The all-male cohort of IFA county chairs could be headed for a makeover. In Wicklow, Margaret Healy, former chair of the family farm committee, is contesting the seat Tom Short will vacate at the 2017 agm. It’s understood Chris Hill, a former Glanbia board member, is also interested in the position. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Wexford, Edel Gahan and James Kehoe are seeking to succeed Pat Murray. Gahan is a member of the farm business committee, and was a prominent supporter of Joe Healy in the presidential election. James Kehoe is a prominent member of the sheep committee. The two are from neighbouring branches in Boolavogue and Monageer, so it will be a keen contest. We heard of a women’s farm organisation being mooted, but a greater influence in IFA seems more likely.