Plough Sunday: Archbishop of York to address special service giving thanks to farmers at Ripon Cathedral

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell is to give an address at the event, which is supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society (YAS).

This ancient festival, revived by the Victorians, was traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after Epiphany, and in Medieval times the village plough would be brought to church to be blessed ahead of the first working Monday after Christmas.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, will lead the service and bless a ploughshare presented by the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs.

The Archbishop of York said: “Plough Sunday reminds us that before there can be harvest, there must first be hope, hard work and faith.

“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, for those who support them, and for the deep rural heritage that continues to shape our communities today.

“At a time when farming families face many challenges, this service offers a moment to pray together, to recognise their contribution, and to mark the beginning of the sowing season with gratitude and hope.”

This is to be the first of a series of events this month, aimed at bringing those in farming together, and culminating in the society’s first Yorkshire Farming Conference.

This event, at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Wednesday January 28, will see a trade show, panel sessions, and a keynote address by bestselling author, James Rebanks.

The Plough Sunday Service will be at Ripon Cathedral next Sunday, January 11, as blessings and thanks are offered to farming families.

Allister Nixon, chief executive of the YAS said: “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, to take pride in the hard work that shapes the countryside, and to look forward as one, with refreshed energy and focus.”

Outside the Cathedral, a tractor provided by Ripon Farm Services will be on display, while members of the YAS' Future Farmers of Yorkshire network will give readings.

A share of the proceeds from a collection will go to the Addington Fund, providing housing and disaster relief to farmers in need.

Guests should arrive from 2.30pm for hot pork rolls courtesy of Angela Hullah of the Tancred Farm Shop, before the service at 3.30pm.