The sun is set to shine on the National Ploughing Championships as they kick off in County Laois today.

With up to 300,000 people expected to flock to Ratheniska over the next three days, the championships are by far the biggest event in the Irish farming calendar.

This week’s ‘Indian summer’ weather will bring ‘long spells of sunshine’ to those travelling the event – with temperatures set to reach 22C at times.

This year’s event includes machinery exhibitions, trade fairs, banking and technology demonstrations for visitors to enjoy.

Over 350 competitors from Ireland and across Europe will also compete in a variety of ploughing contests.

People take part in a Guinness World Record attempt at the most people throwing wellies on day two of the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co Laois, 20-9-23. Image: PA Images / Alamy

Irish Farmers Association President Francie Gorman says it's hugely important for the farming economy.

"Particularly from the secondary industries - machinery, engineering companies, our dairy co-ops - even our banks and Department and Agriculture are there to engage with farmers," he said.

"It's been a difficult year - costs across the board are up - but all in all, I think when farmers head to Ratheniska most people head with the intention of enjoying the three days".

Mr Gorman said the championships are a major social event for farmers around the country.

"Even from a social point of view, it allows farmers, at the end of a very busy year and before we get into the winter period maybe, to wind down, meet each other and chat though the main events of the day," he said.

"For us in the Irish Farmers Association it's a huge opportunity to meet people coming into our stand, even just to have light refreshments and chat about the issues on their own farms," he added.

Fianna Fáil and farmers

It comes as a survey of 1,500 farmers puts support for Fianna Fáil at an ‘historic low,’ with half of respondents wanting a completely new ‘rural’ political party.

The survey across all sectors, regions and age profiles shows the percentage of farmers intending to give Fianna Fáil their first preference vote in a general election has fallen to 14%.

The party now stands at just under half the farmer first preference support enjoyed by their historic rivals Fine Gael, with 27% of those surveyed indicating an intention to vote for Fine Gael.

Some 16% of the farmers indicated that they would vote Independent, with both Independent Ireland and the Farmers’ Alliance joining Fianna Fáil on 14%.

Weather

For today, things will remain dry and pleasant, with long spells of warm sunshine and highest temperatures 18C to 22C.

Tonight will stay dry with mostly clear skies, though a few mist and fog patches will form in places.

Tomorrow will be another dry and sunny day for Laois with highest temperatures of 17 to 22C.

Thursday will be dry generally with plenty of sunshine but possibly becoming a little cloudier later on Friday with highest temperatures of 17 to 22C.

Met Éireann says high pressure will continue to dominate for the rest of the working week so it'll stay settled and dry with plenty of early autumn warm sunshine.