The countdown to the Ploughing Championship has officially begun!

Work has begun in earnest to transform the green field in the middle of Ireland into the bustling city that will be the National Ploughing Champtionships 2018.

The 2018 National Ploughing Championships Machinery and Livesock Exhibition gets underway at Screggan, Tullamore, from September 18, 19 and 20.

And with just under a month to go it's all hands on deck as up to 90% of the stand space is booked for this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

The interest in this year's event is indicative of its success.

NPA managing director Anna May McHugh said "it is the primary aim of the National Ploughing Association to improve exhibitor and visitor experience to ensure the best possible ‘Ploughing’ for all.

"The Exhibition Team in NPA have confirmed that early bookings this year have surpassed previous records which highlights how beneficial it is for businesses, companies and organisations to this epic event.

"There is serious worldwide appeal with exhibitors, international buyers and visitors coming from countries such as Turkey, the USA, UK, Germany, India, Poland, Belgium, New Zealand, France, Saudi Arabia, Latvia and the Netherlands all attending," she told the Offaly Independent.

With record crowds of 291,500 visitors and over 1,700 exhibitors last year and the site in Screggan proving to be a phenomenal success, all signals would suggest another ‘great ploughing’ is on the way.”

There will be an array of new exhibitors as well as hundreds of outstanding veteran companies showcasing their products and services in dynamic ways. The dairy sector will be very well catered for with many new additions. The very latest models in agricultural machinery will be on display, quality livestock, a Forestry Village, Motor Show, Food Fayre, Hunt Chase, Fashion Shows, Live Music & Dancing, Sheep Dog Trials, an extended Local Enterprise Village with over 80 exhibitors as well as National Baking Competitions, Craft Shows and many topical seminars. With celebrities and well known faces everywhere Ploughing 2018 is not to be missed.

The popular Innovation Arena is set to make a very welcome return with ground breaking technologies and cutting edge ideas that will amaze. With a total prize fund to the value of over €80,000 there are only a few weeks left to enter – please see www.innovationarena.ie.

In the ploughing stakes a particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland bringing the number preparing to plough in Offaly over 350 for the the days.

The 'Keeping You Safe' child safety wristband initiative will be an important feature again at this year’s National Ploughing Championships following its tremendous success in previous years. Such is the high level of demand that this year there will be 40,000 wristbands issued, an amount that has more than quadrupled since the concept’s inception in 2015.

“Once again, we are delighted to continue this fantastic safety initiative protecting our children at the largest event in the farming calendar," said Fiona Muldoon FBD CEO.

"Everyone should enjoy themselves at the National Ploughing Championships and when children wear these wristbands, parents can be a little more relaxed about their whereabouts. We hope all young visitors will wear FBD wristbands and have a great safe and fun day at Ploughing 2018."

“With a record breaking 291,500 visitors. These wristbands give reassurance and great peace-of-mind to all attending the event and add immensely to visitor experience,” said NPA MD Anna May McHugh.

A day at Ploughing is a brilliant family day with something of interest for all ages and tastes and children are very well catered for with a Playground, Baby Changing Area, Pony Games, over 1,000 Animals, Live Entertainment, Junior Baking Competitions, Fun Fair, Inaugural Horse Sport Ireland Young Handler Competition, Sporting Heroes, Sweet & Toy Stands and much much more.

Tickets are now available online at www.npa.ie or by phoning 059 8625125. Special student and group rates apply to pre-event orders and all children under 12 are free.