Annual Lord Mayor’s Show will bring Massey Ferguson machinery to the streets of London to encourage public to ‘root for British farming’
A giant state-of-the-art carrot harvester and tractor will roll into the heart of London on Saturday 14 November as part of the annual Lord Mayor’s Show.
The appearance forms part of the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign, which will join the world’s oldest civic procession, which is three miles long and included 6,000 people, 250 horses and over 100 floats.
It will also mark the 40th year of the Worshipful Company of Famers taking part in the parade.
Their entry will be supported by the NFU, agricultural manufacturer Massey Ferguson, vegetable producer Huntapac Produce Limited, Red Tractor and Surrey Docks Farm.
Six young farmers from across the country named as the NFU’s Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors will also take part in the parade, alongside young representatives from Red Tractor and Surrey Docks Farm.
The entry will be number 15 in the procession, and will be broadcast live on BBC1 from 10.45am.
The show is hoped to provide a stage for the NFU to “showcase the innovation, resilience and world-class technology driving British food production and keeping the nation fed”.
Stephen Watkins, master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, said: “It is a great privilege to take part in such a historic event within the City of London.”
The farming presence is hoped to bring the story of British farming to the capital, celebrating the industry that feeds 29mn households, the union said.
Robyn Munt, NFU vice-president, said: “We’re proud to be showcasing the very best of our industry, from the dedication of farming families and businesses to the technology, innovation and care that goes into producing food and managing our countryside.”
She added that the celebrations come at a time when many farmers are facing significant challenges and uncertainty, including soaring input costs, extreme weather volatility and labour challenges.
“That makes it even more important that we shine a spotlight on the people behind British food production and the vital contribution they make every day in feeding 29 million households,” Munt continued.
