James Witty, the 2025 World Conventional Ploughing Champion, said success in the sport required considerable time, dedication and skill.
“I’d like to say it’s really easy and anyone can do it, but the truth is it’s like anything you do when you try to be the best – it’s an immense amount of time and dedication,” he said.
“There is skill involved, but for me the biggest thing that makes the difference is what are you prepared to do? How much time are you prepared to dedicate?”
While the championships celebrated traditional farming skills, the event also provided an opportunity to reflect on the difficulties faced by farmers.
The UK’s hot summer, prolonged dry conditions and a challenging harvest, had added to the pressures on the agricultural sector.
Organisers said events such as the British Annual Ploughing Championships were important for celebrating traditional skills and recognising the contribution farmers made to society.