The ploughing match is one of the great constants of rural life in the South East. Whatever the season has brought, whatever the markets have done, September means competition, community and the particular pleasure of watching a well-turned furrow. This year we’re attending four matches across Kent and Sussex, and we’d love to see you there.
Weald of Kent Ploughing Match – Saturday 12 September
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match, and we’re marking the occasion with our biggest stand of the season. We’ll be ringside at Hengherst Farm, Woodchurch, near Ashford, serving refreshments and welcoming visitors throughout the day. By kind permission of John and Gillian Weller, the Lovejoy Farm Partnership and the Heathcote Family.
Laughton Ploughing Match – Wednesday 16 September
A mid-week fixture and one of the friendliest events in the calendar. Find us at Houndean Field, Brighton Road, Lewes, by kind permission of EJ Brickell and Sons.
Petworth Ploughing Match – Saturday 26 September
The Petworth match takes us to Drungewick Hill Farm, Loxwood, near Billingshurst in West Sussex. By kind permission of Mr Peter Foulger and Simon Carter Farms.
Hurstpierpoint Ploughing Match – Sunday 27 September
The final event of our ploughing match season, and a fitting one to end on. We’ll be at Plumpton College, Ditchling Road, Plumpton, East Sussex – a venue with strong connections to the agricultural community we work alongside every day. By kind permission of Plumpton College.
What to expect from the BM team
At each event you’ll find the Batcheller Monkhouse team on hand for a conversation about whatever is on your mind. Whether that’s Inheritance Tax and succession planning, Natural Capital opportunities on your land, the local property market or anything else affecting your farm or estate, we’re there to listen and talk it through.
There will also be the chance to enter our free prize draw on the day.
A word on this year’s season
The agricultural landscape is changing quickly. IHT reform, the transition away from BPS payments, the emergence of Natural Capital markets and ongoing uncertainty around farm rents are all reshaping the decisions landowners and farmers are having to make. The ploughing match remains one of the best places to have those conversations informally, away from the office, with people who understand the land.
We’ve been part of this community for a long time. If there’s something on your mind, come and find us.
Talk to Us
Come and find the Batcheller Monkhouse team at one of our four ploughing match fixtures this September. We’re happy to talk through anything from IHT and succession planning to Natural Capital and the local property market.