COLLEGE students in Gwynedd got up close to some cutting-edge, million-pound agriculture equipment on an “eye-opening” visit to some of the UK’s biggest firms recently.

The Level 2 and 3 land-based technology students from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor’s Glynllifon campus, near Caernarfon, took in a three-day tour of major agriculture businesses in Nottingham, Newark and York.

They saw the UK headquarters of heavy machinery manufacturers John Deere in Nottingham, they paid a visit to the 10,000-acre farming company Strawson Farms in Newark and got to see both Keith Rennie Machinery and Sumo UK’s operations in York.

Glynllifon tutor Esmor Wyn Hughes said: “The students had the chance to see facilities and machinery up-close in these places, which was a huge eye-opener.

“Visiting the industry most definitely enhances their knowledge of agricultural machinery and modern farming techniques and technologies.

“The technology used in the industry is advancing quickly and keeping up with the latest developments is essential.

“This was an excellent opportunity to update their knowledge of the latest models and technologies.”

Read the full story in tomorrow’s Gwynedd editions of the Cambrian News