Month: August 2024

The newspapers used to report detailed accounts of the progress of the harvest. These included the state of the grain, the condition in which it was secured, the number of workers or “hands” employed, the slowness or the speed in which the crop was secured. A number of accounts also report changes in harvesting methods and the introduction of new technologies. In 1927 they included the use of the Combine Harvester in western Canada. In 1945 they record the extent to which the new Combine Harvest technology was spreading in Scotland. Although numbers were still small (though they were growing), there were said to be “many combines in use”. Accounts from these two years provide interesting insights into the harvesting season and the spread of the use of combine harvesters.

From The Scotsman, 21 October 1927

The protracted harvest

The harvest is pretty well over in the lower districts of Scotland, but much grain is still lying out in the higher districts. A good deal of damage has been done to the grain generally; the amount can hardly yet be computed, as much will depend on the weather for the drying of the stacks. Very little threshing has been done yet, as farmers are anxious to get on with potato lifting. The season is late, and the danger of frost for the potatoes is keeping farmers working busily with the harvesting of the tubers. So far as threshing has gone, the results show great variation in quality. The grain that was secured under good condition is bringing satisfactory prices, but a great proportion of the grain is now coming to the market is damp and of inferior order.

New harvesting methods

New methods of harvesting which were tried for the first time in various points in Western Canada during last month have aroused keen interest among agriculturists. These new methods included the use of the Combine Harvester, a new piece of machinery which is about as revolutionary in its effects on grain harvesting (states a correspondent) as was the invention of the self-binder in contrast with the old cradle and hand-binding system. With this new machine the wheat, in one operation, is cut, threshed, and loaded for transport. The invention secures also the elimination of binder twine. Twine costs about 15 cents (7 1/2d) per lb, and it takes two pounds to bind per acre. For every section (one square mile) under wheat the cost works out at over £38 for twine alone. From the framer’s point of view, the chief advantage is the greatly reduced cost of harvesting. Our correspondent has just visited farming districts where wheat has been harvested and delivered to the elevators at a cost of 3 cents (1 1/2d) per bushel, this is in striking contrast with general methods, which entail a cost of 20 o 30 cents (10d to 1s 3d) a bushel. If such a saving could be brought about generally, it would mean at last $100,000,000 (£29,000,000) in lower harvesting costs for the benefit of Canadian farmers.

From The Scotsman, 7 September 1945:

Many combines in use

Combine harvesters have been extensively used this season-between 30 and 40 have been at work in Berwickshire-and have greatly facilitated harvesting operations. On higher ground in several counties considerable areas have yet to be cut, but if the weather remains favourable for a week or ten days more the cutting should be about completed. Says an Aberdeenshire farmer, referring to the crops in his area, “If we get another week or two of good weather we shall have one of the best harvests we have ever had.”

This may not be the experience everywhere. In Moray the crops are described as good; cutting is almost finished, and a proportion of the crop has been stacked. “Generally good” is the description given to the crops in Perthshire, but some of those in higher districts are light, especially on land severely cultivated during the way years. In Fife, wheat “is a little lighter” than usual, with barley and oats “above the average”. The yield of grain in Berwickshire “looks as if it would be heavier than last year”.

Agricultural shows provided an important forum for the exhibition of the latest and newest agricultural implements and machines. Some of the regional shows in Scotland were especially important for demonstrating them. They included the Perth Show. The Dundee Courier included a lengthy account of some of the most important exhibits at that show in 1922. The account is worth quoting at length for its insights into what was new and important at that time:

Aids to modern farming (Dundee courier, 4 August 1922)

“Fine implement display at Perth Show

The Perthshire Agricultural Society holds its annual show on the South Inch, Perth, to-morrow. This county fixture attracts a great deal of interest outside the field of the Society’s local operations, and many visitors attending to-morrow will have come long distances.

An agricultural show is something more nowadays than a turnout of animals. The first industry has developed so rapidly within the past half-century that the manufacturers of all kinds of machinery and implements required by those engaged in husbandry seize the opportunity to display their wares where agriculturists forgather. The competition between firms have become so keen that the implement yard at the Perth and other shows is a great exhibition in itself. There is to be an exceptionally large display of all kinds of things used in agriculture on the Inch to-morrow.

Round the stands

Messrs Lindsay & Fenwick, at Stand 7, are sowing bee appliances and dairy utensils, but the objects of most interest amongst their varied exhibits are probably the famous Coleman Quick-Lite lamps and lanterns. The Quick-Lite, which Messrs Lindsay & Fenwick exhibited so successfully at the Dumfries “Highland” gives a brilliant, steady, white light. It is a convenient, safe, clean, and economical method of lighting, and can be obtained at reasonable prices, viz, from £3 19s to £4 10s 6d. Messrs Lindsay & Fenwick, whose premises are at 143 South Street, Perth, are also showing at their interesting stand lime wash sprayers, stack covers &c.

