Excitement is building as the countdown is “well and truly” on for ‘Ploughing 2023’, Europe’s largest outdoor event, according to organisers.
EU Commissioner, responsible for financial services, financial stability, and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness attended yesterday morning’s (Tuesday, September 5th, 2023), National Ploughing Championships launch on-site in Ratheniska, Co Laois.
Guests were entertained by local performers from the county, while prize-winning animals, high-powered tractors, horses, and hounds were all on display.
There will be millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display featuring an extensive range of cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment, with the opportunity to see these in action in the machinery demonstration area.
Leading manufacturers and agents will be present with specialist sales advisors and technical experts available for free consultations.
Attractions
Visitors can take the opportunity to admire livestock on display and learn about livestock management, genetics, nutrition and healthcare.
Sustainability is a key theme again for #Ploughing2023 and as part of this year’s event, there will be numerous green initiatives.
For example, the NPA will be promoting the use of recyclable products, food waste will be converted into energy through an anaerobic digester and there will also be solar paneled lighting towers, cardboard compactors, litter fines and waste separation operations on-site.”
Certa, formally known as EMO Oil, will provide electricity for the event using HVO Hydrated Vegetable Oil (recycled cooking oil).
The ‘Ploughing’ is a haven for foodies, as all sectors of the food chain are represented from producer to retailer, artisan foods, craft beers, celebrity chefs, cookery competitions and much more.
In the national ploughing stakes, a particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland with over 320 competitors over the 3 days.
At the launch event, models from the Holman Lee modelling agency took to a mini catwalk to provide a glimpse of the highly anticipated fashion shows that will take place throughout the three days of the event.
Local and national boutiques/fashion houses provided a taster of the latest styles and the fashion of the upcoming season.
All of the firm favourite attractions are set to return this year such as fashion shows, meggers, sheep shearing, hunt derby, fun fair, food fayre, craft demonstrations, pony games, live music and dancing, vintage ploughing, threshing, loy digging, a motor show and baking competitions.
NPA managing director, Anna May McHugh, said:
“Preparations are well underway as this green field in the middle of Ireland transforms into a bustling hub for the National Ploughing Championships.”
“The event not only provides a national stage to showcase all things that are great about Ireland, but also brings together people from all sectors of Irish society both rural and urban, to enjoy three days immersed in country living,” she concluded.
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