An exceptionally dry spell of weather has set the scene for a massive National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois, next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The weekend weather forecast remains very good, although Met Eireann currently projects rain for Wednesday. At the event, the Irish Farmers Journal is partnering with ICBF and Bord Bia for a special livestock demonstration (10am, 12pm and 2pm).

For the first time ever we will have suckler cows, weanlings, dairy cows and sheep. The objective of each demonstration will be to view and discuss future types of feeding systems and markets.

The presentations will examine how each agri sector will evolve and develop with the removal of milk quota and other expected changes.

See page 12 of our special 96 page Ploughing special for full details of the Irish Farmers Journal exhibit.