Contestants put their skills to the test at the World Ploughing Championship.
Around 15,000 people are on a 250 acre farm beside Lough Foyle in County Derry for the competition.
There are 28 countries represented at the championships with two competitors from Ireland who are in the top seven of the conventional ploughing event.
For some, traditional methods are best. But now, a different type of horsepower and reversible machinery make ploughing a lot easier for the farmer.
The challenge is to ensure that the furrows are straight and have the correct width and depth. This is a skill learnt through experience. Satellite technology or computerised measuring devices are not allowed in the competition.
Former All Ireland Champion Brian Ireland from Dansefort in County Kilkenny demonstrates how it is done.
The main event, the world championship, has attracted 55 top ploughmen from 28 countries. The winner will take the Golden Plough Award. The Republic of Ireland is represented by Sean Keating from County Wexford and Eamon Treacy from Bagnelstown in County Carlow.
Judge Pat MacKeown predicts a very even contest and anticipates,
A hot competition.
The World Ploughing Championship has been running for over 50 years and this is the fourth time it has been in Northern Ireland.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 3 September 2004. The reporter is Michael Fisher.
