Wales rugby union stalwart Dan Lydiate has completed 12 months as Massey Ferguson's brand ambassador for the Principality. The position carries a company tractor which, on the family sheep and cattle farm near Llandrindod Wells, has been a very busy machine in that time.

Partnered with a Massey Ferguson loader, Dan reports that the MF 5713 S readily assumed the role of the farm's main workhorse, taking a wide range of tasks in its stride. “It's the ideal loader tractor,” he says.

“Since day one we've been really pleased with it; the visibility is great and there's more than enough power for our day-to-day needs. We can be topping or mowing, suddenly need the loader and it only takes a couple of minutes to hook up.”

Turning to the backup he's received from the supplying dealership, Dan is full of praise for RVW Pugh. “Our main point of contact is Dave Smith at the Church Stoke depot, which is about 45 minutes away from us, and he's been brilliant. Nothing is too much trouble and it's really pleasing to know there's always going to be someone there if you need them.” Dan states.

When he's not playing rugby for a living, Dan plays an active role at the organic 500-acre, fifth generation family farm. Though dominated by the sheep side, the farm has also become home to Dan's own expanding herd of Welsh Black cattle. He also finds time for an active role within a campaign to raise awareness of health and wellbeing across the farming community.

On the field of play, however, Dan and his Ospreys team mates have had a tough autumn. “Some of the lads missed the first couple of months of the season, as they were at the World Cup with Wales,” he reports.

At the time of writing, though, an Ospreys team closer to its full strength was due to travel European champions Saracens in this season's Champion's Cup. Dan was well aware that it would be a tough match. “They may be having a few off-field problems,” he conceded, “but they don't lose many at home!”

* See how Dan's been getting along with his MF 5713 S on Instagram (@danlydiate) and on Twitter, where there are photos and videos of man and machine.
 

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