Vintage Horticultural Ploughing Rules

1. TRACTOR All models of tractor up to 14hp maximum must have been in production  before 31st  December 1969.   2. PLOUGHS – SINGLE FURROW ONLY – Maximum length of mouldboard 36” a.   Mounted or trailing ploughs may be used that were in production before 31st December, 1969 b.   Plough bodies to be designed for plough at time of manufacture. c.   Only one right-hand skimmer and a one piece tailpiece allowed – no other attachments allowed. d.   Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.   3. TIME ALLOWED a.   20 minutes for opening. Penalty for failure to finish opening on time – 2 points per minute or part minute. b.   40 minutes for openings to be judged. c.   4 hours to complete the plot. d.   15 minutes for any cast-off made after commencement of ploughing. e.   Penalty for failure to finish plot at finish signal – 10 points per minute or part minute. 4. OPENING a.   Double opening split – no land left unturned. b.   On grassland there is no opening. 5. START a.   The start shall consist of the first 6 furrows. b.   Competitors must cast towards the next highest numbered plot.   6. FINISH a.   The finish shall consist of the last 6 furrows. b.   The last furrow to be ploughed towards competitors’ own start.   7. DEPTH Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish. Minimum depth 12 cm. 8. GENERAL  a.   The first and second runs next to the neighbours plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.  b. Rolling of furrows or scratches is  not allowed.  Penalty – 20 points deduction.  c.   Twin tractor wheels  not allowed.  d.   Three sighting poles only (one can be placed on the headland) – assistance to set and remove is allowed.  No other assistance allowed including no assistance by signal, radio contact, mobile phone or any other method.  e.   Handling, shaping or treading of scratches or furrows is  not allowed.  f.    Maximum of two wheel marks allowed at the finish (note: if two wheel marks, they must be on the neighbours side of the finish).  g.   Only the competitor allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones, etc.  Clearing stubble is not allowed and will be penalized h.   Competitors must produce evidence of age of tractor if requested i. The use of Global Positioning Technology, laser beams or any other electronic or computerised measuring devices are not allowed.  j.   Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or fellow competitor is not acceptable.  Penalty – 20 points. k.   Plough must not be put in the ground on the site other than when ploughing the plot.

Penalty – disqualification.

9. SAFETY a.   Passengers not allowed on tractors or ploughs at any time b.   Society of Ploughmen Safety Policy must be adhered to at all times. 10. FINAL DECISION Any question arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Executive Committee whose decision shall be final and binding.