The winners of the 2026 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) Beautification Contest were celebrated Wednesday evening at the Beautification Awards Banquet in
Cargill.
Sponsored by Sprucedale Agromart, the contest invited residents, farms and businesses across Bruce County to showcase their properties and help build excitement for the International Plowing Match, which takes place September 22 to 26 near Walkerton.
With 50 entries across seven categories, the contest highlighted the creativity, pride and agricultural heritage found throughout Bruce County. Categories included Business, Spirit of the Match, Century Farm, Garden, Farmstead, Barn Quilt, and Urban or Rural Home.
“The response to this contest has been fantastic,” said Gord Lang, Chairman of the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. “These displays do more than show off our communities — they show the pride people have in where they live, work and farm. We’re grateful to everyone who took part and helped make Bruce County ready to welcome the Match.”
The contest also offered entrants the opportunity to receive a truly unique prize. Frieburger Welding created three exclusive garden feature designs specifically for the Beautification Competition. Designed to develop a natural rusted patina over time, the pieces will serve as lasting reminders of the entrants’ role in showcasing Bruce County for the 2026 IPM.
“The judges had an incredibly difficult job,” said Jen Legge, Chair of the Beautification Committee. “Every entrant helped showcase what makes Bruce County so special.”
Business
Third: Grey Bruce Sod Supply, South Bruce Peninsula
Second: Equipment Ontario, Mildmay
First: McCullough Tire Craft, Paisley
Spirit of the Match
Third: Pennie and Smoker Wilhelm, Chepstow
Second: Dawn Brunton, Port Elgin
First: Marianne and Jim Batte, south of Formosa
Century Farm
Third: Brent and Cheryl Leifso, Elmwood
Second: Merv Reinhart, Mildmay
First: Dennis Schiestel and Lisa Thompson, Ambleside
Garden
Third: Don and Eileen Muegge, Walkerton
Second: Scheurwater Dairy Goats, Teeswater
First: Monica Valad, Chepstow
Farmstead
Third: Cindy Vincent and Joseph Oberle, Glemsford Meadows near
Neustadt
Second: Monica Valad, Chepstow
First: Paisley Allen Johnson, Maple Lane Orchards, Arkwright
Barn Quilt
Third: Brian and Patricia Gutscher, Formosa
Second: Vicki McKague, Teeswater
First: John and Debbie Davis, Walkerton
Urban or Rural Home
Third: Susan and Andy Dales, west of Teeswater
Second: Shawn and Kristine Lawrence, Lawrence’s Green Acres,
South Bruce Peninsula
First: Ralph and Sandra Pitt, Cargill
The Beautification Committee extends its congratulations to all of the winners and thanks every entrant for helping showcase Bruce County as the community prepares to welcome the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. A display featuring the Beautification Contest entrants will be featured in the Sprucedale Agromart tent during the Match.
Organized in partnership with the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and held in a different host community each year, the IPM attracts visitors from across the province and beyond to experience championship plowing competitions, interactive exhibits, local food, live entertainment and hands-on demonstrations that showcase the strength and diversity of Ontario agriculture and rural life.
Mark your calendars and be sure to attend this year’s IPM 2026 held just outside of Walkerton, Bruce County from September 22 to 26. For more information contact brucecountyipm@gmail.com or visit plowingmatch.org/ipm2026/
