Plough Sunday across Chester Diocese

Plough Services have been taking place in rural parishes across the Diocese of Chester and at Chester Cathedral, as communities mark the traditional start of the agricultural year and give thanks for the land and those who work it. As another agricultural year begins, Plough Services continue to reflect a shared commitment to faith, land and community, reminding those who gather that the church remains closely connected to the rhythms and realities of rural life.

Rooted in a custom that dates back to the Middle Ages, Plough Sunday is traditionally observed on the Sunday after Epiphany. It brings together farmers, churches and local communities to pray for God’s blessing on the year ahead, for good harvests, and for the wellbeing of those whose livelihoods depend on the land. In many parishes, a plough is brought into church or, as in some cases, the service is held on a farm, reflecting the close connection between faith and rural life.

One such service was held on January 25 at Orchard Farm, where farmers, villagers and members of nearby churches gathered in a barn for a Plough Sunday service led by the Rev Canon Christine Broad, vicar of Goostrey. At the centre of the gathering was a century‑old plough, originally owned by the late father of farmer Ray Brown, whose family has farmed the land for generations.

As part of the service, Ray was invited to speak about life in farming today. He spoke honestly about the pressures currently facing the farming community.

He highlighted ongoing concerns about inheritance tax and the uncertainty this creates for family farms, many of which are passed down through generations. Ray said that farmers were increasingly having to make difficult arrangements in order to protect their farms for their children and grandchildren, adding to the strain already felt across the sector.

Ray also spoke movingly about mental health within the farming community, describing the hardship many farmers are currently experiencing. He noted that farming can be an isolating profession and drew attention to the serious mental health challenges faced by those working in agriculture, including the high rate of suicide among farmers.

Following a year of protests, the Government has amended its original inheritance tax proposals. The threshold for Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) is set to rise from £1 million to £2.5 million from April 2026, increasing to £5 million where assets are inherited by a spouse. While the Government estimates that around 85 per cent of those claiming APR in 2026/27 will not pay additional tax under the new system, Ray said that the issue remains a significant worry for many farming families.

Bishop Mark said: "Plough Services provide a great opportunity to honour our shared tradition and to listen to the realities of rural life today. By bringing farming concerns into prayer and public conversation, we provide hope by offering support, solidarity and a space where the joys and challenges faced by rural communities can be shared."

Main picture: St Catherine's, Over Alderley (Facebook)