'It's do-or-die to be a world champion ploughman'

James Witty was crowned World Conventional Ploughing Champion 2025

From Kenya to Canada and Northern Ireland to Croatia, James Witty has travelled the globe representing England.

The sport? Competitive ploughing, which first staged a world championship in the 1950s.

Mr Witty follows in the footsteps of his father and brother, taking the top prize at the 70th World Ploughing Championship in Prague.

The farmer, from East Lutton near Malton, won the Conventional Ploughing title and the Golden Plough trophy at the competition last week.

The 46-year-old said competing on a global stage against rivals from New Zealand, Kenya, Finland and beyond had been an amazing experience and a "complete whirlwind".

"It's always strange when you put a lot of effort into something and you actually get what you're trying for. I'm absolutely over the moon, it's a sense of achievement," he said.

At this year's event, 48 competitors representing 26 countries competed across stubble and grassland terrain using either conventional or reversible ploughs.

Success is measured with points awarded for time and accuracy, scrutinising furrows for how straight, even and level they are, across a designated plot of land.

Genders compete alongside each other - and surprisingly don't always come from an agricultural background according to Mr Witty, who said he had previously gone head-to-head with firefighters and truck drivers.

Mr Witty also received the Golden Plough trophy

He has taken part in the competitions since he was 16, inspired by his father's involvement in the sport, and won his first world title in 2003.

Because of its niche appeal, he often recognises familiar faces at events.

"I've made great friends across the world from ploughing and because it's not the most popular thing in the world, it's quite a close-knit community," he explained.

"Spectators are welcome, and in some countries there's huge support. I was lucky this time to have a group come, which is always nice when you're not on home soil."

This year's title race was hotly contested.

Mr Witty faced an initial setback after a breakdown to his plough wheel depth, but rallied to finish second on the first day and fourth on the second, placing him first overall.

He described performing on the day as a "do-or-die situation".

Contestants competed across stubble and grassland terrain, using either conventional or reversible ploughs

"When the pressure is on, you're 100% concentration and it's all happening very quickly," he said.

"There is maybe a bit of an adrenaline rush from it - I'm very much in the zone when I'm ploughing."

Sue Frith, chief executive of the Society of Ploughmen, the charity that organises the championships, praised Mr Witty's achievement as a "tremendous result for England."

"Usually, you can tell who is in contention for the title as they are medal winners on both days," she said.

"However, this time there were different names in the top three placings on each day and with the points unannounced, we genuinely didn't know who had won until the final moment.

"To say we were delighted when James was announced as world champion is an understatement."

Mr Witty (top), with the other competitors at this year's world championships

Mr Witty has since returned to his farm, bringing a welcome change of pace.

"From hero to zero, I'm back doing the day job," he joked.

His next competition is only a month away, at the British National Ploughing event in Coventry, where he will aim to defend his British title.

"I'm back to square one, so I have to qualify for our national championships if I'm to retain the world title," he said.

"I haven't decided exactly what I'm doing yet, but I've certainly enjoyed the last fortnight.

"It's brought so much to my life, travelling the world, doing something to a high level - it's amazing."

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