Newbury & District Agricultural Society Ploughing Match 2026
Event Date
17th Oct 2026
Horse Ploughing
RULES FOR HORSE PLOUGHING
1. There will be 4 hours to complete the plot.
2. All horses must be finished by 2.00pm.
3. All plough bodies must be used when ploughing the finish.
4. Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.
5. Competitors to cast towards the next highest plot number.
6. 15 minutes extra time for any cast-off done after the ploughing has commenced.
7. Start to consist of 8, 9 or 10 furrows.
8. Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
9. Minimum depth of 13 cm.
10. Finish to consist of 8,9 or 10 furrows.
11. Last furrow to be ploughed toward competitors own start.
12. Penalty for failing to finish plot at finishing signal. Penalty 10 points per minute or part minute.
13. All ploughmen must start at the same end, as designated by the organising committee.
14. The first and second runs next to the neighbour’s plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.
15. Three sighting poles only (one can be placed in the headland) – assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance is allowed – including no assistance by signal, radio contact, mobile phone or other method.
16. Handling, treading or shaping of furrows is not allowed. Scratches can be handled but not removed.
17. Only the competitor is allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones and other debris. Clearing of stubble is not allowed and will be penalised.
18. Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or fellow competitor is not acceptable. Penalty 20 points deduction.
19. Any questions arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Executive Committee, whose decision is final and binding.
Field Layout (subject to change depending on site)
1. Tramlines: Plots will be ploughed at 90 degrees across tramlines where possible.
2. Plot sizes applicable to Vintage
Length – Max. 100 metres; min. 60 metres
Width – Max. 16 metres; min. 12 metres
3. Headland width will be a minimum of 15 metres.
4. All classes will be ploughed on stubble.
1. There will be 4 hours to complete the plot.
2. All horses must be finished by 2.00pm.
3. All plough bodies must be used when ploughing the finish.
4. Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.
5. Competitors to cast towards the next highest plot number.
6. 15 minutes extra time for any cast-off done after the ploughing has commenced.
7. Start to consist of 8, 9 or 10 furrows.
8. Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
9. Minimum depth of 13 cm.
10. Finish to consist of 8,9 or 10 furrows.
11. Last furrow to be ploughed toward competitors own start.
12. Penalty for failing to finish plot at finishing signal. Penalty 10 points per minute or part minute.
13. All ploughmen must start at the same end, as designated by the organising committee.
14. The first and second runs next to the neighbour’s plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.
15. Three sighting poles only (one can be placed in the headland) – assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance is allowed – including no assistance by signal, radio contact, mobile phone or other method.
16. Handling, treading or shaping of furrows is not allowed. Scratches can be handled but not removed.
17. Only the competitor is allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones and other debris. Clearing of stubble is not allowed and will be penalised.
18. Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or fellow competitor is not acceptable. Penalty 20 points deduction.
19. Any questions arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Executive Committee, whose decision is final and binding.
Field Layout (subject to change depending on site)
1. Tramlines: Plots will be ploughed at 90 degrees across tramlines where possible.
2. Plot sizes applicable to Vintage
Length – Max. 100 metres; min. 60 metres
Width – Max. 16 metres; min. 12 metres
3. Headland width will be a minimum of 15 metres.
4. All classes will be ploughed on stubble.
Start At, 17/10/2026 09:00
Ploughing
To Be Confirmed (Judge)
Tractor Ploughing
Field Layout
1. Tramlines: Plots will be ploughed at 90 degrees across tramlines where possible.
2. Plot sizes applicable to Vintage
Length – Max. 100 metres; min. 60 metres
Width – Max. 16 metres; min. 12 metres
3. Headland width will be a minimum of 15 metres.
4. All classes will be ploughed on stubble.
RULES FOR TRACTOR PLOUGHING
1. PLOUGHS
a) Ploughs to be fitted with skimmers.
b) Tailpieces are allowed. In reversible and conventional ploughing – the maximum size to be 26cm long and 22cm wide. The end of the tailpiece to be no more than 32cm from the end of the mouldboard.
c) Plough bodies can be raised or lowered.
d) All plough bodies must be used when ploughing the finish.
e) Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.
f) In vintage hydraulic and classic ploughing, only one plough wheel allowed.
