Ploughing Championships celebrate farming tradition

Image caption, Sue Frith from the Society of Ploughmen organises the National Championships

Almost 240 competitors gathered in Atherstone for the 75th British Annual Ploughing Championships.

The event brought together ploughmen and women from across the country to compete for national titles and showcase their skills.

Sue Frith, chief executive of the Society of Ploughmen, said the championships helped bring the farming community together and gave visitors an insight into the country's agricultural heritage.

"We're delighted to be celebrating it here in Warwickshire," she said.

"It gets everybody together in the farming community. It brings all the ploughmen and women from throughout the country together and it shows visitors the changes in our farming heritage."

The event takes place over the weekend on a farm near Twycross Zoo, and has seen competitors taking part in a range of classes, with those winning the elite Class 1 and Class 2 British titles earning the chance to compete at the World Ploughing Championships.

Image caption, James Witty was the 2025 World Conventional Ploughing Champion

James Witty, the 2025 World Conventional Ploughing Champion, said success in the sport required considerable time, dedication and skill.

"I'd like to say it's really easy and anyone can do it, but the truth is it's like anything you do when you try to be the best – it's an immense amount of time and dedication," he said.

"There is skill involved, but for me the biggest thing that makes the difference is what are you prepared to do? How much time are you prepared to dedicate?"

While the championships celebrated traditional farming skills, the event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the difficulties faced by farmers.

The UK's hot summer, prolonged dry conditions and a challenging harvest, had added to the pressures on the agricultural sector.

Organisers said events such as the British Annual Ploughing Championships were important for celebrating traditional skills and recognising the contribution farmers made to society.

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Related internet linksSociety of Ploughmen