Peel-Dufferin Plowing match an annual community fixture

September 6, 2018 · 0 Comments

Written By KIRA WRONSKA DORWARD

It was a fine day at the end of August for the Peel-Dufferin Plowman’s Association 93rd Annual Plowing Match. Forty competitors gathered together at Gord McClure’s farm on Creditview Road for the event which, in the words of Mayor Allan Thompson, “Celebrates the age-old skill, art and precision of plowing.”

The competition was divided into classes, which ranged from antique horse-drawn plows to the latest state-of-the-art equipment. One class was even open to the mayors and politicians of Caledon, with Mayor Allan Thompson winning first and Sylvia Jones placing third. Winners go on to the “international” or provincial competition, and from there to the national and the world, which is held in the U.S.A. Winners from last year’s national competition will have competed in Germany over the Labour Day long weekend.

In addition to cash prizes and the match trophy, scholarships are also awarded to competitors pursuing post-secondary education. Contestants were judged on a points system which takes into account the straightness of the furrows, uniformity, that grass and stubble are suitably covered, neatness, and shape. A perfect furrow should completely cover the grass and stubble, with the dirt being completely turned over, but with only the correct amount of soil turned, all the while keeping a straight line. It is an art as much as a science, and these farmers know their business.

Aside from the traditional plowing competition, the Queen of the Furrow contest was held for contestants between 18-24 years of age. Contestants are evaluated on the basis of plowing ability, a three-minute speech, short quiz, and interview with the judges. The winner of the Peel-Dufferin match goes onto the “international” or province-wide competition. Caleigh Van Kampen, last year’s Queen who was born and lives on a dairy farm, says, “It’s an amazing program. Getting the chance to interact with the public, promoting agriculture, as well as the personal growth…you have to be confident.” By winning the Ontario-wide competition, Caleigh also won a car, which she used to travel the province for a year, plus a scholarship. The 2018-2019 Queen is Diana Limebeer, who will go on to compete in the international competition.

The event is far more than just a competition between farmers. In the words of a former two-time Queen of the Furrow, Ashley Eisen, “The community gets together to celebrate their successes throughout the year…it’s great to see them at the match to catch up.” The Golden Country Classics Band provided entertainment while people watched the plowing and visited several agricultural trade booths. A free barbeque lunch, which included premium steaks, was provided by Enbridge.

A fine day of plowing and community spirit was had by all. As Class 10 Mayor’s Invitational Winner Allan Thompson puts it so well, “Innovation and technology have transformed our industry.

What hasn’t changed is the deep commitment to land stewardship, community investment, and the sharing and caring nature among our farming community.”