DUFFERIN — Oneida Queen of the Furrow Jacquelyn Easson has been named first runner-up in the Ontario Queen of the Furrow. The competition took place on September 21 and 22, 2023 at the International Plowing Match (IPM) in Bowling Green, near Orangeville, in Dufferin County.
Representing the Oneida Plowmen’s Association for a second year, Easson was one of 12 contestants vying for the provincial title. Competitors are judged on plowing ability, an interview, speech, appearance, and deportment. The final component is an impromptu question, which the top five answer during the Celebration of Excellence banquet.
In her speech, Easson, who is in her fourth year of Bio Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, combined her passion for science with her passion for agriculture suggesting that science can be used to get youth involved with farming. She also emphasized that the future of agriculture is dependent on sustainability.
For the impromptu question, Easson was asked, “If Doug Ford was here, what issue would you discuss with him?” Easson advocated for the inclusion of agriculture in the province’s education curriculum, asserting that it would not only inform young people about farming but encourage more to get involved in the industry.
Along with the first runner-up honours, Easson placed third overall for plowing. Melissa Karpenko, representing Peel-Dufferin, was named the 2023-24 Ontario Queen of the Furrow. Annie Watson of Elgin was second runner-up.
Easson appreciates the support of the Oneida Plowmen’s Association and especially her coach, Mark Vaarkamp, for his guidance and expertise while helping her with her plowing. David Murray, Oneida Plowmen’s representative to the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, says, “We’re really, really proud of the accomplishments Jackie has made in the past two years as Queen and wish her all the best in her education and future endeavours.”
Mark Vaarkamp adds, “We are proud of her. This is the first time in a long time that the Oneida Plowmen had someone make it as the first runner up.”
Easson is grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Oneida Queen of the Furrow for two years. She says, “I love the community that the Queen of the Furrow is built upon. It is a 63-year-old program that people respect.”
She continues, “The crown and sash start the conversation and have given me the opportunity to talk to people about agriculture.”
She encourages other young women to take the opportunity saying, “You learn so many skills on how to be an advocate for agriculture and meet so many like-minded people…. You meet so many good friends who become your best friends. It’s a lot of fun.”
The 2023 Oneida Plowing Match will take place on October 7 at the farm of Dale and Ann Armstrong at 3085 River Road, Cayuga from 7-9 a.m.
