Livestock and arable farmers have driven in relays from Somerset to Shropshire to highlight and raise funds for Forage Aid, an initiative borne out of adversity to provide practical help to farming communities affected by extreme weather and other disruptive events.
Drivers on the 220-mile route stopped off to collect donations on the way to the Energy Now Expo at Telford, where the JCB Fastrac 3230 Xtra and banner-festooned Bailey silage trailer were on display to attract further funds.
“We were delighted to support this initiative by providing a Fastrac, which is the most capable tractor for a long-distance drive such as this,” said Edward Roach, Sales & Marketing Manager, JCB Agriculture. “The response of farmers outside the areas affected by floods last year and heavy snowfall in 2013 was testament to the spirit of mutual support that exists in all farming communities. JCB loaned Fastracs and Loadall handlers to support the Forage Aid efforts during the floods crisis and we’re pleased to continue our support by making this contribution to the Forage Aid fund-raising effort.”
The Fastrac first demonstrated its road-going credentials in the hands of one of the farmers worst-affected by the Somerset floods, James Winslade. He took on the initial driving stint from Sedgemoor Auction Centre, which became the hub for forage donations and distribution.
He was followed by Somerset farm manager Graham Glasper, who worked at the centre for six weeks at the height of the floods unloading lorries and loading farm trailers, and then Lincolnshire farmer Andrew Ward, who founded Forage Aid by organising forage supplies for snow-bound farms in March 2013.
Another at the wheel was Ed Ford, an arable grower who co-ordinated forage donation deliveries to his Essex farm for onward transportation by Tesco to Somerset, and others taking their turn were members of Young Farmers Clubs from Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Somerset and Shropshire.
With its dual circuit anti-lock brakes and unique suspension on both axles, the Fastrac can legally be driven on the road at up 65kph, which has a significant impact on journey times when hauling produce from field to farm or from farm to markets and processing facilities. With up to 270hp for road transport, the Fastrac has plenty of power to tackle hills and JCB’s own P-Tronic transmission with six manual or auto powershift steps makes it a delight to handle on the road or in the field.
The Forage Aid drivers will also have appreciated the unique level of ride comfort that comes with the Fastrac’s all-round suspension – a feature that no other farm tractor can boast.
Further information about Forage Aid and the ‘farmers helping farmers’ campaign is available on the Forage Aid page on Facebook or by contacting Andrew Ward 07850 132 189.
