Hand Mowing Competition at Northville Farm Heritage Centre

There are many very special things about living in rural Nova Scotia. Each day the landscape offers unique beauty. Grains grow, apples ripen, times and agricultural practices change.

For example, in recent years sloping land, once seen as less valuable and challenging to farm, have been repurposed, becoming the vital component of a robust wine industry, particularly here in Kings County.

Several of these beautiful repurposed slopes are located close to the Northville Farm Heritage Centre

Especially on days when the centre is open and is hosting an event, it is well worth the drive and the visit. Everything at the centre happens thanks to a keen group of volunteers determined to ensure that past and present agricultural practices are a valued part of our understanding of rural life.

Yesterday, I dropped in to witness the annual hand mowing competition where about 50 spectators and competitors gathered. 

Each entrant is judged on style, speed, width cut and the height of the stubble left of a 25 foot path of grain. 

Following cutting this wide swatch each had to clear a path around a chair without disturbing the bottles on that chair. A task of percision!

I was moved to see 96-year old Arthur Wheaton ably compete. And, for me, Helene Redden was hands down the mower with the best style.