We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sam Moore Sr., the inventor of the Moore Unidrill and a true pioneer in agricultural engineering. Sam passed away peacefully in his sleep early Friday morning, 8th August, at the age of 93, just days after celebrating his birthday.
Sam’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of modern farming. After working with leading companies such as Tate & Lyle, Massey Ferguson, and ICI, Sam returned home in 1966 to the family farm in Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. In 1969, he founded an engineering business that would go on to change the course of agricultural machinery.
In 1974, Sam established Moore Unidrill, operating from Kirk Road, Ballymoney, just 15km from the iconic Giant’s Causeway. The region’s lush, rain-fed grasslands – among the most intensive dairy farming areas in Europe – provided the perfect environment for developing innovative grassland drilling solutions.
As the company grew, Sam’s son, Sam Moore Jr., joined the business and took over operations when Sam Sr. retired in 1996. Under their leadership, Moore Unidrill expanded rapidly, increasing production capacity at its 26,000 sq ft facility in Ballymoney, with an additional 10,000 sq ft warehouse.
The Unidrill was soon being produced under licensing agreements overseas, particularly in the United States, extending Sam’s vision to farmers around the world.
Though Sam spent his final years in a nursing home with dementia, he remained in good health and spirit until his peaceful passing. His contributions to agriculture – both in Northern Ireland and globally – continue to shape sustainable farming practices today.
We invite you to explore more about Sam’s journey and the evolution of Moore Unidrill on our history page.
Thank you, Sam, for your innovation, your dedication, and your enduring legacy.
