Following the successful 2016 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) in Wellington County, Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece delivered a statement in the legislature.
On Sept. 26 he thanked event organizers and volunteers and spoke about some of the event’s highlights.
“The Town of Minto, in the County of Wellington, was home to this year’s Plowing Match,” Pettapiece said. “Tens of thousands of people – including MPPs of all parties – saw the importance of agriculture and our rural communities.”
IPM officials report more than 96,000 people attended the event, which ran from Sept. 20 to 24.
“For pulling off such a successful event, many people deserve our thanks: Chairman Ron Faulkner and the IPM Executive for their tireless dedication—and years of planning and preparation; the Ontario Plowmen’s Association; Anne and Earl Schneider, for welcoming us to their farm and hosting the IPM; other land owners who donated 1,200 acres to be used for the match; and finally, the countless volunteers, whose work make this event possible.”
In a Sept. 26 press release, Pettapiece quoted Wellington Advertiser publisher David Adsett, who stated, “Although agriculture remains a vital facet of Ontario’s economy, most residents are far enough removed from farm life that such an exhibition helps re-establish the connection between rural and urban residents.”
“I totally agree. It’s what makes the IPM such an important event for all of us,” stated Pettapiece in the release.
