Limerick last played host to the conference, better known as the ‘‘Rally’’, in the year 2000 at the same venue – the Limerick Inn Hotel – where the ag conference theme was “2010 – plan ahead to stay ahead”. This is a testament to the strong tradition of Macra that continues within the Treaty County and provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of what Limerick has to offer in terms of activities and agricultural innovation.

Up to 300 delegates will descend on the Radisson Hotel on Friday afternoon where the official launch of the annual conference will take place followed by the national final of the Know Your Ag quiz sponsored by the Irish Farmers Journal.

Members will party the night away to a rockstar-themed fancy dress celebration with music by Jackie Chan All Stars. There will be an early start on Saturday morning with a dairy farm tour, a beef/tillage farm tour and an alternative tour departing from the hotel.

Once the farm tours have finished, all guests will attend the 2016 agricultural conference in Rathkeale House Hotel, where attendees will be served lunch followed by the conference, ‘‘Reaching Your Farming Potential’’.

Speakers on the day will be Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle, Munster rugby star Donnacha Ryan,Dermot O’Connor (previous winner of the FBD Young Farmer of the Year), veterinary expert Dr Doreen Corridan and John Concannon of JFC Manufacturing.

The conference will be an open forum where guests will have an opportunity to ask questions and share their knowledge.

Finals

Saturday will also see competition finals of club of the year and best new member with the winners announced on Saturday night followed by entertainment from the renowned band Traffic.

On Sunday morning, the Bord Bia national final of stockjudging will be held in GVM Mart, Kilmallock, while fun activities will be held at the hotel throughout the day.

The weekend will be rounded up with a gala banquet dinner on Sunday night with music by Fiesta and a DJ staying on until late.

The Limerick rally committee has spent over 18 months planning the highlight of the Macra calendar and is excited to finally see plans come to fruition. Limerick Macra na Feirme looks forward to hosting a successful event and welcoming up to 3,000 members to this year’s annual conference in Limerick for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend. Rock on to Limerick.