Yorkshireman wins second world ploughing championship

A Yorkshireman has triumphed at the 70th World Ploughing Contest near Prague, Czech Republic, taking home the World Conventional Ploughing Championship title and the prestigious Golden Plough trophy.

The competition, held from 5-6 September 2025, saw James Witty from East Lutton, near Malton, North Yorkshire, overcome early mechanical issues to secure his second world title.

He previously won the World Reversible Ploughing Championship in 2003, making him one of only three people in the contest’s 70-year history to win both titles – an achievement he shares with his late father, Graeme.

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© Sue Frith

James faced intense pressure on day one when a breakdown shortly after starting left him nearly an hour behind.

Despite the setback, he ploughed well and was placed second, 7.5 points behind Stefan Steiner from Austria.  

On day two, James delivered a strong performance, placing fourth on the grassland section and finishing 2.5 points behind Scotland’s Andrew Mitchell senior.

Forty-eight competitors from 26 countries took part in the competition, with dry weather causing difficult conditions during practice.

Light rain during the week improved day one’s stubble ploughing, while heavy overnight rain softened the ground for day two.

Sue Frith, chief executive of the Society of Ploughmen, said: “This is a tremendous result for James Witty and for England. With the points unannounced, we genuinely didn’t know who had won until the final moment.”

James Witty © Sue Frith

In the World Reversible Championship, England’s Ian Brewer fought back from 14th on day one to place third on day two, finishing ninth overall. The Reversible title was won by Marco Angst from Switzerland.

James will next compete at the British National Ploughing Championships in Coventry on 11–12 October.