Rain halts ploughs at cultivation event

19 September 2001



Rain halts ploughs at cultivation event

By Andrew Swallow

HEAVY rain has disrupted proceedings at the East of England Agricultural Societys Cultivations 2001 Event in Bedfordshire.

Despite tractors on the site totalling some 10,000 horse power, only two real horses were able to work the land.

Demonstrations were stopped at the event which was held at Bedfordia Farming, Milton Ernest, on Wednesday (19 September).

Alfie and Taffie from Norfolks Banham Zoo ignored the weather and kept pulling a one furrow Ransomes YL plough.

Bedfordia manager Bob Green called a halt to cultivations.

Some ploughs and tractors could have muddled through but it would have been unfair to allow some work when conditions were unsuitable for most.

Recognising that no machines were working at what was meant to be an active demonstration, the entry price was cut from 5 to 3 on the day.

However, turnout seemed unaffected by the wet weather with many growers attending because they could do little at home.