years serving the local farming community
Read Agriservices was founded in 1971 on the border of Witham Friary and Upton Noble, operating out of a former Nissen Hut that had previously served as a chicken house, with the kind permission of local farmer Mr Jim May. By the mid-1970s, it became clear that larger premises were needed to meet the growing demand as local agriculture thrived. Finding a site that was practical, welcomed by the community, and approved by Mendip & Taunton Council was challenging, but all requirements were eventually satisfied. The new premises on Bruton Lane, which included living accommodation, officially opened in April 1982.
In 1985, we proudly received our first Volvo BM Valmet tractor, now marketed as Valtra, renowned for its exceptional Scandinavian engineering. Kidd farm equipment soon followed, later taken over by Taarup and now marketed as Kverneland grassland and cultivation products. Our other franchises include Yamaha ATVs, which are perfectly complemented by our comprehensive range of Logic ground care equipment.
As the new millennium approached, it became clear that the increasing traffic arriving at Read Agriservices was no longer suited to the narrow approach lanes. The chance to acquire the former caravan centre at nearby Wanstrow presented the perfect solution: a main road location that would allow us to continue serving the local farming community. Contracts were exchanged in August 1999, and following the necessary planning and alterations, the move was completed in March 2001.
At our new Wanstrow premises, we have expanded our retail offering to better meet the needs of our farming customers. In addition to machinery and repairs, we now provide clothing, ironmongery, gardening equipment, comprehensive plumbing fittings, timber panels, gates, and a vast range of steel and fixings. We also supply bespoke portal steel frame buildings, available in painted or galvanised finishes.
In 2012, we received the news that AGCO would no longer require us to sell their products. While this was a difficult moment, we remain proud to continue servicing the Valtra range, bringing 28 years of extensive knowledge and experience. Since July 2012, we have also expanded our offerings to include the McCormick range of tractors, complementing our existing range of products.