Joint Media Release: Bruce County and the Municipality of Brockton Partner to Showcase Community Spirit at the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo

Bruce County, Ontario: Bruce County and the Municipality of Brockton are proud to support the 2026 International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo, taking place September 22–26, 2026, in Walkerton. For five days, the County and Municipality will welcome visitors from across Ontario — and beyond — to experience a joint showcase highlighting the region’s agricultural heritage, innovation, and vibrant community.

Hosted by the local International Plowing Match & Rural Expo Committee and the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, the IPM is one of Canada’s largest outdoor agricultural events. Occurring in a different community each year, the event brings together farming traditions, education, demonstrations, entertainment, and rural experiences for all ages.

“The International Plowing Match is an opportunity to celebrate what makes Bruce County and Brockton special,” said Bruce County Warden, Luke Charbonneau “By working together on a shared showcase, we are highlighting the people, partnerships, and spirit that define our community. It’s an honour to work together to welcome everyone to experience an event with such deep roots in Ontario’s agricultural story.”

The schedule for the IPM is already taking shape, offering worldclass plowing competitions, agricultural demonstrations, live entertainment, food, and family friendly attractions. Advance tickets, family passes and reservations for accommodation onsite in the official IPM 2026 RV Park is available online.

“Hosting the International Plowing Match in Walkerton is a point of pride for Brockton,” said Chis Peabody, Mayor of the Municipality of Brockton. “This event reflects the strength of our agricultural roots and the welcoming spirit of our community. We are pleased to work alongside Bruce County and the IPM Committee to feature Brockton as a place that values tradition, collaboration, and rural excellence.”

Gord Lang, Chair of the 2026 IPM is quick to note the opportunities available for local businesses, organizations, service groups and artisans to get involved. 

“The success of the International Plowing Match depends on strong local partnerships. The support from Bruce County and the Municipality of Brockton is instrumental in creating a memorable experience. There’s also fantastic opportunity for the participation of exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers who will further enrich the experience for visitors, while highlighting everything this region has to offer,” enthused Lang.

Businesses, agricultural organizations, artisans, and community groups who choose to participate as exhibitors will see thousands of attendees throughout the five day event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available to support the 2026 IPM while offering massive exposure to the diverse audience in attendance.

For complete details on attending including purchasing tickets, RV Park reservations, as well as exhibition, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2026 .

About the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo

The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo is organized by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and promotes agriculture, agri business, education, and rural tourism. The event brings together tradition and innovation through competitions, demonstrations, exhibits, and entertainment, attracting visitors from across Ontario and beyond.

About Bruce County:

Bruce County is an upper-tier municipality in Southwestern Ontario, Canada made up of eight lower-tier municipalities and 77,221 residents. Bruce County is located within the traditional territory of the Saugeen Anishnaabek and holds a government-to-government relationship with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation, together as Saugeen Ojibway Nation. The explorers who visit, live, and work here are the dreamers who take roads less travelled and see tried and true as an invitation to try something new. Be an Explorer and call Bruce County home.

About the Municipality of Brockton:

The Municipality of Brockton is a vibrant and growing community in Bruce County, Ontario, known for its strong agricultural roots, thriving business sector, and welcoming small-town quality of life. Brockton is home to the communities of Walkerton, Elmwood, Chepstow and Cargill, and offers a range of recreational, cultural, and economic opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Walker
Media Spokesperson
2026 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo
226-668-4843
bwalker@bmts.com

Nicole Griffin
Communications Manager
Bruce County
226-668-5969
ngriffin@brucecounty.on.ca

Christine Brandt
Community Development Coordinator
Municipality of Brockton
519-881-2223 Ext. 131
cbrandt@brockton.ca