Countdown to the Ploughing

ALL roads lead to Tullamore with hundreds of thousands expected to pay a visit as the 86th National Ploughing Championships gets under way.

In next week’s Farming Independent, we’ ll carry a pullout map of the site listing all the exhibitors to provide an easy way to find your way around the site.

In our bumper 64-page Ploughing edition, we’ll have in-depth analysis looking at all the vital trends in the beef, dairy, sheep and grain sector.

In addition, machinery columnist Derek Casey will showcase some of the new machinery and tractors that could catch the eye on the day.

We’ll also capture some of the highlights of the event from the pedigree breeds on show to the new Creative Ireland stand to highlight the artistic wealth of talent in the country.

We’ll also be providing plenty of thought-provoking interviews and forums in the Irish Independent tent which can be found at — Block No 2, Row No 9 and Stand No 222.

A full list of talks will be carried in next week’s Farming Independent but some of the highlights are listed below:

Journalist and radio presenter Paul Williams will host a robust debate on rural crime

The topical issues of pre-nups before marriage and succession will be debated by a team of experts

Columnists Robin Talbot, John Fagan and Henry Walsh give their views on Brexit and the farming outlook

Peter and Paula Hynes will discuss what it takes to become the Farmer of the Year.

For young budding sports fans, there will be an opportunity to listen to some of the top sports players and also to pick up the latest Cúl Heroes cards.

A free bar of Lindt chocolate and bag will be given out with every copy of the Irish Independent purchased for €1, while a copy of the RTÉ Guide will be included on the Thursday.

In the coming weeks we’ll be running a competition to win a Mitsubishi Outlander — pick up the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent from September 16 to October 6 for more details.