Site preparations for the 2025 National Ploughing Championships are running ahead of schedule as dry weather has helped progress the installation of trackways and the erection of tents ahead of the event’s return to Screggan, Co Offaly, from 16 to 18 September.

Over 300 competitors are to take part in the three-day competition, which will take place both around the main site and in Blueball, to which visitors will be shuttled via bus.

This year’s Ploughing is to see a larger area of trade exhibits as the overall size of stands will return to its pre-COVID expanse.

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“Preparations are in full swing as this green field transforms into the bustling hub of the National Ploughing Championships,” managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA) Anna May McHugh said on Monday.

“Just weeks ago, it was open countryside, now it’s set to welcome hundreds of thousands.

“The Ploughing showcases the very best of Ireland, uniting rural and urban communities for three days of country living, innovation and enterprise. It’s always a race against the clock, but the result is a one-of-a-kind celebration.”

More livestock

Assistant managing director of NPA Anna Marie McHugh told the Irish Farmers Journal that 2025 is also to see more livestock return to the National Ploughing Championships than had been present over recent years, with “about eight breeds of cattle and about 12 breeds of sheep” to be exhibited.

The Ploughing’s livestock section is to feature the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association all-Ireland finals with over 100 entries, as well as a Shorthorn calf competition and the Certified Irish Angus schools competition.

Ahead of schedule

Anna Marie McHugh said that it had not been expected that there would be as many tents erected with the launch held a week earlier than usual.

“The weather has made big difference too. The trackways are almost finished, that is way ahead of schedule and the ground has been dry and suitable for the work,” she commented.

The reason for the competition moving away from the main site for a day was based off a similar schedule last year, the assistant managing director said.

“The reason is that we could just get two really good big fields that could take the number of competitors - 350 competitors. We have a lot of competitors this year and that is why we are moving one day.

“We did a trial last year, had a shuttle service going to the ploughing competitions and we had the biggest number ever going to the ploughing.

“That was really good and hopefully it will work for us this week.”