International plowing competitor Carman Weppler explained the art of plowing, how to “set” a plow, and the thrill of plowing with the best in the world in Denmark to an attentive crowd here on Feb. 10.
Weppler’s appearance at the Harriston library was organized by the Harriston Historical Society, appropriate since the local farmer made history last fall as the first plowman from Minto to advance to the world competition. A couple of others from Wellington County have competed globally, but Weppler is the first from the northern part of the county.
Weppler told the audience he started plowing under the tutelage of a neighbour as 10-year-old and was beaten the first year but cleaned house the next and never looked back.
He explained how it took three years of progressive victories to make it to the World Plowing Championships. He also described how rules and regulations from the Canadian Plowing Association (CanPlow) differ from those of the world competition.
Armed with this knowledge he’s been lobbying to have the CanPlow officials recognize those headed for World’s should be practicing by following the system of the next level. To prove a point he plowed using advance level practices at the latest Canadian championship trials. While he did make inroads with his recommendations, the style cost him points and he was second to his opponent from Alberta.
Weppler recounted his experiences at the world competition in Denmark last October. Nothing came easy. Competition organizers had forgotten to allot practice land to Canada. There was a hitch in the hydraulics of the tractor Weppler was using and the land there is sandy whereas Minto has either a good loam or clay
Weppler’s tractor, supplied by CanPlow, had a cab and was higher than what he plows with at home – this gave a totally different perspective when he studied the implement behind him and resulted in frustrations trying to set the plow because it looked “off” from where he was sitting. There were fog delays, and time restrictions. However, there were also highlights and Weppler was pleased with his achievement.
Weppler’s wife, two children, and his in-laws accompanied him to Denmark. His young children were the only ones in attendance so they were a big hit and made many friends with their elders. There was time for sightseeing and they did experience some of the landmarks and culture of the host country.
The most emotional time for Weppler was driving his tractor out to the field with his family and Canadian supporters cheering him on, not to mention all the spectators that cheer and wave no matter what country a competitor is from. Despite emotion, stress and mechanical idiosyncrasies Weppler learned the first night that he had placed 6th in the stubble. He was elated with that result and was told that was the best single day placing for a Canadian in recent memory. The following day involved grassland plowing, Weppler’s weakest discipline, but an area European competitors excel at. He knew the competition would be fierce and hoped he could place mid-pack. His 17th-place standing was typical for a Canadian first time competitor at that level.
Weppler experienced another thrill after returning home. At the match only the points garnered and the official standings are disclosed. He was not aware that score cards are posted on the website until his wife was trying to determine the placing of the participant from the United States, and stumbled upon the figures. After some quick tallying Weppler determined he had actually achieved the best crown of all the competitors in the stubble plowing. The crown consists of the first 16 furrows of plowing.
As a prelude to the 2016 International Plowing Match in Minto, the historical society has set up a three-room display on the top floor of the Harriston library. The theme Plowing Matches – A Yearly Tradition features scrapbooks, trophies and other memorabilia from Wellington County matches and various IPMs. The display includes “Carman’s Corner” featuring some of his trophies, winning jackets, pictures and News clippings. Mannequins depicting the Ross’s with tartan kilts and matching accessories represent the 1984 IPM which was held in the Teviotdale area on the farms of Jack Ross.
Also on display is the 1915 silver cup won by George Rogerson of Fergus plus a medal commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Canada and the 50th anniversary of Cockshutt.
A highlight is in the entrance where skillfully arranged, are sashes, crowns and scrapbooks of girls who won Wellington County Queen of the Furrow and some who also won the Ontario Queen of the Furrow status.
Two large plaques are filled with names of the young ladies who have been Wellington County queens.
The exhibit will only be on display till the end of February so viewing time, during regular library hours, is limited.
submitted by Willa Wick
