WATCH: First look inside Screggan ahead of the National Ploughing Championships

Preparations are well underway in Screggan, Tullamore, with less than two weeks to go until the 95th National Ploughing Championships take place from September 15th to 17th.

The official media launch gave a preview of what visitors can expect, with the site once again set to bring together agriculture, machinery, livestock, food, business, innovation and entertainment.

More than 350 competitors will compete across 34 ploughing classes, while the Five Nations Ploughing Competition will add an international element.

Ireland will also be represented at the World Ploughing Contest in Croatia by John Whelan from Wexford and Eamonn Tracey from Carlow. They will be joined by coach Gary Simms and judge Harry Mallon.

Machinery will have a major presence, with more exhibitors and several new companies attending this year. The Motor Arena has also expanded, while exhibitors are travelling from Northern Ireland, Britain, France, the Czech Republic and New Zealand.

Livestock will feature strongly, with the Growvite All-Ireland Aberdeen Angus Finals, Irish Simmental National Calf Finals and Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition among the highlights.

The Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena will showcase Irish agritech businesses, while a new Young Innovator of the Year Award will recognise emerging talent in agricultural innovation.

There is also a new junior category for the National Brown Bread Baking Competition, giving young bakers aged 12 to 18 the opportunity to compete alongside the senior finalists.

Away from the agricultural competitions, visitors can expect Irish food, fashion shows, pony games, vintage displays, music, dancing, cookery demonstrations, a funfair, welly throwing and the popular Tug-of-War.

NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said the Ploughing provides an opportunity for people to take a break from what has been a challenging year for many farmers and spend time with family and friends.

With the fields changing by the day, the countdown is now well underway for the 95th National Ploughing Championships in Screggan.