Livestock and arable farmers have driven in relays from Somerset to Shropshire to highlight and raise funds for Forage Aid, an initiative borne out of adversity to provide practical help to farming communities affected by extreme weather and other disruptive events. Drivers on the 220-mile route stopped off to collect donations on the way to the Energy Now Expo at Telford, where the JCB Fastrac 3230 Xtra and banner-festooned Bailey silage trailer were on display to attract further funds. James Winslade was one of the farmers worst-affected by the Somerset floods. He took on the initial driving stint from Sedgemoor Auction Centre, which became the hub for forage donations and distribution. He was followed by Somerset farm manager Graham Glasper, who worked at the centre for six weeks at the height of the floods unloading lorries and loading farm trailers, and then Lincolnshire farmer Andrew Ward, who founded Forage Aid by organising forage supplies for snow-bound farms in March 2013. Another at the wheel was Ed Ford, an arable grower who co-ordinated forage donation deliveries to his Essex farm for onward transportation by Tesco to Somerset, and others taking their turn were members of Young Farmers Clubs from Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Somerset and Shropshire. “We were delighted to support this initiative,” says sales & marketing manager Edward Roach of JCB Agriculture. “The response of farmers outside the areas affected by floods last year and heavy snowfall in 2013 was testament to the spirit of mutual support that exists in all farming communities. JCB loaned Fastracs and Loadall handlers to support the Forage Aid efforts during the floods crisis and we’re pleased to continue our support by making this contribution to the Forage Aid fund-raising effort.”
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