A mixture of sunshine and showers accompanied delegates during the Macra Young Farmers Positive Forum, held in Birr, Co Offaly, last week. Over 90 young farmers attended the inaugural event, sponsored by AIB, which included farm visits to the Dempsey family farm, near Roscrea, and the Keane farm in Kilcormac.

Unlike conventional farm walks, the focus was on the delegates themselves rather than the farmers. A variety of experts and facilitators sought to equip young farmers with essential insights and information to steer their farming careers in the right direction.

Farm succession/progression planning was one of the topics of discussion on the Dempsey family farm. Austin Finn, from the Land Mobility Service, highlighted the need for good communications and a clear progression plan within the family.

On the Keane farm, Pat O’Meara, of AIB, and Pádraig Keane examined the importance of planning and prioritising farm investment. The effect of farm investments on cashflow, turnover and profit was also discussed.

In the afternoon, young farmers had the chance to interact with representatives from AIB, the Department of Agriculture, Teagasc Farm Safety, Grasstec, Herdwatch and the Land Mobility Service.

This was followed by presentations from Oliver Molloy of the Department of Agriculture and Pat O’Meara from AIB.

Molloy gave an overview of the recently announced Young farmer investment grant aid. A clear message from his presentation was that applicants who seek grant aid for animal housing must already be nitrates compliant.

O’Meara discussed the common pitfalls incurred by farmers seeking bank finance and gave suggestions on how best to strengthen a loan application.

The forum concluded with a panel discussion, chaired by Mike Magan.

The panellists included Kevin Heavin, local dairy farmer and former FBD Young Farmer of the Year; Claire O’Keeffe, Succession Ireland; and Gerry Duffy, athlete and motivational speaker.