UPDATE: The 17th annual vintage ploughing match at Ampton Hall Estate near Bury St Edmunds just concluded, showcasing the rich agricultural heritage of the past. Held on Sunday, the event attracted 58 competitors from regions including Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, and Milton Keynes, all eager to revive the spirit of bygone farming practices.
Tractors ranging from the 1940s to the 1970s participated across eight sections, demonstrating skills governed by The Society of Ploughmen. The competition was fierce, but ultimately, Richard Ingram took home the top prize with his Massey Ferguson 35 tractor. Ingram, a recognized British and European champion in the vintage mounted scene, highlighted the importance of preserving these agricultural skills.
Organiser Paul Rowe emphasized the match’s significance in promoting traditional farming techniques. “The skills will be lost if we don’t do this sort of thing,” he stated. “If we didn’t have those skills, today’s farming wouldn’t carry on as it does.” Rowe, who has been organizing such events for nearly two decades, also expressed gratitude to Ampton Hall Estate for their unwavering support.
Despite concerns over the weather following Saturday’s rain, conditions improved, allowing for a successful competition. “The weather was a bit overcast but it went well and the field ploughed well,” Rowe noted. Any leftover funds from the event will be donated to a local charity, further underlining the community spirit at play.
This vibrant gathering not only celebrates nostalgia but also reinforces the skills essential for modern farming, making it a crucial event for both participants and spectators alike. As the ploughing match wraps up, the agricultural community looks ahead to the future, determined to keep these vital traditions alive.
Stay tuned for more highlights from this exciting event and what’s next for the vintage ploughing scene.
