Machinery, livestock, brown bread contests: Countdown is on for Ploughing 2025
Eva Osborne
The countdown is on for the National Ploughing Championships, which take place in Screggan, Tullamore, Co Offaly, next week.
The event will run from September 16th-18th and features everything agriculture, including farm machinery, livestock contests and displays, and the National Brown Bread Baking Competition.
So, what does the Ploughing entail, how do you get there, and how much does a pass cost? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
What's on?
Machinery
There will be millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display, featuring an extensive range of cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment.
The ‘Machine of the Year’ competition will return this year.
Livestock
Organisers say the livestock section will be a major highlight, with over 100 entries in the Irish Aberdeen-Angus Association All Ireland Finals, The Shorthorn Calf Competition, and the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.
Many other breeds will be on display and 12 sheep breeds will be in the Tunnell this year.
Visitors will have the chance to admire the quality of animals on display and gain insights into livestock management, genetics, nutrition, and animal healthcare.
Brown bread
A key attraction at this year’s National Ploughing Championships will be the National Brown Bread Baking Competition.
Eight finalists will take to the stage live to bake their brown breads in the National Ploughing Championships Brown Bread Baking tent on September 16th and 17th.
The winner will be crowned on the 18th September.
The winning brown bread baker will walk away with a cash prize of €5000 plus a NEFF Slide & Hide oven.
Three finalists will win a €500 Euronics gift card and all other finalists will be given a €250 Euronics gift card and a Neff hamper.
Ploughing
The National Championships Ploughing Stakes has drawn a particularly strong programme this year, attracting entries from all over Ireland, with more than 350 competitors set to take part.
The interest in the Ploughing Championships has grown substantially over the years since it began in 1931.
It has expanded from requiring a small field of 26 acres to needing over 700 acres of land today.
Ploughing takes part over the three days of the event.
The results of the Ploughing competitions will be officially announced from the Bandstand at 6pm each evening of the event.
They will also be displayed later on the side of the NPA HQ stand.
Some of the competitons taking place include:
- Senior Conventional Plough Class;
- Senior Reversible Plough Class;
- Farmerette Conventional Plough Class;
- Novice Conventional Senior, Intermediate & Junior Plough Classes;
- Senior Horse Plough Class;
- Vintage 2 Furrow Mounted Plough Class;
- Vintage Single Furrow Mounted Plough Class;
- Vintage Single Furrow Pedestrian Tractor Class;
- Loy Digging.
Business
The entrepreneurial spirit is set to dominate at Ploughing 2025. A record number of businesses are set to exhibit at this year’s Local Enterprise Village.
In addition, the Local Enterprise Offices have announced a partnership with Google, which will be on-site, helping SMEs upskill in digital tools and AI.
The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena also makes a return, showcasing groundbreaking technologies and cutting-edge ideas.
Visitors can also enjoy the new Midlands Flavours, highlighting local producers from Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath with cookery demonstrations every morning and afternoon.
How do I purchase tickets? How much are they?
Tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.npa.ie to guarantee entry on your chosen day. NPA can only guarantee entry for pre-purchased tickets.
Tickets may be available at the gate, but only if the event is not sold out. The gate price is €30.
Tickets are day specific. Visitors are required to attend on the date shown on their ticket, as the NPA can only guarantee entry for the selected date.
When purchasing online, an adult ticket is €25, a senior citizen ticket is €20, a seondary school student ticket is €20, and children under 12 go free once accompanied by a paying adult.
How do I get there?
The NPA said it works closely with An Garda Síochána to develop a comprehensive event traffic plan to ensure safe and efficient access to the event.
All attendees driving to the event are advised to review the traffic plan before departing and follow the designated route for their direction.
Upon close arrival to the event, follow the directional signage, as road closures and alternative routes may be in place for the event.
Visitors should note they are not guaranteed access to the site after 3pm due to traffic plan restrictions.
When does it all kick off?
The Trade Exhibition Arena will be open from 9am to 6pm each day.
The ploughing competitions will run from 10:30am to 2:30pm, as will the entertainment programme, while the fashion shows will take place at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm.
