Seasoned grandfather sets young ploughmen on straight and narrow. Video / ODT
Dave McDonald is passing his enjoyment of ploughing to another generation of his family.
At the 66th New Zealand Ploughing Championships held at Riversdale at the weekend, he encouraged his grandsons Riley (13) and Flynn (14) Hill, of Merino Downs, to compete in the contemporary event for novice ploughers.
Thechampionships were hosted by the Waimea Plains Ploughing Association at Sonia and Mark Dillon's property.
McDonald said it made sense to teach the boys how to plough.
"They're interested in tractors and I gave up ploughing so I gave them the chance to have a go," McDonald said.
Dave McDonald of Gore has been teaching his grandsons, Flynn (left) and Riley, how to plough and encouraged them to take part in the championships. Photo / Sandy Eggleston
"They're going all right. I am proud of them."
A retired farmer, McDonald had six tractors in a shed at the back of his Gore house.
Ploughing was a satisfying farm job he had always enjoyed.
"You could see where you've been and there's nothing more enjoyable than turning over black soil.
"You can always smell the fresh soil you are turning over."
For about 20 years he had also taken part in ploughing competitions.
The championships started with practice days on Wednesday and Thursday.
Saturday's task was to plough a stubble paddock plot and Sunday's a grass plot.
Riley Hill concentrates on driving straight in the contemporary event at the New Zealand Ploughing Championships in Riversdale at the weekend. Photo / Sandy Eggleston
The brothers were the youngest of 38 competitors in the championships and entrants came from as far away as Putaruru to take part.
Riley said this was his second ploughing competition.
