The fields of Niagara Region will come alive this week with tractors, horses, and thousands of visitors as the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo takes place from September 16 to 20, 2025.
This year's match in Grassie, West Lincoln, is expected to attract farmers, rural residents, city visitors, and political leaders. Spanning hundreds of acres of farmland, the five-day gathering blends competition, education, and entertainment.
Executive Director of the Ontario Plowmen's Association Cathy Lasby says plowing competitions with both tractors and horses remain front and centre, highlighting the skill and tradition of both seasoned competitors and younger participants.
"Those young people are not just the future of the plowing match, but also of Canadian agriculture, so we really focus on our plowing competitions," she explained.
Alongside the contests, the Expo will feature a wide variety of displays and activities.
"All kinds of exhibitors and demonstrations for Agriculture and Rural living," Lasby continued. "We have an education program in our Hydro One Education Center. You can move to the Ritchie brothers Farming for the Future Tent and see our environmentally correct model farm, entertainment on our mutual stage, Opening Day Parade sponsored by Bruce Power."
The opening day parade gets underway at 10 a.m., followed by the opening ceremonies at 11:30 a.m.
Entertainment is also a key part of the experience, with live performances on the Mutual Insurance Main Stage. Beyond the fields, visitors will find more than 500 exhibitors, heritage and quilting displays, antiques, a rodeo, and the ever-popular plowmen’s breakfast to start the day. Visitors can also see the “Quilt of Belonging”, the 120-foot handmade quilt that honours every nationality in Canada.
Organizers expect tens of thousands of people to attend over the course of the event, making it a major draw for Niagara and the surrounding region. Full schedules, ticket information, and details are available at plowingmatch.org.
