1 The European Union

With a mix of interactive, educational, and delicious activities, this year, the EU tent at Ploughing is connecting visitors of all ages with the principles of organic farming, zero waste, and the circular economy in action. From tasting to testing knowledge, it is showcasing how circular and sustainable choices are not only possible but enjoyable, impactful, and rooted in Irish farming and food traditions.

Visitors can ‘Meet the Makers’ of quality Irish organic produce, sharing their stories of how organic farming and circular practices are working for them.

The stand will also have a pedal-powered smoothie bike which uses human energy instead of electricity; the bike promotes low-impact, renewable alternatives.

2 Engineering Ireland

Visitors are in for an exciting and hands-on experience at the Engineers Ireland stand, where the world of engineering will come to life through a series of interactive attractions, immersive simulations, and inspiring showcases.

Whether you’re racing in a Formula 1 car, walking in space, playing with a robot or welding in virtual reality (VR), the Engineers Ireland stand is hoping to showcase the different aspects of engineering, bringing them to life and providing fun for all the family.

If you’re a curious child, a secondary school student exploring career paths, or a parent or teacher looking for inspiration, there’s something for everyone.

3 Bord Bia

Bord Bia will be part of the Government of Ireland Village this year, with a marquee packed with new features and interactive experiences.

Its helpdesk will be on hand to answer any audit-related questions and provide information on the development of a new producer standard.

In partnership with Teagasc and ICBF, the marquee will also feature AgNav – the free farm sustainability platform for beef, dairy, and tillage farmers. Interactive demonstrations will show how AgNav can help farmers measure and manage their environmental performance, with sign-ups available on site.

4 Herdwatch

At this year’s Ploughing, Herdwatch will be launching Herdi – its AI-powered farming assistant that can instantly answer questions about your herd, your farm records, or farming best practices, all personalised to your data in Herdwatch.

Visitors to the stand will see Herdi in action on an interactive big screen, and some of farming’s most recognisable faces will be putting it to the test live.

5 AIB shed talks

The AIB Shed Talks will return this year, bringing together agricultural experts and high-profile guests to discuss a wide range of topics related to the future of farming in Ireland.

After a strong year for many in farming, the AIB agri advisers will be at this year’s Ploughing to share insights and guidance on building for the future. It’s a chance to stop by, discuss your farm’s plans, and explore ideas for making the most of recent successes.

6 Teagasc

Visitors to the Teagasc marquee will be able to meet experts in education, farm management, succession, farm health and safety, and receive advice on all aspects of practical farming.

They will also have a prepared consumer foods centre to highlight the research carried out in this important national centre.

In the extended outdoor exhibit area, attendees can learn about organic farming, forestry, and maximising the effectiveness of grass/clover swards.

Attendees can also learn how to measure the health of a field’s soil by burying a cotton vest for several weeks, along with how to prevent soil from being eroded into nearby streams.

7 Midlands Flavours

Midlands Flavours is a vibrant showcase of local food and drink producers from Laois, Longford, Offaly, and Westmeath.

Visitors can sample and purchase everything from artisan jams and chocolates to locally distilled spirits and honey. Producers include Skinny Chef, Jungle Foods, G’s Jams, Daily Dose, Farmhouse Bees and Trees, Heartland Orchards, Lough Ree Distillery, Feighery’s Beetroot, Biasol, Wild Irish Foragers, Fore Distillery, Barbavilla, Magico, Love Food, and An Olivia Chocolate.

8 Irish Yogurts Clonakilty

This year, the Irish Yogurts Clonakilty stand will be offering samples to the masses and selling its award-winning yogurts.

Visitors to the stand will have an opportunity to enter a competition to win a trip to west Cork.

Irish Yogurts Clonakilty was established on 1 March 1994.

It uses churn-style technology, which is unique to Irish Yogurts.

This gives the yogurt characteristics such as smooth, creamy body and texture.

9 Camsaw Distributions

Returning to the Ploughing this year is Camsaw Distributors Ltd, a leading provider and distributor of garden furniture and equipment in Ireland. It will be showcasing the Segway Navimow robotic lawnmower.

Watch live as it delivers satellite-precise cutting with no boundary wires needed for lawns of all shapes and sizes.

Along with this, gardening expert Diarmuid Gavin will give talks and demonstrations. When attendees purchase a mower during the Ploughing, they will be entered into a free competition to win a personal garden consultation with Diarmuid himself.

10 Education stands

With many secondary school students attending the Ploughing every year with their teachers, there is an abundance of college stands for them to visit. Information is key when looking into agriculture courses and the career opportunities in the sector. That’s why young people should use the opportunity to meet the department heads and lecturers from universities in person and ask them any questions about modules or courses that they have an interest in.

Some of the colleges attending to showcase their diverse academic programmes, including degrees in agricultural science, are University College Cork, South East Technological University and University College Dublin.

11 Free heart and hearing checks

This year, Hidden Hearing and the Irish Heart Foundation will be highlighting the vital link between heart health and hearing health in Tullamore.

They are hosting free blood pressure checks from the Irish Heart Foundation. The Hidden Hearing complimentary ear health checks and free earwax screenings help protect your hearing, prevent discomfort, and ensure a better quality of life.

The link between your heart and your hearing is closer than you might think. Poor circulation can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss and symptoms such as tinnitus.

12 New to Ploughing

Every year, there are always a few new stands and exhibitors to visit.

With the presidential elections approaching in the next few weeks, the Electoral Commission will be at the National Ploughing Championships this year to ensure that people are registered to cast their vote.

Other new stands include Gas Networks Ireland. TikTok will also be returning with a much larger presence, promising even more interactive content and engagement opportunities for visitors.