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The countdown to the 2026 Balmoral Show has officially begun, with Ulster Bank returning as principal sponsor as part of a new three-year partnership agreement.
Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn from 13 to 16 May 2026, this year's show promises an exciting programme of competitions, entertainment plus food and farming showcases. The renewed sponsorship deal will see Ulster Bank continue its close association with the agri-food event through to 2028, reinforcing the bank's commitment to the local farming community and wider rural economy.
Visitors can look forward to a range of new attractions, including a stunt display show from Bolddog FMX in the main arena, a revamped horticulture area, and the usual mix of family entertainment and livestock events designed to inspire the next generation of farmers and food producers.
RUAS Group Operations Director Rhonda Geary said preparations are already well under way for what is expected to be another outstanding Balmoral Show in 2026.
"As always, the show is a celebration of the very best of our local agri-food industry, and we are continually growing and evolving to ensure there is something new and exciting to see whether you are a longstanding visitor or coming to the show for the first time," she said.
"We are delighted to welcome Ulster Bank back on board as our principal sponsor. Their long-term support has been integral to the success and growth of the event, and this new three-year agreement underlines the strength of that partnership."
Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager at Ulster Bank, said 2026 will be Ulster Bank's 18th year as principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show and the bank is proud to continue its longstanding association with the event.
"The agri-food sector is a significant contributor to the overall economy here and supporting farmers, growers and rural businesses, remains a key priority for us," he said.
"Through our specialist agriculture teams and tailored financial solutions, we are committed to helping the industry meet challenges and plan for growth in what is an ever-evolving sector. The Balmoral Show provides a unique platform for us to connect with the farming community, celebrate success and highlight our network of expertise. We are pleased to extend our partnership with the RUAS and to play our part in making the 2026 show another memorable event."
The Balmoral Show remains the norths largest annual agri-food event, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year and providing an unrivalled showcase for livestock, machinery, food, horticulture and rural life.
Further announcements on competitions, attractions and ticket sales for Balmoral Show 2026 will be made in the coming months. For more information, visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk
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Cefetra, which has a site in Newry as part of its UK-wide network, has launched a new digital platform giving farmers round-the-clock access to key business information from their smartphone, PC or tablet.
The Cefetra Farmers Portal and Mobile App allows users to view contracts and payment details, track collection and delivery schedules, access grain sample results in real time, monitor market prices and manage their accounts from any location, whether in the office or out in the field.
James Neilson, Supply Chain Director, said: "We understand that farming does not stop, so neither should access to information. The Cefetra Farmers Portal and Mobile App has been developed to give farmers flexibility and control, enabling them to interact with us in a way that suits their schedule, be it via the app, a phone call, or a face-to-face visit."
Mr Neilson added: "This tool provides visibility 24 hours a day, seven days a week across contracts, deliveries, invoices, and more, directly from a smartphone, PC or tablet."
The app is currently being rolled out in phases, with customers receiving email instructions on how to get started. Dedicated support is also available from Cefetra's network of farm buyers to assist with the onboarding process.
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Castlewellan Show is among six Irish agricultural shows to feature in a new series of Beidh Aonach Amárach, which started this week on TG4.
Now in its fifth series, the programme shines a light on the skill, passion and competition at the heart of Ireland's agricultural show calendar. Throughout 2025, cameras followed competitors, judges and organisers across six events: Bannow and Rathangan in Wexford, Castlewellan in County Down, Clonmel in Tipperary, Balmoral in County Antrim, Clonmany in Donegal, and Bridgetown in South East Clare.
The Castlewellan Show features in the second programme on 11 March at 8.30pm. Among those in the spotlight is Nóra, based in Cullyhanna, South Armagh, who proudly displays her intricate hand-knitted blankets for the first time. Also appearing are 11-year-old Frankie from County Tyrone, who deals with a lively ram in the young handlers' ring, and Anne Quinn, who steps into the baking tent alongside friend and expert rider Julie Donaghy Simpson. Craigavon's Julie is also aiming to impress potential new clients with her performance in the equestrian ring.
The Balmoral Show, one of Ireland's biggest agricultural events, features in the fourth programme on 25 March at 8.30pm. Over 100,000 people attend the County Antrim show, with the episode following twelve-year-old Laoise Clancy from Derry making her debut in the ring with pony Tessa, the Rodgers family from Ballynahinch and their bull Victor, students from Coláiste Feirste in West Belfast getting their first taste of farm life, and Robert Wallace from Kinedale Donkeys.
The series is made by Belfast-based independent production company Strident Media, with support from Northern Ireland Screen's Irish Language Broadcast Fund, for RTÉ and TG4. All episodes are also available on the TG4 Player.
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A student from Rathfriland studying Agricultural Technology at CAFRE has been awarded a bursary from Ai Services to support her ambitions in dairy genetics and breeding.
