Plough and be Counted wins Guinness place

Vic Muscat and Brian Sainsbery made history on Easter Sunday, when after nearly three years dreaming and organising, they broke the world record for having the biggest number of tractors working in one paddock near Cootamundra, NSW.

The Plough and Be Counted concept started in 1999 in South Africa when Wilfred Bowles from the Sandstone Estates, succeeded in having 106 tractors working in the same paddock.

Then in 2001, Vic and Brian from Yass, NSW, took on the South Africans and assembled 301 tractors in one paddock

South Africa took the challenge and mustered 855 tractors and drivers.

Then the Irish rose to the bait and herded 1833 tractors and operators into a biggish field.

After that the English entered the fray. Although they only managed to muster 771, their organisation was excellent and provided a blueprint for the Cootamundra event.

Apart from a host of local tractors, Wilfred Bowles brought three tractors from South Africa. They were, a 1909 Emerson Brantingham, a 1917General Ordinance and a 1960s high clearance John Deere, designed for tobacco growing. The oldest tractor was a 1903 Ivel.

Another rare one was an Iron Bull of similar design as the Ivel and just a little younger born in 1918.

When we arrived at the ground I asked the question: “Do we have the numbers to topple the Irish?” The answer was yes we do and the Guinness Book of Records represented by Roger Hanlon was there to record and witness it.

However at about 1pm, disaster struck. We were informed we needed something in the order of an additional extra 160 beasts to topple the Irish. The call went out and a fleet of trucks and trailer spread through the district to bring in every possible contender. By the 4pm deadline we had the numbers to attempt the challenge.

Sirens wailed and it was: “Gentlemen, start your machines.” The resulting cacophony was melodious to the ears of hundreds of confirmed tractorholics including me.

Australia added to the competition, the extra ruling that these old girls all had to keep on keeping on, for a mandatory half hour. The result was that 1901 tractors did battle and only four fell by the wayside.

That left a grand total of 1897 to complete the course and ensure Australia's victory.

Vic said there were more than 200 overseas visitors, from such places as South Africa, England, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Canada. The day also produced about 3000 visitors from all over Australia as well as some with their prize tractors.

He added that there are videos of the event as well as commemorative hats, tee shirts, belt buckles and badges available to record this momentous event.

Proceeds go to the Meningitis Foundation.

Further information: Vic Muscat, 27 Gollan Street, Evatt 2617, 0411 133 543, fax: 02 6258 4550, www.users.bigpond.com/tractor.record