The vital contribution of farmers to feeding the nation and managing the countryside is being celebrated with a special service at Ripon Cathedral.
All are welcome at the Plough Sunday Service, supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, on Sunday 11th January 2026.
Blessings and thanks are offered to farming families, and an address is given by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.
It is the first of a series of events in January that will bring those in farming together, culminating in the Society’s first-ever Yorkshire Farming Conference at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Wednesday 28th January, featuring a packed trade show, inspiring panel sessions, networking and a keynote address by Cumbrian farmer and bestselling author, James Rebanks.
The Plough Sunday Service is the start of a full year of support from the Yorkshire Agricultural Society with more events, training, bursaries and grants on offer to boost professional development, knowledge exchange and wellbeing in the industry, including the Great Yorkshire Show on Tuesday 14th - Friday 17th July.
Allister Nixon, CEO of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society 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.
"The Plough Sunday Service and the Yorkshire Farming Conference are both opportunities to support and inspire.”
Plough Sunday is an ancient festival which was revived by the Victorians, traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday after Epiphany.
In Medieval times, the village plough was brought into the local church for a blessing before ploughing began on Plough Monday, the first working day after the 12 days of Christmas.
In days when work was scarce in winter, the observance looked forward to the time of sowing with the promise of harvest to come.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell 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.”
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, who will lead the service and bless a ploughshare presented by the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers Clubs, said:
“It is always a privilege to host this Plough Sunday Service at Ripon Cathedral, organised in partnership with our friends at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
"We celebrate the efforts and contributions of farmers and all who work in rural businesses in caring for the land and livestock, producing the food which is essential to the wellbeing of us all.
"We pray for God's blessing upon them, their labours, and the health of their businesses.”
Outside the Cathedral, a tractor provided by Ripon Farm Services will be on display.
Members of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Future Farmers of Yorkshire network will give readings as part of the service and representatives of farming charities will attend.
A share of the proceeds from a collection will go to the Addington Fund, a charity that provides housing and disaster relief in the form of animal feed or services to farmers in need across England and Wales.
Anyone wishing to attend the Plough Service at Ripon Cathedral on Sunday 11 January 2026 is invited to gather from 2.30pm for hot pork rolls courtesy of Angela Hullah of Tancred Farm Shop, and hot drinks kindly provided by Ripon Cathedral, before the service gets underway an hour later at 3.30pm.
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