Catherine Hanna, who grew up on a dairy farm, received the Discover CAFRE Bursary presented by Ai Services at an awards ceremony held at CAFRE's Greenmount campus. The award forms part of the college's wider Industry Support Programme, which this year delivered £106,000 in bursaries and scholarships across agriculture, equine, food and horticulture disciplines, with a total of 49 bursaries awarded to first-year students.
Catherine has developed a strong interest in breeding, cow nutrition and bovine genetics throughout her upbringing on a dairy farm. Alongside her studies, she is an active member of Rathfriland Young Farmers Club and plays rugby at weekends.
Speaking about receiving the award, Catherine said: "I am very grateful to be the recipient of this award and really do welcome this opportunity presented by the team at Ai Services. Student life can be challenging, particularly when it is balanced with life on a busy farm, so this support will enable me to further explore my passion within the dairy industry, breeding and genetics."
The bursary was presented as part of Ai Services' continued support for talent development and innovation within Northern Ireland's agri-sector. Eamon Matthews, Operations Manager of Ai Services, said: "Catherine's achievements, and her drive to advance dairy breeding and genetics exemplify the bright future of farming in Northern Ireland. We're honoured to play a role in helping her, and other students pursue their ambitions and contribute to a thriving agricultural sector for generations to come."
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With summer approaching and children spending more time outdoors, Northern Ireland's Health and Safety Executive (HSENI) has issued a timely reminder to farming families about the importance of keeping children safe on farms. The message comes from Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive of HSENI, who draws on his own childhood on a family farm to highlight both the value and the very real risks of farm life.
Writing in a personal capacity, Monson reflects on growing up on a farm, learning about responsibility, hard work and the pride of family farming though he points out that the most important lesson he learned was understanding that farms can be dangerous places.
"When I was a child helping on our family farm, keeping me safe was always the number one priority," crediting the constant supervision of his grandparents with keeping him from harm, even though at that age he did not fully appreciate the risks posed by machinery, livestock, slurry tanks or moving vehicles.
Monson is keen to stress that farm safety is not about keeping children away from farming life altogether. "The safest farms are not the ones where children are kept away from farming altogether, they're the ones where risks are spotted early, boundaries are clear, and children are taught safely, step by step," he says.
He points to a number of practical measures that can make a significant difference: a secure, designated safe play area, effective supervision and age-appropriate education about hazards. He also recommends a short conversation at the start of each day about where children can and cannot go, and what to do if they are unsure.
Particular care is urged during the busiest periods on the farm, including silage, slurry, lambing and calving, stock movement, deliveries and contractor visits. During these times, if close supervision is not possible, children should be safely occupied away from the working area.
Children under 13 should never drive or ride on tractors, quads or other farm machinery, and should be kept well away from slurry stores and livestock pens. Where older children are helping with farm tasks, those jobs must be suitable for their age, with hazards clearly explained and appropriate protective equipment provided.
Monson acknowledges the difficult reality behind the message. Every year across the island of Ireland, children are seriously injured in farm incidents, and some lose their lives. He describes such incidents as devastating for families and farming communities, and in many cases preventable.
"This summer, I would urge parents, grandparents, and carers to take a fresh look at the farm through a child's eyes," he writes. "Ask yourself where the dangers are, what safeguards are in place, and what changes could prevent an accident."
Farming families seeking further advice can speak to HSENI staff at Stand EK 92 in the Eikon Centre at this year's Balmoral Show, or visit the HSENI website for guidance on farm safety for children.
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Preparations continue for Newry Show 2026 which will take place on Saturday 27 June on lands at 12 to 18 Derrywilligan Road, Bessbrook.
The event traditionally held on the last Saturday of June was first held in 1869 and has been providing an annual agricultural show ever since.
Newry Show Society chairman, Brian Lockhart, explained: “The records show that we will be celebrating our 156th show this year,” Brian continued.
“The site is currently in tremendous condition given the recent spell of dry weather and all the roads in the vicinity of the location have been recently repaired.
Sponsorship is a key source of funding for all the local agricultural shows held across the island of Ireland on an annual basis.
“I would like to commend Newry Mourne and Down District Council in regard to the tremendous support it will be delivering for our upcoming event,” Brian Lockhart confirmed.
However, the Newry Show representative also noted the lack of core support made available by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for any of the local shows held in Northern Ireland.
He added: “A strong case has been made repeatedly by the Northern Ireland Shows Association to farm minister, Andrew Muir, where this matter is concerned.
“All these events represent a tremendous shop window for farming and food in Northern Ireland.
“This issue has been fully verified by an independent report commissioned by the shows association.
“But, as yet, the minister and his department colleagues have not agreed to make available any level of core support for the local farming shows that are held throughout the summer months.”
Lockhart concluded: “Newry Show 2026 is shaping up to be a tremendous success. We already know that sheep entries have exceeded all previous records.
“We are also looking forward to a tremendous entry of young handlers. It is very encouraging that so many young people want to show cattle and sheep at events like Newry Show.”
