DEAR SIR: We are one of a number of charities that have benefited greatly from tractor runs throughout the country over the past six years since we set up and I can honestly say that only for the generosity of people who co-ordinate these runs we could not possibly continue to support families in the way we do because tractor runs bring in a substantial amount of our annual funding.

Community spirit

The tractor runs offer a great sense of community spirit and inclusion, bringing rural and urban people together. You often have male and female drivers from 16 to 90 taking part, with tractors ranging from the vintage Ferguson 20s right up to the modern day 300hp tractor with all the bells and whistles and everything in between.

Rural or urban people who are not fortunate enough to have a tractor of their own come out in force to lend a hand stewarding and provide sandwiches to ensure everything runs smoothly in a controlled and safe manner.

They are always great social events and aid mental health and rural isolation

The farmers and rural communities that take part always enjoy bringing out their “pride and joy” for a run around and raise much-needed funds for so many charities. They are always great social events and aid mental health and rural isolation as there are usually four or five meetings held to organise the event and then a night out to make a cheque presentation to the charity.

From attending these, they say there’s an anti-climax on the presentation night as they know that’s the social aspect over until the next one is to be organised.

Minimal impact

As the tractors are not “under pressure” driving around.

The amount of emissions they emit would be very small compared to being out working hard in the fields, with minimal impact to the environment.

I don’t know of any other type of fundraiser that could raise so much money from rural Ireland

It’s early January and we have already attended two presentation nights from tractor runs and on behalf of Embrace FARM and all the families we support, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has gone to the trouble to organise these great runs in the past few years that we have benefited from and long may they continue.

I don’t know of any other type of fundraiser that could raise so much money from rural Ireland.

Lastly, I would like to wish all the readers of the Irish Farmers Journal a very happy and safe new farming year and hopefully this decade will bring big changes in the safety on all our farms.

Read more

Lette: tractor runs a major source of pollution

Christmas tractor runs aim to raise thousands for local charities