Celebrating leadership and excellence in Ontario agriculture
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 16 to Saturday, September 20.
GRASSIE, ON - [August 11, 2025] -Two long-standing traditions in Ontario agriculture recently came together in celebration as Jeff Due, the current Grape King proudly welcomed Taylor Legge, the reigning Ontario Queen of the Furrow to the heart of Niagara's wine country.
The Grape King - a title that has honoured Ontario's most outstanding grape grower since 1956 - symbolizes excellence in vineyard management and a deep commitment to the grape and wine industry.
Left to right: Jeff Due, Grape King and Taylor Legge, Ontario Queen of the Furrow 2024-2025. Photo Credit: Corinne Bosch
Selected through a rigorous evaluation process by industry experts from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the University of Guelph, the Grape King serves as an ambassador for Ontario grape growers, promoting innovation and advocacy within the sector.
Equally rich in tradition is the Ontario Queen of the Furrow program, which began in 1960 and is an integral part of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (I PM), held each fall in a different part of the province.
Organized by the Ontario Plowmen's Association (OPA) this prestigious competition recognizes young women who demonstrate strong agricultural knowledge, leadership qualities and community involvement. Competitors participate in plowing competitions, public speaking, interviews and community engagement, with the Ontario Queen of the Furrow representing both the OPA, the upcoming IPM and her local community throughout the year.
This special visit to Niagara by the reigning Ontario Queen of the Furrow represents the spirit of unity and shared values across Ontario's diverse agricultural communities. Both the Grape King and Queen of the Furrow are ambassadors of progress, stewardship and leadership, making their meeting a meaningful occasion for the entire industry.
"The Grape King and Ontario Queen of the Furrow may come from different parts of Ontario's agricultural landscape, but they share a passion for the land, excellence in their craft, and a dedication to the future of farming," said Debbie Zimmerman, Chief Executive Officer, Grape Growers of Ontario.
The meeting of Due and Legge is a reminder of the incredible talent and leadership emerging from Ontario's fields, farms, and vineyards. They will both be participating in the Opening Day parade which helps kick off the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in Niagara on Tuesday, September 16. The IPM runs from September 16 through 20 in Grassie, West Lincoln, Niagara Region, marking its first return to the area in almost 100 years. For more information and to purchase advance tickets be sure to visit www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2025.
About The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM)
The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) 2025 will take place from September 16 to September 20 at the West Niagara Fairgrounds and neighbouring farms in Grassie, part of the West Lincoln Township in the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Ontario. The IPM is a five-day celebration of agriculture and rural living. There will be plowing competitions, a range of activities for people of all ages, numerous opportunities to leam about agriculture, daily live entertainment in multiple Match venues, hundreds of vendors and exhibits, a wide variety of food, an RV park and more. For more information: WNW.plowingmatch.org/ipm2025/.
The Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA)
The Ontario Plowmen’s Association is the parent host of the International Plowing Match. Each year the OPA partners with a community to organize and host the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. For more information please visit https://www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2025/.
Quick Links
• Visitor Information: https:/lwww.plowingmatch .org/ipm2025/visitor-info/
• Volunteer Information: https://www.plowingmatch.org/ipm2025/get-involved/become-a-volunteer/