It was a busy few days for Macra at the National Ploughing Championships, and stand 207 was packed with activity, familiar faces and plenty of opportunities to showcase what Macra is all about.

All three of its subcommittees were represented across the week, with games and challenges galore and information aplenty on the work Macra does for members.

The 2026 Macra jerseys also made their debut and feature a sketch of a photo from the Poc Fada competition, starring some of its own members.

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CAP Proposal Document

Tuesday was a particularly important day as Macra launched its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Proposal Document, outlining the organisation’s key demands to Government ahead of the next CAP cycle.

The document sets out Macra’s priorities for the future of Irish agriculture, with a particularly keen focus on ensuring the next CAP supports young farmers and generational renewal.

Macra’s lobbying work continued throughout the week, with national president Josephine O’Neill, the vice-presidential team and members of the Agricultural Affairs Committee busy meeting decision-makers and ensuring the voices of young farmers are heard. Among those they met were Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and European Commissioner Christophe Hansen.

Wednesday brought another familiar face to the Macra stand as 2026 FBD Young Farmer of the Year Shane Halpin joined for the day. Shane had a busy schedule of interviews and media appearances laid out but still managed to take in everything the Ploughing has to offer – even getting his face on a potato for good measure.

Opportunities to learn

Macra was joined at its stand throughout the week by Macra Agricultural Skillnet and the Land Mobility Service, giving visitors the chance to find out more about the training, development and farm-transfer opportunities available through both services.

WeConsent was also welcomed to the Macra tent.

It brought great energy while sharing an important message about consent and helping to get people talking about the issue.

The Ploughing is always a huge team effort, and Macra issued a massive thank you to all its staff and volunteers, who kept the show on the road throughout the week.

And, of course, a thanks goes out to every single person who visited the stand, whether you stopped for a chat, took part in a challenge, picked up a jersey or came to find out more about Macra.

If you missed Macra at the Ploughing, you can catch up on all the antics over on Instagram @macranafeirme or find out more at macra.ie.