It takes 10 days to plough it, four days to plant it and four days to harvest the crop. From its centre, the land stretches as far as the eye can see. The is the largest field in Ireland, extending to 334ac in total. It is owned by Michael and Marie McGuinness at Hilltown, Bellewstown, Co Meath. Barry Cronin

Craig Jeffrey from Rathcoursey, Midleton, is pictured among the trial plots at the Goldcrop farmers’ open day on the farm of John Dunne at Shanagarry, Co Cork. Donal O’Leary

As part of the Sheep Shearing Festival at Corofin, Co Galway, a tractor run was held on the unopened M17 motorway, between Tuam and Corofin. It was the first time ever such an event was held on a motorway. Dave Ruffles

Brothers Padraic, Liam and Seamus Dolan from Curraghboy, Co Roscommon, preparing for the forthcoming sheep shearing contest in Athlone, which was held on 3 and 4 June. Dave Ruffles

Sean Kent’s 600-strong flock of breeding geese heading into the shed for the night. Once the sun sets, the geese gather at the gate waiting to march to their houses. Sean breeds the geese for egg products at Ballyrichard, Arklow, Co Wicklow. Ramona Farrelly

Eighty-year-old Mikey Doyle from Fortchester, Inch, Co Wexford. Mikey loves tedding hay and is pictured here helping his neighbour Alfie Hughes to bale his hay. Philip Doyle

Dermot Goss from Lurgankeel, Kilcurry, Co Louth, with Sheba, his seven-year-old sheepdog. Sheba is great at rounding up Dermot’s Hillview flock of pedigree Beltex sheep. Philip Doyle

Niall Whitford from Kilkenny at the 53rd annual Steam Rally at Stradbally, Co Laois. Barry Cronin

Farmer John Hobson moves his flock of Suffolk sheep to a new field at Rockstown, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow. Philip Doyle

In his 80th year, Tom Leonard from Ballinteskin, Stradbally, Co Laois, was busy completing his 42nd harvest. Tom is pictured here with his Clayson New Holland 8060 combine. Tom has been farming all his life and has been driving the combine for over 40 years. This machine has served him well since he bought it and he hopes to get through another season without any unexpected breaks or mechanical problems. Philip Doyle

Matt Stapleton farms with his son in Pallascross, Borrisoleigh, Co Tipperary. Farming all his life, Matt also worked in the ESB until his retirement a number of years ago. When he is not looking after their sucklers, heifers and bull, Matt can be found in his own pub, serving a handful of local farmers every night. Philip Doyle

The annual National Ploughing Championships were held in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly this year. Pictured here is Seamus Cullen from New Ross, Co Wexford, keeping a close eye on the ploughing action. Barry Cronin

Sean Gaffney (left) from Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, is pictured here on rented land in Castleplunket, Co Roscommon, with his brother Pat (right). Pat emigrated to Manchester many years ago but is back on holidays. Both are attempting to herd two cows into a trailer and bring them back to the farm as they were due to calf later that day. Philip Doyle

Dairy cows grazing at Hore Abbey at the foot of the Rock of Cashel in Co Tipperary. The land here is owned by Kathleen Ryan. Kathleen used to farm beef and dairy with her late husband Paul, but now rents their land out to her nephew. Philip Doyle

Philip Malone and his father Frank farm heifers just outside Granard, Co Longford. They buy in weanlings and sell them on at around one and a half years. Both men are very proud of their farm and put in a lot of work to make improvements in fencing and being more self efficient. Philip has fitted water butts it all his sheds to capture rainwater. Philip Doyle