Virtual ploughing match to support air ambulance charities
© Geoffrey Swaine/Shutterstock Dust off your tractor and pull out your plough – there will be an opportunity to show off your machine and furrowing skills this year after all.
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the postponement and cancellation of many local ploughing matches across the country, causing huge disappointment for ploughmen and women.
However, all is not lost, as a new virtual ploughing competition and machinery show is taking place across the UK and Ireland, with 100% of entry fees going to air ambulance charities.
See also: Farmer crushed by cattle praises Yorkshire Air Ambulance
Entries for ploughing classes and machinery showing are now open for Vplough.
There are 28 categories to enter – 14 ploughing classes and 14 machinery showing classes – for vintage commercial vehicles, stationary engines, steam engines, heavy horses, as well as classic and vintage tractors and farm machinery.
A panel of experienced and knowledgeable judges view the videos and awards will be given for best in class.
Online entry
Judging will take place on 26 September and anyone can enter. For full details and an online entry form, visit the Vplough website.
The event has been created by Grapevine Events director Karen Wheeler, from Kent, who has been a ploughing contest enthusiast since childhood. It is being supported by many ploughing societies and associations.
“All 23 air ambulance trusts have seen their income plummet over the past months, so VPlough has been designed to fill part of that void and help them to continue to provide a vital service nationwide,” said Ms Wheeler.
Select charity
Participants should simply upload their images to the website and select their chosen air ambulance charity.
Rural insurer NFU Mutual is sponsoring the event. David Harrison, its lead for farming and agriculture, said: “Farmers work long hours, often alone, and the cancellation of agricultural shows and events this year has removed opportunities for them to meet fellow farmers.
“VPlough is a great way to keep the spirit of ploughing matches alive and provide a virtual meeting place for farmers until they can get back together in future years.”