How young farmers can win a year’s free use of a tractor

Young farmers and new entrants have the chance to bag themselves the use of a tractor for a year.

The Prince’s Countryside Fund and New Holland have teamed up to give the next generation of Britain’s farmers a helping hand on the farm with its “Up to Speed” scheme.

Last year, Donald MacSween, Rob David and Abbi Mason each won the use of a New Holland loan machine for 12 months – a TH telehandler, a T6 tractor and a Boomer compact tractor, respectively.

See also: Meet the 2020 winners of the ‘Up to Speed’ scheme

The scheme, launched last year by JLS band member and farmer JB Gill, is open to any British farmer aged 18 or over who can justify how the loan of a New Holland machine will help their business develop.

Applicants will need to fill in a short form and submit a video that makes a compelling case for the loan of a machine. This might involve explaining how the tractor would kickstart their business, help their farm enterprise become more efficient or allow them to diversify.

“It is an incredible opportunity for farmers,” says Mr Gill. “A year ago I launched the Up to Speed scheme and recently I heard first-hand how much difference the New Holland machines have made (and still are making) to the businesses of the 2020 winners.” 

The applications window for each of these three machines opens on 1 February and closes on 1 March 2021.

Rob David won the loan of a New Holland T6.165 tractor through the scheme last year. “In May, I took on some extra land, which I would not have considered without the New Holland tractor,” he says.

“Since then, the extra land has allowed me to buy some cattle and more breeding ewes too. The tractor has given me so much more freedom, saved me time and money. I’d urge everyone to apply.”

For further details and to apply, visit the Prince’s Countryside Fund website.