The All Wales Ploughing and Hedging Championships returned to Carmarthenshire for the first time in 59 years at the end of September, but it was Ireland who took the honours.
Carmarthenshire Ploughing Society were thrilled to be hosting this year's championships, an event that also included the Five Nations Challenge, with representatives travelling from Scotland, England and Ireland to compete.
The home team from Wales was represented by Wyn Jones, Ceredigion, and Rhodri George, Pembrokeshire, but it was Ireland who took home the trophy this year, with Frank Cullen and Brian Ireland winning the Five Nations cup.
The society is indebted to committee members Mr and Mrs Robert Evans, Derimoelion Farm, near Dryslwyn ,for hosting the event after a swift venue change with two weeks to go, as wet weather made the Cwrt Malle site of committee members Mr and Mrs Howell Richards unsuitable.
The committee were delighted that Robert and Diane, together with Howell and Sue, took over the role of joint presidency and wish to thank them all for their tireless efforts with fundraising, seeking sponsorship, and their energy and determination.
The Blessing of the Plough Service also moved from Llanybri to St Edgwads Church, Llanegwad, and was beautifully decorated for the occasion with Rev R Patterson and Canon Eileen Davies presiding, and a stunning performance by Llansteffan Choir.
The sun shone for the main event on 28th September, and was attended by well over 500 spectators, with over 70 entries for the ploughing and hedging.
Mr Robert Convery, Chairman of the Carmarthenshire Ploughing Society, extended a warm welcome to all, and the event was a triumph despite the adverse weather conditions resulting in some challenging ground conditions for access and public areas, but still proved to be fantastic family-friendly day out and a celebration of agriculture in Carmarthenshire.
Alongside the competition ploughing were hedging and fencing classes where visitors were pleased to see expert demonstrations of the traditional skills, and first class examples of the different styles of hedging from each county.
Visitors were also thrilled to see traditional horse ploughing. The horse ploughing class was one by Rodger Smith, with Gentle Giants Shire Horses and local MBE John Fletcher coming a close second. Visitors were also treated to horse ploughing three abreast from Hitchin Farm.
Cwm Vintage put on a glorious vintage tractor display, there were local craft stalls, trade stands, a dog show, the Digger Challenge and an exhibition of ploughing over the years to keep visitors entertained. To add to the event atmosphere, local favourite The Welsh Whisperer performed on the centre stage, keeping the crowds entertained while awaiting the final results of the day.
The presentation of awards took place at the end of the day, with the Champion Hedger title awarded to W Carwyn Jones from Welshpool who received the Championship Trophy and also the CLA Trophy for Champion Welsh Hedger. The Trophy for best under-28 competitor in hedging was awarded to Mr Joe Morris from Pembroke. Rhodri George, Hayscastle was awarded Welsh Champion ploughman with his son James receiving the Reserve Championship Trophy.
Carmarthenshire Ploughing Society thanked landowners and sponsors for their support over the past years , giving them the opportunity to carry on the tradition of the rural craft, and especially to this year's main sponsor, Castell Howell Foods.
Particular thanks went to neighbours who gave ground for the event at such short notice – Mr Euros Jenkins and Abi, Mr David Jones and Alyson, Dai Enid, Rhydian and Catrin Edwards
Proceeds from the event will support Welsh ploughmen representing Wales at international ploughing events, and local charities including Pwll Autistic Facility, Llanelli, and the Welsh Air Ambulance.
Carmarthenshire Ploughing Society now pass the baton on to the Montgomeryshire committee with very best wishes. They will host The 65th Championships which will be held at Rhandregynwen Hall, Llanymynech, on 20th September 2025.
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