The annual Isle of Wight Ploughing Match took place on September 20 at Appleford, by kind permission of the Nunn Harvey Clarke estate.

More than 30 competitors were judged on the opening, uniformity, firmness and usability of the soil. Ploughing prepares the land for new crops, turning the soil to create a clean, weed‑free seedbed. Competitors were divided into classes for different tractors and ploughs, with this year’s champion, Ricky Attrill, winning the Match Plough class using his 1991 Ford tractor and Kverneland plough.

Alongside the ploughing, visitors enjoyed crop competitions, tractor rides, trade stands, a raffle and an auction.

The event was organised by a voluntary committee drawn from the IW Ploughing Association (IWPA) and supported by various sponsors.

Proceeds from the match, after costs and contingencies, are donated to charity. This year the Isle of Wight Ploughing Association chose the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIWAA), and was delighted to present a cheque for £2,000 thanks to strong public support and local sponsorship.