National Ploughing Championships 2025: what we heard, what we learned, and why it matters

It started with a simple comment. One farmer, after a quick demo, looked up and said: “It’s grand.” Said with a smile, a nod of approval, and the kind of no-nonsense tone that said more than any lengthy review ever could.

From there, the feedback kept flowing – not loud or flashy, just quietly genuine.

• “Such a useful app – I can see all the info I need and compare to last year.”
• “I use MilkedIn all the time on the farm.”
• “Does exactly what I need.”

At the National Ploughing Championships 2025, those small but powerful moments reminded us why we do what we do. Not for the awards or the photos, but for the real-world impact on real farms, every day.

What if the most powerful tech feedback was the simplest?

When we talk about innovation, it’s easy to think of complex algorithms and futuristic concepts. But at this year’s Ploughing, the message we heard was clear: farmers want tools that work, not bells and whistles. MilkedIn isn’t trying to be everything, it’s built to be useful. And hearing time and again that it saves time, keeps things organised, and makes daily decisions easier? That’s the kind of innovation that sticks.

The real challenges behind the craic

Behind the fun, the tea, and the cow keyrings (which were a definite crowd favourite), we also had important conversations – the kind that reflect the pressures farmers face:

• Trying to manage rising input costs while maintaining efficiency
• Juggling paperwork and compliance in an already full day
• Feeling the pressure to modernise, but not knowing where to start
• Navigating the growing mountain of data, without drowning in it

We heard it all – from jokes and stories to frustration and fatigue. And underneath it, a shared desire for tools that actually make a difference, without adding extra weight.

Why simplicity wins in agri-tech

We believe great tech doesn’t shout, it fits seamlessly into your day. That’s what MilkedIn is built to do. Whether you’re in a shed, a parlour, or a field, it’s there to give you the information you need – fast, clear, and in your hands.

The beauty of simple innovation is this: You don’t need to learn it. You just start using it.

From the feedback we received, it’s clear MilkedIn has become exactly that for many farmers – a dependable tool that works in the background, helping make sense of milk data, year-on-year comparisons, and co-op reporting, all in one place.

4 things that made ploughing 2025 one to remember

Here’s what stood out for us this year – beyond the weather (which held up… mostly!):

Genuine farmer conversations

Talking to the people who actually use MilkedIn, or are thinking about it , was the real win. We heard honest feedback, farm stories, and the kind of insights you won’t find in a product manual.

The Garda Food Dog & craic at the stand

We met the famous Garda food dog (a major hit), snapped photos in our selfie frame, and handed out enough chocolates and cow keyrings to keep people coming back (Padraig Hennessy, we’re looking at you!).

Industry collaboration

From politicians and industry groups to fellow tech companies, we had fantastic conversations about the future of Irish agri-tech. Our networking dinner with Canadian companies and the Women in Agriculture event hosted by Cormac Tagging were definite highlights.

Recognition & support

We were proud to receive our Innovation Award certificate and inspired by the forward-thinking concepts of our fellow finalists. Big thanks to Enterprise Ireland for the opportunities, support, and spotlight on Irish innovation.

A final word from the field

At its core, the Ploughing is more than a trade show. It’s a celebration of community, resilience, and progress.

Yes, it’s about innovation, but it’s also about trust. Farmers trusting a tool like MilkedIn enough to use it every day. Co-ops trusting us to support their suppliers. Partners trusting us to keep evolving.

So whether you dropped by for a chat, snapped a selfie, shared your feedback, or just grabbed a chocolate, thank you.

We’re already building on the conversations we had, and we can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Roll on Ploughing 2026. Until then, we’ll keep doing what works and listening to what matters.