The 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo organizers are scrambling forward despite issuing a July 3 withdrawal from Lambton County.
“The situation is that some members of the IPM Local Committee have ceased to be involved in preparations for the match,” stated Douglas Beatty, IPM Local Committee volunteer, in a July 9 press release. “It is the intention of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association to continue plans to host a Match in Lambton County in 2027.”
Adding that the July 3 statement was issued before any direct discussions had taken place with the Plowmen’s board about the decision.
Why it matters: The plowing match leaves a lasting economic footprint in host communities — a scholarship trust from Lambton’s 1991 match has paid out more than $150,000 — but conflicting statements have put the 2027 edition’s home in doubt.
In the July 3 press release, which has since been removed from the Ontario Plowmen’s Association’s website, then-committee chair Dennis Bryson stated that, after 12 months of negotiations, no hosting agreement was in place for the Brigden location, southwest of Sarnia.
“We were unable to successfully negotiate and finalize a hosting agreement that was mutually beneficial for all parties and have decided it is in everyone’s best interest to conclude those discussions and allow time for provincial event organizers to discuss alternative host sites outside of Lambton County,” read the statement.
After Lambton County was chosen to host in April 2025, St. Clair Township committed $100,000 over three years in support of the bid, with a portion already advanced.
The financial impacts the Plowing Match provides to host communities often carry forward. For example, in 1991, when Lambton County’s Enniskillen Township hosted, a scholarship trust was established. Since its inception it has provided more than $150,000 to Lambton County students pursuing a post-secondary education.
When Farmtario reached out for more details on the possible change in location, event organizers issued the following statement:
“The Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) remains fully committed to hosting the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Lambton County. OPA leadership has been actively engaged with the committees, local farmers and community leaders since the initial bid was submitted in the spring of 2025.”
“Our position remains as outlined last week,” said IPM director Anne Thompson, when Farmtario reached out for further clarification.
She referred back to the July 6 press release.
“The OPA believes that matters involving the partnership between the local and provincial organizations are best addressed through open and direct communication. We remain committed to working collaboratively and constructively to support this partnership,” the release said.
In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult for events to find willing hosts due to logistical challenges and potential damage to property.
If the event goes forward, it will be the fourth time Lambton County has played host since 1923.
Walkerton is hosting the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo from Sept.22 to 26.
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