Shropshire farmer begins 70th year of harvesting

South Shropshire farmer John Derricutt, 83, is celebrating an incredible milestone this summer as he begins his 70th year of harvesting.

Starting the combine last week, in between showers, John has been determined to get out in the fields and start the harvest.

“He won’t retire”, jokes his daughter Sue. “What he loves to see is a crop planted, to watch it grow, and to harvest it – he’s in his element when it’s combining time.

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83-year old John Derricutt started the combine up last week © Sue Derricutt

“He’s been in the industry his whole life, and all the young lads that work always say how much they learn from dad – we only wish he’d share more!”

 Despite needing a hip replacement, John has been putting the operation off, saying that the timing must not get in the way of the harvest.

John first started out on his own as a teenager after purchasing a tractor and an implement and carrying out local contracting work.

Now, he farms alongside his sons Chris, David and Richard, who make up J & CM Derricutt Agricultural Contractors, at their family farm in Oreton where he has a beef herd and grows arable crops.

“We are all really proud of him,” said Sue, “it is amazing what he and mum have achieved through the years, and to reach 70 years of combining is just incredible.”