It’s not often you see a Case IH Quadrac and Greqoire-Besson plough driving through central London. But, this weekend, as part of the Lord Mayor’s Show, the massive tractor weaved its way through the City’s streets, commanding a ‘tremendous’ response from the crowd.

Entered by the Worshipful Company of Farmers, under the banner: “British Farmers, growing our daily bread”, the tractor was entered as part of the ‘Modern Livery Companies’ exhibit of the parade.

Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, Tom Copas said: “To have a farming display associated with the Lord Mayor makes a strong statement about the importance of food and farming to feeding the people of Britain and to the economic wellbeing of the country.

The charity gained ‘Grant of Livery’, enabling them to take part in such events in 1952, to allow a better understanding of the importance of food and farming in the City.

“This is particularly appropriate in this, the ‘Year of Food and Farming’. Whilst the parade itself has strong links with the ancient traditions of the City, the machinery represents the very best of 21st century technology, putting British food production on a world platform.”

The Worshipful Company of Farmers ‘team’ (see below) included Richard Halhead – father of the FW Awards 2007 winner of
the “Young Farmer of the Year ” Philip Halhead and senior warden, John Thorpe. Newly elected master, Tom Copas (winner of the first FW Awards ” Poultry Farmer of the Year”) and liveryman, Lindsay Hargreaves from Elvedon Estates in Norfolk also took part in traditional dress.

Taking place every November and celebrating the installation of David Lewis as 680th Lord Mayor of the City of London, the procession is a chance for the new Mayor to ‘show himself to the people’.