The Evolution of Rural Heritage Days
The first plowing match in the Slate River Valley was held on Oct. 12, 1927, on the John MacKay Hunt Farm on Lot 13, Concession 1, Paipoonge Township. The local agricultural representative at the time was Elgin Senn and he, along with the farmers in the Slate River Valley organized the Slate River Plowman's Association to host that first match. Thus began an activity that, with the exception of the WWII years, continues annually. For most of its 85 years the Match was hosted by various farmers but about 20 years ago that changed when the former Experimental Farm south of Rosslyn village was shut down; the land was made available to the municipality. Part of this property became the site for the annual plowing match so planning for the longer term was much easier.
Over the years there have been numerous changes to plow designs. After the horse drawn walking plow, came the three wheeled sulky and riding plow. Then drag plows were made to be pulled by tractors. As tractor horsepower increased, plows were improved further, with more furrows and semi-mount designs.
Many of these plows are in use or on display during the event. Indeed, plowing classes include all the different types of plowing equipment, even garden tractors! In the last two decades the antique tractor display has grown into a robust competition and parade, the largest in the area. Various categories are judged with prizes awarded.
Demonstrations are now a regular part of the two day show. A plot is seeded and then harvested as it would have been almost 100 years ago. A binder cuts and bundles the grain, the sheaves are stooked, a threshing machine separates the grain from the straw and grain grinders produce feed and flour. Other antique demonstrations include seed cleaning and a tractor dynamometer.
Tractor Rodeo is a fledgling but growing activity where tractor drivers demonstrate their skills.
Equipment from various time periods is on display and spectators will soon be able to watch a sawmill and planer at work.
Many of these plows are in use or on display during the event. Indeed, plowing classes include all the different types of plowing equipment, even garden tractors! In the last two decades the antique tractor display has grown into a robust competition and parade, the largest in the area. Various categories are judged with prizes awarded.
Demonstrations are now a regular part of the two day show. A plot is seeded and then harvested as it would have been almost 100 years ago. A binder cuts and bundles the grain, the sheaves are stooked, a threshing machine separates the grain from the straw and grain grinders produce feed and flour. Other antique demonstrations include seed cleaning and a tractor dynamometer.
Tractor Rodeo is a fledgling but growing activity where tractor drivers demonstrate their skills.
Equipment from various time periods is on display and spectators will soon be able to watch a sawmill and planer at work.
Thus the Slate River Plowing Match and activities associated with it, hosted by the Rural Heritage Agricultural Society, have evolved to become a two day agricultural event now known as Rural Heritage Days on the permanent site at the corner of Hwy #130 and Piper Road.
