Staff at Massey Ferguson are also assembling a team of top specialists to support Manon and the MF 5600 tractor. These include top polar explorers, experienced expedition leaders, a highly trained tractor technician along with back up from other specialists.

"Massey Ferguson is very proud to be involved in this great adventure," says Campbell Scott, Massey Ferguson´s Brand Development Manager. "The project is part of our heritage and follows in the tractor tracks of Sir Edmund Hillary, who completed the same journey on a Ferguson Tractor 55 years ago. It will be the 56th anniversary of that significant event when Manon´s MF 5600 reaches the South Pole in 2014."

´Tractor Lady´ Manon has undertaken polar training in Northern Canada as well as initial tractor testing on a glacier in Iceland, along with members of the MF team.

Manon said, "I am very excited about what we have achieved so far and how the project is proceeding. In recent months I have managed to keep quite a big secret - that is Tractor Lady is soon to become Tractor Mama! The birth of my baby is another whole new adventure for me personally. But I am really determined to complete the journey and finish the story I have been creating for the past nine years."

Massey Ferguson is delighted with Manon´s special news, adds Mr Scott. "Naturally we share the joy of Manon and her partner, Rogier and send them every best wishes for the future and look forward to our continued progress towards the South Pole together," he adds.