The ever-popular National Ploughing Championships is back, this year changing location from Tullamore, Co Offaly, to Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co Carlow.

Everything from farming, food and fashion will be on display at the show, generating interest from both rural and urban people around the country.

There is something to please everyone in the audience, including ploughing enthusiasts, farmers, agribusinesses, stake holders and food connoisseurs.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed will also be in attendance.

What to expect

The National Ploughing Championships not only attracts people from across Ireland, there is a phenomenal global interest in the event, which attracts visitors from Australia, the US, France, the UK, Denmark, Germany and other countries.

Download the Ploughing 2019 app - see link at end of story.

For machinery enthusiasts, the innovation arena will be a showcase like no other, with all major brands showcasing the best makes and models on the market, with some surprise new models also likely to be unveiled.

Over 100 international buyers visited the [innovation] arena last year

A number of new exhibitors will be present at the show, as well as veteran participants.

Both will have top-quality products and services on display to intrigue visitors.

Innovation

The innovation arena will act as the host for all the latest models of agricultural machinery and agri-tech products, giving small and large businesses across Ireland an opportunity to showcase cutting-edge tech products on a world stage.

This year, the arena will also feature a conference centre, where a focused briefing will be delivered on the agri-tech sector in Ireland and the key issues facing it as a result of Brexit.

Mark Christal from Enterprise Ireland said: “Over 100 international buyers visited the arena last year and we expect the number to increase again in 2019.”

Not to be missed

NPA managing director Anna May McHugh said: “The arena is an opportunity not to be missed by anyone who has a good business idea or product to showcase at Europe’s largest outdoor event.

"An exhibitor is guaranteed prime positioning in front of a targeted stakeholder audience.”

Livestock

Elsewhere, quality livestock will be on show, alongside a forestry village, motor show, food trail, international business pavilion, fashion and a local enterprise village with every county in Ireland represented.

Craft shows, cookery demonstrations, baking competitions and various seminars will also take place during the three days.

In addition, 2019 will witness the return of the popular retail village, alongside the extended trade arena.

Nearly 300 exhibitors are set to showcase their products in indoor arenas and specialist pavilions, while a further 1,100 exhibitors are expected outdoors.

Irish Farmers Journal stand

The Irish Farmers Journal would also like to encourage everyone to visit our stand and to engage with members of our team.

However, if under any circumstances you cannot attend the Ploughing, you can keep up to date through all our different media platforms.

The Ploughing app is available in the App Store, providing all the essential information.