IPM celebrates the ‘heart and soul’ of the province
- Luke Edwards
- Oct 1
- 2 min read
Dignitaries come together to offer their support to rural Ontario
By Luke Edwards
Aside from the colours of their respective tractors as Ontario’s political party leaders took part in the VIP plowing match, politicians kept things as non-partisan as possible for the kickoff of the International Plowing Match. Instead, they said they wanted opening day and the event itself to be a tribute to the hardworking farmers that put food on our tables.
An opening parade and speeches signalled the start of the five-day event that was being held last month in Niagara for the first time in nearly a century. During opening speeches politicians thanked farmers, rural Ontarians and the volunteers and sponsors who helped make IPM 2025 possible.
“Rural Ontario is the heart and soul of our great province,” Premier Doug Ford told the crowd.
There were some political messages sent during the parade and opening ceremonies. Signs opposing Bill 5 could be seen.
NDP leader and leader of the official opposition Marit Stiles also made reference to fears of loss of farmland and agricultural opportunity.
“(It’s a) life that sometimes feels threatened,” she said.
However, for the most part they struck a cordial tone, saying everyone at Queen’s Park wants to support farmers.
“Ontario is blessed with the best farmers in the world and some of the best farmland in the world,” said Green Party leader Mike Schreiner.
Jeff Harrison, chair of the Grain Farmers of Ontario, expressed his thanks to the dignitaries and audience.
“This shows that agriculture matters to all of you,” he said, adding the plowing match is “not just our heritage, it’s our future.”
Renate McGillivray, chair of the local organizing committee, said the match was a chance to “showcase the beautiful townships and wonderful people” that make up rural Niagara.
“Witness the beauty, value and innovation that agriculture has to offer,” she said.
Following the parade and opening speeches, the party leaders went out to the fields to take part in the traditional VIP plowing match. With tractors matching the party colours - the premier in a blue New Holland, Stiles in an orange Kubota, Liberal MPP Ted Hsu in a red Case, and Schreiner in John Deere green - they took turns making a couple passes at a field near the West Niagara fairgrounds.
Melvin Switzer, president of the Ontario Plowman’s Association, admitted there may have been one mistake made in bringing the IPM to Niagara in 2025.
“It’s been 99 years since it was on the Niagara Peninsula, and I hope we don’t have to wait another 99 years,” he said.
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