Innovative agriculture can be economic springboard
Macra na Feirme and FBD, along with the IFA, will host the event in the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois, on April 29.
The focus will be on goal setting, and the steps necessary to be a highly successful farmer.
Young farmers who are involved in managing a farm, and who are determined to make a career out of farming, are invited to attend.
Previous FBD Young Farmer of the Year winners will be in attendance.
The workshop is to run from 10am to 3.30pm, opened by Ireland and Leinster rugby legend, Seán O’Brien. The flanker grew up on a farm in Ardristan, just outside Tullow, Co Carlow, and continues to work on the land.
The event’s facilitator is Brian Purcell, who is no stranger to the farming community, having grown up in Ballyduff in north Kerry. Brian has a degree in environmental science from University College Dublin, and started his career as a marine biologist.
He has also worked as an environmental scientist, has a passion for horses and greyhounds, and competes on the show jumping scene.
Here, he reveals why he thinks young farmers have the potential to transform Ireland’s economic fortune.
>>“I have always expressed an interest in agri-business and I have been involved in Macra events, acting as MC and I was also involved in an apprentice programme. I’m from a rural village on the most fertile edge of the Golden Vale and I’m well informed on farming. My dad kept sucklers and I’m well versed in calving.”
>>“I think agriculture is a more exciting sector to be in than IT. Essentially, Ireland is a world leader in many aspects of agriculture and the Government needs to realise this and not forget about our farmers. Multinationals can leave in a heartbeat but farmers will be around forever.
“Like any business, farming is all about planning and focussing on goals. I think a buddy or a mentoring system is hugely important. I have three mentors who I call upon when I need help or advice, and I think that is something that would be very important for young farmers, that they can pick up the phone to an older farmer who can pass on their knowledge. Networking is hugely important, and I think more of it can be done in the sector, maybe through the co-ops.”
>>“When farmers have money they spend it locally, making a huge impact in parishes and on SMEs. In my parish, Dairymaster has created some 300 jobs. With the technology that’s now available, the potential is huge for young farmers. The technology is phenomenal; tractors are mobile offices now, with apps allowing farmers to know what the cows are eating and drinking even. The future is bright; we have such a pristine environment, and such fantastic grassland. Our grass is so productive. I hope Simon Coveney has a grand plan to utilise rural businesses, because we need farmers to create employment.
>>“Bill used to rear pigs in the inner city when he was young, so he has had his hands covered in muck. Back when Bill was growing up in Dublin, micro agri-businesses would have been the norm, with people rearing animals in their gardens. Jackie [Lavin, Bill’s partner as well as Brian’s aunt], was raised in Ballyduff on a farm, so they very much have their business grounding in the earth.”
>>“Like any other enterprise, farming is about setting goals. Farmers have a huge advantage now through education via agencies like Teagasc, and we now have better science and better technology. Even in the past 20 to 30 years the advances that have been made are just phenomenal.
“Young farmers will be the future drivers of the economy. Farms will become SMEs in their own right. Glenisk, the yoghurt company, started in a kitchen. There is so much potential for similar success stories in our rural communities. I have a friend in Adare, who rears Aberdeen Angus cows, and he also makes ice-cream. He has his own milk round, and he keeps pigs, so I think these are the types of opportunities that young farmers can tap into, using the resources that they already have.”
>>“To register for the Springboard seminar you can email agri@macra.ie or call 01-4268900. The event is free for members of Macra na Feirme and the IFA, and for FBD customers on proof of membership. The fee is €100 for non-members.”
