What's new in agriculture? International Plow expo to showcase latest tech

The 2018 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is expected to draw visitors from all over the world to Pain Court, Ont.

More than 80,000 people are expected at the event

CBC News Posted: Sep 06, 2018 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: September 6, 2018

World's fastest-plowing horses? The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo in Chatham-Kent is set for September. This year, organizers are hoping to set some world records like making the world's largest smoothie, box of popcorn and skewer of vegetables. (International Plowing Match & Rural Expo Chatham-Kent)

"The advances in technology that we see in our homes the same technology advances occurred in agriculture," said Jean Marie Laprise, the host farmer ofthe International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.

That technology will be on display during theexpowhich will take place from Sept. 18-22 in Chatham-Kent, Ont.

International Plow match aims to set Guinness records in Chatham-Kent

"Everything is done on GPS. The tractors drive themselves. If you're a young techie, go learn something about agriculture and you'll have a job for life."

More than 80,000 people are expected at the event, spending their money across southwestern Ontario.

"It means multi-million dollars. I would say fiveor six million dollars minimum ... It could be upwards of 15 million dollars of economic spin-off coming from here," said event co-chair Darrin Canniff.

Take a look at what's to come at the 101st International Plowing Match and Rural Expo:

Theres going to be 1,000 volunteers here for the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.

Theyre expecting 80,000+ people to visit over five days.

And theyre looking to break a few Guinness World Records.

It all starts Sept 18th. pic.twitter.com/yHMI10fggW
—@ChrisEnsingCBC

This isnt Chatham-Kents first rodeo (yes, theres a rodeo).

The region hosted the @IPM2018 39 years ago.

Now its back in Pain Court.

And heres this years host family. pic.twitter.com/K9uPb4cIWX
—@ChrisEnsingCBC

Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope addresses the crowd, promoting the regions farming capabilities.

A big thing hes excited about?

Showing people who visit from the city where their food comes from. pic.twitter.com/G7PJNMeBak
—@ChrisEnsingCBC

The co-chairs of the @IPM2018 are up now, Darrin Canniff and Leon Leclair.

Leclair brings up the rural/urban dynamic (Darrin is from the city, he says) and how its helped build this event.

The idea of a rural/urban split?

Thats crap, he says. pic.twitter.com/wkfVUVuMsi
—@ChrisEnsingCBC

They seem to be serious about parking arrangements here at the @IPM2018.

Dont worry, @CBCWindsor, I parked far away from these enforcement officers. pic.twitter.com/sm1zDJsQnO
—@ChrisEnsingCBC

Theres a quilt tent, too.

Youll notice blue and green ribbons wrapped around poles and mailboxes all over the Chatham-Kent community - all in celebration of this @IPM2018 event. pic.twitter.com/fr7WsS3gh8
—@ChrisEnsingCBC

This @IPM2018 is big - like, 700+ acres big.

Essentially theyre creating a city on a farmers field with 100+ tents (think circus tents) that have electricity and water.

Behind that? Parking for trailer.

Could be 40,000+ out of towners coming, some will stay there. pic.twitter.com/GsYYhfDYFO
—@ChrisEnsingCBC

With files from Chris Ensing

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What's new in agriculture? International Plow expo to showcase latest tech

More than 80,000 people are expected at the event

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