International Plowing Match & Rural Expo
“September 16 – 20, 2025 – Showcasing Agriculture and Community in Niagara!“
From September 16 to 20, 2025, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) returns to the Niagara Region for the first time in nearly a century. Hosted at the West Niagara Fairgrounds in Grassie, this landmark event—now in its 106th year—brings together agriculture, innovation, and rural heritage in one of Ontario’s most vibrant farming communities.
Plowing Competitions: Tradition Meets Technology
At the heart of the IPM are the plowing competitions, where skill and precision take center stage. Spectators can witness Horse-Drawn Plowing, Modern Tractor Plowing, and Antique Tractor Classes, each showcasing the evolution of farming techniques. Plowmen from across Canada, the U.S., and Europe will compete, demonstrating their expertise in creating straight, even furrows—a testament to both tradition and innovation.
Agricultural Exhibits and Educational Displays
The IPM offers a rich array of Agricultural Exhibits and Educational Displays that highlight the latest in farming practices and technologies. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, learn about sustainable agriculture, and engage with experts in the field. The event also features 4-H Youth Competitions, providing young agriculturists a platform to showcase their skills and knowledge.
Entertainment and Community Engagement
Beyond the fields, the IPM is a hub of entertainment and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy Live Music and Live Entertainment throughout the event, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages. The Ontario Queen of the Furrow Competition adds a touch of tradition and pageantry, celebrating young women who exemplify leadership in agriculture.
Tented City and Exhibitor Showcases
A highlight of the IPM is the Tented City, a bustling marketplace featuring over 500 exhibitors. Here, visitors can discover local crafts, agricultural products, and the latest in farming equipment. The Tented City serves as a central gathering place, offering a diverse range of goods and services that reflect the region’s agricultural richness.
Join the Celebration in Niagara
The 2025 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is more than an event; it’s a celebration of agricultural heritage and community resilience. Whether you’re a farmer, a student, or simply someone interested in rural life, the IPM offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for September 16 to 20 and be part of this extraordinary gathering in the heart of the Niagara Region.
About the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo
In short, the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) is a five-day celebration of agriculture and rural living. There are plowing competitions, a range of activities for people of all ages, numerous opportunities to learn about agriculture, near-constant live entertainment in multiple Match venues, hundreds of vendors and exhibitors (large and small equipment, lifestyle items and much more), a wide variety of food, an RV Park … the list goes on.
Hosting the IPM – heading into its 106th year – is a collaborative effort of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and a Local Committee. It’s held in a different community each year, highlighting the many great things the area has to offer and attracting on average 70,000+ people from across Ontario, throughout Canada, the United States and beyond.
Activities and entertainment offerings are a little different each year, as the Local Committee puts its own stamp on the IPM, showcasing important local contributions to agriculture and the rural lifestyle. The 2025 event will be held in Niagara Region, Ontario from September 16th to 20th. A team of dedicated local volunteers, alongside the OPA, is hard at work planning and organizing to make this an exceptional IPM.
Tourism industry figures put the economic impact of the IPM at about $25 million annually (not including the long-term benefits this kind of exposure provides to communities). It spurs tourism in the surrounding area for years to come.
More than that, profits generated by the IPM are donated to groups and organizations in the host communities.
It’s such an important event, the Provincial Legislature traditionally shuts down so MPPs can attend Opening Day.
An event of this scale would be impossible to put on without hundreds of volunteers and generous support from the business community. We have several sponsors and exhibitors who come with us as we move around the province.