Meanwhile Newry Show Society has taken the decision not to make the Bluetongue vaccination of cattle and sheep a mandatory requirement for its upcoming 2026 event.
This is in contrast with Balmoral Show where vaccination has been made a key condition of entry.
Brian Lockhart explained: “We contacted the Department of Agriculture on the Bluetongue issue, whose veterinary staff indicated that Bluetongue vaccination would not be made a requirement for one-day events.
“This would include Newry and the other local agricultural shows, held throughout the summer months.
“Balmoral Show in contrast requires animal to be kept on site for a number of days.”
There are strong indications that all of the local shows held in Northern Ireland over the coming weeks will follow Newry Show’s lead, where the issue of Bluetongue vaccination is required.
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The 157th Balmoral Show starts tomorrow 13 May, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is set to have a significant presence at this year's event. Running at the Eikon Centre from 13 to 16 May, DAERA's interactive exhibition will cover a range of issues affecting Northern Ireland's agri-food and fishing sectors, rural communities and natural environment.
The DAERA stand forms part of the Government Departments Exhibition, in the Eikon Centre. Seven themed zones will take visitors through topics including animal health, sustainable food production, climate action, the circular economy, nature recovery and water quality. Staff will be on hand throughout the four days, and hands-on activities and visual displays will show how policy, science and innovation are being applied to support farming and rural communities, as well as the natural world.
CAFRE will also feature at the exhibition, with information available on careers and training opportunities across the agri-food and land-based sectors. Representatives from other participating government departments and agencies will also be on hand to offer advice on a wide range of topics.
There is something on offer for visitors of all ages. Younger visitors can take part in a passport game designed to take them through each of the seven zones, with a prize available for those who complete the challenge. Interactive games, videos and educational activities will also be running throughout the event, while farm businesses and rural stakeholders can access practical information and guidance from staff.
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A new book charting the history of competitive sheep shearing in Northern Ireland is to be officially launched at Balmoral Show tomorrow 13 May 2026, with all proceeds going to charity.
Shear Success is a limited edition of 500 copies, with fundraising split evenly between Air Ambulance NI and Cancer Research UK.
The book centres on the life of 85-year-old Edwin Adams, the 1971 British Sheep Shearing Champion, the first Ulsterman to hold that title, and a European Gold Medallist. Edwin is the oldest remaining competitive Northern Ireland sheep shearer and played a key role in establishing the first official machine shearing competition at Balmoral Show in 1960. As well as tracing his journey as a top shearer, instructor and judge, the book charts the development of competitive shearing in Northern Ireland and his contribution to the organisation of sheep shearing within the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society at Balmoral Show.
Shear Success also features stories of young shearers, wool handlers and shearing families, and explores the wider significance of wool as a natural, sustainable and biodegradable fibre. As one contributor puts it: "This is a story of heritage, but not nostalgia. Wool is not a relic. It is a solution hiding in plain sight."
The author is Ian Harvey MBE a former BBC senior producer, broadcaster and agricultural journalist. A retired Royal Ulster Agricultural Society Council Member and former President and International Delegate of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists of Ireland, Ian has given his time freely as his personal contribution to the charitable effort. The cost of publishing has been taken on by Edwin Adams personally, with additional support from Danske Bank and Lakeland Dairies Ltd.
The launch will take place in the Sheep Shearing Pavilion at Balmoral Show tomorrow morning, immediately after the Young Farmers Clubs Sheep Shearing Competition concludes around 12.00pm, during the short break before the competition results are announced. Copies will be on sale at the show following the launch.
The members of the County Londonderry Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster County Committee have also backed the book's charitable aims and are planning a fund-raising Speed Shearing Competition in the county later in the autumn.
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DAERA has launched the 2026 Northern Ireland Farm Census, with all farmers and growers urged to complete the survey before 30 June 2026. The census plays a key role in shaping agricultural policy and supporting the rural economy.
New this year, the census is being delivered through a digital survey platform called Blaise, which offers an improved experience for those completing the survey. The platform allows users to pause and return to the survey at any point, with progress saved automatically, and gives the option to save or print a copy of responses once submitted.
To access the survey, farmers will need the 12-digit unique code included in their Farm Census invitation letter. The census can be completed at www.daera-ni.gov.uk/farm-census.
As in previous years, the 2026 census collects essential data on land use, livestock numbers and workforce composition, recorded as of 1 June 2026. In response to evolving policy needs, this year's questionnaire also includes questions on the use of low emission slurry spreading equipment (LESSE).
Information gathered through the census will be used for statistical and research purposes to inform departmental decisions and policies supporting Northern Ireland's farming industry. DAERA has confirmed the data will not be used for cross-compliance or enforcement purposes.
Any farmer or grower who has not received an invitation letter containing a unique access code, or who requires assistance completing the census, is asked to get in touch with DAERA by emailing DAERAsurveys@daera-ni.gov.uk or by calling 028 9081 6556..
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