Mr William Fulton, iron and steel merchant, 15-17 Kinnoul Street, Perth, has an attractive exhibition of blacksmiths’ and engineers’ tools of all descriptions at Stand 18. Mr Fulton is showing agricultural implements, binder, mower and plough parts, fencing materials, chains, and general ironmongery. All the material exhibited is of superior quality, and manufactured by firms well known for the high standard of their workmanship. This stand forms a feature of the extensive implement yard of the show, and cannot fail to attract many visitors from the community of enterprising farmers of Perthshire and other counties will be present.

At Stand 6 will be found the firm of Valentine’s Motors, Ltd., King Edward Street, Perth. Here, in addition to a comprehensive display of motor accessories, there are to be seen Austin tractors Glasgow tractors, three-furrow Oliver plough, disc harrow, and Newland self-lift cultivator. In modern up-to-date farming the tractor is becoming almost indispensable, and the Austin and Glasgow are amongst the most popular machines of this kind in the market. Land cultivation is made comparatively easy with either tractor, together with the ploughing and other appliances which Valentine’s Motor’s Ltd, are able to supply.

Essential tools

Mr Harry Johnston’s (8 King Street, Dundee) display at Stand 6 is bound to appeal to visitors in general. As Mr Johnston points out, one cannot do without those tools which are essential for work on the farm, the bench, the car, or at home. He has a magnificent selection for one to choose from, and the implements offered for inspection are the kind that will last and give satisfaction to whoever may employ them. The prices are popular besides. Framers and allotment holders in need of tools may be specially recommended to give Mr Johnston a call.

George Sellar & Son, Ltd, agricultural implement makers and iron founders, Huntly, whose extensive works are at Alloa, occupy Stand 4. The firm, whose address at Perth is Glasgow Road, are exhibiting all up-to-date agricultural implements, and a cordial invitation is extended to all visitors to the implement section of the show. The Messrs Sellar, who are noted for the high-class ware they provide, have made a judicious selection of implements of many descriptions for exhibition.

Messrs Ferguson & Walker, saddlers and harness makers, 19 Princes Street, Perth, who have a branch at Stand 11. Messrs Ferguson & Walker do a big business in the Big County, and their reputation has been established by the excellence of the goods they supply and the efficiency of their work. They are offering for inspection trunks and portmanteaux and leather goods, all of very fine quality. The stand is a particularly interesting one for the general body of visitors who are certain to find their way to the implement exhibition.

At Stand 15 there is to be seen the popular Garrett finishing thrashing machine. This machine is to be found in all parts of the country. It is of the latest type, and can be fitted in any farm establishment. It is a wonderful piece of mechanism, and runs with perfect rhythm. The Garrett has established its name in agricultural Scotland by the excellent work it can perform. The firm enjoys Royal patronage.

Mr Alex Lindsay, ironmonger, 34 King Edward Street, Perth, has a most interesting display of farm and household ironmonger at Stand 16. There is a varied collection of articles admirably displayed and all of superior manufacture. The exhibits include cream separators, sculls, binder twine &c. There is a special display of petrol lamps and lanterns, Government surplus, halters, collars, and ropes, also the Willey tool which, it is claimed, does 28 different jobs and is indispensable to farmers.

Messrs H. W. Mathers & Son, agricultural engineers, Perth, have an exceedingly attractive stand, at which is assembled a fine collection of implements which every farmer visiting the show should make a point of inspecting. The collection includes a Garrett finishing thrashing machine; horizontal engine-driven turnip cutter (portable type); Massey-Harris binder; Nicholson horse rake; Amanco pumping set, and other specialities. The articles on exhibition are of the most up-to-date description, and the best that can be produced.

At Stand 5 Mr Peter Rae, joiner, Battleby, Redgorton, is exhibiting coup and harvest carts, cattle float, farm harrows, ladders &c. Mr Rae is very well known for the high-class nature of his manufactures, and farmers in all parts of Perthshire have been supplied with much of their equipment from his establishment. The very best of material is used in the manufacture of his goods, all of which bear the stamp of perfect workmanship. Mr Rae is a very highly-skilled and experienced joiner.

John Doe, Ltd, Perth, Errol, and Cupar, occupy Stand 9. This popular, old-established Carse firm are displaying a large variety of implements which are of outstanding merit. The Messrs Doe have a wide business connection throughout Central Scotland, and they have established their high reputation by always supplying farm accessories and necessities of the very best standard. The firm will appreciate a call from progressive farmers who are desirous of keeping their places equipped to perfection.”

Accounts of dinners and other events of the Scottish agricultural implement makers sometimes provide nuggets of information about the history of the makers, the development and introduction of particular implements and machines. One such account was published in The Scotsman of 29 November 1922. It related to a dinner for Mr William Poole of Armstrong & Main (Ltd), Edinburgh. He had been working in the trade since 1871. He played a key role, working for one of the important makers and agents. He had a number of important recollections, including that of the binder into Scotland. This was to play a key role in the mechanisation of the grain harvest. Here is what the newspaper account wrote of that introduction and Mr Poole’s reflections on the implement making sector:

“Scottish implement trade

Introduction of self-binders

Mr William Poole, of Messrs Armstrong & Main (Ltd), Edinburgh, who has been for fifty years associated with Messrs A. & J. Main (Ltd) and Messrs Armstrong & Main, and is a director of the Highland and Agricultural Society and a member of Edinburgh Town Council, was last night entertained at dinner by the Agricultural Implement Trade in Ferguson & Forrester’s, Edinburgh. Mr James H. Steele, Edinburgh, presided, and at the chairman’s table were Councillor Poole, Sir Isaac Connell, S.S.C.; Bailie A. Thornton Hunter, Maybole (Messrs A. Jack & Sons); Mr W. B. Wallace (Messrs Wallace), Glasgow; and Major J. kemp Smith (Messrs kemp & Nicholson), Stirling.

