Limerick businessman 'Shines' at Ploughing Championship 2024

Farmer Sam Shine founded Samco, with the firm going on to employ more than 50 people in Adare | PICTURE: Keith Wiseman

placeholder image — Farmer Sam Shine founded Samco, with the firm going on to employ more than 50 people in Adare | PICTURE: Keith Wiseman

Adare's Sam Shine lands Enterprise Ireland award

STAFF at Adare agritech company Samco are celebrating this week after their firm scooped a top award at the National Ploughing Championship.

Headed by Sam Shine, and employing more than 50 staff, Samco is a one-stop shop for agricultural machinery.

Now, the company has been honoured by Enterprise Ireland, taking home the Innovation Arena Champion Award from the agency at the huge showpiece in Laois.

The prize Samco won from Enterprise Ireland is aimed at established companies which focus on scaling and innovation.

It was awarded specifically for its new application system and mulch film designed around establishing earlier planting and growth of potatoes.

Mulch films are plastic films often used to change the temperature of soil, prevent moisture growth, limit weed growth and boost crop yield.

It’s hoped Samco’s new system using this film will allow earlier harvesting and entry to the market where growers will then have a greater say on the prices which can be charged to wholesalers.

Limerick was also represented in other Enterprise Ireland contests at the National Ploughing Championship.

Cotter Agritech, founded by Abbeyfeale brothers Jack and Nick Cotter, pitched for the start-up innovator of the year.

Grassland Agro, based at Dock Road in the city was a finalist in the green impact award.

The chief executive of Enterprise Ireland Leo Clancy said: “Irish agri innovators, including those exhibiting in this year’s innovation arena, are truly shaping the sector globally. It is their innovations and solutions which are driving efficiencies, and helping to address global challenges by meeting growing demands for food, safeguarding our planet for future generations and ensuring farm families have good livings. We believe that Irish-owned enterprises can, over time, be the prime driver of the Irish economy, and Irish agritech companies and farm families will have an important role to play in that shared ambition.”

Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association (NPA), which runs the championship said: “The NPA is delighted to host the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena again, and I want to congratulate all of this year’s winners and wish them all the best for the future.”