Plough Sunday celebrates farming at Ripon Cathedral

Farmers’ contribution to food production and countryside management was marked at Ripon Cathedral, where the Yorkshire Agricultural Society supported the annual Plough Sunday Service.

The service took place on Sunday 11 January and brought together farming families, church leaders and rural organisations to offer thanks and blessings at the start of the agricultural year.

Plough Sunday is an ancient festival traditionally observed on the first Sunday after Epiphany.

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In medieval times, the village plough was taken into church for a blessing before ploughing began on Plough Monday, the first working day after the Christmas period.

Above, from left: Antonia Ramsden, member of Future Farmers of Yorkshire; Allister Nixon; the Rt Rev Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon; the Very Rev John Dobson, Dean of Ripon; the Most Rev and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York; Canon Matthew Pollard; and Joe Seels. © Bill Swan

Yorkshire Agricultural Society chief executive Allister Nixon said the gathering reflected the importance of collective support.

“Bringing people together at the start of a new year, as horizons are reset for the months ahead, is a useful reminder of community strength and support.

“It is a chance to celebrate what farmers deliver for us all,” he said.

The Archbishop of York highlighted the significance of the occasion for farming communities.

“Plough Sunday reminds us that before there can be harvest, there must first be hope, hard work and faith,” he said.

“As we gather at Ripon Cathedral to bless the plough and share the words ‘God speed the plough’, we will give thanks for those who work the land.”

Outside the cathedral, a tractor provided by Ripon Farm Services was displayed.

Members of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Future Farmers of Yorkshire network delivered readings during the service, and representatives of farming charities attended.

A share of the collection was donated to the Addington Fund, which provides housing and disaster relief for farmers across England and Wales.

Joe Seels, West Yorkshire farmer and chairman of Future Farmers of Yorkshire, said recent months had brought challenges alongside co-operation.

“What’s struck me most, though, is how those conversations have happened alongside a real sense of togetherness, farmers sharing experiences, supporting one another, and quietly getting on with the job,” he said.