Hedgelaying and Ploughing Match to be held near Corscombe

The Hedgelaying and Ploughing Match has been an iconic event in the Melplash Agricultural Society's calendar since the society was established in the 19th century.

On Sunday, September 24 the 176th annual Melplash Agricultural Society Ploughing & Hedgelaying competition is taking place on land off the A356, near Corscombe, DT8 3SQ. 

For the first time ever, the society's President will be among the competitors.

The ploughing competition is divided into fourteen different classes including vintage, match, conventional, contractors challenge, young farmers, open, local and reversible with judges awarding marks for opening, straightness, even depth of ploughing, headlands, burial of trash and finishing.  

Alongside the ploughing match, the hedgelaying competition will run at the same time. 

The hedgelaying competition will run alongside the ploughing competition (Image: Andy Potter)Competitors are given six hours to lay 10 metres of hedge in Dorset Style (Image: Andy Potter)

Competitors are given six hours to lay 10 metres of hedge in Dorset Style. 

There are classes for individuals and pairs open to both novices and experienced hedgelayers, and also a mechanical flail hedge-cutting class.

Hedgelaying &  Ploughing Chairman, Tim Frampton said: “We are expecting a good number of entries this year in both the hedgelaying and ploughing classes. 

"We are also very pleased that the Society President, Michael Fooks,  will be competing in the ploughing match as he has done since he was a Beaminster Young Farmer some sixty years ago.

"As far as our records are concerned this is the first time ever that a President of the Society has participated. 

"We wish him and all the competitors a very good day. 

"Spectators are welcome, and we hope to see many of you there.” 

The event starts at 9.30am with the conclusions and results at 5 pm.  

It is free to attend and there will be refreshments available.