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AgriChatUK Farming Hall of Fame

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Edward Morgan — 1 Comment ↓

The 2013 and first inductees of the Farming Hall of Fame are:

Modern era category: Tom Robinson

Tom Robinson wins our ‘Modern’ category for developing new nozzle technology that has improved pesticide efficacy and minimised environmental impact, while also encouraging best operator practices. He developed the formula to check nozzle output and designed safer ways to apply pesticides. He has been described as an unsung hero who has contributed more in the last 10 years than most would recognise.

According to those who nominated Tom, he “never stops learning or dismisses anything or anybody” and will listen equally to everyone from young to old, from new to experienced, and will explain complicated issues simply but in an engaging way.

Tom proactively encourages best operator practices through the Syngenta Application Club where farmers and operators work together to come up with new ideas. He is also organiser and head judge for the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year competition.

On top of all of this, Tom was described by those who nominated him as “an all round good bloke”.

Historic category: Harry Ferguson, 1884-1960

Ferguson tractors – where would farming be without them? Harry Ferguson wins our Historical category for his invaluable contribution to the productivity of modern farming. Ferguson was an Irish engineer and an inventor, who pioneered the three point linkage for tractors. This ability to lift the implement and transfer weight onto the tractor allowed more power to be transmitted to the ground and therefore increased productivity.

One person with a tractor can now do the work of dozens with horses. Although it is debatable as to whether less jobs in farming has been positive, Ferguson can be credited as contributing a major step forwards in the output of modern farming, reducing costs and increasing the competitive price of food.

Ferguson was a farmers’ son who originally become interested in aviation. He was the first Irishman to build and fly his own aeroplane and also developed the first four-wheel drive Formula One car.

2013 nominees

Modern era category

Norman Borlaug

1914-2009

Norman Borlaug

Plant pathologist and geneticist who started the green revolution by developing semi-dwarf, disease resistant wheat, with his work winning him the Nobel Peace Prize. Improved food security across the world by introducing high-yielding varieties combined with modern agricultural production techniques.

Lord Charles Henry Plumb, Baron Plumb of Coleshill

Lord Plumb

Served as President of the NFU and also as Member and President of the European Parliament. He has recently set up the Henry Plumb Foundation offering support to young people in farming.

John Alliston

John Alliston

Professor in Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural College, and Course Director for the Institute of Agricultural Management Leadership course and for the John Edgar Trust Management Development Scheme. President of the International Farm Management Association.

Tom Robinson

Tom Robinson

Leader of new technologies at Syngenta. Developer of new nozzle technology to improve pesticide efficacy and minimize environmental impact, and also encourages best operator practices. Organiser and head judge for the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year competition.

John Cameron

John Cameron

Stalwart of the Scottish agricultural industry, with roles including president of NFU Scotland, chairman of the Scottish Beef Cattle Association and chairman of the European Sheepmeat Advisory Committee. Recently set up the Cameron Travel Scholarship Trust for the benefit of young agricultural students.

Historic category

Jethro Tull

1674-1741

Jethro Tull

The invention of the mechanical seed drill for row planting heralded the first steps towards precision farming and his role as an agricultural pioneer set out the base for many other farm mechanisation methods.

 

Robert Bakewell

1725-1795

Robert Bakewell

Agriculturalist who was the first to implement systematic selective breeding of livestock, leading to specific improvement in sheep, cattle and horses, and contributing to general knowledge of artificial selection.

 

William Cobbett

1763-1835

William Cobbett

Spent his life campaigning for farmers’ rights and was a spokesman for the rural laborer. He was a prolific writer – the Political Register and Rural Rides being two pieces of his work. Rose to become an MP where he continued his campaigning on behalf of rural lifestyles.

 

Albert Howard

1873-1947

Albert Howard

Botanist, organic farming pioneer and a key figure in the early organic movement in the UK. Worked as an agricultural adviser in India for 25 years, and author of various publications, such as An Agricultural Testament.

 

Harry Ferguson

1884-1960

Harry Ferguson

Engineer and inventor who pioneered the introduction of the three point linkage for tractors, allowing more power to be transmitted to the ground and increasing productivity.

 

 

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