Farmer Focus: First Christmas tractor run won’t be my last

I recently went on my first tractor run. The Ringmer Christmas tractor charity run has been going for a few years, but I’d simply never joined in.

However, having been hounded by Mrs B and the kids to do it this year I thought, “why not?” and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I took my eldest daughter (we had to draw straws and bribe with chocolate coins to work out who joined me) and we trundled along to a nearby farm, fairy lights on full random strobe mode.

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About the author

Anthony Becvar

Anthony Becvar is a third-generation farmer of an 80ha mixed farm in East Sussex on heavy Weald Clay. Crops include spring beans, winter wheat and spring barley, alongside diversification projects which include two breweries and an agricultural mechanic.

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It was great to catch up with a few friends before we headed off, one of whom mentioned what a great feeling it gave him each year.

He wasn’t wrong, what a buzz to see thousands of happy people lining the village and town pavements and the country lanes too.

Amazing work by the organiser meant a smooth procession of around 80 tractors, all in aid of the Farming Community Network and a local Alzheimer’s charity, the Ringmer Memory Cafe.

So far (at the time of writing) £4,500 has been raised on the Just Giving page, entrance fees, raffle and donated change. What a community effort!

Seeing the vast number of local people applauding and waving on the steady line of tinsel-clad tractors made me think about public perception.

Were they just cheering us on because we were providing a free seasonal spectacle? Or was there a deeper appreciation for us as food producers and stewards of the local countryside?

Did they understand our plight? I’m sure there’s mileage to be gained in using these popular events to close the gap in understanding between the public and farmers and lever political support.

But should they, considering we carry out these tractor runs primarily to raise money for charity, I’ve just never seen the public more supportive of farmers.

The local aspect made it even more special to be a part of.

I’ll definitely be doing it again next year to be a part of something great and to be able to run red lights legally for a change.