The Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association’s (FTMTA) biennial machinery show will, once again, be held at Punchestown Racecourse from November 10-12, 2026. The 2024 instalment was extremely successful and well attended, according to current FTMTA president Maurice Kelly, speaking at the 2026 launch. The 150,000 square feet of covered indoor space sold out well in advance last year and interest in exhibiting at the 2026 gig is likely to be even higher. The venue is perfect for exhibitors and visitors alike, with ample space to show off the latest innovations and models in agricultural machinery. This dedicated FTMTA Machinery Show allows committed machinery-minded farmers and contractors ease of access to view the products on display, engage with traders and even strike deals after comparing and contrasting alternative purchase options. For exhibitors, there is ample space to showcase a wide array of their brands, products, services and general offerings. Maurice pointed out that the machinery market is very vibrant and upbeat in Ireland this year, with tractor sales in May 2025 up 55 per cent, compared to the same month in 2024. This month (October), the FTMTA holds a conference for the farm machinery industry, hosted by Ivan Yates. Titled ‘Navigating the Evolving Agricultural Machinery Landscape’ it is an opportunity for attendees to network and prepare for the changes and innovations that will drive the sector in the coming years. Ahead of the conference, FTMTA executive director, Michael Farrelly reported that membership of the association has grown by 15 per cent over the past four years. This year alone, the FTMTA has run more than 10 training courses for members, highlighting the appetite throughout the industry for upskilling, boosting in-house knowledge, improving operations and increasing profitability.
The conference’s keynote speaker is Donegal football manager, Jim McGuinness. Among the main sponsors are the Irish Farmers Journal and Kramp, the European agricultural, horticultural, and construction parts and accessories supplier which acquired the leading Irish agri-spares outlet Genfitt in 2023. The conference is also supported by Local Power, AIB, PTSB, DLL, IBCOS, Agriland, Eventus, Experlogix and InsightHR.
