Horses Replaced by Tractors in Revival Of Farmers’ Contest

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26776, 20 May 1948, Page 6

Horses Replaced by Tractors in Revival Of Farmers’ Contest

Special Reporter

CLYDEVALE, May 19. The first ploughing match in the recent history of the Clydevale district was held on Mr W. McFarlane’s farm to-day. Arranged by the Clutha Valley Young Farmer’s Club, with the co-operation of Federated Farmers, the occasion was an outstanding success both from the point of view of the entries received and from the intense interest aroused in the district. Thirty competitors in all entered in the six events on the programme, and although the majority were from the Clydevale district, one came from as far afield as Wendon, and another from Kelso. Hitherto farmers from South Otago have had to travel to Gore, Kelso, and Heriot for ploughing competitions.

The champion ploughman of the match was W. G. Miller, of Wendon. . ,

A disappointing feature of the ploughing from the spectators’ point of view was that there was not one horse team on display, but the wide variety of tractors and ploughs used provided the young farmers with a good idea of recent advances in mechanical equipment and of its efficiency. They also derived considerable benefit from seeing the methods of cultivation favoured by different competitors, and from this viewpoint alone the contest was well worth while. The area adjacent to the ploughing was filled with cars, and crowds watched each of the 30 competitors at work at the same time on their respective areas The overhead conditions were favourable, but the ground was rather dry and hard for ploughing. Nevertheless, the standard shown even by young and comparatively. inexperienced competitors was good. The matches differed substantially from actual farm conditions in that the time limit of four hours and a-half for half an acre for a double-furrow plough would scarcely be economical in actual working conditions, but some of the results achieved were almost a model under the circumstances. The threefurrow ploughs turned over three-quar-ters of an acre. No four-furrow equipment was entered. The judges said that the standard of ploughing was fair considering the state of the ground. They added that they did not expect high-grade match ploughing from novice * competitors, who, however, obviously had an interest in their work, and would improve with experience. They remarked that the ground was rather uneven for si fair trial. The organisation of the match left nothing to be desired. An energetic Ground Committee, consisting of the president of the Young Farmers’ Club, Mr R. Thompson, and Messrs E. Ross, J. Treacy, D. G. Small, W. Caldwell. L. G. Mosley, H. E. Pitt, J. Allen, G. Kliem, and L. W. Cross. The judges of ploughing were Messrs J. Jenkins (Baicluuia), A. V. King, W. B. Geddes.

and W. Hbrsburgh (all of Clydevale). A number of competitors and a trade display were held in conjunction with the ploughing match. Catering was done for about 1000 visitors by local women’s organisations. Results were:— Digger Ploughing, Two or Threefurrow. —D. Chittock (Kelso), 73 points, 1; A. A. King (Clydevale), 59 points, 2; E. Ross (Popotunoa), 42 points, 3. Six entries. Special prizes for young farmers: A. A. King (Clydevale). 59 points, 1; E. Ross (Popotunoa), 42 points, 2; A. McKee (Clinton), 39 points, 3. Five entries. m Young'Farmers’ Championship, Two or Three-furrow Plain Plough.—W. Tunnah (Clydevale), 70 points, 1; D. Stirling (Greenfield) and W. Caldwell (Greenfield), 56 points,, (equal), 2. Five entries. The prize money was given by the Balclutha Rotary Club, and a cup by the Clutha and Matau A. and P. Society. . Two or Three-furrow Plain Plough (Open).—W. G. Miller (Wendon), 87 points, 1; W. Tunnah (Clydevale), 70 points, 2; J. Ridgwell (Balclutha), 60 points, 3. Eleven entries. Coulter Cut.—S. G. Baird (Wendon), 85 points, 1; K. Taylor (Clinton), 65 points, 2. Ploughing Race.—W. G. Miller (Wendon), 187 points, 1; J. Ridgwell (Balclutha), 137 points, 2; J. Pilgrim (Clydevale), 133 points, 3. Five entries. Special Prizes Best Fearing.—W. Miller (Wendon). Best In and Out (for young farmers).—W. Tunnah (Clydevale). Best Finish. —W. Tunnah (Clydevale). Youngest Competitor.—R. James (Hillend), aged 16. Competitor Travelling Longest Distance.—S. G. Baird (Wendon). Champion Ploughman of the Day.— W. G. Miller (Wendon), 87 points. Sheep-guessing (correct total weight, 5881b).—D. G. Buttar 1, W. S. Dunlop 2. Chain-stepping (correct distance, 23yds 3in).—J. B. Shaw (23yds 2£in) 1.