Today I was at the annual Halton Plowing Match. This year Ernie Alexander's farm was the host farm. There was a lot of events today including 50/50 draw in support of the Plowman's Association, lunch, and of course tilling contests and of course the politician's contest to driving a tractor. All three of the Halton Hills rural councillors were there ( Bryan Lewis, Clark Somerville and Joan Robson ) along with Milton Mayor Gord Krantz and Milton local councillor Cindy Lunau. Most important many farmers from all over Halton were there. You could see many pockets of farmers talking to each other, comparing crops, the markets the economy and a host of other conversations. People came and participated for most of the day. There were even beautiful horses pulling. Once in awhile you can turn the clock back. For the people in the farming community this is a day where they can strut their stuff. For the plow contest there are many rules to score points. I will share just a few of them so you can fully understand how skilled are farming community really are.
1. You lose a point for each five minutes of overtime.
2. Average depth of furrows have to be a minimum of 6 inches
3. No shaping of the furrows by hand, plow stake or otherwise will be allowed.
4. The width of the furrow will not be less than nine inches for walking plows and 12 inches in tractor classes excepting in the crown and finish.
Just a few of the rules that contestants have to obey by.
In Halton Hills we have a rich history in agriculture and it is one that our council will fight to maintain.
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