The annual Mendip Ploughing Match is set to draw competitors from far and wide on Wednesday, 24th September, at Franklyns Farm, Chewton Mendip, graciously hosted by Messrs L, S & O Clothier.
This year’s event highlights the 2025 National Vintage Area Finals, serving as a qualifier for the 2026 British National Ploughing Championships. Categories include trailing, hydraulic, classic, classic reversible, and Ferguson T20 ploughing.
In addition, there are classes for horse ploughing, high cut, novice and open conventional, novice and open reversible, semi digger, Ferguson, and horticultural ploughing, showcasing a wide range of expertise.
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Traditional skills are also celebrated with hedge laying and stone walling competitions. Hedge layers will skillfully rejuvenate overgrown hedges, while stone wallers dismantle and reconstruct broken stone walls, preserving these time-honored crafts.
For farmers, competitions welcome samples of grain, roots, and forage. Family fun continues with novelty events such as the heaviest pumpkin and largest sunflower, open to all attendees.
The event runs from 10am until 3pm, followed by an awards ceremony between 4pm and 5pm to honor winners with prizes and trophies.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of refreshments provided by the dedicated ladies committee, including lunch, burgers, hot dogs, tea, coffee, and cakes. A bar offers beers, ciders, wines, and spirits. Please note all purchases must be made with cash, as card payments are not accepted.
Raffle tickets will be sold in the marquee with a chance to win a £50 first prize and other kindly donated prizes, with the draw taking place during the event.
Free trailer rides will transport visitors around the ploughing site, enhancing the viewing experience.
Best of all, admission and car parking are completely free, making it an exciting and accessible day for everyone passionate about agriculture and traditional rural skills.