Ready, steady, plough!

The battle-ground is set for Saturday at Mayridge Farm which will see both young and experienced ploughmen each vying for points towards the National Championships of ploughing in 2015.
Some 40 contestants will compete in this year’s event from all across the country and for the first time in its history three horse-drawn teams, from Reading, Durham and Cornwall, are all in the competition.
Ploughing Match chairman Michael Bowden said: “Most farmers are well ahead of previous years – harvests are in, and they’ve started to plough and re-plant the land. The only bugbear is that good harvest globally have pushed prices very low. Despite that, hopes are high for a good 2015 crop. All we need is a drop of rain to soften the ground for perfect conditions for ploughing."
President of the Royal County of Berkshire Show who are hosting this year’s match Zoe Benyon said: “Ploughing is a fascinating process to watch and we’re expecting to see a strong turnout of farmers and families alike. There really will be something for everyone.”
Aside from the main event there will also be the local schools scarecrow contest which last year saw a record turn-out of more than 30 entries, a host of homemade food competitions and plenty of stalls and food to whet all appetites.
The ploughing is set to commence at 9am until 1pm and tickets are £5 per adults and free for under-16s.