Knowing what to do with worn-out, redundant or truly ancient machines hasn’t traditionally been a problem for farmers. Most people have a small-but-well-kept machinery graveyard behind a barn where old kit quietly moulders away among the nettles and bindweed.

If you have a local scrapman (and world steel prices are high) he may be prepared to come and take machines away (and give you some cash). But often it’s easier to simply leave machines where they are in case you ever need a part.

But a scheme that’s been operating successfully for old cars for some time is now expanding into the farm machinery world.

It’s a non-profit organisation called Giveacar and it has raised more than £800,000 over the last two years for charity by scrapping and selling old cars on behalf of the public. It doesn’t cost the owner anything – in fact, there’s an option for the owner to get half of the proceeds.

Giveacar says that they can collect most “whole” machines, including old tractors, handlers, cultivators, ploughs, drills, balers and fertiliser spreaders – basically anything with decent amounts of steel in.

What they can’t take is small amounts of scrap or non-steel things like doors and tyres. If you’re not sure whether your scrap is suitable, ring them on 020 0011 1664.

The donor can nominate any UK registered charity to receive the funds and there is no cost for taking part. It operates throughout mainland UK.

Giveacar can be contacted at www.giveacar.co.uk or 020 0011 1664