Peel-Dufferin’s upcoming Plowing Match will mark 99 years

By KATHRYN FRASER

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On September 3, the Peel-Dufferin Plowmen's Association with host the 99th Annual Plowing Match hosted at Drummearl Farm. 

The event was last hosted at Drummearl Farm in 1977, and the Peel-Dufferin Plowmen's Association is excited to welcome back members of the community and competitors for this event. 

Registration to compete at the event will take place at 8:30 a.m. and finish at 9:30 a.m. before the first competition begins at 9:45 a.m. after classes have been drawn. Entry fees for all classes are $5 and participants are only allowed to enter one class. 

The competition for classes one to nine will take place starting at 9:45 a.m. with a quick break for a barbecue lunch starting at 11am and then the competitions will resume at 1 p.m. to be completed for 2 p.m.

Those looking to compete in horse plowing will be placed in class one in either the Jointers Plow, Sulky Plow or Youth for those that are under 21. 

Tractors will be placed in classes two to ten and will be separated between the following sections: 

• Class 2 Tractors – Mounted Plows. Utility Open Opening split required. 

• Class 3 Tractors – Mounted Plows. Utility.  Two or three furrows. Open to all who have not reached their 21st birthday. Opening split required.

• Class 4 Tractors – Utility. Open. Three or more furrows. Furrows not less than 14in. Time: 3 hours per acre. No handling permitted. Opening split required. 

• Class 5 Antique Trail Plow. Open. Antique Tractor. Opening split required. Sponsored by Salford Farm Machinery 

• Class 6 Antique Mounted Plow Antique Tractor. Opening split required. 2 or 3 furrow. Sponsored by Salford Farm Machinery 

• Class 7 Garden Tractor. Open 1 furrow. Operator must be minimum 10 years of age.

 • Class 8 Antique Single Furrow Mounted 

• Class 9 Lady's Open Sponsored by: Heather Little Royal LePage Realty 

• Class 10 Open 

In addition to these classes there will also be two other classes that participants have the chance to compete in. 

The Mayor's Invitational is class 11 and each competitor placed in the class will have the chance to plow two rounds with provided equipment. 

The Queen of the Furrow is class 12 and is open to all Peel and Dufferin residents between the age of 17 to 30 years old. Selection for Queen of the Furrow is based on plowing skills and ability, a short quiz, an interview with the judges and a 3-minute speech. 

There are a number of prizes that the Queen of the Furrow Contestants will be able to compete to win including The Barbara Cunnington Trophy, a sash, tiara and case as well as monetary prizes including the Branch Associate Special of $100 and the Peel Mutual Insurance Company prize of $300. 

Those looking to enter must contact Mel Karpenko for an entry form at 647-229-3326 or email at pdplowmens@gmail.com.

The Queen of the Furrow plowing for Class ten and eleven will take place from 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Many cash prizes will be up for grabs in each class with their own monetary amount. The 1st prize winner for Horse Classes will take home $250, 2nd will get $225 and all remaining contestants will receive $200. 

For classes two to ten 1st place will take home $175, 2nd place will take home $165 and 3rd place will take home $155 while the remaining contestants will receive $145. 

There will also be a number of other awards for those competing such as best plowed land, youngest competitor, best plowed land by an amateur and many more. 

Glen Early, President of the Peel-Dufferin Plowmen's Association, says he is excited for this upcoming event and is grateful for those that have supported the program.

 “This plowing match is a celebration of agriculture, friendship and the many traditions that continue to support rural life in our community,” says Early. “We know how much time and effort goes into making a day like this possible and we are sincerely thankful to everyone who has played a part in organizing and preparing for this event. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.”