About Us

The Society was formed 100 years ago and in 2010 is putting on its 87th "Match".  It was originally formed by a group of Cheshire farmers to settle an argument about who had the best ploughmen and hedgelayers, this was in the days when large numbers of people were employed on the land and all the ploughing was done using horses.  It now tours the county and has a different venue every year, please see location for details. There have naturally been enormous changes during the last 100 years and the best way to see this is to visit

THE CHESHIRE PLOUGHING AND HEDGECUTTING MATCH

Wednesday, 29th September 2010

PICTON GORSE FARM, PICTON, CHESTER   CH2  4JU

by kind permission of the McConnell Family

The "Match" has something for everyone with an interest in the countryside.  Farming both old and new can be seen working in front of you, not just static exhibits but demonstrations and, of course, the competitions. We also have local refreshment stalls and a bar in which to whet your whistle.

Over 100 trade stands give a great insight into Cheshire farming, both for the professional and anyone with an interest in agriculture. This means The Cheshire Ploughing Match is the largest purely agricultural show in the county, if not the largest demonstration area in the northwest of England.  

The biggest attraction has to be the Horse Ploughing, it is a wonderful spectacle to see these magnificant horses at work. Another craft being kept alive and on the increase is Hedgelaying,  to see these men and women turning an old hedge into one that will last for years is worth the trip alone.

The standard of ploughing in the Vintage and Classic Tractors will as usual be very high, with approximately 100 entries this is one of the largest competitions in the country.

Come along and see the old and new together and have a day out you won't forget.

The Society also runs a Youth Match and courses on ploughing and hedgelaying in the winter months.  For further details please see events page