The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Lynn Miller, editor/publisher of the Small Farmer’s Journal, published in Sisters, will be the announcer at the United States Plowing Contest being held at Carriage Hill MetroPark in Dayton, Ohio September 3, 4, & 5.

Miller has been farming with draft horses for over 30 years, and his skills as a teamster are recognized throughout the U.S.

Contestants will compete in four categories: the two-horse walking plow, the two-horse sulky plow, the three-horse sulky plow, and the multi-horse gangplow. Judges will rate the contestants based on depth of furrow, straightness of furrow, vertical and cleanliness of side wall furrow, and teamstership/sportsmanship.

Plowing contests were once a common event in rural America and are now making a comeback. Participants in the U.S. Plowing Contest will be coming from 18 states, and 4-5,000 spectators are expected to attend.

A variety of draft horse breeds will compete, as well as mules. In addition to the plowing competition, there will be driving demonstrations throughout the three-day event.