Down on the farm

By: centraljersey.com
Howell Living History Farm will hold its 27th annual Plowing Match on Sept. 4 from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to watch and participate in the event, which features old-fashioned plowing and log pulling competitions, a craft and pony rides for children, and lots of food, music and old-fashioned fun.
A dozen teams of draft animals from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York are entered in the match, which tests the performance of farmers, their horses and oxen, and their plows as they turn furrows. Judging will take place from 10 a.m.- noon, conducted by Elvin Lapp of Kinzers, Pa. Winners of the Fine Plowing Class will receive trophies, ribbons and cash prizes.
Members of the general public (16 and older) can try plowing in a Novice Class at 11 a.m. Experienced plowers without horses may use a Howell Farm hitch to compete in the Old Timer Class at 10:30 a.m. Persons entering either of these classes must register at the announcement stand by 10:15 a.m. Winners receive ribbons and caps.
Children’s activities will be offered from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., including pony rides and a craft program, "Fishing Pole Game." Cost is $3. Sheep, chickens and pigs can be seen in the farmyard area all day.
Beginning at noon, hungry plowers and visitors can lunch on roast pork sandwiches, a chicken barbecue, Kosher franks and Howell Farm potatoes and sweet corn.
Noontime festivities will include music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band, door prizes, plowing award presentations, and demonstrations by the New Jersey Museum of Agriculture.
At 2:15 p.m., visitors can watch as teamsters use their animals to navigate an obstacle course.
Cash prizes for professional classes are furnished by the Friends of Howell Farm, and made possible through donations from Janssen Pharmaceutica of Hopewell Township, Trap Rock Industries of Kingston and J. & G. Conard of Flemington.
Raindate for the Plowing Match is Sept. 11.
Howell Farm is located on Valley Road. Parking and admission are free. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 737-3299 or visit www.howellfarm.org.