Fifty entries highlighted Bruce County’s agricultural heritage and community spirit before the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
With the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo less than a week away, Bruce County residents, farmers and businesses are being recognized for helping create a welcoming showcase of rural Ontario.
Organizers recently celebrated the winners of the 2026 International Plowing Match (IPM) Beautification Contest during an awards banquet in Cargill. The competition, sponsored by Sprucedale Agromart, attracted 50 entries across seven categories and highlighted the pride, creativity and agricultural heritage that define communities throughout Bruce County.
The International Plowing Match will take place from Sept. 22 to 26 near Walkerton, bringing thousands of visitors together for championship plowing competitions, agricultural exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment and local food.
According to organizers, the contest was designed to encourage residents, farms and businesses to showcase their properties while helping build anticipation for one of Ontario’s most recognized agricultural events.
“The response to this contest has been fantastic,” said Gord Lang, chair of the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
“These displays do more than show off our communities. They show the pride people have in where they live, work and farm. We are grateful to everyone who took part and helped make Bruce County ready to welcome the Match.”
The competition featured categories for businesses, century farms, gardens, farmsteads, barn quilts, homes and displays celebrating the spirit of the match. Judges faced the difficult task of selecting winners from a field that organizers say reflected the region’s strong agricultural roots and community involvement.
“The judges had an incredibly difficult job,” said Jen Legge, chair of the Beautification Committee. “Every entrant helped showcase what makes Bruce County so special.”
Beyond community recognition, participants also had the opportunity to win unique commemorative prizes created by Frieburger Welding. The custom garden features were designed specifically for the competition and will develop a natural rusted patina over time, serving as lasting reminders of the county’s role in hosting the 2026 IPM.
Among the first-place winners were McCullough Tire Craft in Paisley in the Business category, Marianne and Jim Batte near Formosa in Spirit of the Match, Dennis Schiestel and Lisa Thompson of Ambleside in Century Farm, Monica Valad of Chepstow in Garden, Paisley Allen Johnson of Maple Lane Orchards in Farmstead, John and Debbie Davis of Walkerton in Barn Quilt, and Ralph and Sandra Pitt of Cargill in the Urban or Rural Home category.
The contest reflects the broader community effort behind hosting the International Plowing Match, an event organized in partnership with the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and held in a different Ontario community each year. The annual gathering is known for bringing together farmers, rural residents, agribusinesses and consumers to celebrate agriculture while showcasing emerging technology, local products and rural traditions.
Bruce County organizers say visitors attending this year’s event can expect a mix of championship plowing competitions, interactive exhibits, educational opportunities, live entertainment and hands-on demonstrations that highlight the strength and diversity of Ontario agriculture.
The Beautification Committee thanked everyone who entered the competition and noted that a special display featuring contest participants will be located in the Sprucedale Agromart tent during the match.
With the countdown now measured in days rather than weeks, organizers are encouraging visitors to mark their calendars and experience a celebration that highlights both the traditions and future of Ontario farming.
The 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo will be held just outside Walkerton in Bruce County from Sept. 22 to 26.
For more
information contact brucecountyipm@gmail.com or visit us on the web:
plowingmatch.org/ipm2026/
Photo Credit: International Plowing Match