This programme uses extracts from a collection of silent films made by the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering over a period of about ten years from 1945. Some of the films record machinery working in the field, others show experimental farm machines designed by the NIAE at Askham Bryan in Yorkshire and from 1948 at Silsoe. They include manure spreaders, hedgers, ploughs, potato spinners, potato and root harvesters. Some of the machines went successfully into production; others are rarities whose development was curtailed.
The NIAE's film record was professionally made. The prints from which this compilation has been drawn are in the collection of the British Agricultural Archive Film Unit and are reproduced by courtesy of Richard Watts.
Brian Bell, author of 24 books and DVDs on farm machinery, has researched the footage to provide an informative commentary narrated by Chris Opperman. The original material is silent, most in black and white, some in colour.
DVD Info
Region: 2
Running Time: 62 minutes
Release Date: 02/06/07
