Frontenac County Plowing Match

Amanda Pantrey | Sep 13, 2023

Families and tractors descended on Inverary this past Sunday for the annual Frontenac County Plowing Match. With a little something for everyone, attendees and competitors alike enjoyed great weather and atmosphere at this year’s event, hosted at the home farm of Charles and Norma Barr.

The Frontenac County Plowman’s Association welcomed 24 competitors to the match coming from as far away as the Ottawa region.

A highlight was the youth registration – The match included five competitors under the age of 16, which thrilled Plowing Association President Martin Oomens.

Equipment included newer and antique tractors, and of course ‘the token horse team’. The land was reported to be tough to plow, but of course the competitors did what they do very well – Created the straightest and neatest furrows possible. In the end, Allan Hills from Ashton went home with the top overall score and the Robert MacLean trophy for ‘Best Lands’. Morgan Moase from Kingston was the highest scoring lady and was presented with the Ruth Shannon Trophy. Mason Severin from Amherst Island was the top scoring U16 for the second year running, earning the Peters/ McFadden Top Youth Trophy.

Along with the Frontenac County Plowing Match on Sunday, the Wolfe Island Plowing Match was held on Saturday. Many competitors did the double-header, with both events being qualifiers for the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo taking place from September 19th – 23rd in Bowling Green in Dufferin County. Who needs sleep?

Between regular farm chores, the harvest is also upon us for many cash crops and winter is fast approaching. The feat of bringing an agricultural event to our region this time of year cannot be understated. The organizing committee went above and beyond to ensure the event was family friendly, free to attend, and educational for attendees. Sponsorships from local businesses, a community grant and event support from South Frontenac Township, and marketing help from Frontenac County during Open Farm Days did the trick and resulted in a wonderful day for families and competitors.

Kids and kids at heart were thrilled to see the big equipment and get up and close with the tractors and farm animals on site. Many also got to enjoy a wagon ride around the event site and the kids’ activities and face painting provided by the Storrington Lion’s Club.

Live music filled the air, adding to the atmosphere and country spirit. Jake Unger, Adam Knapp, and Chris Murphy with Jess Wedden delighted the crowds with some toe-tappers. More Smoke and Otter Creek Farms Food Truck served up lunch for the crowd, with the Frontenac 4H Club serving delicious coffee, tea, and homemade muffins.

We’ll see you on September 8th, 2024, for the next annual Frontenac County Plowing Match!