The innovation arena at this year’s Ploughing will be packed with clever solutions. This year the arena has nearly doubled in size, and is located beside the Irish Farmers Journal stand.

Looking at the 55 finalists chosen from more than 100 entries, many people’s minds have been drawn to providing a safer working environment on farms, and educating younger children in novel ways to improve safety.

Also, from an efficiency and production point of view, many companies are exploiting the use of cloud-based technology and apps.

One interesting machine to look out for comes from Irish-based manufacturer Malone, a machine that can do two jobs when saving grass crops – tedding and raking.

This is only one example from our really innovative machinery manufacturers. To appreciate what they are achieving, it is well worth a visit to the arena at the Ploughing.

NPA PR officer Anna Marie McHugh commented having seen the applications for this year: “There is no doubt that the creative and entrepreneurial spark in Ireland is alive and well. The National Ploughing Association is delighted to deliver this opportunity to help innovation develop in Ireland, in association with our partners in Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Farmers Journal.”

Justin McCarthy, editor and chief executive of the Irish Farmers Journal, added that he and his team are delighted to support homegrown talent in Ireland: “Innovation is the key to securing the future of any business and agriculture is no different in this regard. We must continue to be innovative in how we use the latest technology to reduce labour, increase productivity, and develop market share in an increasingly competitive global market.”

Listen to Irish Farmers Journal machinery editor James Maloney discuss this year's Innovation Arena below

There will be also two categories added this year, with a junior award for under 18s and a student award. An additional prize will be given for the best product pitch at the Innovation arena.

Each finalist must pitch their concept to the Innovation panel, who will submit their results to the overall judges.

The Innovation panel will be made up of some of the top businessmen and women from Ireland. This competition is separate from the overall winner, according to Denis Duggan of Enterprise Ireland.

The shortlisted finalists for this competition get a real opportunity to pitch to potential investors. They have met and been trained by Gavin Duffy, so they are ready says Denis.

An international delegation will also be invited on to the arena, which is a great opportunity to showcase Irish innovative talent.

The overall winners in each category will receive a comprehensive mentoring package from Enterprise Ireland, and promotion in the Irish Farmers Journal.

Click here for the full list of finalists

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All about Ploughing 2015