A Q&A with Prescott County’s Queen of the Furrow

Prescott County's Queen of the Furrow, Courtney Connors, wants to put an end to all the blank looks she receives when she tells people about the title she received last year.

"When I say, 'I am the Queen of the Furrow,' I often get strange or blank looks from people," she said. "A furrow is a narrow channel made in the ground by, or as if by, a plow."

Connors, a resident of Hawkesbury, is quick to highlight her passion for agriculture and specifically, the dairy industry. Her family manages a dairy operation, milking Jersey cows on a farm that will play host to the International Plowing Match this year.

A member of 4-H for 10 years and a member of Holstein Canada (Tiara Holsteins), Connors had her first homebred in 2009. More recently, she graduated from Carleton University on the dean's honour list with a Bachelor of International Business degree, a three-year program that allowed her to study in Lyon, France and become involved in its agricultural industry and national heifer show.

Connors said representing Prescott County has been especially important this year. "Our community is working together to make this huge event a huge success," she said, noting the large number of hours already put in by volunteers - and the event has yet to begin.

The Review: When did you decide you would go after the Queen of the Furrow title?

Courtney Connors: I have a true passion for agriculture and I felt it was a great opportunity to represent the agricultural industry and spread the good word. At the Vankleek Hill Fair, I presented a speech about the role of women in agriculture and was interviewed for the Prescott County Queen of the Furrow position. I was later crowned Prescott County Queen of the Furrow 2010-11 after competing and winning Grand Champion Plowman at the Prescott County Plowing Match.

I wanted to represent Prescott County and the Prescott County Plowmen's Association at the International Plowing Match, as my family farm is one of the hosts for the 2011 International Plowing and Rural Expo. I received a great amount of support from family and friends to partake in this competition, and I thank them very much for this.

TR: What has the last year been like for you?

CC: During my reign as Prescott County Queen of the Furrow, I have formulated meaningful connections and lasting friendships. I have promoted the 2011 IPM at various events, such as local parades, banquets, handing out ribbons at the Prescott County Holstein Show, golf tournaments and the IPM quilt show. Promoting agriculture and the 2011 IPM is especially important in this community as we are hosting the 2011 IPM. It brings me great pride to represent Prescott County and I hope to make everyone proud.

TR: With only two weeks left until the IPM, what's your main focus now?

CC: My main focus at this time is promoting and welcoming everyone to the IPM. I am working very hard to prime myself for this event so I can be certain that I am representing Prescott County to my best ability. I am preparing by becoming as knowledgeable as possible in all aspects of agriculture, creating a speech that is informative and exciting and practicing - practice makes perfect.

Also, socializing and being warm and welcoming to everyone. I want to show off Prescott as one of the best counties in Ontario! I will provide information on our county and give visitors a warm welcome into our region. This is the time when we celebrate and show off everything we are so proud of here in Prescott-Russell. Please feel free to approach and introduce yourself, as I would love to meet and welcome as many people as possible to Prescott County.

TR: What does it take to become the Ontario Queen of the Furrow?

CC: There are four major components to competing for the Ontario Queen of the Furrow title, including plowing ability (100 points, judged for ins and outs, straightness and conformity, shape of land, and uniformity, distinctness and shape of furrows); interview (250 points); a two-to-three minute speech within the theme of agriculture and your interests in the industry (250 points); and appearance and deportment (200 points).

At the Ontario Queen of the Furrow competition, the five young women scoring the highest on the above mentioned 800 points will be judged at the crowning banquet on the basis of an impromptu speech, dress and personality.

On September 20, the interviews will take place; September 21, the plowing aspect of the competition will take place and September 22, the speeches will take place. I will have to be at my best 24/7 from 7 a.m. on September 20 until September 22. This is a very competitive competition and I will be there to win, so I must put numerous hours in ahead of time to make certain that I am prepared for it.

TR: Should you be selected, what will the next year of your life be like? What can you expect to be doing? And what's the most exciting possibility that it could bring?

CC: If selected as the Ontario Queen of the Furrow, I will be helping to promote the 2012 International Plowing Match, which is going to be held in the Waterloo region. Attending many regional events to promote agriculture, the Ontario Plowmen's Association, as well as the 2012 IPM, will also be another part of the Ontario Queen of the Furrow's job. If crowned, I will be asking for a GPS for Christmas because I know there will be a lot of traveling to do to promote the 2012 IPM and agriculture.

The most exciting possibility is formulating lasting relationships with people from all over the province. This program is a stepping-stone and allows for numerous opportunities to meet connections that could be helpful in future endeavors.