Glen Draper has been crowned overall champion of the 2026 Isle of Wight Ploughing Match, securing his 7th championship title more than 40 years after recording his first victory.
A fantastic turnout was recorded for the annual event, which took place at Tresslewood on Newport Road in Godshill on Saturday (19th September), by kind permission of Staples Vegetables Ltd.
A total of 33 competitors took part across 7 different classes, with tractors ranging from vintage machinery through to modern-day machines taking to the field.
It was Glen who ultimately took home the overall championship title, competing in the Veteran and Vintage Trailing class with his 1940 Fordson tractor and Ransomes plough.
The victory marks Glen’s 7th Isle of Wight Ploughing Match championship, with his first success coming back in 1985 – 41 years ago – when the event was held at Calbourne.
The Isle of Wight Ploughing Match has been an annual Island tradition since the 1940s and continues to showcase a skill which remains an important part of preparing land for new crops.
There is much more to competitive ploughing than simply creating the straightest line across a field.
Judges consider the straightness and uniformity of the work, whether competitors maintain an even depth and how effectively weeds, grass and stubble are buried.
The firmness of the furrows is also assessed, alongside the start, finish and overall appearance of each competitor’s plot.
The annual event also incorporates the Crops Competition Awards, recognising the work and skill involved in producing high-quality crops.
Behind the scenes, the Isle of Wight Ploughing Match Committee – made up of a small number of volunteers – works throughout the year to bring the event together.
Following this year’s successful match, the committee thanked everyone who attended and supported the event.
As well as celebrating the Isle of Wight’s agricultural traditions, the annual match raises money for good causes.
Mountbatten Hospice was selected as the chosen charity for 2026, with proceeds from the event set to be donated after costs have been covered.
The competition’s trophies will be formally presented this Saturday (26th September) at The Chequers Inn, with the presentation getting underway at 18:30.
