New president of ICSFA to take up position at AGM after keen contest

Co Wexford farmer Patrick Kent has been elected president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, and will take up his seat at its AGM and annual conference early next year.

He defeated current president Gabriel Gilmartin of Sligo in a keenly contested election in Portlaoise.

A cattle and sheep farmer from New Ross, Mr Kent said his main priorities include low farming incomes and the sustainability of small family farms.

Mr Kent added: “The high cost of producing a weanling is leaving a very small margin for suckler farmers. We need to see a dramatic increase in the prices gained for quality weanlings and a corresponding fall in the cost of inputs.