Plough show champions

A third generation Marlborough farmer and ploughing champion has taken his medal haul to seven.

Ian Woolley from Rapaura has been awarded his seventh Royal Agricultural Society framed medal after winning at the 66th New Zealand Ploughing Championships in Eastern Southland.

The honour comes as Ian gets set to take to take part in Marlborough’s annual ploughing match on Queens Birthday weekend.

And the public are invited to come and watch and enjoy the show.

June 5th is a practice day and June 6th is competition day, a qualifier for the New Zealand contest 2022.

As in recent years, the match is being held on Philip Neal’s property on Rapaura Road and is open to all classes, conventional, reversible, contemporary, and vintage.

It’s a match that Ian is looking forward to, especially as soil conditions have improved.

“There will be about 20 competitors all up with guys coming from around the country.

“We’ve had a bit of rain so conditions should be good. There’s a bit more rain on the way and then looks good for the competition. Canterbury had to defer as it was too dry.”

Ian and fellow competitor and friend Bob Mehrtens from Timaru are set to represent the nation in Russia after winning their classes in Riversdale.

Over two days, about 40 competitors ploughed plots in Riversdale, with Ian winning both the Silver Plough and conventional class.

The pair were due to travel to Ireland in September but the show was cancelled because of COVID-19

In Riversdale, competitors ploughed plots of harvested stubble on the first day and plots of grass on the second day, with dry conditions prevailing.

“I don’t get nervous like I used to do but there’s probably more stress on me in New Zealand,” Ian says.

It was his love of tractors that got Ian started in ploughing. It is, he says, a huge part of their lives now.

Before COVID-19 struck, Ian and wife Jenny travelled across the globe, competing in competitions in countries including Germany, Kenya, America, Britain and Denmark.

With the championship cancelled in New Zealand last year, getting back out on the field is something he really looks forward to, Ian says.

“It’s quite a social thing too. The competition day is the best day to come along and watch.

“There will be Clydesdales to see too.”

Around 23 Qualifying Events are hosted by individual Associations throughout New Zealand each year.

Follow signs on Rapaura Road for the event. Entry is free, please note no dogs are allowed.

“Best time to come along is between 11am-2.30pm. It promises to be a great day.”