The 107th International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) concluded Saturday, September 26, after a week that celebrated Ontario agriculture through competition, community spirit and a series of crowd-pleasing parades.
Held in Bruce County from September 22 to 26, the event attracted farmers, exhibitors, rural residents and visitors from across Ontario and beyond. While plowing remains at the heart of the match, the 2026 edition demonstrated how the IPM has evolved into one of Canada’s largest rural showcases, blending agricultural heritage, technology, education and entertainment.
One of the most visible attractions throughout the week was an impressive lineup of five parades that reflected different aspects of rural life and farming history.
The event opened with the Bruce Power Opening Day Parade, recognizing the people who support and lead rural communities. Dignitaries, agricultural leaders, sponsors, exhibitors and farm families took part in the procession.
Later in the week, visitors gathered for the Trucks and Tractors Parade, where antique trucks, classic pickups, cattle liners, restored tractors and modern farm equipment rolled through the grounds, creating a moving tribute to farming heritage.
The Children’s Parade brought a different energy to the event, showcasing school groups, dance clubs, decorated bicycles, costumes, music and colourful floats. The parade celebrated youth involvement and community participation, highlighting the next generation of rural leaders.
Another fan favourite was the Combines Parade, which featured machines spanning generations of harvest technology. Antique combines, restored classics and modern harvesting equipment demonstrated how agricultural innovation has transformed farm operations over the decades.
The final parade, Bruce County Farming Through the Ages, offered visitors a journey through local agricultural history. Horse-drawn equipment, vintage tractors, historical displays and modern machinery illustrated the evolution of farming in the region.
New Ontario Queen of the Furrow Crowned
A highlight of the week was the crowning of Carmen Ward of Grey Normanby as the 2026-2027 Ontario Queen of the Furrow.
Ward, 21, of Owen Sound, received the honour on September 25 as Ontario's plowing community gathered to recognize competitors and celebrate agricultural ambassadors.
A licensed funeral director, Ward plans to become a celebrant while pursuing her goal of operating her own farm in Grey County. As Queen of the Furrow, she will serve as an ambassador for the Ontario Plowmen's Association and promote agriculture at events across the province.
International Talent Shines in Championship Competition
While the entertainment and exhibits attracted thousands of visitors, the foundation of the IPM remains plowing excellence.
Competitors spent four days demonstrating precision, consistency and technical skill in a variety of tractor and horse-drawn classes.
One of the biggest stories from the competition was the performance of Gene Gruber of Richmond, Minnesota, who captured the Ontario Championship Tractor Conventional title and was also named IPM Champion Tractor Award winner. Brian Davenport of Owen Sound earned reserve champion honours in both categories.
In the Ontario Championship Tractor Reversible class, Tom Evans of Tiverton claimed the championship, while Tor Broeckx of Dessel, Belgium secured reserve champion honours.
The results highlighted the international appeal of plowing competition, with competitors from the United States and Europe competing alongside Ontario's top plowing talent.
Youth Competition Signals Strong Future
The event also showcased strong participation from young competitors.
In the Ontario Junior Champion Class, Dugald McIntosh of Seaforth earned the championship with 523 points, while Brendan Hickey of Auburn finished as reserve champion with 484 points.
Several additional youth divisions featured impressive performances from young operators demonstrating precision and attention to detail. Organizers frequently point to these classes as evidence that plowing traditions continue to attract a new generation of participants.
The Ontario representatives selected for the 2027 Canadian Plowing Championships include Dugald McIntosh as Junior Champion, Brendan Hickey as Reserve Junior Champion, Brian Davenport in Tractor Conventional competition and Tom Evans in Tractor Reversible competition.
Heritage Classes Remain Crowd Favourite
Horse-drawn and antique tractor classes continued to draw significant attention throughout the week.
Durk Devries of Shallow Lake was named IPM Champion Horse Plow Person, while Terry Linton of Roseneath earned reserve champion honours and also received the Lloyd VanDusen Award.
In antique tractor competition, Richard Pepper of Chesley captured the IPM Champion Antique Tractor Award and also received the John S. Moffatt Memorial Trophy.
The heritage divisions remain among the most distinctive aspects of the IPM, preserving traditional farming skills while providing spectators with a glimpse into agriculture's past.
Looking Ahead to Lambton County
As the 2026 event concluded, organizers turned their attention to the future.
The 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo will be held in Lambton County from September 21 to 25, continuing a tradition that has connected generations of farmers, rural businesses and agricultural communities for more than a century.
Photo Credit: Grain Farmers of Ontario (Celebrety Plow)