Burglar alarm

EVERY year, the column inches written about the National Ploughing Championships evoke images of family fun, skilled furrowing and the latest farming innovations.

This year though, if one were to scan the headlines throughout the event, it would be impossible to avoid the numerous stories relating to farm security and the rapidly escalating scourge of thefts. The community garda stand at the championships was probably never so busy.

The ease with which machinery, trailers and even animals are being stolen relates to the isolated nature of so many holdings.