Ashley Duern has had two years as Peel-Dufferin Queen of the Furrow, and sought the Ontario crown both times.

FURROW QUEEN: Meghan Van Kampen presented the sash to her successor as Peel-Dufferin Queen of the Furrow, Shelburne’s Ashley Duern. Photo/BILL REA Now she’s hoping the third time will be the charm as she accepted the Peel-Dufferin sash last Thursday at the Peel- Dufferin Plowmen’s Association’s 85th annual Plowing Match in Caledon. The presentation was made by outgoing Queen Meghan Van Kampen of Laurel.

Ms. Duern, 22, is a Shelburne area resident, who says she is looking forward to seeking the Ontario title next September. The event will be held at Prescott-Russell.

“I enjoy public speaking, and that’s a huge part of it,” she commented, adding she grew up on a farm and enjoys touring to the local fairs. “It’s another way to be active in the community.”

Ms. Duern is currently a server in a restaurant, but hopes to go to Conestoga College for the winter term to study nursing.

She said the best part of the position is meeting people, including her fellow Furrow Queens. “It’s a way to network,” she commented.

This year she was the only contestant for the crown. Ms. Van Kampen relinquished, but announced she was looking forward to representing Peel-Dufferin at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2010 in St. Thomas from Sept. 21 to 25. She said she’ll likely be a little preoccupied between now and then, as she plans to get married.