Over the summer, leading tyre innovator, Goodyear, has been searching for the UK's most innovative farmer. The search is now coming to an end and three finalists have been selected as contenders for the prestigious Goodyear Farming Innovation Award 2008 and £3,500 prize.
One of the lucky finalists is 16-year-old Jonathan Mason from Dyffryn Taf School in Whitland, where he is a member of their Young Engineers Club. Jonathan has proved himself to be a young entrepreneur in the farming business with his outstanding innovation, the VanVice. His innovative new product was inspired by an observation he made during his work experience visit.
"The VanVice solves the difficulty of holding materials safe and secure whilst working on-site from the back of a mobile workshop. It is located in the back of a van and swings out to provide a safe and secure working platform on which to weld. The space saving design is simple to use and is extremely sturdy," explained Jonathan.
Jonathan's innovation has been such a success that he has been entered into the forthcoming Innovations 2008 Exhibition in Cardiff which celebrates the best in Welsh design and manufacturing. He also entered the VanVice into the Young Engineer for Britain Competition and won the award for Development and Marketability. The judges commented that the VanVice was so well manufactured that it could go on sale immediately.
Jonathan and the VanVice will now be representing Wales in the national final of Young Engineer for Britain in London, in March 2009.
"We were particularly impressed with Jonathan's innovation; it is marvellous to see such enthusiasm and knowledge of farming innovation at such a young age," said Kate Rock, communications specialist for Goodyear Farm Tyres.
"The overall winner will be chosen by Harper Adams University College and will be announced at the British Ploughing Championships on October 11. We have three very strong finalists and I look forward, in great anticipation, to hearing the results," Kate continued.
Jonathan's success follows a trend at the school, having recently won seven major competitions, including the Best Young Engineers Club in Wales Award for the second year running