The power of agricultural innovation on show at ploughing
Padraig Hennessy, co-founder of Terra NutriTECH, whose automated mineral dosing system delivers the optimal amount of minerals to dairy herds based on their water usage.
Innovation is all around us on the farm. It's there when we swing a gate to open, it's there in power steering, it's there in the grab of silage.
The trailblazers of innovation can make our farming lives easier, more efficient, cleaner, brighter and in many cases, safer too.
Anna May McHugh, NPA Managing Director, said: “The Innovation Arena remains an important feature of the National Ploughing Championships, highlighting Irish innovators who are making a positive impact both at home and abroad. We are pleased to partner with Enterprise Ireland, providing a valuable platform for Irish agritech businesses to showcase their solutions and connect with industry and international audiences.”
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At this year’s Ploughing event, the Innovation Arena will be buzzing once again as it brings together a whole range of developments that over time could enhance our farming lives, in ways we cannot even imagine.
Jenny Melia, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said: "Enterprise Ireland is dedicated to backing innovative Irish companies to achieve their global ambitions, build sustainable growth and create high-quality employment across every region.
“By helping our innovative enterprise base become more competitive, to embrace new innovations and to improve productivity, we are supporting them on their journey to grow in international markets and deliver impact in communities around the country.”
James Maloney, innovation arena project manager, Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena is now an established platform for agri-focused innovations, and gives our entrepreneurs and innovators the opportunity to meet face to face with potential customers and key stakeholders.”
Announcing the return of the ‘Young Innovator of the Year’ award, James Maloney said: “So many of this talented generation of innovators are harnessing tools and technologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions, with the potential to solve complex global challenges, and we look forward to giving some of these exciting innovations a platform at one of Europe’s largest outdoor events.”
And here are just a few of the companies who will be showcased at the 2026 Innovation Arena.
Solnua (jointly owned by Munster Bovine and Progressive Genetics) is an animal genetics company based in County Kildare.
Its focus is fairly straightforward, it is to help farmers breed herds that are profitable, resilient, and climate-smart. And who isn't for that?
The company's lastest innovation is the introducion of its ‘Predictability in Practice’ system, which aims to match farms with tailored breeding recommendations, with the aim of improving fertility, calving performance and herd consistency, supporting more sustainable and profitable practices for all.
RT Sales Limited is a well-established agricultural engineering firm based in Castleisland, County Kerry.
Their focus is on practical engineering solutions, designed to extend machinery lifespan, increase operational safety, and improve efficiency.
The company's latest innovation, ‘Hitch Hero’ is a patented stabilising frame that reduces stress on tractors and mowers by improving rigidity and limiting the effect of side loads.
Stabilisation is the name of the game. The innovation protects tractors and equipment, while improving operational smoothness, supporting safer farm work.
Slurryquip designs and builds slurry management equipment for farmers and contractors.
Based in Downpatrick, Slurryquip have been in business with 30 years.
The company's new product ‘Infinity Engine Pump’ combines high-capacity slurry pumping with advanced remote operation and reliable connectivity.
By reducing labour requirements, improving operational control, and supporting fuel efficiency, it helps contractors manage slurry more reliably in demanding conditions.
Telenostic is an Irish technology company who have developed an AI-powered diagnostic tool to improve parasite control in livestock, by enabling rapid parasite detection at point of care.
Its AI-driven OvaCyte platform enables rapid on-farm identification of parasite eggs, from animal faecal sample analysis, eliminating the need for laboratory testing and enabling evidence-based treatment decisions.
This innovation supports faster treatment decisions, targeted parasite control and improved animal health management. It also reduces unnecessary treatments and drug use, while helping farmers enhance productivity, support sustainability, lower costs, and improve overall herd health.
VetPal Technology is an agri-tech company in Co Roscommon, focused on digitising veterinary prescriptions across the animal health supply chain.
Connecting farmers, vets, co-ops, merchants and pharmacies in one compliant digital workflow to the Department of Agriculture's National Veterinary Prescription System.
Built in response to new EU regulations requiring veterinary prescriptions for treatments previously sold over the counter, VetPal cuts administration for vets and stores while protecting farmers' access to treatments. Thus supporting prudent prescribing and improved One Health outcomes for animals.
Over the past year the company has added multi-branch support for store groups, along with e-commerce and ERP integrations, while new AI-powered tools are reducing administrative burdens and improving clinical efficiencies.
Since launching in December 2025, VetPal has been adopted by the majority of Ireland's licensed remedy stores, with thousands of farmers now receiving their prescriptions through the platform.
Terra NutriTECH is a County Kildare agri-tech company pioneering precision dosing technology for grazing livestock.
Its new CH4Guard platform delivers methane-reducing supplements through drinking water and uses real-time data to confirm that the right product and dose were provided.
It turns methane reduction at pasture from a major challenge into something manageable.
Alltech is an Irish-founded animal health and nutrition company, which supports agriculture with science-led solutions.
Alltech’s Planet of Plenty Partnership Framework shows how business model innovation, powered by science-led solutions, can help agriculture cut emissions whilst driving farm profitability.
By connecting farmers, processors and brands around solutions such as Eminex, Alltech is creating practical pathways to reduce slurry-related emissions, improve nutrient efficiency and generate credible sustainability gains across the value chain.
WireLessCam was developed by sixteen-year-old secondary school student Blake McVicar from County Monaghan.
WireLessCam is a portable wireless camera, that can be viewed through an app on your phone.
The aim is to improve safety and visibility around farm machinery and livestock transport.
Easy to deploy and requiring no installation, the ingenious solution helps reduce accidents, prevent equipment damage and enhance animal monitoring.
Its use of repurposed batteries also contributes to a more sustainable approach to farm technology.
