery and technology event, held at NEC Birmingham this week.

The award judges chose JCB’s new Fastrac 6000 Series tractor above a host of new agricultural machines launched at the event for being “unique in its power class, featuring as it does adaptive suspension all round, resulting in greater stability on the road and outstanding ride comfort in the field, with multi-mode four-wheel steering – another feature no other tractor in this class can boast – adding to the tractor’s capabilities".

The LAMMA ‘Machine of the Year’ Gold Award was presented to JCB Agriculture managing director, John Smith, who said: “We are delighted to be the recipient of this award, an accolade that underscores our passion for innovation in pursuit of performance, cost-efficiency and productivity from all the agricultural machines we manufacture.”

The new 284hp Fastrac 6260 and 335hp 6300 agricultural tractors expand the iconic high-speed Fastrac range and introduce a number of new features, including the ability to quickly change tyre pressures using the iCON touch-screen control and settings display in the cab to optimise tyre performance for field work and road travel.

There is also a new high-precision guidance system to help operators achieve accurate field work with maximum productivity.

LAMMA 2026

More than 45,000 people and over 800 exhibitors descended on the NEC Birmingham, marking the highest attendance in the event’s 44-year history.

For the first time, the show joined forces with CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture Show, creating an expanded hub of information and innovation under one roof.

Alongside a wide range of machinery launches and live demonstrations, several new features debuted in 2026, including a Dairy & Beef Hub, Innovation Trail and the Future in Farming Zone, all designed to support the next generation of farmers.

Focus on the next generation

The role of young people was a central theme throughout the event, highlighted by Kaleb Cooper and Tom Pemberton launching the 2026 Young British Farming Awards.

Now in its third year, the awards celebrate emerging talent and recognise how the next generation is positively shaping British farming.

This message continued during the 'How can we make regenerative farming profitable?' panel, where David Exwood, deputy president of the NFU, said: “If we want profitable, sustainable regenerative farming in this country, we need to get young people involved.

"They work differently, think differently and approach challenges in new ways. If regenerative farming is to succeed, we must hand the business to the next generation.”

Commenting on labour shortages in the dairy supply chain, Hugh Pocock, founding director at Cultura Connect said: “The Clarkson effect has certainly made people look at the industry, but we have to keep promoting that. Most of the next generation are on social media and that is the place we need to start."

Despite a challenging 12 months for the agricultural sector, LAMMA 2026 demonstrated the industry’s continued appetite for innovation, investment and face-to-face engagement.

Exhibitors reported strong footfall, high-quality conversations and a clear willingness from farmers and contractors to explore new ideas and machinery solutions.

Director of Events, Philippa Christer said: “What a show! We are delighted that LAMMA 2026 proved such a success and is obviously a firm fixture in so many people’s calendars.

"Thank you to all the exhibitors and team behind the scenes that put so much work into this event – it is a big show which takes more than a year to plan. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the NEC next year on 20 -21 January 2027.”