It’s been a while.
The Wellington County Plowing Match is returning to the Hillsburgh area after 58 years and organizers are also looking for for Queen of the Furrow contestants who will take part in the plowing – and will receive help if they need it.
This year the match will be on Aug. 19 with for a full day of plowing and Queen of the Furrow activities.
This is only the second time that the former township of Erin has hosted the county match, with the last one on Oct 3, 1952 on the farm of John Graham. The Wellington County Plowman’s committee will hold the match on 40 acres of property recently purchased by Erin, directly behind the Sports fields in Hillsburgh (Fire number 5808 Eighth Line, with entry at the Sports fields and the plowing field at the back of the property.
The Wellington County Plowing Match attracts plowmen and spectators from inside and outside of county to show amateur and professional plowing skills with horses, antique tractors and plows, and modern tractor and plows. The 4-H Sod Busters will also be hosting their achievement day at this match.
The people plowing are competing for cash prizes and trophies and some use the match as practice for the International Plowing Match that is held being held in Elgin and St. Thomas from Sept 21 to 25.
Visitors are encouraged to attend for the day and see what a plowing match is all about.
The Wellington County Plowmen’s committee is also looking for Queen of the Furrow contestants.
It is an opportunity for enthusiastic young women from the area to represent Wellington County at the International Plowing Match and compete for the title of Ontario Queen of the Furrow.
Contestants will increase their public speaking skills and have an opportunity to show off their passion for agriculture.
Contestants must be between the ages of 16 and 25. Anyone interested can contact Beth-Ann Weppler at 519-327-8921 for more information.
