The Farm Machinery show has a rich history. Its first appearance was on February 6th-8th in 1989 and was held in the Simmonscourt Pavilion, RDS in Dublin. The first show was a direct response by the Association to the lack of exhibition events. 

Spearheaded by the FTMTA show committee which included Geoff Daly, Shay Lynch, Pat Keogh, and chairman John Perry, the Show’s introduction was no easy feat. It was a significant development that attracted 9,000 visitors, and it took 90% of available exhibition space in its first year. 

Since then, the attendance has grown significantly and it has set the foundation of a firmly established event in the machinery sector’s calendar. In the coming years, it was increasingly difficult to host at the RDS as it was too close to the City Center and in 2003, the decision was made to move to the newly built Punchestown Racecourse, near Naas.

With the large purpose-built event centre, large permanent parking spaces, and extensive tarmac area to facilitate the installation of marquees, the FTMTA event found its new home. With the addition of the second permanent exhibition building in Punchestown and the Trackside Pavillion in 2011, the FTMTA events could offer an even more inclusive experience. 

Another event the FTMTA hold, which is younger but just as successful as the Farm Machinery Show, is the Grass & Muck Show. Beginning in 2010, the Show continued to grow from just 30 acres to over 100 acres and over 11,900 visitors. The Grass & Muck show hosts demonstrations of the latest technology and machinery, and it is thanks to the close partnership with Gurteen College the show has been made possible.