Author: National Ploughing Association

The problem of rush infestation is a constant headache for farmers. They can quickly infest a field if not managed and use up the foods, space, light and moisture which should nourish profitable crops. They make harvesting difficult and reduce the grazing value of land.

The traditional flail mower has until recently been the machine of choice for the clearance of rushes, scrub and small trees. However the fuel consumption costs and the slow pace of work associated with using a flail for heavy ground clearance encouraged the people at Major Equipment in Ballyhaunis to look to other alternatives.

Major Equipment Ltd developed the MAJOR Cyclone mower specifically for rush clearance and it is suitable for set-aside, forestry margin management and scrubland control. The MAJOR Cyclone easily copes with the toughest of conditions including shrub, saplings, gorse and brush as well as the clearance of arable stubble, including maize and rapeseed crops, yet the power requirement is up to 30% less than that required by a flail mower.

The MAJOR 2.5m Cyclone Mower has been short-listed for the Innovation Arena at this year’s National Ploughing Championships. It will also be on display at the MAJOR stand at Row 16, Stand 236.

Lee Valley Ireland will be providing customers with fantastic and traditional Irish clothing at this year’s 84^th National Ploughing Championships 2015. Don’t worry; whatever way the weather turns, we will see that you’re dry, warm and looking the part.

Mr. Hurley has also decided to gift a Lee Valley Peeked Cap from the selection available to anyone who buys our Cork Jacket. In addition we will have coupons for customers who would like to buy from our stall over the course of the three days. Just follow us on Twitter or Facebook to see how you can get these coupons.

Lee Valley Ireland will have an array of clothing on display and for sale at the National Ploughing Championships and here is a taster. Our Cork Jackets and Mayo jackets are the finest coats on the market providing their owners reliability, durability and quality. Our traditional tweed vest and caps will whisk you back to the early 1930’s in Ireland and our Vintage shirts will awaken your nostalgia of Ireland long ago and give you a sentimental yearning for that time.

The Cork Jacket has a generous fitting and its windproof, waterproof and breathable featuring a fleece lined collar and detachable hood with zip. It has a two way zipper so it allows for ease of movement. The Mayo Jacket is bomber-style and it was created with performance in mind for rugged Irish weather.

Our Lisroe Wax Jackets for ladies will make you look sharp, slick and fabulous. The tailored fit is perfect for women who like to be warm but look absolutely stunning. Then finally Let us bring you back to a place you thought you had left forever with our Vintage Grandfather shirts which mirror traditional farm wear from Ireland, fadó, fadó, fadó.

So, from rugged outdoor jackets, vintage style tweeds to traditional Irish grandfather shirts, we are bringing it all up from Cork. See us in the Old Marquee at the National Ploughing Championship and visit our shop online. We can’t wait to see you all there!

This year at the Irish Ploughing Championships Kverneland Ireland are proud to present the McConnel Hedgecutter range in Stradbally. This year’s focus is on the New Variable forward reach telescopic  Pa 7285.

Modern tractor cabs increasingly place the operator ahead of the rear axle. Great for comfort, this position does nothing for visibility of the flailhead when hedge cutting or mowing verges. TELE-VFR (Telescopic-Variable Forward Reach) is designed to aid visibility from all types of cab and makes cutting around obstacles much easier, too.

Operated via McConnel’s Revolution joystick control, the new Tele-VFR is not only easier to master than conventionally controlled alternatives, but the control system also allows settings to be tailored to match the operators preference.

The mixing bowls are being prepped, ovens are being heated and the eight finalists of the inaugural National Junior Baking Competition, sponsored by Aldi in association with Foróige and the NPA, are getting ready for their county colour showdown!

The qualifiers of The National Junior Baking Competition were held through Foróige youth clubs and projects nationwide. There were four regional finals held around the country, where 8 budding bakers were picked to go forward to the national semifinals. These semifinals will be held on the 22^nd and 23^rd of September in the Aldi Marquee at the 2015 National Ploughing Championships Ratheniska, Co. Laois. Two people will be picked on the 22^nd, two more will be picked on the 23^rd, and all four will go head to head in the final on the 24^th of September, where one will become the inaugural National Junior Baking Champion!

The theme of the National Junior Baking Competition is ‘County Cakes’ and the judges are anticipating some amazing creations from the eight finalists. The finalists are as follows:

• Eastern Region – Hannah Power from Newbridge, Co. Kildare

• Eastern Region – Jenna Smyth from Gleneany, Co. Wicklow

• Midlands Region – Eabha Campbell from Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan

• Midlands Region – Joanne Craddock from Cavan Town, Co. Cavan

• Southern Region – Adi Canty from Listowel, Co. Kerry

• Southern Region – Aine O’Mahoney from Kilbrittain, Co. Cork

• Western Region – Jessica Rooney from Lacken, Co, Mayo

• Western Region – Tara Mulryan from Moore, Co. Roscommon

The winner of the National Junior Baking Competition will win a trip for their local Foróige club or group to Delphi Adventure Centre in Co. Mayo. They will also win baking equipment to help them perfect their skills.

Sean Campbell, CEO of Foróige said, “This competition has offered our young members the chance to showcase their baking skills. The competition was fierce but we feel we have picked the best people to go forward and represent their local Foróige club in the finals at The National Ploughing Championships. It’s going to be a great few days and we hope to see lots of supporters in the Aldi Marquee cheering on these talented teens.”

Aldi Group Buying Director, Rob Farrell said, “At Aldi, we are thrilled to be sponsoring the National Junior Baking competition this year. The atmosphere in the Aldi marquee at the National Ploughing Championships is always one full of excitement, and we have no doubt that the junior bakers will add to it this year. At Aldi, we sell a range of great value baking essentials in our 116 stores nationwide, so these budding young bakers can continue making home baked goods all year round at the best value.”