Macra na Feirme’s new-look stand at the National Ploughing Championships drew a large crowd last week, with attendance at the event breaking records. Three dry days meant crowds were able to enjoy the larger outdoor space at the Macra stand, including a chillout area with a positive thoughts wall. There wasn’t a free inch of wall left after the three days as everyone made sure to add their positive thoughts or words of wisdom.
The Macra ploughing class took place on Wednesday morning, and was won by Longford member Stephen Reynolds.
Macra was delighted to welcome several esteemed visitors to the stand including President Michael D Higgins, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney, Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association, and many more.
The Macra calendar for positive mental health was a huge hit as visitors queued up to get their copy. The initiative will benefit both Macra and the “Walk in my Shoes” campaign, and aims to highlight positive mental health.
There was no doubt it did that, as the cheeky approach to the photos meant that the calendar was the talk of the Ploughing. It received excellent coverage on TV, radio, newspapers and online. Well done to all the Macra models who took part. Calendars are now on sale from the national office. Call 01-4268900.
Government must implement European credit scheme for young farmers
Macra has called for a commitment from the Government to put in place the necessary mechanisms to access funds to provide credit for young farmers under the European Investment Bank scheme.
“Macra is firmly of the belief that access to credit on favourable terms is a vital ingredient of success for all young farmers,” Macra president Seán Finan said.
“The credit under the European scheme could, for example, includes interest rates that are lower than normal loans.”
“Macra is therefore calling on the Government to complete an ex-ante impact assessment for young farmer financial instruments and create the necessary financial instrument under the Rural Development Programme to make the fund available to young, trained Irish farmers.”
The European Investment Bank has established a multibillion euro fund aimed at driving improvements in the dairy sector in post-quota Europe, supporting young farmers and helping to establish rural businesses.
Macra understands that the European Commission has invited member states to include programme modifications to accommodate new financial instruments.
Dates for the diary
On Saturday 3 October, Sliabh Luachra Macra is hosting a mystery tour. There will be a bus leaving Cathy’s Bar, Knocknagree, at 8.30pm sharp. The total cost per person is €20 for the night. The night will finish up in a nightclub which is strictly over 21s. Please take note if you are aged under 21 years of age. Macra members and non-members are all welcome to come but your seat on the bus must be pre-booked by contacting the club secretary on 086-1833495 or any club member.
South Kildare Macra is hosting a barn dance on Saturday 3 October at 8pm in Conlons, Booleigh, in Aid of St Vincent’s, Athy. There will be an old v young farmskills challenge, tug of war, rodeo bull and many more activities on the night. There will also be a barbecue, band and DJ. All support is welcome.
Macravision will be hosted by Limerick Macra on Saturday 10 October in the Radisson Blu Hotel, where members can take to the stage to perform their favourite karaoke song. The GAA seven-a-side national football final will be held the following day in Mungret.
Get the glad rags on and relive your debs again, this time with a bit more grace and class on Saturday 10 October in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. There will be a champagne reception, a four-course meal, entertainment by Drops of Green and a dj until late. Entry costs €30 per person. Don’t miss out on a great night.
Ferbane/Banagher Macra will host a Harvest Hooley on Saturday 17 October in Lukers Pub, Shannonbridge. Music will be by Ruaile Buaile. There will be finger food and games, as well as a slave auction. All for only €10. It kicks off at 9pm.
Macra na Feirme’s new-look stand at the National Ploughing Championships drew a large crowd last week, with attendance at the event breaking records. Three dry days meant crowds were able to enjoy the larger outdoor space at the Macra stand, including a chillout area with a positive thoughts wall. There wasn’t a free inch of wall left after the three days as everyone made sure to add their positive thoughts or words of wisdom.
The Macra ploughing class took place on Wednesday morning, and was won by Longford member Stephen Reynolds.
Macra was delighted to welcome several esteemed visitors to the stand including President Michael D Higgins, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney, Anna May McHugh, managing director of the National Ploughing Association, and many more.
The Macra calendar for positive mental health was a huge hit as visitors queued up to get their copy. The initiative will benefit both Macra and the “Walk in my Shoes” campaign, and aims to highlight positive mental health.
There was no doubt it did that, as the cheeky approach to the photos meant that the calendar was the talk of the Ploughing. It received excellent coverage on TV, radio, newspapers and online. Well done to all the Macra models who took part. Calendars are now on sale from the national office. Call 01-4268900.
Government must implement European credit scheme for young farmers
Macra has called for a commitment from the Government to put in place the necessary mechanisms to access funds to provide credit for young farmers under the European Investment Bank scheme.
“Macra is firmly of the belief that access to credit on favourable terms is a vital ingredient of success for all young farmers,” Macra president Seán Finan said.
“The credit under the European scheme could, for example, includes interest rates that are lower than normal loans.”
“Macra is therefore calling on the Government to complete an ex-ante impact assessment for young farmer financial instruments and create the necessary financial instrument under the Rural Development Programme to make the fund available to young, trained Irish farmers.”
The European Investment Bank has established a multibillion euro fund aimed at driving improvements in the dairy sector in post-quota Europe, supporting young farmers and helping to establish rural businesses.
Macra understands that the European Commission has invited member states to include programme modifications to accommodate new financial instruments.
Dates for the diary
On Saturday 3 October, Sliabh Luachra Macra is hosting a mystery tour. There will be a bus leaving Cathy’s Bar, Knocknagree, at 8.30pm sharp. The total cost per person is €20 for the night. The night will finish up in a nightclub which is strictly over 21s. Please take note if you are aged under 21 years of age. Macra members and non-members are all welcome to come but your seat on the bus must be pre-booked by contacting the club secretary on 086-1833495 or any club member.
South Kildare Macra is hosting a barn dance on Saturday 3 October at 8pm in Conlons, Booleigh, in Aid of St Vincent’s, Athy. There will be an old v young farmskills challenge, tug of war, rodeo bull and many more activities on the night. There will also be a barbecue, band and DJ. All support is welcome.
Macravision will be hosted by Limerick Macra on Saturday 10 October in the Radisson Blu Hotel, where members can take to the stage to perform their favourite karaoke song. The GAA seven-a-side national football final will be held the following day in Mungret.
Get the glad rags on and relive your debs again, this time with a bit more grace and class on Saturday 10 October in the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. There will be a champagne reception, a four-course meal, entertainment by Drops of Green and a dj until late. Entry costs €30 per person. Don’t miss out on a great night.
Ferbane/Banagher Macra will host a Harvest Hooley on Saturday 17 October in Lukers Pub, Shannonbridge. Music will be by Ruaile Buaile. There will be finger food and games, as well as a slave auction. All for only €10. It kicks off at 9pm. 
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