All roads lead to Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny, for Grass 2026, a new addition to the Irish agricultural events calendar, brought to you by the Irish Farmers Journal and kindly supported by FBD Insurance. Aimed at contractors, farmers, industry stakeholders and machinery enthusiasts alike, it stands as the first live grass harvesting demonstration event of the decade.
Offering an ideal opportunity to see the latest grass machinery in action ahead of the silage season getting fully under way, the event will also serve as a valuable networking platform, bringing together thousands of like-minded visitors following what has been a long and demanding winter.
Technology will be a central theme at Grass 2026, reflecting its ever-increasing role in modern agriculture for both farmers and contractors. Alongside a preview of what to expect on the day, this supplement looks back at the remarkable progress made in grass harvesting machinery. From the finger bar mower to today’s high-output self-propelled units such as the Krone Big M 450, the evolution of mowing technology highlights the industry’s drive for efficiency and performance.
We also revisit the development of baled silage in Ireland from its emergence in the 1960s to its transformative impact on fodder preservation and consider how it may continue to evolve. With efficiency firmly in focus, we examine the importance of getting the fundamentals right, including effective grass wilting, an often overlooked but critical factor in forage quality. In addition, we explore the challenges associated with increased machine output, particularly soil compaction, and outline practical approaches to minimise its impact.
Beyond the machinery, we take a closer look at the host farm, home to a pedigree dairy herd run by Eamon Sheehan, comprising 220 spring-calving cows.
Working demonstrations
The format for Grass 2026 draws inspiration from the highly successful machinery demonstrations held at the biennial crops event in conjunction with Teagasc Oak Park.
This proven approach ensures a structured and engaging experience, allowing attendees to follow each machine in operation without missing a moment.
Set across more than 40 acres, with over 50 machines taking part, the demonstrations will run in a continuous sequence. Mowing will commence at 10:30am sharp, so early arrival is advised to allow time to become familiar with the site layout. Once mowing is complete, the same plots will be tedded and raked, ahead of harvesting in the afternoon.
Self-propelled forage harvesters will lead, followed by forage wagons and balers, with wrapping, transport, bale stacking and pit demonstrations completing the process.
Adjacent to the demonstration area, the trade village will feature more than 90 exhibitors, representing the majority of Ireland’s leading tractor and machinery brands. Visitors will have ample opportunity throughout the day to engage with industry experts and discuss their specific requirements.
Adding to the anticipation, a number of machines first unveiled at Agritechnica in Hannover will make their Irish working debut at Grass 2026. These include the Krone CombiPack HDP 165, the Case 721G+ X-Agri wheel loader as well as the John Deere F9 series, and Claas Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues across the machinery industry for their continued support and trust in bringing this event from concept to reality.
We also acknowledge the wider team at the Irish Farmers Journal for their commitment from the outset.
Special thanks are due to Dermot Forristal for his career-spanning expertise and attention to detail when it came to planning the demonstration area.
Finally, be sure to visit the Irish Farmers Journal stand on the day to meet the team and learn about all of the latest offers.
Gary Abbott and Peter Thomas Keaveney.
All roads lead to Cuffesgrange, Co Kilkenny, for Grass 2026, a new addition to the Irish agricultural events calendar, brought to you by the Irish Farmers Journal and kindly supported by FBD Insurance. Aimed at contractors, farmers, industry stakeholders and machinery enthusiasts alike, it stands as the first live grass harvesting demonstration event of the decade.
Offering an ideal opportunity to see the latest grass machinery in action ahead of the silage season getting fully under way, the event will also serve as a valuable networking platform, bringing together thousands of like-minded visitors following what has been a long and demanding winter.
Technology will be a central theme at Grass 2026, reflecting its ever-increasing role in modern agriculture for both farmers and contractors. Alongside a preview of what to expect on the day, this supplement looks back at the remarkable progress made in grass harvesting machinery. From the finger bar mower to today’s high-output self-propelled units such as the Krone Big M 450, the evolution of mowing technology highlights the industry’s drive for efficiency and performance.
We also revisit the development of baled silage in Ireland from its emergence in the 1960s to its transformative impact on fodder preservation and consider how it may continue to evolve. With efficiency firmly in focus, we examine the importance of getting the fundamentals right, including effective grass wilting, an often overlooked but critical factor in forage quality. In addition, we explore the challenges associated with increased machine output, particularly soil compaction, and outline practical approaches to minimise its impact.
Beyond the machinery, we take a closer look at the host farm, home to a pedigree dairy herd run by Eamon Sheehan, comprising 220 spring-calving cows.
Working demonstrations
The format for Grass 2026 draws inspiration from the highly successful machinery demonstrations held at the biennial crops event in conjunction with Teagasc Oak Park.
This proven approach ensures a structured and engaging experience, allowing attendees to follow each machine in operation without missing a moment.
Set across more than 40 acres, with over 50 machines taking part, the demonstrations will run in a continuous sequence. Mowing will commence at 10:30am sharp, so early arrival is advised to allow time to become familiar with the site layout. Once mowing is complete, the same plots will be tedded and raked, ahead of harvesting in the afternoon.
Self-propelled forage harvesters will lead, followed by forage wagons and balers, with wrapping, transport, bale stacking and pit demonstrations completing the process.
Adjacent to the demonstration area, the trade village will feature more than 90 exhibitors, representing the majority of Ireland’s leading tractor and machinery brands. Visitors will have ample opportunity throughout the day to engage with industry experts and discuss their specific requirements.
Adding to the anticipation, a number of machines first unveiled at Agritechnica in Hannover will make their Irish working debut at Grass 2026. These include the Krone CombiPack HDP 165, the Case 721G+ X-Agri wheel loader as well as the John Deere F9 series, and Claas Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters.
Finally, we extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues across the machinery industry for their continued support and trust in bringing this event from concept to reality.
We also acknowledge the wider team at the Irish Farmers Journal for their commitment from the outset.
Special thanks are due to Dermot Forristal for his career-spanning expertise and attention to detail when it came to planning the demonstration area.
Finally, be sure to visit the Irish Farmers Journal stand on the day to meet the team and learn about all of the latest offers.
Gary Abbott and Peter Thomas Keaveney.
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