FOUR young farmers from Usk in Monmouthshire, south Wales, showed their knowledge of practical and safe use of farm machinery by winning the final of the YFC Efficiency with Safety competition at the Royal Show in July.

Charles Andrews, Ed Williams, Russell Morgan and Mark Williams had to show the judges their competence by coupling a grass topper, forage harvester and round baler to a trio of McCormick tractors, drive them over a short course, and then prepare them for work.

They also had to cope with a simulated accident to test their knowledge of first aid and how to organise resources in an emergency.

"The judges set certain tasks and asked a lot of questions about how to set-up and use the machines during the half-hour of he competition," says Russell Morgan. "It's very demanding, especially when you reach the final at the Royal Show."

The Usk YFC team earned their place in the final, sponsored by tyre specialists ATS Euromaster, by winning the Monmouthshire and Wales qualifying rounds. They then beat teams from Herefordshire (second) and Derbyshire (third) to take home the competition trophy and commemorative silver trays.

"It's a really good event for getting a detailed and practical knowledge of machinery," says Russell. "The emphasis on doing things in a safe way is especially important, particularly for younger competitors."