2023 joint ploughing match set for Aubrey Farm on Keyhaven Road

AGRICULTURAL workers and farmers will do battle in a traditional New Forest ploughing match at Keyhaven on Saturday.

Taking place at Aubrey Farm on Keyhaven Road, this year the popular event will raise money for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Host for the day is Simeon Morgan and his wife Lisa.

Now in its 61st year, the joint ploughing match is organised by Lymington Growmore Club, South Avon and Stour Agricultural Society and the Young Farmers clubs of Brockenhurst, Avon and Beaulieu.

Joint plough match secretary Tania Niccolls said: “Originally this age-old annual tradition was set up for the local farming employees to show off their skills.

“It is now enjoyed by the club members and also ploughmen from other counties including the Isle of Wight, who have made the farming practice into a hobby. Ploughing starts at 8.30am.”

“It is open to the public to have a look at several ploughmen working plots at the same time, competing against each other.”

The public can also enjoy a free tractor and trailer ride around the site and learn about the skills required to produce the champion plougher of the day.

Tania added: “Vintage tractors from 1939 using a trailed plough, to modern day giant tractors with large reversible ploughs are all competing to achieve the best ploughing. This year we are hoping to have working horses too!”