Tractor heritage, news and features

Muck is Magic

The idea behind the theme is to promote the importance of both artificial and organic fertilizer in agriculture past and present. The use of agric chemicals and trace elements like lime will also be featured.As usual, the club will assemble as much relevant machinery as possible; this will include muck spreaders in the form of Wild Thwaites, land-driven and PTO rear discharge machines, rotary spreaders and hopefully a horse-drawn example.

An early slurry tanker is under restoration and fertilizer broadcasters and spinners are being sought. The story of lime-spreading contractors is hopefully going to be acted out, as a period lime spreader will be towed behind a similarly aged tractor with a further tractor and loader in tow. Chemical sprayers from the past are also sought to show how the use of pesticides has changed for the better today.

The organisers hope to highlight the importance of all types of fertilizers in securing adequate crop yields to sustain an increasing world population, and perhaps dispel the myths behind the campaign that by removing livestock from the landscape is somehow a benefit to mankind.

Part of the theme will be an attempt to establish a record for the largest number of pre-1990 loader tractors in the one field. This will highlight the wide range of machines used to handle muck, including front and rear loaders, forklifts and back actors.

Add to this the usual line-up of vintage and classic tractors and machinery, vintage cars, lorries, motorbikes and stationary engines and you have the makings of a great day, that climaxes at the end of the afternoon with the draw for the club's raffle and the chance to win a Leyland 245. The monies raised goes towards Radio Tay’s Cash for Kids Appeal.

The organisers are still looking for suitable machinery for their theme and details are available from Jim Harrow on 07711 980247 or email james.harrow@fsmail.net