Young Farmers Take Center Stage at Tullamore Showcase
Tullamore Show Embraces Sustainable Farming and Generational Renewal
The Tullamore Show, Ireland's largest one-day agricultural event, is set to take place on the 15th of August at the Butterfield Estate in Blueball, on the outskirts of Tullamore. This year, the event is focusing on sustainable farming with a strong emphasis on generational renewal and the role of young farmers in delivering sustainable change.
Key themes include sustainability, succession planning, biodiversity enhancement, emission reduction, and farm profitability. Notable features of this year's event include:
- The Sustainable Livestock Village, powered for the first time by zero-emission green hydrogen, showcasing innovations in low-carbon farming technology and practices.
- Hands-on supports and displays to help farmers reduce emissions, enhance biodiversity, and demonstrate nutrient management alongside livestock exhibits featuring beef and sheep highlighting genetics and animal health benefits.
- An expanded Speakers’ Corner with farmer-led talks on sustainability, succession, and natural resource protection, followed by a Livestock Innovators session where young farmers present practical, innovative solutions for sustainable farming, better work-life balance, and farm succession.
- Over 5,000 competition entries across livestock, horses, poultry, and farm produce sections, with national championships on the line, making it a pinnacle event for exhibitors.
- Around 60,000 visitors attended, with approximately 700 trade stands representing sectors including agriculture, home industries, farm produce, machinery, innovation, and forestry.
- A live music line-up featuring acts such as Hammer & Tongs, Chasing Abbey, and Patrick Feeney providing entertainment during the event.
- Official opening by high-profile politicians including Tánaiste Simon Harris and the Taoiseach, highlighting the event’s significance to rural Ireland and the economy.
The event also includes a Photography Competition focused on farming themes like generational collaboration and sustainability, with winning entries displayed during the show.
In addition, the Farm Safety Live event, developed by FRS Co-Op, the Health and Safety Authority, and FBD Insurance, will focus on safety around farm vehicles, equipment, and livestock, with a particular emphasis on chainsaw safety this year. Experts will provide hands-on demonstrations focusing on tractor driving and power take off safety, the safe use of quads and ATVs, and proper livestock handling.
The Tullamore Show is taking place against a backdrop of proposed CAP reforms announced by the EU Commission last month. Despite the challenges, the show continues to thrive, reflecting the resilience and innovation of Ireland's farming community.
Gardaí have implemented a traffic management plan, with the main N52 closed to through traffic from Mucklagh to Blueball. Four large car parks are in operation across 240 acres at the Tullamore Show, with dedicated routes leading directly to the car parks. There are alternative routes for traffic not attending the event.
The Tullamore Show, with its combination of agricultural excellence, innovation, and community celebrations, stands as the heartbeat of rural Ireland. It's more than just an agricultural event; it's a celebration of Ireland's farming heritage and a showcase of the future of sustainable farming.
- Visitors at the Tullamore Show can explore the Home-and-Garden section, where sustainable-living practices are showcased, highlighting the event's commitment to a comprehensive lifestyle that includes agriculture and ecofriendly home solutions.
- With the Sustainable Living Village, farmer-led talks on succession and natural resource protection, and the expanded Photography Competition focusing on farming themes like generational collaboration and sustainability, the Tullamore Show exemplifies a lifestyle that champions sustainability in farming and beyond.
