A Machinery Ring is a co-operative society of farmers and agricultural businesses who have the mutual aim of reducing machinery and labour costs. The common objective for Sastak members is to reduce fixed and variable costs by collectively rationalising the use of labour and machinery by sharing it in a formal manner.
Machinery Rings have been around for many years in Europe where the idea of co-operation within the agricultural industry was brought about by the end of the Second World War. The idea was brought over to Scotland in the mid-1980’s and it progressed to England and Wales soon after.
Sastak originated as a Machinery Ring and was formed in 1991 by 30 individuals as a non-profit making member owned co-operative.
Members include farmers, hire companies, contractors, fuel/commodity suppliers, and associated businesses connected with agriculture and the wider rural sector.
Sastak has increased its availability of services and has diversified in to many different areas serving the rural community. Sastak can offer the services of ‘members’ to ‘non-members’ through Sastak Services Ltd, a subsidiary company.
