Landini Tractor Helps Novices Develop their Ploughing Skills
06/12/07

An initiative to help train novices in the art of ploughing – and maybe discover future competition ploughing champions – is being supported by Landini through the loan of a new tractor.

Ken Chappell, executive director of the Society of Ploughmen, with the Landini Powerfarm 75 tractor used for the Society’s plough skills training schools.

The 68hp Landini Powerfarm 75 is being used by the Society of Ploughmen for its Ploughing School training sessions, when past champions share their ploughing knowledge and skills with a new generation. The schools are put on for people who want to improve their every-day ploughing skills, as well as those keen to do well in ploughing competitions.

“There’s a long-standing tradition of match ploughing, not only in Britain, but in many countries throughout the world,” explains Ken Chappell, executive director of the Society of Ploughmen. “British ploughmen have had tremendous success in competitions, winning eight European and seven World championship titles in the past 10 years. But that level of achievement requires particular skills that novices can learn and experienced ploughmen can develop through our Ploughing Schools.”

The four-wheel drive Landini Powerfarm is a light, nimble tractor that is easy to handle using simple controls – just what is needed for match ploughing, Mr Chappell adds. It is easy to jump on and off through the large doorways to check quality of work and make adjustments, while the opening front and rear windows make it possible to advise drivers under instruction on the move.

Adrian Winnett, Landini UK sales manager, applauds the Society’s efforts to improve ploughing skills.

“Match ploughing is a wonderful art that demands precision, concentration and a keen eye to produce class-winning work,” he points out. “I’m delighted we can play a part in helping novices acquire and polish these skills by making available one of our popular Powerfarm tractors.”

The courses are run over two days and start with an introduction to the implement, its working parts and maintenance. Then it is out into the field to learn how to plough a plot to competition standard with straight and even furrow slices laid neatly against each other.

“The courses are very popular, attracting both men and women and not just from farming backgrounds – past trainees include an accountant, a school teacher and a pilot,” notes Ken Chappell. “They’ve attended from all over the UK and one trainee even travelled from North Carolina in the United States to attend the school.”

The Society’s Landini loan tractor is also used for ploughing judge refresher courses and is available to help coach ploughmen who quality to compete as part of the Society of Ploughmen’s European and World Championship teams.

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