The British National Ploughing Championships and Country Festival will take place at Austrey, near Atherstone, Warwickshire, on 10th and 11th October. The event’s 75th anniversary will see competitors from Scotland to Cornwall, including six ladies and three young farmers.
Nicola Rawnsley from the Isle of Man and Ethel Worthington from South Yorkshire will be ploughing with horses, and Janet Vickers will be in the classic class. The young farmers are Ellie Bullard from Hertfordshire, who will be ploughing in the conventional tractor class; her younger sister Chloe will be in the classic class; and Lauren Cope from Derby who will be in the hydraulic class
Away from the competition, visitors can expect an impressive display of agricultural heritage and horsepower. At least three pairs of steam ploughing engines will be demonstrating, while Joe Hewes will return with his Chieftain tank for a demonstration of tracked vehicle ploughing, featuring some amendments to last year’s showing.
The organisers say there will also be plenty for machinery enthusiasts to enjoy, with large numbers of vintage tractors on display alongside agricultural machinery demonstrations.
The heavy horse section promises to be another major attraction, with 16 pairs entered and a fascinating range of breeds represented. Visitors will see Clydesdales, Shires, Comtois, Percherons and Ardennes demonstrating the strength, skill and partnership required to plough with horses.
Alongside the ploughing and machinery, the Country Festival will feature trade stands, stalls and shopping, together with a vibrant country craft marquee.
Organised by the Society of Ploughmen, the British National Ploughing Championships move to a different part of Great Britain each year. Chief Executive Sue Frith said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Championships back to Warwickshire this year. The event promises to be a fitting celebration of 75 years of competition and the generations of ploughmen and women who have helped make the event such an important part of Britain’s agricultural calendar.”
For tickets or more information, please visit: www.ploughmen.co.uk/tickets
