Author: National Ploughing Association

West Wood Trailers

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Today we have the pleasure of confirming the introduction of a new 16ft TA510 Livestock Trailer. We have received several requests from our Distributor Network and customers across the globe for a longer version of our highly respected Livestock Trailer.

Our Design Engineers and Manufacturing Teams have been working hard to develop this new product, and at the same time, introduce a number of new and exciting features compatible with all sizes of TA510 Livestock Trailers

NEW 16ft TA510

The 16ft TA510 has been designed and developed solely, as a tri-axle trailer, with the tri-axle wheel base giving this longer trailer the stability and strength needed when towing animals. The additional length gives the farmer optimal choices for stock segregation in transport. With a market leading reputation for incredibly durable and robust trailers, we are confident that Ifor Williams Trailers customers all over the world will want to enjoy the benefits of this longer trailer.

NEW FEATURES

EASYLOAD RELEASE FROM ABOVE

We are now launching a new and improved EasyLoad release mechanism, bringing the handle and release catch to the internal aspect of the ramp gates for a quick and simple release. We trust that this mechanism, in its more accessible location, will be a big improvement for farmers when unloading their livestock and especially when doing so in tight spaces. This will be introduced as standard across all Livestock Trailer Ranges with the EasyLoad deck system.

ALUMINIUM TREDPLATE FRONT FOOTPLATE

We have introduced a strong and sleek aluminium front footplate in treadplate material. This new feature has dual functionality – firstly protecting the mudguards and secondly serving as a footplate to stand on and inspect inside the top decks of the trailer. The footplate also provides excellent access to the internal cross division latch. This feature is an optional extra on the new 16ft TA510 and will be introduced as a new optional extra for all sizes of trailers in the TA5 and TA510 range.

INTEGRATED SUMP TANK

As part of the 16ft TA510 Trailer, we have developed a unique integrated sump tank with removable galvanised grids. This new feature makes cleaning out the trailer considerably easier and the galvanised grids have ‘Ifor Williams Trailers’ branding laser cut into a prime position and in clear sight for all trailer users.

This feature is only available with the new 16ft TA510 and will be a standard feature costed into the price of this newly released trailer.

HEAVY DUTY BRAKES

The 16’ TA510 is fitted with our largest 250x40mm Brakes on all 3 Axles as standard, providing unquestionable Braking capacity and longevity. This is Standard on the 16ft TA510 and is an option on the 12’ and14’ TA510 and DP Tri-Axle range.

SIDE MOUNTED GATE CARRIERS

We have also developed a storage facility for stock handling gates on the side of the trailer. This can also be used to store additional Small Cross-Divisions, this gives our customers maximum options and utility when using their Livestock Trailer to interchange between transporting different animals.

This feature is an optional extra on the new 16ft TA510 and will be introduced as a new optional extra for all sizes of trailers in the TA5, TA510 and DP120 range.

ENGRAVED REAR FOOTPLATE

We have also introduced an engraved rear footplate, which again can be used for ease of top deck inspection and has a striking Ifor Williams Trailers branded engraving, with a blue background, integrated into the design.

We are currently reviewing developing this further into a treadplate style material and will keep you updated on this workstream. This feature will become standard on the new 16ft TA510 and will be standard on all sizes of trailers in the TA5 and TA510 range.

Irish Grown Wool Council and Teagasc

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Irish Grown Wool Council and Teagasc launch ‘Shear Success’; a new guide for sheep farmers on how to maximise their wool’s value.

The ‘Shear Success’ guide will be officially launched at the National Ploughing Championships on Tuesday and will be available from the Irish Grown Wool Council display in the Sheep Shearing Tent and for download and print at irishgrownwoolcouncil.com

Produced by the Irish Grown Wool Council (IGWC) in partnership with Teagasc, the ‘Shear Success’ guide is aimed at supporting sheep farmers to maximise the value of their wool. The practical guide offers recommendations to sheep farmers on how best to prepare before, during and after shearing, in order to maximise their wool value and avoid reducing its potential value and use.

The guide emphasises best practices for maintaining fleece quality before and during shearing plus wool handling techniques to ensure that fleeces are rolled and stored correctly post-shearing to preserve their integrity and value.

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Shuttle Bus – Timetable

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In order to purchase your shuttle coach ticket(s), please follow the below instructions:

  • Visit the Expressway Journey Search | Expressway
  • Select your origin “Where are you travelling from?”   (Portlaoise Railway Station  / Portarlington Railway Station   / Athy Railway Station).
  • Select your destination “Where would you like to go?”  (Ratheniska, Co Laois, NPC)
  • Select your outward and your return date(s).
  • Select the number of adults travelling (max 4 per booking).
  • Select search and it will then bring you to select your times.

Great excitement as only days to go until ‘Ploughing’.

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With less than two weeks until one of Europe’s largest outdoor events, preparations in Ratheniska, Co Laois are seriously taking shape as this green field in the middle of Ireland transforms into the bustling hub that will become #Ploughing2024 taking place on September 17th, 18th & 19th.

At today’s official launch, the media & special guests were given a sneak peek preview of what to expect as they were entertained by local performers from Laois while prize-winning animals, quality machines, fashion, horses & hounds were all on display. 

Launching the event, NPA Managing Director Anna May McHugh said “The Championships not only provides a national stage for showcasing all things agricultural, but also brings together people from all sectors of Irish society both rural and urban, to enjoy three days immersed in country living.”

There will be millions of euro worth of agricultural and plant machinery on display featuring an extensive range of cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment.  The leading manufacturers and agents will be present with specialist sales advisors and technical experts available for free consultations.  There has already been huge interest to enter the prestigious ‘Machine of the Year’ competition.

Visitors can take the opportunity to admire the marvellous quality livestock on display and learn about livestock management, genetics, nutrition and healthcare.  

Recent crowned World Ploughing Champions Jer Coakley, West Cork and Eamonn Tracey, Carlow were greeted with great applause as they arrived adorned with medals and trophies. 

There is no doubt that the entrepreneurial spark is alive and well in Ireland with an unprecedented number of diverse and exciting businesses, exhibiting at the “Local Enterprise Village” at this year’s Ploughing Championships.  The popular Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena is set to make a very welcome return with ground breaking technologies and cutting edge ideas that will amaze. 

Given the immense popularity of the Food & Lifestyle villages the huge ‘Dome’ & ‘Hub’ marquees are set to return creating the largest retail pop-up in the country.  The ‘Ploughing’ is a haven for foodies, as all sectors of the food chain are represented from producer to retailer, artisan foods, craft beers, celebrity chefs, cookery competitions and much more.

In the ploughing stakes the addition of the European Vintage Championships on Tuesday and Wednesday is attracting participants and their followers from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Belgium, Ireland & Germany.

A particularly strong programme has attracted entries from all around the country and Northern Ireland bringing the number preparing to plough in Laois to over 300 for the 3 days, where a true ploughing master class will be on display.

All of the firm favourite attractions are set to return this year such as Fashion Shows, Meggers, Sheep Shearing, Hunt Chase, Fun Fair, Food Trail, Craft Demonstrations, Pony Games, Live Music and Dancing, Vintage Ploughing, Threshing, Fun Fair, Loy Digging, with celebrities and well known faces everywhere this year’s ‘Ploughing’ is not to be missed.