Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Press
The Bruce County Plowing Match comes to the Northern Bruce Peninsula on 29 August 2026, allowing the local community and visitors the opportunity to experience a long standing tradition firmly planted in Ontario’s rural landscape.
The Bruce Chapter of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association will hold the Bruce County Plowing Match on the property of local farmers Jerry and Debbie Mackie, located at 2238 Highway 6, near the corner of 10th Concession and Highway 6.
The event is scheduled to start about 10 a.m. and goes until the plowing competitions are completed, approximately by 3 p.m. Generally there are about 30 contestants, competing in various classes.
Many of the participants are top plowing competitors from across Canada and view the local Plowing Match as a warm-up to their competitions at the International Plowing Match (IPM) in Walkerton in September. One of the organizers, Tom Evans is a four-time Canadian champion and a three-time World champion competitor. He says to expect Canadian, regional and local competitors, all vying for a space at next year’s IPM.
While there will be exhibitors and other activities, the signature event is the plowing matches. Competitors are judged on their ability of precision steering to create straight furrows of consistent depth and clean appearance.
Competitors are all ages, from juniors as young as 12 years old, to farmers with years of experience in the field.
There will be horse driven and mechanical driven plows; antique plows, conventional plows, and modern reversible plows.
Another main attraction is Queen of the Furrow, where ladies between the ages of 17 to 30 years compete. The winner will go to the IPM next year.
Organizers invite everyone to come out and enjoy the family-friendly festivities. Organizers say that each time the Plowing Match was held in the area there has been amazing community support, and they look forward to another successful event.
Admission is free and there will be free on-site parking. Please follow the signage for event entrance and parking.
While there will be some picnic tables, it is advisable to bring a lawn chair. The event is held outdoors in an open field so dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
There will be concession stands including a local organization operating a BBQ stall. The organizers encourage the patrons to support the vendors however everyone is reminded to bring adequate supplies of water and refreshments that they may need for the day’s outing.
Currently, the event is still in the planning stages. The organizers welcome all exhibitors, small or large, including farm equipment, antique vehicles, food, artisans, craft vendors, livestock and other agricultural exhibits. The aim is to showcase the unique heritage and culture of the area.
Any contestant wishing to participate in the plowing matches are also invited to register.
The Plowing Match is volunteer-run and relies on sponsorships to cover the cost of the event. Interested persons can contact Tom Evans 519-901-1076.
