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Rules For Horticultural Ploughing
1. TRACTOR
• All models of tractor up to 14 hp maximum must have been in production before 31st December 1969.
2. PLOUGHS – SINGLE FURROW ONLY
Maximum length of mouldboard: 36 inches
• a. Mounted or trailing ploughs may be used that were in production before 31st December 1969.
• b. Plough bodies to be designed for the plough at time of manufacture.
• c. Only one right-hand skimmer and a one-piece tailpiece allowed – no other attachments allowed.
• d. Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.
3. TIME ALLOWED
• a. 20 minutes for opening.
• Penalty for failure to finish opening on time: 2 points per minute or part minute.
• b. 40 minutes for openings to be judged.
• c. 4 hours to complete the plot.
• d. 15 minutes for any cast-off made after commencement of ploughing.
• e. Penalty for failure to finish plot at finishing signal: 10 points per minute or part minute.
4. OPENING
• a. Double opening split – no land left unturned.
• b. On grassland there is no opening.
5. START
• a. The start shall consist of the first 6 furrows.
• b. Competitors must cast towards the next highest numbered plot.
6. FINISH
• a. The finish shall consist of the last 6 furrows.
• b. The last furrow to be ploughed towards competitors' own start.
7. DEPTH
• Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
• Minimum depth: 12 cm.
8. GENERAL
• a. The first and second runs next to the neighbours' plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.
• b. Rolling of furrows or scratches is not allowed.
• Penalty: 20 points deduction.
• c. Twin tractor wheels not allowed.
• d. Three sighting poles only (one can be placed on the headland). Assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance allowed including signal, radio contact, mobile phone or any other method.
• e. Handling, shaping or treading of scratches or furrows is not allowed.
• f. Maximum of two wheel marks allowed at the finish. (Note: if two wheel marks, they must be on the neighbours' side of the finish.)
• g. Only the competitor allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones, etc. Clearing stubble is not allowed and will be penalised.
• h. Competitors must produce evidence of age of tractor if requested.
• i. The use of Global Positioning Technology, laser beams or any other electronic or computerised measuring devices is not allowed.
• j. Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or fellow competitor is not acceptable. Penalty – 20 points.
• k. Plough must not be put in the ground on the site other than when ploughing the plot. Penalty – disqualification.
9. SAFETY
• a. Passengers not allowed on tractors or ploughs at any time.
• b. Society of Ploughmen Safety Policy must be adhered to at all times.
10. FINAL DECISION
Any question arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the chief steward whose decision shall be final and binding.
Judges Method of Scoring – Horticultural Ploughs
OPENING .............................................................. 20
Well cut, uniform and straight
START (11 or 12 furrows) ............................................. 20
Uniform and level
SEED BED ............................................................. 20
Weed control and soil made available
FIRMNESS ............................................................. 20
Firm, well packed furrows, no holes
UNIFORMITY ........................................................... 20
Clearly defined uniform furrows and no pairing of furrows
FINISH ............................................................... 20
Uniform and shallow
INS AND OUTS ......................................................... 20
Neat, accurate and regular
STRAIGHTNESS ......................................................... 20
Straightness of the whole plot
GENERAL APPEARANCE ................................................... 20
Workmanship and general appearance of the whole plot
FIXED PENALTY DEDUCTIONS
Finish wrong way - 20 points penalty
Depth infringement - 20 points per cm less than specified depth
Rolling - 20 points penalty
Failure to finish opening on time - 2 points per minute or part minute over time
Failure to finish plot by finishing signal - 10 points per minute or part minute over time
Abuse of officials or fellow competitors - 20 points penalty
Any other penalty deduction will be decided by the chief steward.
HORTICULTURAL PLOUGHING GUIDELINES FOR COMPETITORS
1. Discs/skimmers/tailpieces can be of different make.
2. Weights can be used on tractors or ploughs.
3. Adjustable stays on plough mouldboards are allowed.
4. Quick entry or slotted top links are allowed.
5. Extended wheel axles are allowed.
6. Screw adjustments on cross shafts are allowed.
7. Modified plough shares are allowed.
8. Chains and lats are not allowed.
9. Two-piece adjustable tailpieces are not allowed.
10. Only approved manufacturer's diesel engines allowed.
11. Hydraulic top links and other hydraulic rams are not allowed.
12. Drawbars with hydraulic movement are not allowed.
13. Four-wheel drive conversions are not allowed.