Tractor heritage, news and features

Ploughmen pack their bags

Andy Greenhill from Perth and Forfar’s Andrew Mitchell Jnr had their tractors and ploughs looking like new for the sea-going container being loaded at the Mitchell’s Haughs of Ballinshoe premises. Strict bio security measures adopted by the Kiwi authorities meant that the tractors and ploughs had to be stripped back to the bare minimum to allow meticulous cleaning of any dirt and soil. This has required much burning of the midnight oil and as Andrew Snr, coach for his son, said this was the most amount of work ever undertaken for a World Championship and he should know after attending half a dozen as a competitor or coach.

The equipment looked resplendent with shining paint and gleaming windows as the team posed for a photo call for the local press with the many sponsors who had rallied round. Taking both tractor and ploughs to the other side of the world is a big undertaking and both Andy and Andrew would like to thank their sponsors for all their help and are still looking for further support. The list of sponsors so far are Agricar, New Holland, Goodyear, Mark Guild Homes, David Carnegie, Carnegie Fuels, Dowdswell, Angus Show, Grampian Super Match, David Howatson of Finavon Hotel, Super Fine, Kongskilde, Overum, Dalbo, Binn Skips, Ritchie of Forfar and Carse of Gowrie Ploughing Match.

It was a tight but well measured fit to get Andrew’s Ford 5030 tractor and Dowdswell plough and Andy’s Ford 5610 and Overum reversible, plus all the tools and spares and outdoor clothing for the back up team secured. The container leaves from Grangemouth and will dock in New Zealand in around 49 days. Plenty time for the Championships being held at Methven near Christchurch on 17-18 April.

The ploughmen will be joined by coaches Andrew Mitchell Snr and Bruce Greenhill, Scottish World Board Member Billy Gordon, Scottish Judge and Reserve Dave Carnegie and Rab Birrell plus a large contingent of supporters. The party will fly out in April to prepare for the event which is catching the imagination of all the home nations.