T Hammond Farms: 125 Years, 25 Years with B&B, and their 50th Fendt
This year is a special one for T Hammond Farms based at Redhill, Nottingham as they celebrate an incredible 125 years of farming, 25 years working with B&B Tractors, and the delivery of their 50th Fendt.
We headed over to the farm to see ten of their fleet in action and catch up with Director Andy Hammond, Farm Manager Scott Knottenbelt and some of the operators who keep things running day to day.
From 1900 to Today
The Hammond family has been farming at Redhill since 1900, specialising in vegetables. Today, fourth generation brothers Jon and Andy run the business, which has grown from 1,100 acres to 2,750 acres, all while only adding two additional full-time staff.
Andy recalls thinking they'd “never need a tractor with more than 150 horsepower." Fast-forward to today and the fleet includes eight 700 Vario Gen 6 models, a 314, a 936, and now their latest arrival a brand-new 620 Vario, their 50th Fendt since 2000.
Why the 620 Vario Stands Out
With the Fendt 700 Gen 6 series coming to the end of production, B&B arranged for the team to demo the new 620 Vario. Straight away, Scott was impressed:
- Tighter turning circle (10.2m perfect for veg crops on tight row spacings)
- Single-range VarioDrive transmission for smoother work at lower speeds
- Independent four-wheel drive axles for better traction and manoeuvrability
The spec includes front and rear cameras for better crop visibility, plus a laminated windscreen to handle the odd stone flying up during carrot and parsnip topping.
“The operators loved it," says Scott. “They found it quieter, more comfortable, and better suited to the jobs we do. It's already proving it can match, and maybe replace our 720s."
Technology That Works Hard
The Hammond team make full use of FendtONE, sharing waylines across the fleet, tracking tractors in real time, and linking with Gatekeeper software for planning. It even sends data to B&B so we can prepare for services and have parts ready before they're needed.
Scott uses the tracking daily not to keep tabs, but to keep everything running smoothly:
“If we know exactly where a tractor is, we can be ready for it when it comes in. It saves a lot of phone calls and keeps the day flowing."
A Partnership That Works
Over 25 years, the relationship between T Hammond Farms and B&B Tractors has gone from supplying the odd machine to supporting an all-Fendt fleet (apart from just one Valtra still in the yard). The tractors are worked hard, often 2,000+ hours a year and B&B keeps them moving with regular servicing and fast turnaround on any issues.
“We rely on B&B to keep our kit in top shape," Andy says. “They've always made sure we've got what we need, when we need it."
Looking Ahead
125 years in, T Hammond Farms is still moving forward. The 620 Vario is already making its mark, and with a fleet built around precision, comfort and efficiency, they're well prepared for whatever the future, or the weather, throws at them.
