Macra conference to attract 2,000

OVER 2,000 delegates will attend Macra na Feirme’s annual conference in the Montague Hotel, Emo, Co Laois from October 27 to 30.

A young farmer conference on Saturday October 28 will feature presentations from guest speakers on dairying and alternative energy crops.

Farm walks will take place on Gowing’s dairy farm in Portlaoise and Jimmy Smith’s tillage farm in Mountmellick. A road safety seminar will also be held in the afternoon.

Other events include the national finals of the Bord Bia beef and sheep stock judging competitions, and the Macra na Feirme Club of the Year competition.