Young farmer event underlines teamwork
That was the key finding from the ‘FBD Young Farmer Springboard to Successful Farming’ workshop which took place in Co Laois.
The hugely successful event was held in the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in Killenard, and was organised by Macra na Feirme with the support of FBD and IFA’s Farm Business Skillnet.
The workshop provided an interactive and novel approach to farming and commenced with an introduction from MC Brian Purcell, of The Apprentice fame, who set out the context for the day with a focus on planning for the future and having the right attitude in order to succeed.
He highlighted the importance of networking and encouraged the development of a mentorship system that all young farmers should avail of. “Young farmers need to invest in maintaining their health and energy levels to have a successful career,” he said.
The next session moved outdoors to the garden where Irish and Leinster rugby legend and proud farmer Se•n O’Brien talked of the necessity for professionalism, focus, discipline, and planning ahead.
After his rousing talk, a number of former FBD Young Farmer of the Year winners facilitated round-table discussions on how set a vision for a farming career, goal setting, and the planning processes needed to make a vision a reality.
Current FBD Young Farmer of the Year, dairy farmer, John Buckley, from Cork said: “Don’t limit yourself, if you want to achieve, talk to someone who has been successful. Be the best farmer you can be.”
A panel discussion, facilitated by IFA deputy president Tim O’Leary took place after lunch with IFA chief economist Rowena Dwyer and Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the NDC.
Ms Kavanagh said, in the context of moving farm produce up the value chain: “Don’t play the volume game, play the value game”, and encouraged farmers to be strategic in their approach to their business goals.
Ms Dwyer made the point that, young farmers must factor in price volatility.
“It’s here to stay and must be factored in to your strategy,” said Ms Dwyer .
For more, log onto www.macra.ie
