Agriland was among the many spectators at today’s Great Grass Event in Co. Meath.
The Great Grass Event is a machinery-based world record attempt, which was staged close to Trim. It was organised by Combines 4 Charity – best known for its 2012 feat whereby it amassed over 200 (working) combines in one field. Today, the focus was firmly on forage harvesters.
The plan was to pick up 100ac of grass in 10 minutes, with as many self-propelled foragers as could be mustered – from all corners of Ireland. It was hoped to attract 100 or more harvesters to the event.
Speaking to Agriland this evening, Combines 4 Charity’s Tony Brady said: “We had 104 self-propelled forage harvesters working here today, plus 113 tractors and trailers and other equipment. We still have to do our checks and tallies, but it looks like we set out what we wanted to achieve. A very significant amount of money has been raised for charity. We’ll be in a position to announce the final figure shortly.”
He added: “We’d like to thank everyone who came – most especially the contractors and farmers who brought the machines. Some of the contractors who came told us they were cutting silage early this morning and that they might be cutting again tonight after getting home. Everyone really appreciates the time and commitment from all involved.”
Watch out for Agriland’s in-depth, follow-up report on the event, along with a video.
Meanwhile, the pictures below are courtesy of James Caplis.
Also Read: Video: Watch 104 silage harvesters in action – in one field
The team behind the event
Combines 4 Charity was formed in 2009 by a group of 10 cereal famers, with the aim of establishing a new Guinness World Record and raising money for charity. The original goal was to have 100 combines cutting 100 acres.
Rather impressively, they managed to muster 184 combines working simultaneously. The feat attracted up to 20,000 spectators and raised €300,000 for the chosen charities.
Alas, that record was broken the following year by a group of Canadian farmers, who managed to gather up 200 combines – all of which were filmed working together.
In a bid to reclaim the record, two years later in 2012, Combines 4 Charity amassed a staggering 208 combines – again all working simultaneously in the same field. This raised a further €100,000 for good causes.
Combines 4 Charity has also entered a “share farming” agreement (100ac), which is farmed on a voluntary basis with the support of other cereal growers, chemical companies, local grain merchants and neighbours. Monies raised through farm sales are donated to the chosen charities.
Currently, the beneficiaries are: Barnardos, the independent charity that works with vulnerable children and campaigns for the rights of all children; Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre, Drogheda, which provides counselling and support for families affected by cancer; and the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, which is a specialist hospital for spinal injuries.
