Zurich

Fancy putting yourself through the paces to prove your physical fitness? Pop by the Zurich stand which will be hosting its very first Ireland’s Fittest Farmer competition.

Special guest and GAA legend, Davy Fitzgerald will be at the stand. Davy will be judging whether you have what it takes to be crowned Ireland’s first fittest farmer, with some of Ireland’s Fittest Family favourite challenges, such as Hang Tough.

For farmers keen on taking part, visit the Zurich stand at the following times throughout the three days of Ploughing: 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm.

As well as Ireland’s Fittest Farmer, visitors can also enter to win a Charolais heifer which will be on display at the stand. All you need to do to be in with the chance of winning is to correctly guess the weight of the heifer and complete the entry form.

Zurich.

Over the three days, there will be a full team of farm insurance experts on hand to discuss your farming needs, answer any questions, or work with you to arrange a personalised farm visit. Free giveaways and prizes will also be rolled out though the duration of the championships.

FBD

The use of quads is becoming increasingly common on Irish farms and, for many, they are considered essential farm equipment which offer huge benefits to everyday tasks, from herding livestock to moving equipment. They also offer flexibility and save time on the farm.

Visitors to the FBD stand can be in with a chance to win a Honda TRX520FM6 quad bike.

Visitors to the FBD stand can be in with a chance to win a Honda TRX520FM6 quad bike.

The 520 launched in 2020 as an upgraded version of the TRX500. The new 520 runs a 518cc engine liquid cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine – up from its predecessor’s 475cc, providing 30hp for a quick and nimble ride.

The FM6 also comes with independent rear suspension, power steering and automatic clutch. Capable of carrying loads of up to 600kg, the FM6 can easily tow full trailers across difficult terrain.

As well as this great competition, the team of FBD Insurance experts will be on hand and can answer any questions guests might have on all things related to insurance.

There will also be some entertainment including a dedicated kids’ zone for smaller children to enjoy and a photo mirror where visitors are encouraged to strike their best pose.

AXA

Did you know that you can make additional money from keeping a well-maintained farm? If not, the AXA stand will have all the information you need to find out more.

AXA will be joined by four partners offering information on farm planning and management; advice on securing farm livelihoods; sustainable energy options and innovative safety initiatives.

Each day AXA will also host technical briefings for farmers on the new Reap scheme, with expert advice from the Agricultural Consultants Association; sustainable energy options from Local Power; guidance on securing livelihoods from the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association; and innovative farm safety solutions from Agri Guardian.

Visitors can review the wealth of information and relax with a coffee in the AXA chill zone. And children will be entertained by Strong Women Science’s circus acrobatics while learning about the environment.

Putting You First

If you’re looking for information on your rights or entitlements or you need a bit of money advice, the Putting You First stand has what you need. There are three information stands within one and they are the go-to location for advice and advocacy on various services and supports the State provides which for some are often overlooked.

Citizens Information Service

The Citizens Information Service (CIS) gathers information from various Government departments and agencies, and makes sure that you have the information you need, presented in an easy-to-understand way.

The Citizens Information Service gathers information from various Government departments and agencies.

You can find out all about your rights and entitlements as well as accessing social and public services. Or maybe you would like to speak to someone about accessing farming support? The Citizens Information Service (CIS) staff will be answering questions.

MABS

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the free and confidential service for people who are having problems with money management, budgeting and debt.

MABS is marking 30 years since it was founded this year. Established in 1992, the pilot scheme was implemented to address moneylending and indebtedness problems. The service has since expanded nationwide, providing money advice, budgeting and support to tackle problem debt.

An exhibition highlighting the history of MABS and how the service has grown will be on display in the Putting you First tent. Money advisers will be available to answer your personal and household money and debt-related questions.

Abhaile

Do you know someone with long-term mortgage arrears on their home? The services of Abhaile can help. Abhaile is the State-funded mortgage arrears support scheme designed to help people in long-term mortgage arrears to stay in their home, where possible, with a sustainable solution.

Abhaile provides access – free of charge – to financial, insolvency, and legal services and supports to find a sustainable solution for homeowners at risk of losing their homes.

The Legal Aid Board (LAB), and the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) will be available to answer your questions and provide more information on the support available.