Unusually, the sun shone for all of the three days at this year’s National Ploughing Championships, which was held at Ballintrane, Fenagh, Co. Carlow.

The total attendance figure for the 88th Championships came to a record breaking 297,000 visitors over the three days, with exhibitors and visitors alike thoroughly enjoying themselves, making this the most successful National Ploughing Championships to date.

It was a strange feeling not to be walking around in wellington boots at an event, which is usually dogged by wet weather. The fine weather was a relief to the many exhibitors who, in previous years, had to contend with moving machinery through mud and erecting tents, stands and marquis during heavy gusts and high winds.

A vast array of new machines was launched (some of which I have included in this edition of Service Dealer Ireland) which included new tractor models and innovative designs in implements such as seeders and aerators. Dealers made an extra effort to make the most of their time at their stands. I do hope that new business and sales were created. It is a tough task trying to sell equipment in an environment of uncertainty, especially with the ‘B’ word – Brexit, looming ever closer and when machinery sales world-wide are on the decrease. Three days of meeting, greeting and dealing does take its toll on exhibitors, so a well earned rest was certainly due to them after the conclusion of the event.

The National Ploughing Championships has proven a popular event with the public as well as the farming community. Conversations over light refreshments would inevitably lead to Brexit and how it would affect people’s lives. One could not avoid speaking about the topic. There was a genuine concern among people.

I know I have mentioned it in an earlier blog, but I think it is very important to highlight the need for businesses in Ireland to prepare for Brexit as much as possible, particularly those who trade in and around the border counties. It doesn’t cost anything to prepare for Brexit but it could lose you a lot of money if you don’t do anything about it. The October the 31st deadline is now only one month away.

The Irish government has, once again, stepped up its campaign to advise Irish businesses to be prepared for the UK leaving the European Union. There are two publications in particular which I think are worth mentioning. The first is called Getting Your Business Brexit Ready. This is to help businesses navigate the challenges posed by Brexit. It includes topics such as tariffs & duties, currency, imports, certification, working capital and financing.

The second publication worth mentioning is Brexit Preparedness Checklist. This lists the steps businesses can take now to help prepare for Brexit. For example have you got your EORI number from Revenue? If not you need to register with Revenue as soon as possible.

Farm, garden and sportsturf machinery dealers around Ireland should acquaint themselves with these publications. It is in your interest to do so. As I have said earlier, it doesn’t cost you to be ready. For more information on Brexit you can visit www.gov.ie/brexit