Andrew Griffith MP attended the West Grinstead & District Ploughing Match on Saturday (17th September), one of the highlights of the West Sussex agricultural calendar.
This year marks 150 years of the West Grinstead and District Ploughing and Agricultural Society’s event. The Society is pro-active in promoting the interests of the local farming community and showcasing the work of ploughmen. It also celebrates the important contribution that agriculture makes to food production.
Andrew joined visitors at Field Farm in Dial Post to see new and traditional farming methods, tour the trade and local produce stands, and watch events which were held against the backdrop of a village fair.
There were around 60 vintage and modern tractor and ploughs competing in a range of classes. William Tupper of Bignor Farm was awarded overall Champion Ploughman.
During his visit, Andrew met with the Arun to Adur Farmers Group – a voluntary group of 28 small and large holdings. Their focus is on the conservation of over 25,000 acres of the chalk downs between the River Arun and the River Adur. Projects include improving soil health and conserving a range of high priority wildlife species including the water vole, grey partridge, lapwing and butterflies.
Frans de Boer, the Society’s Chairman said:
“Great thanks are owed to all of the Committee and Supporters for their hard work in organising a very successful day and a great new site for the Match. Out of respect to our late and great Queen, two one-minute periods of silence were held during the day.”
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“The West Grinstead & District Ploughing Match event is a wonderful showcase of talent, skill and dedication to the land – demonstrated by the farmers themselves – which connects the public with food production. The South Downs is blessed with an abundance of wonderful produce and this farming event reminds of this fact.”
ENDS
Notes
- Photograph 1 – Andrew with a tractor at the West Grinstead and District Ploughing Match 2022.
- Photograph 2 - Andrew with Tammy Harris of Arun to Adur Farmer’s Group, and Paul Crawley a tenant farmer in Slindon.
- For more information about West Grinstead and District Ploughing Match Society please see https://www.westgrinsteadploughing.co.uk/.
