The National Ploughing Association (NPA) Innovation Arena is the perfect place to launch new innovations and, this year, Irish Farmers Journal readers can vote for their favourite innovation in the People’s Choice category.

The NPA Innovation Arena puts inventions from Ireland on show to the world and helps establish their success by introducing them to the marketplace and facilitating networks that will help them take steps towards achieving commercial success.

In the buildup to this year’s National Ploughing Championships, each day we profile four of the innovators.

IT Sligo

‘‘Multi Spread’’ is a transport box which incorporates the principles of a muck spreader transport box.

Farmers will have two machines in one for a low cost, which will be able to carry out a variety of jobs on the farm with one machine.

This invention was developed by three students from IT Sligo, who had to design and build a project as part of thier third-year mechanical engineering course.

JM Agri-Design

A twin-bale carrier has been designed and developed by JM Agri-Design who have added the product to their range of bale-handling equipment.

It makes way for greater efficiency, safety and cost effectiveness. JM Agri-Design is to be a symbol of reliability coupled with increased performance over its competitors.

Kiernan Trailers

The KO sheep handler unit facilitates all aspects of sheep handling including shearing, hoof-paring/dipping and dosing.

This device positions sheep on its rump which facilitates safe and easy access to the animal.

While this position clearly benefits the farmer it is also user-friendly to the animal. The device allows for penning to be erected from the unit so that the sheep can be moved through the unit in a controlled manner while the farmer completes his tasks.

This innovation provides a one-man system for farmers.

Lír Analytical Ltd

Bacto-Lac is a new scientifically proven teat disinfectant to dramatically improve somatic cell count and improve herd health. It is used for pre- and post-milking teat disinfection.

Lír Agri was established in 2014 with a plan to research and develop innovative products to eradicate harmful mastitis bacteria at source on dairy farms.

Voting

The competition takes place over the three days of the National Ploughing Championships from 19 to 21 September and the winner will be announced on the final day.

To take part in the voting, click here.

Read more

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Innovation Arena profiles: Tinder for bulls and farm safety