‘It has always been about bringing people together’

“It has been a tough year for many farmers, with difficult weather and the pressures of prices and rising costs,” said Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA) at the recent launch of the event.

The Ploughing has always been a good day out – or three – for farmers, contractors, rural and, indeed, urban dwellers. But against a backdrop of a serious drought and the challenges that it has posed for farmers in the short and long term, this year’s event may be a more necessary break away from the farm than usual. 

“Hopefully The Ploughing gives people a chance to take a day away from it all enjoy themselves with family and friends, catch up with old faces and maybe meet a few new ones along the way. The Ploughing has always been about bringing people together and celebrating the very best of ploughing, Irish agriculture, enterprise and rural life,” Anna May added. 

Highlights

As well as the ploughing competitions and classes, there will be an international dimension this year, as the Five Nations Ploughing Competition takes place over two days.

Machinery is set for a particularly strong showing this year, with an increase in machinery exhibitors and a number of new companies attending for 2026, according to organisers. The motor arena has also grown, with more car companies exhibiting and a wide selection of cars and commercial vehicles on display.

The international appeal of the Championships continues to grow, with particularly strong representation from Northern Ireland, alongside exhibitors travelling from Scotland, England, France, the Czech Republic and New Zealand.

There will be a fantastic variety of livestock across the three days, combining major competitions with an extensive selection of breeds and displays. The Growvite All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus Finals take place on Tuesday, while Wednesday brings the Irish Simmental National Calf Finals and Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.

The future of farming will be on show at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena, where Irish agri-tech businesses and innovators will showcase new ideas and solutions. Joining its established awards for 2026 is the new Young Innovator of the Year Award, putting the spotlight on the next generation of agricultural innovation.

Baking a name for themselves

There is a new generation taking part in another Ploughing favourite too. The National Brown Bread Baking Competition, sponsored by Euronics and in association with the NPA and ICA, introduces the junior competition for young bakers aged 12-18. Sixteen finalists – eight junior and eight senior – will bake live during the championships, with both 2026 winners crowned on Thursday.

Irish food will feature right across the site, from traditional favourites to artisan produce and emerging food businesses. Midlands Flavours will showcase producers from across the region, while the wider Championships will offer visitors the opportunity to discover the variety and creativity of Ireland’s food and drink sector. There will be hourly demonstrations from the Health and Safety Authority, and much, much more! Here, in our special focus section, we highlight just a sample of the best at The Ploughing 2026.