ONE of Montgomeryshire’s leading ploughmen really is outstanding in his field after qualifying to represent Wales at the 2020 World Ploughing Contest in Russia.

Evan Watkin, from New Mills, is aiming to bring the ‘Golden Plough’ home to Mid Wales when he competes against 29 nations at the finals in August.

Evan qualified after beating off contenders to become the All Wales Champion in Sarn on September 21.

The 13-time Welsh Champion says it is an “honour” to represent his country again on the international stage after finishing as runner-up twice at the World Ploughing Contest.

“It’s a lovely feeling to win and it gives me a boost of confidence for Russia.”

He added: “It was great to have the home support at Gwernygo.”

Ending a successful ploughing season, Evan became the first Welshman since 1987 to take the crown of Supreme Champion of Great Britain. The championships were held at the Lincolnshire farm of billionaire businessman Sir James Dyson on October 12 and 13.

Evan was also the overall champion ploughman at Cruckton, Shropshire and Aberdaron, Gwynedd.

Before the global showdown in St Petersburg next summer, Evan says he will be busy preparing at his home farm Ty Brith with some “slight tweaking” to the equipment through the winter ready for the spring matches.