The National Ploughing Championship gives dairy farmers an opportunity to see everything from tractors to meal bins, handling units to fencing materials and everything in between, all in the one place.

From a dairy farming point of view, the milking equipment companies are always a major draw, and this year will be no different.

All of the big brands nationwide will be there, displaying the latest advancements they have made in parlour designs, scrapers, robots and general milking equipment technology.

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For potential new entrants or dairy farmers looking to upgrade, it’s a great opportunity to compare and contrast the different companies.

Each of the companies listed here will be at Ploughing 2026, with staff on hand to chat over the course of the three days. They have also offered a sneak preview into what they will be displaying.

Lely

Grazing with robots will be a key focus for Lely at this year’s Ploughing, with a range of technology on display showing how automation can work alongside the grass-based systems used on many Irish dairy farms. A major focus will be the Lely Astronaut A5 Next, the latest automatic milking robot. Visitors can also talk to the team about how robotic milking can work with a grass-based system, including the use of the Lely Grazeway, to support A-B-C grazing providing cows with controlled access to fresh grass.

The display will also include Lely’s manure solutions, the Discovery and Collector, as well as the Juno feed pusher and Vector automatic feeding system. Lely will also be highlighting its Certified Pre-Owned Astronaut, with robotic milking available from €35/day, giving farmers another route into automation. There will be plenty happening at the Lely stand throughout Ploughing, including a Lely merchandise shop, live interviews and the announcement of the 2026 Lely Award winners. Farmers are welcome to call in, have a look around the machines and talk to the team about what automation could look like on their farm.

Dairymaster

Dairymaster this week announced the launch of MooMonitor 360, the next generation of its industry-leading health and fertility monitoring system.

For years, the MooMonitor system has helped dairy farmers improve fertility performance through accurate activity monitoring and industry-leading heat detection.

As dairy farming has evolved, so too has the need for a system that brings together information from across the farm, turning individual data points into meaningful intelligence. MooMonitor 360 has been developed to meet that need.

At the heart of MooMonitor 360 is a single connected platform that brings together herd activity, health, fertility, milking performance, drafting information and much more, into one complete view of the herd.

By connecting data from across the dairy operation, MooMonitor 360 helps farmers understand not only what is happening within their herd, but why it is happening and what to do next. The platform features a redesigned user experience with a new dashboard, enhanced reporting and intelligent analytics powered by the new DairyVue 360 software.

For fertility management, MooMonitor 360 provides deeper visibility of key reproductive performance indicators, including submission rates, conception rates and pregnancy performance. Optimal insemination graphing provides an additional layer of insight, helping farmers identify the best opportunities for insemination and support more informed breeding decisions. The launch reflects Dairymaster’s continued commitment to developing technologies, that simplify herd management while improving productivity, efficiency and profitability.

For more information about MooMonitor 360 visit the Dairymaster stand at the National Ploughing Championships Block 3, Row 6, Stand 126.

Pearson

Pearson Milking Technology has been designing and manufacturing milking equipment, engineered for performance and reliability, for 78 years.

At this year’s 2026 National Ploughing Championships, Pearson will showcase a wide range of innovative solutions to suit all dairy needs.

Visitors to the Pearson stand will be able to explore equipment for both rotary and herringbone milking parlours, including displays of the Endro and TP195 rotary milking parlours.

The exhibit will feature milking clusters, control units and a selection of automation designed to improve milking efficiency, cow comfort and parlour performance.

A key attraction is the Pearson Vision system, bringing together milk analysis, herd monitoring and animal management technology in one integrated platform. Vision provides farmers with valuable information at key stages of the milking process, helping them monitor individual cow performance, milk quality and herd health, by turning real-time data into practical information. Attendees can learn more about Pearson’s ATS (automatic teat spraying system), herd management technology, feeding solutions and options for upgrading or automating an existing parlour. The Pearson team will be available throughout the three days to discuss individual farm requirements, upcoming projects and practical solutions for making the milking routine more efficient.

DeLaval

At this year’s Ploughing, DeLaval will be showcasing a range of technologies and services designed to help dairy farmers improve efficiency, animal welfare and profitability.

A key attraction on the stand will be the DeLaval VMS™ V300 milking robot, featuring Flow-Responsive™ milking, which allows for faster, gentler and more complete milking.

Visitors will be able to discuss robotic milking, automation and herd management with local DeLaval specialists, as well as learn more about the practical considerations involved in transitioning to a voluntary milking system.

Farmers can also find out more about DeLaval Milk Solids Analysis, launched earlier this year, which is a high-precision, non-invasive and direct fat, protein and lactose BioSensor, helping farmers gain deeper insight into herd performance, nutrition and management decisions.

Alongside robotic milking, DeLaval will showcase their conventional milking solutions, including rotary and herringbone parlour options, demonstrating how automation, connectivity and smart management tools can support modern dairy businesses of all sizes.

A dedicated calf-rearing area will also feature the DeLaval automatic calf feeder. Designed to deliver precise, consistent feeding programmes, the system allows farmers to tailor feeding plans to individual calves while reducing manual labour.

Real-time monitoring and performance data help farmers keep track of intake and calf development, providing valuable insights during this critical stage of an animal’s life.

Throughout the three days, visitors will have the opportunity to speak directly with local DeLaval specialists about milking, calf rearing, herd management and advisory services, and explore solutions tailored to their farm’s goals and future plans.

BouMatic

BouMatic Ireland is delighted to be exhibiting at the National Ploughing Championships 2026 at Block 3, Row 4, Stand 69, showcasing the latest innovations in milking technology and herd management.

As a global leader in dairy equipment, BouMatic provides innovative and reliable solutions, designed to improve milking efficiency, animal wellbeing and overall herd performance.

Visitors to the BouMatic Ireland stand can explore a wide range of equipment, from complete milking parlours and milking equipment, to advanced Heat Detection & Health Monitoring systems.

New for 2026 is the BouMatic Apollo Milking & Herd Management System, with a live system on the stand, giving visitors the opportunity to experience this exciting new technology first-hand.

Also making its debut is the new BouMatic Composite Milking Shell.

Combined with the market-leading Flo-Star Xtreme cluster, it creates an ultra-lightweight milking cluster designed for excellent performance, comfort and ease of use.

GEA

GEA Farm Technologies is a leading provider of innovative milking, herd management and dairy farming solutions, supporting Irish dairy farmers with reliable technology designed to improve efficiency, productivity and animal welfare.

From conventional milking systems and advanced rotary parlours, to automated milking solutions, GEA offers technology to suit farms of every size and ambition.

At this year’s Ploughing, it will be displaying parts of its extensive portfolio, which includes herd management and digital solutions, automated drafting, cow monitoring, calf feeding, dairy hygiene products, and comprehensive service and after-sales support.

At GEA innovation is about delivering practical benefits on-farm. Its solutions are designed to reduce labour, optimise water and energy usage, improve milk quality and help farmers make better use of their time and resources.

Combining German engineering and proven quality with a strong Irish dealer and service network, GEA provides affordable, practical technology that helps farmers operate more efficiently today, while preparing their businesses for the future.

Call into the stand at Block 2 Row 7 Stand 131, to chat to some of the GEA team.