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Lake of the Woods, MN Chosen the Site of the 2019 World Ploughing Competition
Baudette, MN  (November 29, 2017)  Lake of the Woods in northern MN has been chosen as the site of the 2019 World Ploughing Competition.  Competitors, judges, dignitaries and spectators from 32 different countries will attend with the event taking place August 30-31, 2019 in Lake of the Woods County, MN.  “Lake of the Woods Tourism and the entire community are very excited and honored to be hosting this international event,” explains Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism.  “It is an honor for Minnesota and for our area to represent the U.S. to such a diverse and international group of visitors.”
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The World Ploughing Organization has roots dating back to 1954.  The world competition is held in a different country each year with this year’s event in Kenya, the 2018 event in Germany and 2019, the U.S.   The USA and World Ploughing Organizations considered numerous U.S. locations for the 2019 competition with Lake of the Woods being chosen the host site representing to the rest of the world.Lake of the Woods is known for its world class fishing, hunting, and other outdoor opportunities.  Most people don’t recognize this region as agricultural.  “Lake of the Woods County actually has over 40,000 acres of agricultural land.  Farmers in this region grow a variety of crops including rye grass, soybeans, canola, sunflowers and more.  The area is a top producer of rye grass seed that is shipped worldwide and is often used at the finest golf courses in the southern U.S.”John Gaard, President of the USA Plowing Organization says, “The USAPO is extremely excited for Lake of the Woods to host the 2019 World Ploughing Competition.   The USA last hosted the World Ploughing Competition in 1988, so we look forward to our ploughing friends from around the world coming back to the USA and experience the warm hospitality and superb ploughing conditions that the Lake of the Woods area has to offer.” Competitors utilize tractors and ploughs for the competition but are not allowed the use of modern technology such as a gps.  Conventional and Reversible ploughing are scored using various criteria including straightness, weed control, crown, uniformity and finish just to name a few. In the agricultural world, ploughing is a big deal and has strong interest.  It is anticipated large crowds will attend the competition, some coming from across the world, others driving from the Midwest or Canada.  Following the two day world competition, the U.S. Nationals, Antique, and other competitions will be held.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.  For more information, contact Joe Henry, Executive Director of Lake of the Woods Tourism at 320-260-7727 or by email at joe.henry@lakeofthewoodsmn.com.More details on the 2019 World Ploughing Competition at www.LakeoftheWoodsMN.com.