Plough Sunday service held at Newark Parish Church, with parade lead by Nottinghamshire Young Farmers
A historic service marking the beginning of a new farming year has been marked by members of the farming community and dignitaries today (Sunday).
Plough Sunday celebrations began with a civic procession from the town hall, lead by Nottinghamshire Young Farmers, carrying the symbolic plough, churn and seeds, to Newark Parish Church where the items were blessed.
Also in attendance was Mayor of Newark Laurence Goff, Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Geoffrey Bond OBE and NFU county chairman Bruce Ashworth, alongside other representative of the farming community, members of Newark Town Council, and the town's Macebearers.
Hymns, prayers, bible readings by the clergy and young farmers, and holy communion made up the service, ending with the blessing of the plough, seeds and churn.
Dating back to Victorian times in its current form, the Plough Sunday blessing asks for a prosperous farming year and successful harvest as well as thanking and praying for the farmers who tend the land.
The sermon spoke of God's role in farming, explaining "growth is God's business, but also farming business. It is God who gives growth and farmers who nourish it."
The service was followed by a reception at Newark Town Hall, where the Mayor and NFU county chairman Bruce Ashworth gave speeches.
Mayor Laurence Goff said: "We may not have herds of sheep being driven by sheepdog along the Great North Road now, or dozens of farmers comparing samples of seeds outside the Ram, but farming continues to be an important part of our town’s life.
"Newark’s British Sugar factory is a very physical reminder of this. We are all used to the sights — and sometimes the smell — of local sugar beet being turned into sugar and topsoil. We are grateful for the jobs it provides for local farmers and workers."
The difficulties farmers are facing as prices rise was also addressed by the Mayor, who added: "But whatever is thrown at our farmers, we are lucky to have such a dedicated band looking
after our countryside."
A toast was then made to the farmers.
Mr Ashworth also spoke of the impact of rising farming costs, the impact of politics and global events.
He said: "So, a new year, a new hope.
"Agriculture has not been immune to the massive shock of inflation. The high cost of fertiliser has had a knock on effect on arable and livestock farming.
"Certain sectors have had a very tough couple of years. UK agriculture is part of the solution to the cost-of-living crisis and the government must ensure UK farmers are able to play on a level playing field.
"Newark is at the centre of a very diverse agricultural area. As the new year stretches before us, I encourage you to connect to the countryside, whether by attending the county show, or visiting farm open days."
It was the first time the Plough Sunday celebration has been held in Newark in two years, due to the pandemic.
