Seventy-five thousand people have attended the first day of the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois, the organisers have said.
The three-day event, which is described as one of the biggest outdoor events in Europe, was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins earlier.
President Higgins described the event as "one of the most authentic expressions of an Ireland that remains connected to the land and to nature".
In a wide-ranging speech, President Higgins said those involved in farming had a central role in ensuring the world was sustainable, prosperous and peaceful.
He also expressed concern that timeframes for international targets to address the issue of climate change were not being met and drew attention to the issue of food insecurity in several parts of the world.
He added that farm families needed to be supported and sustained, given the importance of the role they played as custodians of the land and due to their intrinsic place in Irish life.
In this regard, he said the potential of rural Ireland must be to the fore.
President Higgins said it was imperative that there was continued investment, to retain services, develop new facilities and provide better infrastructure to make rural life "ever more appealing".
He also referred to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, saying the world must insist that "the horrific suffering for children and their families must end".
President Higgins said nobody could avert their gaze from an "outrageous level of killing" and called for an immediate ceasefire, along with the release of all hostages and the provision of all necessary aid.
His remarks in relation to the matter were applauded by the large crowd who attended the opening ceremony.
Dry conditions forecast for entirety of event
The 93rd Ploughing Championships involves more than 300 competitors taking part in ploughing competitions, while thousands of exhibitors are showcasing a range of agricultural products and machinery.
It is as much a social as an agricultural occasion, with people travelling from all parts of the country and further afield to experience what is on offer.
Dry conditions with sunny spells are forecast for the entirety of the event in Ratheniska.
Ms McHugh said: "More often than not, there is going to be rain at some point during the ploughing, so we are really fortunate that it's shaping up to be what it is."
She advised visitors to bring a picnic, water and sun cream.
Many patrons have heeded requests to travel to the site by public transport and an extensive garda traffic management plan is in place on all routes to the gathering.
A shuttle bus service is running from the nearby towns of Athy, Portlaoise and Portarlington.
Organisers are advising those intending to travel to the ploughing to purchase their tickets online in advance.
One day adult entry to the site costs €25, with children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.
Taoiseach determined to stand up for rural Ireland
Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is willing to engage with farmers over concerns they have about the impact of environmental regulations.
Speaking at the event, he said he was determined to stand up for farmers and rural Ireland.
He said a number of measures would be taken to support family farms in next month's budget.
Mr Harris also expressed hope that the size of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget would allow for better supports for those having to change and alter farming practices.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said the viability of family farms is central to her party's rural policy.
Also speaking in Co Laois, she said it was vital that all the challenges facing the sector were addressed.
Ms McDonald identified a need to encourage the next generation of farmers, secure food supply and address climate related issues, as being among the main items on the Sinn Féin agenda.
She said it was unfair to ask farmers to do more, produce food and attend to those environmental challenges, without compensating them properly for it.
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConologue has said it has been a "really challenging year for farmers" from an income and weather point of view.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland at the Ploughing Championships, he said: "The cost of production has been challenging and the cost-of-living has been challenging and across the different sectors there's beef, sheep, dairy or tillage.
"My objective in terms of the Budget is to make sure they're coming forward to the package that supports them in the year ahead."
In relation to fodder, he said that despite bad weather there has been no shortage in the past number of years and it is expected to be the same this year too.
"I'll work to provide the leadership to the sector as well to make sure that we step out over the winter to make sure that that the stores we have and stocks we have are well managed," he said.
Mr McConologue added that he wants to work to try and encourage young farmers with more support and funding.
