Competitors hit the field for 87th Chatham-Kent plowing match

The Chatham-Kent Plowing Match hosted competitors from near and far in a variety of categories Saturday.

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Taking place this year at TriHawk Farms on Smoke Line, just outside Kent Bridge, the 87th annual event drew 21 participants.

“Things have gone really well. It’s a great spot,” said Stephanie Richardson, secretary of the Chatham-Kent Plowmen’s Association.

“Beautiful weather, we’ve had a good turnout. Nice to see some faces we haven’t seen in a few years.”

Spectators came out to watch, and enjoyed refreshments and wagon rides.

Richardson credited those involved in the event, including the 4-H Club.

“We have a few new ones from that (club),” she said. “Most of our young people come through that program.”

Despite last week’s wet conditions across the region, organizers were able to find suitable areas to use for plowing, she said.

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Winners in each class took home $90, with other finishers receiving monetary prizes as well.

The plowing match queen and princess were also announced. The 2024-26 Chatham-Kent Queen of the Furrow is Lauren Ross, of Dresden. The 2024-25 Princess of the Furrow is Amelia Veenema, of Chatham.

Several area politicians took part in the dignitary plowing category, including MP Dave Epp, (C-Chatham-Kent—Leamington), MPP Steve Pinsonneault, (PC-Lambton-Kent-Middlesex), and East Kent Coun. Morena McDonald.

Speaking to the gathering before each taking a turn on the tractor, they thanked volunteers for helping make the match possible.

This year’s International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, which Chatham-Kent hosted in 2018, takes place at Kawartha Lakes, from Oct. 1-5.

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CHATHAM-KENT PLOWING MATCH RESULTS

Class 1 – Open to all Ontario women

1st: Kallie Rourke, Ridgetown

Class 2A-S – Antique tractor class, Trail Plow, Senior (21+) – open to Ontario

1st: Ken Milligan, Strathroy
2nd: Paul Robinson, Waubaushene
3rd: Kent Robinson, Lucknow

Class 2B-S – Antique tractor class, Mounted Plow, Senior (21+) – open to Ontario

1st: Doug Smith, Strathroy
2nd: Paul Hodgson, Ilderton
3rd: Brian Helkaa, Strathroy

Class 2C-S – Antique tractor class, Mounted Plow, Senior (21+), 1 Furrow – open to Ontario

1st: Mike Lassam, Tillsonburg

Class 2B-J – Antique tractor class, Mounted Plow, Junior (10-20) – open to Ontario

1st: Cameron Vos, Alvinston

Class 3 – 2 furrow plow (10-20) – open to Chatham-Kent

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1st: Conlan Johnston, Blenheim

Class 5-S – 2 or 3 furrow plow, Senior (21+) – open to Ontario

1st: Pat Sanders, Alvinston
2nd: Barry Timbers, Woodville

Class 5-J – 2 or 3 furrow plow, Junior (10-20) – open to Ontario

1st: Austin Brodhaecker, Ayr

Class 6 – 3 furrow plow (10-20) – open to Chatham-Kent

1st: Kyle Ross, Dresden
2nd: Wyatt Ball, Dresden
3rd: Ryan Ross, Dresden

Class 10 – Reversible – open to Ontario

1st: Rob Sterling, Chatham

Class 12A – Horse Plowing, Sulky

1st: Steven Proctor, London
2nd: Graham Proctor, London

Class 12B – Horse Plowing, Walking

1st: Nelson Sage, Thamesville
2nd: John Dekroon, Dublin

Best Plowed Land at the Match: Kyle Ross

Junior Special (Best Plowed Land by a Junior 15 and under – Open to Chatham-Kent): Ryan Ross

Best Plowed Land by a 4-H Member: Kyle Ross

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