Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Press
Tractors, horses and antique plows, conventional plows, and modern reversible plows had a starring role in the 2026 Bruce County Plowing Match.
The local community came out on 29 August 2026 to enjoy the Plowing Match, held on the property of local farmers Jerry and Debbie Mackie, located at 2238 Highway 6, near the corner of 10th Concession and Highway 6.
Local farming families came out to continue a long-standing tradition within the rural farming communities. Additionally the event drew many first-time visitors curious to see a Plowing Match and learn about the local farming culture. A local visitor commented “horses and tractors; what not to like!”
The Bruce Chapter of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association hosted the one-day Plowing Match. Twenty-four contestants competed in various classes: Horse Plowing, Antique Tractor Plowing and Modern Tractor Plowing.
Competitors were all ages, from juniors to seniors.
There were five Horse teams from Chesley, Shallow Lake, Port Elgin, Durham, and West Grey. There were 19 tractors of varied vintages: 5 antique tractors trailed plows (pre 1958), 10 mounted tractor plows and 4 conventional reversible plows.
Photo: The Mackie Family receive appreciation award for use of their land for the Bruce County Plowing match. Allyson Pepper presented the plaque on behalf of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association.
Photo L-R: Reigning Queen of the Furrow Cassie Galbraith, with this year’s contestants Erica Haldebey and Erika Bryson.
Photo: Erica Haldebey, Erika Bryson and Cassie Galbraith with Gordon Lang, Chairman of the 2026 International Plowing Match.
Photo L-R: Local Farmers Jamie Mielhausen, Milt McIver and Jerry Mackie. Jamie proudly displays the pie he won at the pie auction.
Photo: Allyson Pepper with her Massey Harris Antique trailed plow circa 1930 and 1952 tractor.
There was lots of activity to fill the day as the various contestants showed off their precision skills. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the farmers, learn about their plows and their experiences. Many visitors were fascinated by the horses, observing a farming practice from a bygone era.
For many visitors, while not currently farming, have childhood memories of visiting grandparents or working on their parents’ farms, so the event gave them a sense of connection to their past.
Another signature event at the Plowing Match is the Queen of the Furrow. The contestants are judged on their skills in plowing as well as public speaking and communications. This year there were two contestants Erica Haldebey of Teeswater and Erika Bryson of Tara.
The reigning Queen of the Furrow Cassie Galbraith crowned Erika Bryson as the 2026/27 Queen of the Furrow for Bruce County. She will represent Bruce County for the upcoming year and at the International Plowing Match to be held in Walkerton in September.
Another fun post-lunch event was a pie auction. Brainstormed by the Mackie family, Kaley traveled throughout Bruce County to source the pies.
Ten pies were up for auction, with proceeds going to the Bruce Peninsula Hospitals Foundation.
There were generous bids for two donated pies and eight pies sponsored by landowner Jerry Mackie. $1,170.00 was raised for the Foundation.
Erika Bryson, during her speech as a contestant in the Queen of the Furrow competition, stated that Agriculture is not only about food but also about the relationships, traditions and community that stands around it.
With a strong multi-generational turnout and aided by favorable weather for standing around in an open field, the Northern Bruce community showed their support for the local traditions and connections.