East Lothian demonstrations

Bailie Thornton Hunter, Maybole, in presenting Mr Poole with an illuminated address and other gifts, said much water had run under the bridges since Mr Poole commenced his business life under the late Mr James R. Main in 1871. He often wondered if the agricultural engineer got the credit he was entitled to for inventing and improving machinery to assist the farmer in his endeavour to make the proverbial two blades of grass to grow instead of one. It was admitted that one of the greatest inventions of last century was the self-binder, and Mr Poole’s connections with its introduction in this country was a unique and interesting one. In August 1878, at a field trial of the Walter A. Wood and the McCormick wire binders, he superintended and secured for his firm a gold medal for the McCormick manure. In the early eighties he had the honour of starting eth first twine binder ever put to work in Scotland. This demonstration took place on the farm of Mr Waugh of Eweford, Dunbar. Shortly after this the Toronto binder was introduced into Scotland by the late Mr Wm Ford of Fenton Barns. In the season following the introduction of the Toronto machine, he secured one of four Brantford all-steel frame binders, made by Harris & Son, Brantford. This machine was found to be an improvement on anything that had up to that time been used in this country. It, however, lacked capacity for dealing with the heavy crops grown in this country and it left a long stubble. Quick to see the defects and to know how improvements could be made, Mr Poole met a representative of the makers in the harvest field at Abbey Mains, Haddington, and from the suggestions made by Mr Poole this make of machine was so much improved that it at once jumped into popularity. So great was the success of this binder that the Massey Company found it would be to their interest to amalgamate with Harris & Son, which they did, and their joint production was the world-famous Massey-Harris binder. Mr Poole had contributed in so small measure to the art of agricultural implement making, particularly to the self-binder branch of the art, and a debt of gratitude was due to him by the whole agricultural community for his energy, ability, and enterprise. (Applause)

Importance of agricultural engineer

Mr Poole, in reply, said the manufacture of agricultural machinery in this country gad been looked upon by many as the Cinderella of the engineering profession, but, in his opinion, this was a misconception. In the great countries of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentine, and South Africa the agricultural engineer occupied a position of pre-eminence, and, in co-operation with the farmer, had helped forward the development of these new countries with a rapidity that otherwise would have been impossible. During the late war the British Government discovered the importance of the agricultural engineer, and the amount of work entrusted to him. Through the manufacture of munitions of war and specialities connected with the same, was simply stupendous; and it must not be forgotten that it was in an agricultural engineering shop at Lincoln that the first war tank was designed and built. Mr Poole referred to the patriotic and valued services of the late Dule of Sutherland in land reclamation, spoke of the valuable assistance which the Scottish agricultural engineer has always received from the Scottish landed proprietors, their factors, and agents, and said that the passing of the landlords at the present time was nothing short of a national calamity. He had been connected with the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland since 1873, and with a few exceptions he had been present at the many trials and competitions that had been held under the auspices of the Society, and he had no hesitation in saying that the trials of tractors and tractor implements recently held at Dalkeith were, in his opinion, the most valuable and successful, so far as good and satisfactory work was concerned, that the Society had ever had. (Applause)

A fair field for Scottish agriculturists

Replying to the toast of “Scottish agriculture”, proposed by Mr W. B. Wallace, Glasgow, Sir Isaac Connell said Scottish agriculturists were up against a stiff proposition, but they were not going to lie down to it. They were not going to trust to Government promises or to political proposals. It was their own right hand and their brains on which they had to rely. It was right that the Government should help them with plant breeding, and to combat animal diseases. It was right that they should get the most up-to-date implements. If they got these, and were a fair field, he thought they would win through. (Applause)

Mr P. O. Turnbull, Smeaton, Dalkeith, in proposing the toast of “The Agricultural Implement Trade”, said farmers could not exist without implements, whether they were manufactured in Scotland or not, by they wanted implements which were suited to Scottish conditions.

Mr W. J. Hutchinson, Thurso Engineering Co., replied.

Other toasts included “Our Scottish Capital and its Civil Rulers”, proposed by Mr R. K. Anderson, and replied to by Councillor Philips Smith, and “The Highland and Agricultural Society”, proposed by Mr James Morgan (Messrs George Sellar & Son), and acknowledged by Mr A. B. Leitch, Inchstelly, Alves.’

William Ford of Fenton Barns was involved with the introduction of the binder in Scotland between at least 1887 and 1893. He advertised in the Scottish agricultural press in these years, exhibited at the Royal Highland Show and in 1895 participated in the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland’s exhibition of binders at work. He appears to have been earlier a farmer at Hardengreen, Dalkeith.