New Petrolia-area location announced as organizers begin recruiting volunteers and community partners for Ontario’s premier rural event.
Lambton County is preparing to welcome one of Ontario agriculture’s biggest events after the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) announced it has secured a site for the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM).
The event is scheduled for September 21 to 25, 2027, on farmland owned by Clayton and Linda McLauchlin and Family, located east of Petrolia on Petrolia Line. Organizers say the property offers the agricultural landscape, accessibility, and operational capacity necessary to host the province-wide gathering.
The announcement comes before the 2026 Ontario Plowmen’s Match has even taken place, underscoring the association’s commitment to long-term planning and community engagement for the internationally recognized event.
2026 Ontario Plowmen’s Match will take place Tuesday, September 22 to Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Walkerton, in Bruce County.
2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo
“This is a significant milestone for the 2027 IPM,” said Glen Early, OPA’s 2nd Vice-President. “The OPA is committed to delivering an outstanding event in Lambton County, and this site gives us the foundation to move ahead. We are now inviting the community, agricultural organizations, businesses, and volunteers to join us in building something truly special.”
A Return to a County Rich in IPM History
The International Plowing Match has deep roots in Lambton County. The county previously hosted the event in 1923, 1973, and 1991, creating a legacy that spans more than a century.
The first Lambton County match was held from October 17 to 19, 1923, at the historic Goodison Farm in Sarnia Township. That location is now associated with the Lambton College campus and sits approximately 30 kilometres from the newly announced 2027 site.
According to the OPA, the 1923 match demonstrated Lambton County’s ability to bring together agriculture, innovation, community leadership, and visitors from across Ontario. The tradition continued through successful editions of the event in 1973 and 1991.
Organizers say the 2027 IPM will honour those earlier hosts while showcasing the future of agriculture in the region. From the historic Goodison Farm to the McLauchlin family’s fields near Petrolia, the event aims to connect Ontario’s agricultural heritage with modern farming innovation and rural community development.
Volunteers Sought as Planning Begins
With the venue now secured, organizers are turning their attention to building the volunteer and leadership teams needed to deliver the five-day event.
The OPA and local community leaders are seeking volunteers and committee members in a wide range of areas, including site logistics, agricultural programming, transportation, hospitality, sponsorship development, marketing, communications, education, environmental planning, accessibility, and visitor services.
Officials emphasize that prior involvement with an International Plowing Match is not required.
“No previous IPM experience is necessary,” organizers said. “The most important qualifications are enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to work with others.”
Early said the success of the event depends on the people who support it.
“An IPM is built by people,” he said. “We are looking for experienced agricultural leaders, community volunteers, young people, retirees, businesses, and families who want to be part of bringing this event back to Lambton County. There is a place for everyone.”
Showcasing Ontario Agriculture
The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo remains one of Ontario’s most anticipated agricultural events, attracting farmers, agribusinesses, rural organizations, exhibitors, and visitors from across the province.
The 2027 edition is expected to feature competitive plowing events, agricultural equipment displays, rural innovation showcases, educational programming, food, entertainment, and opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with attendees.
The OPA says additional details regarding committee structures, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer recruitment, public meetings, and event programming will be released as planning progresses.
For Lambton County, the announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter in a long-standing agricultural tradition, with organizers already working to ensure the 2027 event celebrates both the county’s rich farming heritage and the future of Ontario agriculture.
Those interested in volunteering or becoming involved with the planning effort can contact the 2027 IPM Planning Team through the Ontario Plowmen’s Association at ipm2027@plowingmatch.org.