The Irish Farmers Journal has plenty of advice on the exciting stands to visit among the 1,700 listed for this year's National Ploughing Championship, but a close look at the exhibitors' list also reveals those who chose not to come back this year.

For all the talk about the boom in the brewing sector, last year's strong show of beer brands is not being repeated. The Smithwick's stand is gone and the Dealer was unable to find its owner, the drinks giant Diageo represented this year.

Other craft breweries around Ireland have also opted out of this years’ Ploughing. The likes of Kelly’s Mountain Brew, Carraig Brewing Company and Costello’s Brewing Company, which exhibited in the 2015 Ploughing Championships including, do not feature on the 2016 exhibitors list.

Another familiar face that will be missing this week in Screggan, Tullamore, will be the Irish Belgian Blue Cattle Society, the only major breed society not represented at the Ploughing this year.

While the Competition Authority had a stand last year, the watchdog is not present under its new name, Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, this year. Its officers will not be around to answer questions from farmers at a time when the competition in the Irish beef sector is under the spotlight because of the proposed ABP-Slaney deal.

Speaking of ABP, it's interesting to note that the Blackrock Clinic, which is partly owned by ABP boss Larry Goodman, is not repeating last year's presence at the Ploughing.

Full coverage: Ploughing 2016

Who’s missing out on the Ploughing?

There are plenty of new faces exhibiting at the Ploughing this year, but some of last year's big names have made a discreet exit.