2. TIME ALLOWED
a) 20 minutes for opening. Penalty for failure to finish opening on time 2 points per minute or part minute.
b) 40 minutes to judge opening.
c) 3 hours to complete the plot.
d) All tractor ploughing to be finished by 1.00pm
e) 15 minutes extra time for any cast-off done after the ploughing has commenced.
f) Penalty for failing to finish plot at finishing signal. Penalty 10 points per minute or part minute.
3. OPENING
a) Conventional and horticultural ploughing – double opening – no land shall be left unturned.
b) Reversible ploughing – single furrow opening with right-hand bodies.
c) In vintage ploughing on grassland only – there is no opening. Is this applicable to us?
4. START
a) Conventional ploughing – start to consist of 11 or 12 furrows.
b) Reversible ploughing – start to consist of 8, 9 or 10 furrows.
c) Horticultural ploughing – start to consist of first 6 furrows.
d) Competitors to cast towards the next highest number plot.
5. FINISH
a) Conventional & vintage ploughing finish to consist of last 8, 9 or 10 furrows.
b) Reversible ploughing finish to consist of last 18, 20 or 25 furrows. Incorrect number of furrows penalty 20 points deduction.
c) Horticultural ploughing – finish to consist of last 6 furrows.
d) In conventional & vintage ploughing the last furrow to be ploughed towards competitor’s own start.
6. DEPTH
a) Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
b) Reversible and conventional tractor ploughing – minimum depth 20cm.
c) Classic vintage tractor ploughing – minimum depth 17cm.
d) Trailing and hydraulic vintage tractor ploughing – minimum depth 15cm.
7. ONE-WAY PLOUGHING – REVERSIBLE PLOUGHS
The competitor should make a scratch for their last 19 or 20 furrows whilst openings are being judged.
a) After the opening split has been judged, the competitor proceeds to:
i) Plough 8 or 9 furrows toward the lower numbered plot.
ii) Start at the next highest number and complete their ‘butts’.
iii) Complete the last 19 or 20 furrows
b) Alternate bodies to be used at all times. Each run to be completed before the plough is turned over.
c) The use of sighting poles at the start of the butts is now allowed.
d) When ploughing the butts, competitors cannot travel to the end of the plot to turn.
NOTE: When ploughing the joining furrow, attachments are not allowed, but it is permissible to how one or two full furrows on the first run.
8. VINTAGE & CLASSIC PLOUGHING
a) Plough bodies must be made for the plough at the time of manufacture.
b) Skimmers and tailpieces optional.
c) Tailpieces should not be adapted to manipulate the furrows or scratches.
9. GENERAL
a) All ploughmen must start at the same end, as designated by the organising committee.
b) The first and second runs next to the neighbour’s plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.
c) Rolling with the tractor wheels is not allowed. Penalty 20 points deducted.
d) Twin tractor wheels not allowed.
e) Three sighting poles only (one can be on the headland) – assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance is allowed – including no assistance by signal, radio contact, mobile phone or any other method.
f) Handling, treading or shaping of scratches or furrows is not allowed.
g) Only one tractor and plough wheel mark allowed at the finish.
h) The use of Global Positioning Technology (GPS), laser beams, or any other electronic or computerised measuring devices are not allowed.
i) Only the competitor is allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones or debris. Clearing of stubble is not allowed and will be penalised.
j) Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or a fellow competitor is not acceptable. Penalty 20 points deduction.
10. FINAL DECISION
Any questions arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Executive Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.
