Cornwall College students ride the plough
7:10am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News
Winner Nathan Collins, from Truro, with his fellow students
New agriculture students at Duchy College Rosewarne were testing their tractor driving skills this week in the first ploughing match of the term.
Diploma and apprenticeship students had the chance to drive two of the college’s tractors both fitted with different type ploughs – a New Holland T 5070 and a John Deere 6630.
Each student was assigned a plot and tried their hand at ploughing ready to be judged by lecturer Roger Talling.
Phil Pengelly, course manager, said: "During the course students have to undertake their tractor proficiency test so a ploughing match is a good way for them to improve their driving technique.
"It requires a lot of skill to win - you have to take your time, make careful alterations to the plough and drive steadily to gain clear furrow definition. There were quite a few novices in the group but they all had a go and enjoyed it."
Ian Rowe, from Truro, said: "I like driving tractor so I really enjoyed it and its good practice. I like the John Deere the best as it’s bigger and we don’t have one at home!"
The triumphant winner was Nathan Collins, from Newquay. He said: "I’m glad I won, I enjoyed it, it’s great to get out and drive the tractors."
Andrew Counsell, head of Duchy College, added: "This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to get behind the wheel and practise their skills as well as a chance to have fun and get to know each other."
For more information about the agriculture courses available at Duchy College Rosewarne call 0845 60 50 455 or visit www.duchy.ac.uk .
