"Christina Hill-Thomas crowned Brant/Six Nations Queen of the Furrow"

It was the moment of truth for Six Nations resident Christina Hill-Thomas who is set to take over from Valerie Stone as this year's Brant Six Nations Queen of the Furrow.

Prior to officially being crowned Hill-Thomas who fell short to Stone in last year's competition must not only prove her skills by plowing opening splits with the aid of a personal coach during the Brant-Six Nations Plowing Match but also deliver a speech to her fellow farmers afterwards at the awards and banquet. "Tm pumped," Hill-Thomas said about getting into the tractor and plowing with her coach. "It's an awesome experience and I'm excited about getting out in the world at different events and learning."

Unlike past years this event which was happening at Doug Telfer's farm on 2nd Concession Road just outside of Falkland and consisted of plowing from all classes had only one individual in Hill-Thomas competing for the Queen of Furrow.

"I like having the pressure," Hill-Thomas who is studying agriculture said about being the only one competing. "I 1ike hearing others speak. It's educational."

Hill-Thomas who needed three days in preparing her speech on organic farming also stressed the importance of people realizing that farmers are responsible for feeding cities.

She also admitted to feeling more confident this time around in hoping on a tractor and furrowing some land.

"Last year I was a little scared to do it," Hill­Thomas said. "There's a coach with you at all times and that really helps."

Meanwhile Stone who was obviously on hand described her year as Brant Six Nations Queen of the furrow as being an "Awesome experience."

"I got to attend local events, parades, including one on Canada Day," Stone said. In terms of any advice she would give Stone simply stated "Say yes to every opportunity."