JUDGES METHOD OF SCORING
CONVENTIONAL PLOUGHING
OPENING – Well cut, uniform and straight 20
START – 11 or 12 furrows uniform and straight 20
SEED BED – Weed control and soil made available 20
FIRMNESS – Firm well packed furrows, no holes 20
UNIFORMITY – Clearly defined uniform furrows and no pairing of furrows 20
FINISH – Uniform and shallow 20
INS AND OUTS – Neat, accurate and regular 20
STRAIGHTNESS – Straightness of the whole plot 20
GENERAL APPEARANCE – Workmanship and general appearance of the whole plot 20
REVERSIBLE PLOUGHING
OPENING – Well cut, uniform and straight 20
START – 8 or 9 furrows uniform and level 20
SEED BED – Weed control and soil made available 20
FIRMNESS – Firm well packed furrows, no holes 20
UNIFORMITY – Clearly defined uniform furrows and no pairing 20
JOINING FURROW AND BUTTS – Neat, accurate with no dips or mounds 20
FINISH – (last 19 or 20 furrows) Uniform and shallow 20
ACCURACY OF FINAL FURROW – Close to the first furrow with no unploughed or reploughed land 20
INS AND OUTS – Neat, accurate and regular 20
STRAIGHTNESS – Straightness of the whole plot 20
GENERAL APPEARANCE – Workmanship and general appearance of the whole plot 20
1. Tramlines: Plots will be ploughed at 90 degrees across tramlines where possible.
2. Plot sizes applicable to Vintage
Length – Max. 100 metres; min. 60 metres
Width – Max. 16 metres; min. 12 metres
3. Headland width will be a minimum of 15 metres.
4. All classes will be ploughed on stubble.
RULES FOR TRACTOR PLOUGHING
1. PLOUGHS
a) Ploughs to be fitted with skimmers.
b) Tailpieces are allowed. In reversible and conventional ploughing – the maximum size to be 26cm long and 22cm wide. The end of the tailpiece to be no more than 32cm from the end of the mouldboard.
c) Plough bodies can be raised or lowered.
d) All plough bodies must be used when ploughing the finish.
e) Extraneous attachments that manipulate the furrows or scratches are not allowed.
f) In vintage hydraulic and classic ploughing, only one plough wheel allowed.
2. TIME ALLOWED
a) 20 minutes for opening. Penalty for failure to finish opening on time 2 points per minute or part minute.
b) 40 minutes to judge opening.
c) 3 hours to complete the plot.
d) All tractor ploughing to be finished by 1.00pm
e) 15 minutes extra time for any cast-off done after the ploughing has commenced.
f) Penalty for failing to finish plot at finishing signal. Penalty 10 points per minute or part minute.
3. OPENING
a) Conventional and horticultural ploughing – double opening – no land shall be left unturned.
b) Reversible ploughing – single furrow opening with right-hand bodies.
c) In vintage ploughing on grassland only – there is no opening. Is this applicable to us?
4. START
a) Conventional ploughing – start to consist of 11 or 12 furrows.
b) Reversible ploughing – start to consist of 8, 9 or 10 furrows.
c) Horticultural ploughing – start to consist of first 6 furrows.
d) Competitors to cast towards the next highest number plot.
5. FINISH
a) Conventional & vintage ploughing finish to consist of last 8, 9 or 10 furrows.
b) Reversible ploughing finish to consist of last 18, 20 or 25 furrows. Incorrect number of furrows penalty 20 points deduction.
c) Horticultural ploughing – finish to consist of last 6 furrows.
d) In conventional & vintage ploughing the last furrow to be ploughed towards competitor’s own start.
6. DEPTH
a) Depth to be reached on completion of start and adhered to until commencing the finish.
b) Reversible and conventional tractor ploughing – minimum depth 20cm.
c) Classic vintage tractor ploughing – minimum depth 17cm.
d) Trailing and hydraulic vintage tractor ploughing – minimum depth 15cm.
7. ONE-WAY PLOUGHING – REVERSIBLE PLOUGHS
The competitor should make a scratch for their last 19 or 20 furrows whilst openings are being judged.
a) After the opening split has been judged, the competitor proceeds to:
i) Plough 8 or 9 furrows toward the lower numbered plot.
ii) Start at the next highest number and complete their ‘butts’.
iii) Complete the last 19 or 20 furrows
b) Alternate bodies to be used at all times. Each run to be completed before the plough is turned over.
c) The use of sighting poles at the start of the butts is now allowed.
d) When ploughing the butts, competitors cannot travel to the end of the plot to turn.
