Coleg Sir Gâr students win IAgrE awards at New Holland plant

Coleg Sir Gâr agricultural engineering students have won Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) student awards which were presented at the New Holland plant in Basildon.

18-year-old Hywel Bowen from Llandeilo, won the safety award and James Turner, 19, from Pembrokeshire won the product award.

The IAgrE Safety Award has been developed to encourage and recognise innovation in safe design or operation of equipment or processes by students of subjects related to the application of engineering to the land-based sector.

Hywel’s hydraulic slurry chute won the award by identifying a safety issue which was working at height, providing protection from rotating PTO shafts and reducing exposure to slurry gases, all of which are dangerous hazards on a farm.

Judges noted that Hywel had clearly analysed the HSE’s Fatal Industry Statistics and identified some relevant regulations.

James Turner designed and manufactured a rear-mounted bale spike loader aimed at the smallholder market who don’t own a front loader tractor.

This product, which allows for more manoeuvrability on smaller yards, works especially well with two-wheel drive tractors, reducing wear on the front axle with a rear-mounted loader.

The day was concluded with a tour of the plant and product demonstrations including the methane powered New Holland tractor and a Case IH Puma 260 CVXDrive tractor with latest precision technology.

Coleg Sir Gâr agricultural engineering lecturer Rhys James said: “Both were enthusiastic and showed dedication and commitment towards both the course as a whole and the project unit.

“The work ethic from both Hywel and James was encouraging to see for other students, showing them that hard work leads to success.”