Chatham-Kent ploughing-match set for Aug. 12 in Blenheim

With a dozen different classes, the 86th annual Chatham-Kent ploughing match is set to roll at a Blenheim-area farm on Aug. 12.

Organized by the Chatham-Kent Plowmen’s Association, the event will take place at the farm of Jim and Stacie DeBrouwer, at 11451 Ed’s Line, between 9:30 am to 2 pm

There will be 12 competition classes, with prizes awarded, including for best finish and best crown.

Prize money for all classes is $75 for first place, $70 for second, $65 for third, $60 for fourth, $55 for fifth, and $40 for the remainder.

All participants must be 10 years old by the day of the match. Parents are responsible for competitors younger than 16.

Organizers also are looking for young women to compete in the Princess of the Furrow competitions. The princess competition is open to girls age 11 to 16 as of Jan 1.

Meg Avery is the outgoing Chatham-Kent princess, while Rebekah Ball, current Queen of the Furrow, will continue her reign for the 2023-24 year.

There is no entry fee for the Princess of the Furrow competition, but contestants must register in advance. Contestants are required to give a one- to two-minute speech on any topic related to agriculture and complete an interview with a panel of three judges. The winner gets $25, a crown and sash. Second place wins $15, with the remainder taking $10.

For more information, or to register, contact Stephanie Richardson at 519-365-5952, or [email protected]

The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, organized by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and a local committee, is slated for Sept. 19 to 23 in Bowling Green, Dufferin County, Ont.

Further details on that event can be found at https://www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2023/

Chatham-Kent hosted the IPM in 2018.

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