If there is one week in the year that sums up the spirit, character, and humour of rural Ireland, it has to be the National Ploughing Championships. Last week’s event was no exception – three days of wellies, weather worries, and wonderful encounters with people from every corner of the country. For Macra, the Ploughing is always special. It’s where our members come to meet each other, where new people discover what Macra is all about, and where our voice as young rural people is heard loud and clear.

One of the great joys of the Ploughing is meeting members, both old and new. I spoke with young farmers just starting out, full of excitement and ideas about the future, and with long-standing members who reminisced about their own days competing in debates, sports, and drama. Hearing those stories reminded me again of how Macra is more than just an organisation – it’s a family, a community that stretches back generations and continues to evolve with every passing year.

Of course, the Ploughing is also about policy, and Macra was front and centre in those discussions. Generational renewal was the hot topic of the week, and I had plenty of conversations about the recently published Commission on Generational Renewal’s report. The proposals for a Young Farmers Establishment Fund, a Generational Renewal Payment to encourage farm transfer, and proper funding for a National Land Mobility Service were mentioned by members and visitors alike. I made no secret of our position: these measures are vital if we want to secure the future of Irish farming.

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But while policy is serious business, the atmosphere at our stand was light, fun, and welcoming. There were displays showcasing the breadth of what Macra does – from agriculture to leadership, from competitions to travel and social nights out to community projects. Visitors who thought Macra was “just for farmers” quickly learned that our reach is much wider. Rural youth of all backgrounds are at the heart of Macra, and that inclusivity is something I’m always proud to highlight.

The energy at the stand was electric. The Macra members on duty were fantastic ambassadors, engaging with the public, answering questions, and of course making sure everyone left with a smile (and in some cases, a bucket hat or two).

What struck me most over the three days was the genuine interest from people outside the organisation. At one stage, I was answering questions from a group of teenagers while, just a few feet away, one of our members was deep in discussion with a TD. That, in a nutshell, is what Macra at the Ploughing is all about: social and serious, side by side.

By the time the gates closed on the final day, there were tired feet and hoarse voices all round, but also a huge sense of pride. Pride in how Macra had showcased itself to the thousands of people who visited us, pride in the dedication of our staff and volunteers who kept the stand running seamlessly, and pride in the fact that we continue to build a vibrant organisation for rural youth.

The National Ploughing Championships may officially be about tractors, machinery, and ploughs, but for me, last week was about people – the people who make Macra what it is and the people who will carry rural Ireland forward. I left the site muddy and tired but also inspired, proud and hopeful.