FARMERS at the Great Yorkshire Show will have the chance to win a tractor for a year thanks to a Ryedale family firm that has been linked to the event for generations.
The Russell Group of Malton is offering visiting farmers the opportunity to enter a draw for the use of a New Holland T5.105, Europe’s best-selling tractor, for a year, with the winner announced at the end of the show, which runs from July 10 to 12.
Chief executive Paul Russell is the eighth generation to run the Russells business, founded in 1840 and originally based in Kirkbymoorside.
Although he knew that Russells had exhibited machinery at the show since 1940, he discovered that the family’s links to the show went back even further when he was looking through some of his late father, John’s, effects earlier this year and discovered a medal presented to George Russell at the tenth show in 1867, which was held in Thirsk.
The medal was awarded by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society for an “Improved Coulter Fastener”, part of a seed drill, demonstrating Russells commitment to machinery development even in its very early years.
Paul’s father had been a council member of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society. He organised an annual machinery parade in the main ring, featuring agricultural machinery from the oldest to the most modern. Paul is now a trustee and wanted to do something special to mark the 160th anniversary of the show.
He said: “The Great Yorkshire Show is the key event in the agricultural calendar and, despite changing times in agriculture, has remained a truly agricultural event. We believe it is important to be at the show to return the loyalty to us shown by our customers.”
Show Director Charles Mills said: “It is wonderful to hear about such long family links with the Show. The Russells have been long time friends of the Society, not to mention one of the longest standing exhibitors. This competition is a marvellous way for a farmer to add to machinery resources for the year with a modern versatile tractor and we are delighted the Russells Group are making such a generous offer.”
Anyone who would like to enter the competition should visit Russell Group at Stand 11 at the show to complete an entry form.
Visit www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk Twitter @greatyorkshow
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