by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — Mother Nature co-operated and the 36th annual Renfrew County Plowing Match was a success.
It was held on the farm of Lynne and Mel Langton on Sturgeon Mountain Road, where it intersects with Zion Line.
As the morning got underway, the opening ceremonies were held at the main stage. Taking to the microphone to welcome everyone and thank the many volunteers who worked hard was Yves Rochon, president of the Renfrew County Plowmen’s Association, which organizes the event.
He thanked Mr. and Mrs. Langton “who graciously volunteered their farm and time. They came to every single meeting and this is the result of it all.”
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski admitted he did not grow up on a farm, but he takes every opportunity to celebrate agriculture.
“Farming is a unique way of life,” he said.
There are “more ebbs and flows” and the farmers are “dependent on Mother Nature.” Sometimes they suffer a drought, while other times they have to deal with more water than they can handle, he added.
“Farmers are strong, they persevere and are committed to the life,” he continued. “People believe farming is the life, as long as the farmers can get through the ups and downs.
“Farming is not the easiest thing to do.”
MPP Yakabuski said each year a farming family gives up a portion of their property so the plowing match can be held. That is a big commitment and “I thank the Langtons” for their commitment to the community.
Whitewater Region Mayor Hal Johnson said it was only 10 a.m. and already the people are packing the grounds.
“I’m impressed with our people in Whitewater Region and area who make the commitment to come to events,” he said.
Mayor Johnson pointed out there are many machines and tractors that were used when he was a young lad, and the tractors and equipment that are used today.
As one of the eight drivers for the tractor square dancing, which had taken a four-year hiatus, Mayor Johnson said he was looking forward to it. While the drivers are “at the upper end of the generation” the square dancing “is fun to watch.”
Ms. Langton welcomed everyone to their property, admitting the couple enjoyed working with the plowing match committee.
The Langtons cash crop 450 acres and built a grain-holding facility, she said.
“Now our local farmers can bring their grain here and we’ll take care of it,” Ms. Langton said, adding, “It’s a convenient spot for local farmers.”
She encouraged those attending the event to “visit your neighbour and check out the displays.”
Mary Harris from the Bank of Montreal took to the stage to announce who the Farm Family of the Year is.
“The Renfrew County Plowing Match is one of the best in the province,” she said, noting the bank has sponsored the event for six years.
The Bank of Montreal is a sponsor of the Farm Family of the Year award and it recognizes “outstanding farmers from across Ontario who best represent the values of the family farm,” Ms. Harris said.
Since 2012, the provincial winner has been from Renfrew County and this year is no different, she said.
Preston and Terry Cull, along with their children, Ella Mae, Samantha, Juletta and Geoff, are the winners.
They are fourth generation farmers in Admaston-Bromley Township and have been operating their farm for 135 years. In 1982 it was recognized as a century farm.
“This family is seen in the community all the time,” Ms. Harris said. “This family is always there to help out.”
Along with hosting their barn dance for the past 15 years, with a donation to charity, they also provide a scholarship for local 4H members and sit on various committees throughout the area.
Ms. Harris noted while they were being recognized at the local plowing match, they will be officially recognized as Farm Family of the Year at the International Plowing Match, now being held.
Throughout the day-long event, those attending checked out the more than 100 vendors and exhibits; the many antique and current-day tractors and farm machinery, many of which participated in the antique tractor and farm machinery parade lead by members of the Renfrew Pipe and Drums; filled out various ballots for free draws; watched tractors square dance and the lumberjacks from Algonquin College use their axes; checked out the KidsZone, the large train display, the petting zoo and watched the rabbit agility show.
There was no shortage of food, as there were several food vendors on site.
Mr. Langton also provided a tour of the grain facility.
There was also plowing happening in the fields behind the exhibitors.
Each year the Renfrew County Plowing Match is held the third Saturday in September – mark it on your calendar as an event not to be missed.
