Laura Johnston (31) from Clone, Monamolin, Co Wexford, has always had a keen interest in farming. She grew up on a farm with a mix of sucklers, tillage, sheep and horses.

After graduating from UCD with a degree in Animal Science in 2005, she went on to work for Kirwan Agri-Consultants, Birr, Co Offaly, up until December 2013.

On 1 January 2014, she started her own company, Clone Agri-Consultants Ltd, which has two offices; one in Monamolin, Gorey, Co Wexford, and one based in Birr Equestrian Centre in Offaly.

She works across Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Laois, Kilkenny, Offaly, Wicklow and Tipperary and is also an adult education lecturer in the Racing Academy and Centre of Education in Kildare.

This week Laura has been very busy with Single Farm Payment applications.

She is also helping farmers plan for 2015, advising them on whether to buy or sell entitlements.

The last of the soil samples are being done this week and the Nitrates Derogation Applications have to be in before the end of the month.

Amidst this hectic schedule, Laura is organising an equine nutrition course which will begin in mid-May in Birr Equestrian Centre. She is glad to have her mother as secretary to help keep up with all the work.

Laura is involved with the Agricultural Consultants Association (ACA) and has sat on the council for the past four years.

At the end of February this year, she was appointed vice president of the ACA; the second lady ever to get the job. Laura says: ‘‘It is a lot of work but I was doing most of it already and I’ve a good group behind me.’’

Laura took an opportunity when it was available to set up her own business – a decision she doesn’t regret.

She has a good team of people behind her who have helped in the setting up of her company and she has an existing loyal customer base.

She also believes that “being a member of ACA has been a major benefit”, because, as a member, she knows that there are 150 other consultants at the other end of the phone if she should ever need them.