Canadian prime minister attends IPM in Huron County after invited by students in Seaforth

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau arrived Friday at the International Plowing Match (IPM), near Walton, at the invitation of a group of students from Seaforth.

Dressed in "farming" attire, complete with a corn hat, Trudeau, along with his wife and three children, rode a people-mover to the plowing field, where he was greeted by the Grades 1 and 2 class from St. James Catholic School. They had sent a letter to Trudeau in March, asking him to come to the IPM in Huron County.

When that letter received no response, the students sent another one a week ago, urging Trudeau to come and enjoy all the great events at the IPM. When their teacher tweeted that letter through social media, the class received a response and Trudeau agreed to attend.

After having his photo taken with the group of students, he climbed aboard a tractor to try his hand at plowing, under the watchful eye of plowing coach Brian McGavin. Trudeau did a fair job of it, while waving to the crowd.

He and his family were then taken to the main tent where the Ontario Queen of the Furrow pageant was being held.

IPM chairperson Jacquie Bishop interrupted the pageant to announce the arrival of the prime minister who was greeted with applause.

He addressed the crowd, stating how important it is to respect and support farmers and agricultural communities across Canada.

"The way we feed our kids, the way we feed our cities and our future depends on you," he said. "That's why our focus is on being good partners with all of you."

After a final wave to the crowd, Trudeau and his family were whisked off for the return flight to Toronto where the prime minister was meeting with the president of the Ukraine.