World Ploughing Organisation
About the WPO
The World Ploughing Organisation (WPO) is the international governing body for competitive ploughing. Founded in 1952, the WPO brings together national ploughing associations from around the world to promote the art, craft, and skill of ploughing as an essential foundation of agriculture.
The WPO coordinates the annual World Ploughing Championship, sets competition rules and standards, trains judges and stewards, and fosters international cooperation among ploughing communities. With member countries spanning Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, the organisation represents the global ploughing movement.
Headquartered in Ireland, the WPO is led by an elected board and supported by a General Secretary. Its mission is to uphold the traditions of ploughing while embracing modern agricultural practices and encouraging younger generations to engage with the land.
WPO at a Glance
- Founded in 1952
- HQ: Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- 30+ Member Countries
- Annual World Championship
History of the World Ploughing Championship
Seven decades of excellence in competitive ploughing
The Beginning
The first World Ploughing Championship was held in 1953 in Ontario, Canada, bringing together competitors from several nations to test their ploughing skills on a common field.
Global Growth
Over the decades, the Championship expanded from a handful of participating nations to more than 30 countries, with events hosted across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and beyond.
Two Classes
The competition features two ploughing classes — Conventional and Reversible — each demanding precise technique, consistency, and deep knowledge of soil and equipment.
Cairn of Peace
Each competitor brings a stone from their homeland to build the Cairn of Peace — a powerful symbol of international friendship and the shared values of agriculture.
The World Championship in Photos
WPC 2012 — Croatia
World Ploughing Championship
WPC 2025 — Czech Republic
World Ploughing Championship
WPC 2012 — Croatia
WPC 2025 — Czech Republic
The 71st Championship: Croatia 2026
The 71st World Ploughing Championship will be held from 3 to 6 September 2026 in Osijek-Baranja County, Croatia. Croatia once again welcomes the world’s best ploughmen and ploughwomen to the fertile plains of Slavonia.
The competition site at Farm Mitrovac near Grabovac features rich, loamy soil — a blend of 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay — developed on alluvial and loess deposits. Two competition days will cover Grassland Ploughing (Friday) and Stubble Ploughing (Saturday).
Contact the WPO
General Secretary: Anna Marie McHugh
Email: gro.gnihguolpdlrow@yraterceslareneg
Address: Altona, Fallaghmore, Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland