Navan to host 2025 Ottawa Carleton plowing match

NAVAN – The Ottawa Carleton Plowmen’s Association (OCPA) Plowing Match is set for Aug. 22 and 23, at Robert and Allan Walsh Farms located at 5281 Clayton Road, Navan.  

On Friday, Aug. 22, there will be an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. with the VIP Plowing Competition commencing at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch and brief awards ceremony.  

“On Saturday, Aug. 23, rain or shine, the OCPA Plowing Match starts at 10 a.m., with competitors from across the region vying for a spot to move on to the next level of plowing perfection using both modern and vintage tractors, as well as horses,” OCPA chair Don Good released in a statement yesterday (July 21).

Award presentations will be in the field at 5 p.m.

“The day will also showcase an antique tractor display,” Good said. “All are welcome, and admission and parking are free.”

Plowers must compete at local matches to be eligible to plow at the International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo in Niagara Region, ON, Sept. 16 to 20, which is celebrating the 107th anniversary of the IPM.

“Approximately 200 years ago, the Walsh brothers left Ireland for Canada,” Good said. “Cumberland Township had just been surveyed and was ready for settlement. When they arrived, they were informed of some good land south of ‘the brook’ (now Bearbrook). The five brothers and two sisters settled there. Bob’s great grandfather was the youngest and remained in Ireland until the others got settled. About 20 years later, he and his wife, daughter and mother joined the others in Canada and eventually nine more children were born to the family.”

Robert and his son Allan are the fifth and sixth generations of Walshs on the original farm where they grow grain crops and raise Red Angus beef.