The historic Lord Mayor’s Show returns on Saturday and the entry from the Worshipful Company of Farmers, celebrating its 70th anniversary, will take centre stage supported by the NFU, Massey Ferguson, Red Tractor and Surrey Docks Farm.
Showcasing 70 years of British farming
An impressive state-of-the-art Massey Ferguson 8S.205 tractor will star in the procession alongside a 1952 Little Grey Fergie³, together with a trailer showcasing the ways British farming f 70 years and the range of sustainable climate-friendly food produced by the nation’s farmers and growers.
NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw expressed his enthusiasm for the NFU to be returning to this historic event: “Speaking with the people that come along to enjoy the Lord Mayor’s Show, it is one of the highlights in the calendar and we can’t wait to get back on to the streets of London to support the Worshipful Company of Farmers for another fantastic event.
Next generation leading the way
“This year we are delighted to be highlighting the 70th year of the Worshipful Company of Farmers in the City of London. The Company is very proud to be a part of the Lord Mayor's Show and supporting the role our farmers play in producing food for the nation.”
Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, Richard Davies
“British farming’s participation in the parade gives us a great opportunity to showcase our proud industry; one that produces sustainable, climate-friendly food alongside protecting and maintaining our environment, to the thousands of people on the streets of London and to the millions watching on television.
“I’m also pleased that once again we will have the NFU’s cohort of Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors with us in London - a passionate and enthusiastic group - who represent the next generation of the British farming industry.”
Past and present on parade
Lindsay Haddon, Massey Ferguson Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager, explained how the display will feature a nod to past and present farming technologies: "We are proud to celebrate the Worshipful Company of Farmers 70th anniversary in this year's parade, with a state-of-the-art, award-winning tractor featuring a Platinum wrap; and a TE 20, more fondly known as a Little Grey Fergie, built in 1952, the year the present, modern company of the Worshipful Company of Farmers was formally established.”
The ‘Little Grey Fergie’, was built in Coventry in June 1952. The tractor, designed by Harry Ferguson, revolutionised farming with its innovative 3-point linkage system which allowed the hitching of ploughs and other implements to the TE 20 tractors.
Farmers continue to deliver every single day
“The Surrey Docks Farm has a long-standing relationship with the Worshipful Company of Farmers and is thrilled to be invited once again to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show. Members of our Youth Committee aged 8 up to 25 will be in the parade to proudly represent British farming and raise the profile of our city farms.”
Surrey Docks Farm Manager, Gemma Hooper
Red Tractor vice chair Alistair Mackintosh commented: “The Lord Mayor’s Show is a brilliant way to celebrate all that is good about British food and farming in front of thousands of people in the capital, and the millions watching on television.
“At Red Tractor, we passionately believe that everyone should be able to buy food that they can trust, whatever their budget. This fantastic event is an opportunity to showcase how farmers up and down the country are delivering on this promise every single day; and to remind people that they can help foster a better future for British agriculture, by simply looking for the Red Tractor logo.”
Look out for the Worshipful Company of Farmers entry, serial number 64, in the procession, during the live BBC1 coverage of the Lord Mayor’s Show from 10.45am on Saturday 12 November.
If you're unable to witness the parade in person, you can catch us on the BBC's live coverage of the day or follow our activity over on @NFUtweets.
