Macra news: Macra to be on show at the ploughing
Once again, members will be manning an official Macra na Feirme stand at the event.
After three years at the Ratheniska site in Co Laois, the National Ploughing Association is moving next month’s event to Screggan in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Last year, Macra na Feirme worked with the National Ploughing Association to provide a youth zone for those aged 17 to 35. It included a chill-out area and a DJ, and farm safety demonstrations also took place.
Macra’s stand is always a hit at the ploughing, with visitors last year including then Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Macra na Feirme will also once again host its annual Macra Ploughing Class, in association with the National Ploughing Association, at this year’s event.
The organisation is currently seeking members to help out at the ploughing championships.
Those interested are asked to take part in a survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6QPPYXZ
A plan of action will then be put in place for this year’s championships — taking place from September 20 to 22 — once Macra has an idea of how many members are interested in taking part.
As Europe’s largest outdoor event, this year’s ploughing championships will include the core machinery and livestock exhibition, motor displays, live entertainment, and cookery demonstrations.
There will also be artisan foods on offer and a forestry village, as well as baking competitions, shopping arcades, a vintage exhibition, and a bio-energy village.
The variety of stands attending the ploughing is sure to have something to interest all of the family; food, crafts, health, leisure, hotels, government departments, celebrities, live demonstrations, cookery, and lots more, as well as the top ploughmen and women battling it out for the national title and an opportunity to represent Ireland at next year’s World Ploughing Contest in Kenya.
Celebrating 85 years, more than 1,500 exhibitors have booked their spot at the event .
Tickets are now available online or by phoning 059 8625125. Special student and group rates apply to pre-event orders and children under 12 are free.
To find out more, log onto www.npa.ie
