County Down secure YFCU machinery handling title

Pictured receiving their first place prize in the YFCU Machinery Handling competition are County Down members Keith Dixon from Spa YFC and Jonny Crawford from Newtownards YFC with YFCU President, Roberta Simmons; Paul Kelly, HSENI and Gethin Jones from Sponsor Johnston Gilpin & Co. Also pictured are representatives from Johnston Gilpin & Co and HSENI.

The competition, held in association with long term sponsor Johnston Gilpin & Co, saw a large crowd of spectators at the Cattle Lawn, where they cheered on the teams.

Johnston Gilpin & Co have supported the YFCU machinery handling competition for many years and provide the machinery for the young farmers to use during the event.

Working closely with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI), Johnston Gilpin & Co assist with the planning of the designated course to test the competitors’ tractor skills and safety knowledge.

Pictured receiving their second place prize in the YFCU Machinery Handling competition are County Armagh members Benjamin Allen and Thomas Chambers from Collone YFC with YFCU President, Roberta Simmons; Gethin Jones, sponsor from Johnston Gilpin & Co and Paul Kelly, HSENI. Also pictured are representatives from Johnston Gilpin & Co and HSENI.

Two members from clubs in each of the six counties, selected from county heats, made up the teams and the team who completed the course with the most points won the competition. Second place was awarded to County Armagh which included members Benjamin Allen and Thomas Chambers, both from Collone YFC.

Points were awarded for successfully making it through the course and driving through the posts, however teams were penalised for a variety of reasons including if they did not comply with safety regulations, touching markers and unnecessary damage to the ground. This competition was designed to test both the drivers’ tractor skills and safety knowledge.

YFCU would like to thank Johnston Gilpin & Co for their continued sponsorship and support of this event. The Association also extend their gratitude to Paul Kelly from HSENI. YFCU would also like to thank Neill Patterson from Spa YFC and Lowry Dunn from City of Derry YFC who helped design the course.