Lambton County ends bid to stage 2027 International Plowing Match

The International Plowing Match in Dufferin County is seen in September 2023: (CTV News Barrie)

Lambton County has informed the Ontario Plowmen’s Association it will no longer serve as host for the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM).

The event was to be held from Sept. 21 to 25 in Brigden, about 20 minutes north east of Sarnia.

“We were unable to successfully negotiate and finalize a hosting agreement that was mutually beneficial for all parties and have decided it is in everyone’s best interest to conclude those discussions and allow time for provincial event organizers to discuss alternative host sites outside of Lambton County,” read a statement from Committee Chair Dennis Bryson.

After working for nearly a year on various planning efforts, Bryson’s statement went on to say, “We are grateful to the local volunteers who eagerly came forward to volunteer in any capacity for the 2027 IPM... While our volunteer work will not result in the hosting of an IPM, it has resulted in new friendships and acquaintances and we were pleased to see the willingness of our friends and neighbours to volunteer alongside of us.”

Southwestern Ontario is also home to the 2026 IPM set to take place in in Walkerton from Sept. 16-20.