What is the Plowing Match?

International Plowing Match & Rural Expo

There are plowing competitions, a range of activities for people of all ages, numerous opportunities to learn about agriculture, near-constant live entertainment in multiple IPM venues, hundreds of vendors and exhibitors (large and small equipment, lifestyle items and much more), a wide variety of food, an RV Park … the list goes on.

It’s the largest event of its kind in North America.

With so much to see and do, plan to spend more than one day!

Hosting the IPM – heading into its 107^th year – is a collaborative effort of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and a Local Committee. It’s held in a different community each year, highlighting the many great things the area has to offer and attracting on average 70,000+ people from across Ontario, throughout Canada, the United States and beyond.

The 2026 IPM will be held in Bruce County, Ontario from September 22nd to 26th.

The 2027 IPM will be held in Lambton County, Ontario from September 21st to 25th.

A team of dedicated local volunteers, alongside the OPA, is hard at work planning and organizing to make each IPM exceptional.

Activities and entertainment offerings are a little different each year, as the Local Committee puts its own stamp on the IPM, showcasing important local contributions to agriculture and the rural lifestyle.

Tourism industry figures put the economic impact of each IPM at about $25 million annually (not including the long-term benefits this kind of exposure provides to communities).

It spurs tourism in the surrounding area for years to come.
More than that, profits generated by the IPM are donated to groups and organizations in the host communities.
It’s such an important event, the Provincial Legislature traditionally shuts down so MPPs can attend Opening Day (Tuesday).

An event of this scale would be impossible to put on without hundreds of volunteers and generous support from the business community.