2023 OCPA Plowing Match In Richmond Aug. 25-26

The Ottawa Carleton Plowmen’s Association (OCPA) Plowing Match is set for August 25 – 26, 2023, on the land across from 3285 Eagleson Road, Richmond, owned by Chris Schouten.

On Friday, Aug. 25, there will be an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and VIP Plowing Competition commencing at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch and awards ceremony. 

On Saturday, Aug. 26, rain or shine, the OCPA Plowing Match starts at 10 a.m., with competitors from across the county vying for a spot to move on to the next level of plowing perfection using both modern and vintage tractors, as well as horses. The day will also showcase an antique tractor display. All are welcome, and admission and parking are free.

Winners will be announced at a banquet held at St. Philip’s Parish Hall, 127 Burke St., Richmond, 5 p.m., with proceeding presided over in part by the Ottawa Carleton Queen of the Furrow, Rhiannah Gallagher of Osgoode. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on site.

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of OCPA hosting the International Plowing Match in Richmond in 1983. To commemorate the occasion, there will be ‘Meet & Greet’ reception at 3 p.m. at the plowing site. Additionally, committee chairs and their members from the 1983 IPM are extended a complimentary invitation to the banquet. For more details, please contact Jennifer Hyland at 613-822-6353 or jwaldroff@xplornet.com. 

Plowers must compete at local matches to be eligible to plow at the International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo in Bowling Green, (Dufferin County) Ontario, September 19 – 23, which is celebrating the 105th anniversary of the IPM.

 

Featured photo – From left to right,  Catherine Kitts – Cumberland Ward Councillor, Eli El-Chantiry – West Carleton-March Councillor, Denis Bourbonnais – plower, Mayor Jim Watson, George Darouze – Osgoode Ward Councillor, and Stephen Blais, MPP Orléans were all VIP plowers at the Ottawa Carleton Plowing Match held Aug. 26-27 in Ashton. (Linda Payant photo)