It’s claimed the National Ploughing Championships gives farmers and small business owners in Clare an opportunity to grow an international customer base.
Around 300,000 people are expected to descend on Offaly over the coming days for the event which is well underway today, including many business owners from Clare, who are taking the bull by the horns.
Thousands of people have made their way to the centre of the country today for Day One of the National Ploughing Championships.
Along with the ploughing competitions, there’s sheepdog trials, artisan food stalls, local produce on offer and it’s promised to give something to everyone, regardless of their farming interests.
After a difficult year for the sector, it’s also expected that over the next few days issues like the fodder crisis and the hot, dry summer will dominate the discussions among farming lobby groups.
IFA National President Joe Healy is urging any farmer from Clare to stop by their stall and tackle the hard issues.
From agri firms to niche food producers, there are also hundreds of companies here selling their wares.
Clare’s Junior Minister for Business Pat Breen is on site and says for Clare businesses, it’s providing a fantastic opportunity to grow their customer base.
One of the producers from Clare who is benefiting from the expected 300,000-strong crowd over the three days is Kevin Lynch from Kilfenora.
Kevin’s company is Airmid Natural Skincare and he says he’s had huge interest in his product from those attending the ploughing.
