Call Rob Prosser Organization Man. The chair of the Leeds and Grenville International Plowing Match has over 900 volunteers in place and is looking for another 300 to fill out the roster before the great days are upon the counties in September.

His guiding principle of management is to head off small problems before they become a major challenge. With such a big project, you need to think small. Break down anticipated problems into small parts and set time limits for decisions and then document the decisions.

"When the big light shines on us, we want to be ready," he says.

The plowing match will spread over about 900 acres and cover five days from September 18 to 22 near Crosby. The only surprise during that week should be the weather. "Good weather can make heroes of us all," he says.

A one-time strong presence in farm organizations, he sold his dairy operation in the mid-80s and went to work for Cooperators Insurance. He now runs a small cow-calf operation at Lansdowne near Brockville.

His wife Connie, a retired teacher, has already signed up 10,000 kids to be educated at the Animals in Motion tent, a kind of miniature Noah’s Ark highlighting eastern Ontario animals.

The arrogance of Toronto has always stuck in his craw. "Everything focuses on Toronto and west of Toronto," he says. When they travel the 401, people think we’re only rock and trees. But the area boasts some of the finest farms in the country. Two master breeders are within spitting distance of the tented city.

Prosser points out the area boasts two of the finest water attractions in the country: Thousand Islands and the Rideau River with a canal system built for defense against the Yankees. Right now, Prosser wouldn’t mind seeing a second Yankee invasion.

"This will be a community phenomenon," he says, referring to the match.

There will be plenty for everyone. One hundred and four entertainers will dance, fiddle, sing, strum and perform feats on seven stages. The RV park will rock or swing every night from 7:00 to 11:00. An ecumenical service will be held in the beer tent Sunday before the match begins.

The plowing match will spread over about 900 acres and cover five days from September 18 to 22.