It is a challenging time for farmers. But the National and World Ploughing Championships, which conclude at Grangefort in Co Carlow today, have always been an enjoyable and celebratory occasion that marries the traditional and the innovative, while encouraging easy social interaction.
A high point in the farming calendar, it now represents one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Europe, attracting many thousands of visitors.
Irish farming may be at a crossroads, following decoupling under the Common Agricultural Policy and the introduction of single farm payments. But the situation is not nearly as gloomy as some pessimists would suggest. A good living and a healthy lifestyle is still on offer to ambitious young people. But it takes commitment and hard work. And, of course, it requires a viable farm with the emphasis on intensive production.
The importance of agriculture to the economy - and of farming votes to political parties - was reflected in the range of stands on the site. With a general election pending, all the political parties put in an appearance. And Government departments were heavily represented. But the main emphasis was elsewhere, in the displays of machinery and new commercial products. Direct payments amounting to €2.3 billion are now paid annually to about 130,000 farmers and that spending power is hugely attractive to manufacturers, banks, financial institutions and stockbrokers who were all prominently represented. Apart from such income, however, the asset value of farms whose owners may be about to vacate the industry represented an added, significant draw.
At the moment, more than one-third of farmers engage in off-farm work and that figure is likely to grow. But the building boom, which has generated much of that employment, is unlikely to be sustained. And so, while structural reforms, early retirement and the consolidation of farms will drive development of the commercial farm sector, many small farmers will look to rural development, renewable energy projects and tourism to provide a future for themselves and their families.
Massive change is predicted for the years ahead. With competitive pressure from abroad, direct and indirect employment is likely to fall from the current level of 14 per cent. But job losses in traditional industries are likely to be replaced by new enterprises producing health-enhancing food products. Some of the stalls provided a glimpse into this new world, while others concentrated on organic and bio-energy projects. Agriculture is a developing, successful industry and this event represents a compelling vote of confidence in its future.