International Plowing Match & Rural Expos ~ 100 Years of Success

Ontario Visited interview with
Virginia Govier,  Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA

Ontario Plowmen’s Association Parent Host of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County … interview with Ms. Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA

100 years of Success!

Ontario Visited is pleased to share my exciting interview with Ms. Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA for the “THE INSIDE SCOOP” about the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of visiting the yearly International Plowing Match & Rural Expo, Ontario Visited has two great articles posted on our website from previous visits. These articles will walk you through our journey and give you some insight as to what you might expect to experience yourself. (Please see LINK to view articles). The Ontario Plowmen’s Association Parent Host of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County. Check out the IPM website at (LINK).

From the OPA’s great website we learn …“The OPA is the parent host of the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM). Each year the OPA partners with a local plowing association to organize and host the IPM. The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo is a sanctioned member of the North American Farm Show Council. As such, it maintains the highest standards set by the council.

The organization of a provincial Association in 1911 gave life to branches all across the province.  The numbers grew until today we have 48 local plowing groups affiliated with the parent body: the Ontario Plowmen's Association (OPA). The OPA has a board of directors, representing Branch Associations, with membership varying in size from Branch to Branch. Each local association holds a yearly local plowing match.”

Virginia Govier tells us that part of the OPA Mandate includes creating and raising awareness and understanding of agriculture. One way OPA does this is through hosting the annual International Plowing Match & Rural Expo. This event encompasses the historical aspect of the Plowing through the generations, as well as providing a platform to present the newest innovations and technology to the visitors to the Expo. Their goal is also to educate the community, both for Rural and Urban visitors alike. The demographics of the Expo stay quite consistent with about 60% retired and Rural visitors, although they do try to attract Urban visitors. The OPA and IPM participants have a platform where their sense of pride resonates as they exemplify their knowledge and experiences. As a visitor, the Expo gives you an opportunity to learn what you would not necessarily know, an “eye opener” as Ontario Visited experienced. As the Expo is held during the week visitors often come for a family experience on the Saturday. Check out the IPM website at (LINK). Stayed tuned for more “SCOOP” …