The plough is one of the oldest tillage tools known.
One of the oldest ploughs known to exist (said to date from 2000 BC) is a testament to the timelessness of this tillage practice. The first ploughs were little more than crooked sticks with one or more prongs digging into the soil. Later, animals or humans were harnessed to a pole, with a short stub of a branch on one end.
By Roman times, wooden ploughs that somewhat resemble our modern ploughs, were pulled with oxen. Later wheels were added to the beam in order to control the depth of ploughing more easily. With the easier manufacture of steel, the use of steel ploughs became common.
Why Plough
One of the oldest and most valuable tillage tools of agricultural history, the plough has transformed millions of acres of land into a productive seedbed. Through the ages, good ploughing has been soils best friend, initially by:
· preparing a seedbed with a top layer of soil that could easily
surround the newly planted seed and encourage germination,
· helping to control weeds,
· assisting in the degradation of mulch into organic matter,
· increasing water retention, and
· improving soil aeration.
In more recent times new innovative equipment designs and increased power have allowed these requirements to be expanded and modified to meet an expanding list of tillage, cropping, conservation, and environmental practices, including:
• soil conservation through the control of water and wind erosion;
• improved secondary tillage
• energy conservation through reduced tillage practices;
• chemical weed control;
• precision seed placement, into and through crop residue.
When ploughing, a farmer is a part of a fraternity that spans many continents and generations. Plowing contests are more than turning over soil, they are a celebration of tradition, of agriculture, and of friendships.
Classes
Class 1: Horse Class – Jointer Plow-Open
Class 1A: Horse Class-Jointer Plow-Amateur
(If competitor has previously
won first or second in this class,
they must move to Class 1)
Class 1B: Sulky Plow
Class 2: 2 Furrow Mounted Plow-Open (open split required)
Class 3: 2 Furrow mounted Plow-Amateur (open split NOT required)
Groups for classes 2 & 3 are:
Group A: 15 years and under
Group B: 16 to 20 years
Group C: 21 years and older
Class 4: 3 Furrow Plow-Open (open split required)
Class 5: 3 Furrow Amateur Class (open split NOT required)
Class 6: 4 + Furrow Amateur Class (open split NOT required)
Groups for classes 4, 5, & 6 are:
Group A: 20 years and under
Group B: 21 years and older
Class 7: Antique Tractor Class (open split required)
Trail Plows:
Group A: prior to 1945
Group B: 1946 to 1960
Group C: plowman under 15 years (open split NOT required)
Class 8: Antique Mounted Plow