Throughout Great Britain, ploughmen and women are busy polishing their ploughs and getting their equipment ready to take part in an event which is the highlight of their year.
Over 250 competitors have been sharpening their skills at their local ploughing matches in preparation to try and plough the straightest furrow when they take part in the 2024 British National Ploughing Championships. The event, combined with a country festival, will be held on the Thoresby Estate, near Ollerton, Nottinghamshire on 12th and 13th October, by kind permission of Thoresby Farming. In the 73 year history of the event, this will be only the third time it has been held in Nottinghamshire.
People see ‘ploughing’ and think you have to know all about competition ploughing to visit but far from it! It is one of the few places where you can appreciate the changes in our farming heritage over hundreds of years, all working together. From the latest in farm machinery, through to classic and vintage tractors, steam ploughing engines and back to magnificent heavy horses. Alongside will be trade stands, shopping stalls and a craft marquee, so you can buy anything from a tractor to a pair of socks! To get around the huge 230 acre site, there will be tractors and trailer rides.
There will be something for everyone at the event with working demonstrations of the most up-to-date machinery over the two days and trade stands selling the latest tractors, tyres, agronomy and crop protection for the farm.
Steam enthusiasts can see giant ploughing engines pulling a plough by cable between them, with four Fowler BB1 Engines from the early part of the 20th century. Lovers of vintage tractors will be able to appreciate all the old tractors working – there will be 180 ploughing in the competitions each day and static displays too.
Horse lovers will enjoy seeing the horses working – there are 19 pairs entered on the first day and 16 on the second. There will be various breeds at work with some kitted out in all their finery, others as they would have worked on a farm back in the day. Whatever harness they wear, it will be a fantastic sight to see them all side by side.
For ploughing fans or for the curious, the skills of the ploughmen and women can be appreciated throughout fifteen ploughing classes over the two days – on the first day, reversible and conventional ‘world style’ ploughing, vintage trailed, hydraulic, classic and classic reversible ploughs will be trying to win a place in one of the ‘Plough-Off Finals’ on the second day. Horticultural, high cut ploughing and general purpose horse ploughing will complete the classes on the first day.
The Supreme Championship trophy will be awarded on the second day with some of the champions seeking a place to represent their country in the 2025 World or European Ploughing Championships. The international events are traditionally held in a different country each year and the Europeans will be hosted by England in the spring, also in Nottinghamshire.
The Society of Ploughmen, who organise the event, are a registered charity and Chief Executive, Sue Frith, commented: “Whatever your age, there is something here that will be of interest to everyone. It’s an amazing event which has such a lovely atmosphere, bringing people together from both urban and rural communities. We are delighted to be back in Nottinghamshire and are hoping the weather will stay fine for us but if it doesn’t just bring your boots, or buy some while you’re there!”
Main sponsors of the Championships are Bridgestone Firestone and further support has been given by A R Demolition, Aztec Oils, Cheffins, Dales Agri Sales Agency, Friends of Ferguson Heritage, HME, Homefire, JCB, Northfield Fencing, Ripon Farm Services and Russells.
Admission to the event is £15 per person on the day and just £2 for children. Discounted ticket are available in advance online. The site will be easy to find, it’s only about 3 miles from the A1 Apleyhead Interchange and it will be signposted. Further information and can be found on www.ploughmen.co.uk or from the Society of Ploughmen on 01302 852469, Facebook or Twitter.
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