Ploughing judge wants agri-scheme rules relaxed to support contests

Difficult for young farmers to find fields to use for practice

A judge of Manx ploughing contests is calling for dispensation to allow more farmers to practice their skills.

Alan Skillicorn, who oversaw the recent Mannin Ploughing Match at Billown, says government's agri-environment scheme is impacting the contests.

Having seen a drop in numbers entering the competitions recently, he believes young farmers are struggling to find fields in which to learn the traditional Manx ploughing techniques.

Mr Skillicorn wants the rules, which sees farmers paid to restrict ploughing to help wildlife, relaxed:

Manx Radio has invited the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to respond.