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One of the most anticipated agricultural events of the summer is nearly upon us once again. The Hastings County Farm Show and Plowing Match is set to take place on August 22 and 23, revisiting a former host farm in 2012.

Donnandale Farms will be welcoming visitors once again. The site is located halfway between Belleville and Madoc right on highway 62. With great access and plenty of room, people will have an easy time getting to the site.

Over the years, the Hastings Match has come to be a "can’t miss" event for much of the farm community east of Toronto. As much a social event as a chance to see the latest in agricultural technology, everyone has a different reason for attending the show.

Over the years, some of the latest developments have been on display at this event, whether it was the earliest GPS systems or the latest in solar power technology, many times it was seen first at the Hastings County Farm Show. This year, extensive plots of both corn and soybeans have been planted with the latest planter technology and will be available for inspection along with the planter that planted each plot. Also, a demonstration of a computer tuning your tractor engine for maximum power and fuel economy will take place. Several tractors will actually be tuned with a computer and then dyno tested to show improvements in power.

The plowing aspect of the event is never forgotten either. Both horse and tractor plowing take place both days of the Match. Hastings County has a very active 4-H plowing club each year and their Achievement Day takes place at the match with each member plowing competitively. In the horse and tractor plowing, all parts of Ontario are represented with plowmen earning points toward IPM competition.

Antiques are well represented at the show. A large display of tractors, usually numbering close to 100, will be at the show and will take part in a parade through the grounds both days. As well, there will be steam threshing and other demonstrations ongoing throughout the day. The organizers of the antique area always have an excellent selection of different "older" farm equipment and tools.

The wood lot management area has an excellent program for both days of the show. With a lot of new landowners each year, there is great interest in how to get the maximum profit and best development from the wooded areas of the farm. From log sawing to tree planting, all aspects of forest management are covered.

An interesting family program is featured each day along with a large craft section. The children’s activity tent is always busy with many young agriculturists spending some time with different games and farm toys.

The Hastings County Queen of the Furrow is also chosen at the match. The winner will go on to represent The County at the IPM.

The Hastings County Farm Show and Plowing Match continues as one of the premiere farm events of the summer.

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