NOTE: When ploughing the joining furrow, attachments are not allowed, but it is permissible to how one or two full furrows on the first run.
8. VINTAGE & CLASSIC PLOUGHING
a) Plough bodies must be made for the plough at the time of manufacture.
b) Skimmers and tailpieces optional.
c) Tailpieces should not be adapted to manipulate the furrows or scratches.
9. GENERAL
a) All ploughmen must start at the same end, as designated by the organising committee.
b) The first and second runs next to the neighbour’s plot will be allowed as straightening furrows and will not be judged.
c) Rolling with the tractor wheels is not allowed. Penalty 20 points deducted.
d) Twin tractor wheels not allowed.
e) Three sighting poles only (one can be on the headland) – assistance to set and remove is allowed. No other assistance is allowed – including no assistance by signal, radio contact, mobile phone or any other method.
f) Handling, treading or shaping of scratches or furrows is not allowed.
g) Only one tractor and plough wheel mark allowed at the finish.
h) The use of Global Positioning Technology (GPS), laser beams, or any other electronic or computerised measuring devices are not allowed.
i) Only the competitor is allowed to clean the plot of straw, stones or debris. Clearing of stubble is not allowed and will be penalised.
j) Any abuse or dispute by a competitor with an official or a fellow competitor is not acceptable. Penalty 20 points deduction.
10. FINAL DECISION
Any questions arising and not provided for in these rules shall be decided by the Executive Committee, whose decision shall be final and binding.
JUDGES METHOD OF SCORING
CONVENTIONAL PLOUGHING
OPENING – Well cut, uniform and straight 20
START – 11 or 12 furrows uniform and straight 20
SEED BED – Weed control and soil made available 20
FIRMNESS – Firm well packed furrows, no holes 20
UNIFORMITY – Clearly defined uniform furrows and no pairing of furrows 20
FINISH – Uniform and shallow 20
INS AND OUTS – Neat, accurate and regular 20
STRAIGHTNESS – Straightness of the whole plot 20
GENERAL APPEARANCE – Workmanship and general appearance of the whole plot 20
REVERSIBLE PLOUGHING
OPENING – Well cut, uniform and straight 20
START – 8 or 9 furrows uniform and level 20
SEED BED – Weed control and soil made available 20
FIRMNESS – Firm well packed furrows, no holes 20
UNIFORMITY – Clearly defined uniform furrows and no pairing 20
JOINING FURROW AND BUTTS – Neat, accurate with no dips or mounds 20
FINISH – (last 19 or 20 furrows) Uniform and shallow 20
ACCURACY OF FINAL FURROW – Close to the first furrow with no unploughed or reploughed land 20
INS AND OUTS – Neat, accurate and regular 20
STRAIGHTNESS – Straightness of the whole plot 20
GENERAL APPEARANCE – Workmanship and general appearance of the whole plot 20
Start At, 17/10/2026 09:00
Ploughing
To Be Confirmed (Judge)
Have a Go (aged 13 - 20 years)
Competitors must have experience of handling a tractor, but do not need to have ploughed before. Tractor and plough will be provided for this competition.
Not Before, 17/10/2026 09:00
Ploughing
To Be Confirmed (Judge)
Domestic Competitions
RULES FOR HOME PRODUCE
1. Entries to these classes are free of charge.
2. All exhibits to be delivered to the ploughing match site by 9.30am.
3. Entries to be accompanied by a list of ingredients used.
4. All produce to be covered in cling film.
5. ALL produce will be auctioned off prior to the prize giving on the day, funds donated to the Presidents chosen charity.
The judge’s decision is final
1. Entries to these classes are free of charge.
2. All exhibits to be delivered to the ploughing match site by 9.30am.
3. Entries to be accompanied by a list of ingredients used.
4. All produce to be covered in cling film.
5. ALL produce will be auctioned off prior to the prize giving on the day, funds donated to the Presidents chosen charity.
The judge’s decision is final
Start At, 17/10/2026 08:30
Ploughing
To Be Confirmed (Judge)
