It was a day of sunshine, showers, thousands of people - young and old - and, of course, plenty of ploughing.

The National Ploughing Championships 2026 got off to a flying start in Screggan, Tullamore today (Tuesday, September 15) with 77,000 people attending on the opening day, according to official figures from the National Ploughing Association (NPA).

And while ploughing remains at the heart of the championships – with more than 350 competitors battling it out across 34 unique classes over the three-day event – there is a whole lot more to see and do across the expansive site.

Today saw the Growvite All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus Finals took place, while tomorrow, (Wednesday, September 16) promises another action packed day in the livestock arena with the Irish Simmental National Calf Finals and the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition set to reach their exciting conclusions.

For animal lovers, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained, from the ever-popular Sheep Tunnel to the action-packed Sheep Shearing Tent, where there is rarely a dull moment.

Food is also taking centre stage, with a strong focus on the best of Irish produce. Midlands Flavours is showcasing producers from across the region, alongside a tempting array of offerings from artisan producers.

So, whether you came for the ploughing, the livestock, the food, the atmosphere - or simply to soak up the sheer scale of it all - there was certainly no shortage of things to see on day one of the National Ploughing Championships.

Ploughing 2026

According to NPA managing director, Anna May McHugh, the fact this year is the 95th championships is "a very special milestone".

She believes that the ploughing is about bringing people together and celebrating "the very best of ploughing, Irish agriculture, enterprise and rural life" - regardless of the weather.

Political leaders from across the political spectrum were out in force at Ploughing 2026 today.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris both took part in Agriland’s livestream, which also featured specialist panel discussions with farming leaders on some of the key issues facing the sector, including the pressure on tillage farmers, the rising cost of farming and the role of women in agriculture.

Farm safety is a key focus during Ploughing 2026 and industry leaders took part in a special discussion at the Agriland pavillion on this today.

Separately this year visitors to the event have an opportunity to see a beautifully restored vintage Porsche tractor on display in the Agriland stand at Block 4, Row 10, Stand 184 throughout Ploughing 2026.

The fully restored tractor is being raffled off by Mercy Secondary School in Ballymahon, which has teamed up with Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland for the fundraising initiative.

Agriland will be back tomorrow (Wednesday, September 16) for another packed livestream at Ploughing 2026.