Ploughing plans well advanced for Ballacolla
The total site this year comprises about 200 hectares (500 acres). There will be up to 600 trade exhibition stands.
Twenty-one ploughing competitions will be decided.
An attendance in excess of 100,000 over the three days is expected. There will be 300 ploughing competitors from Ireland, and 20 from eight other countries.
Minister of State Liam Aylward, who launched the promotional brochure for this year’s event in Abbeyleix on Tuesday, said it was very encouraging to see that 16 women will be among the competitors.
The brochure contains a site map, details of the trade stands, exhibitions on machinery, livestock and an indoor trade display.
As this is a green field site, working demonstrations will be available to provide potential customers with first class practical advice on all farming equipment on display.
The ploughing area will extend to 200 acres.
The trade stands will cover 60 acres and car parking and other activities will cover another 250 acres.
National Ploughing Association officials Charlie Keegan, president; Tom Fahy, chairman; and Anna May McHugh, managing director, are heading the organising team.
