Farmers could win the use of a New Holland tractor or telehandler for a year as part of a new competition run by The Prince’s Countryside Fund.
The fund, established by the Prince of Wales in 2010, aims to enhance the prospects of family farm businesses and the quality of rural life.
It has teamed up with British farm machinery manufacturer, New Holland Agriculture, to help agricultural businesses get “up to speed” by offering three farmers the loan of a piece of farm machinery for a year to help develop their businesses.
This can include a new entrant who wants to use the machine to kick-start their business, an existing farmer who is looking to become more efficient, or a farmer who is looking to develop or diversify their existing business.
The three machines available for loan are the Boomer Compact tractor, a T6 orT7 tractor, and a TH telehandler.
“Over the past 10 years the fund has been championing British farms and encouraging their sustainability,” said Prince’s Countryside Fund ambassador and JLS band member, JB Gill.
“This partnership with New Holland is a fantastic opportunity for farmers to make a real difference to their business.”
New Holland’s UK business director, Pat Smith, welcomed the competition launch and encouraged farmers to enter.
He said: “We are very excited to be teaming up with The Prince’s Countryside Fund on this fantastic venture by giving three farmers in the UK a unique opportunity.
“We at New Holland are very proud to be the major British tractor manufacturer, we value our heritage here in Basildon, Essex, and we are dedicated to supporting British agriculture and British farmers.”
He added: “We think this could be an excellent leg up for the three lucky beneficiaries.”
Applicants must be aged 18 or over with a British driving or tractor licence.
They must be a UK citizen and be a resident in the country.
To apply, farmers must fill in an application form and submit a short video explaining why they deserve the machine.
Full details of the competition and information on how to apply are online at
princescountrysidefund.org.uk/uptospeed
Applications close at midnight on Sunday March 1.