Safe Agri Skills is a priority for Macra na Feirme which, in association with ABP Food Group, does a range of work throughout the calendar year to promote this key theme.

This year at the National Ploughing Championships, Macra na Feirme and Massey Ferguson will be running the inaugural Harry Ferguson Safe Tractor Driving competition.

At this new contest, each day young farmers will display their safety skills while driving around a specially-designed tractor course in a Massey Ferguson 5713.

The organisers will have €250 worth of prizes every day of the event – courtesy of Massey Ferguson and FBD Insurance.

However, the overall winner of the Harry Ferguson Safe Driving Award will receive a €1,000 cash prize and a trip to the Massey Ferguson factory in Beauvais, France.

There’ll be no shortage of colour around the Macra na Feirme site at the National Ploughing Championships 2017 as ‘Tractorpool Karaoke‘ comes to Screggan. Everyone will be welcome to take part in Macra’s specially-modified Massey Ferguson tractor.

Macra President James Healy will be available to tell you about all the great work Macra na Feirme is currently doing throughout the organisation’s communities at the karoake, where visitors will get the chance to belt out classic hits.

There will also be a 3-day competition open to the general public where the best performer will win two VIP tickets to attend an Irish international soccer match in the Aviva Stadium in addition to prizes from Massey Ferguson.

Speaking ahead of the event, Macra na Feirme National President, James Healy, said: “The National Ploughing Championships are now THE event to be seen at for not just those of us in the countryside, but also those from our urban centres which is making it the success it is, being worth over €35 million to the Irish economy and this makes it the perfect opportunity to bring Macra na Feirme to a wider audience.

“The Macra na Feirme stand is always a hive of activity with plenty debate and discussion over the three hectic days and we’re looking forward to meeting all of you so come join us at Block 2, Row 13, Stand 295,” Healy concluded.