The IFA’s chief economist Rowena Dwyer announced to the executive council on Tuesday that she is leaving next month to take up a senior position with Enterprise Ireland. And so the IFA has the job of replacing the irreplaceable. Again.

Rowena succeeded chief economist Con Lucey, whom many thought could not be replaced. There was a period of crossover between the two before Con retired to get up to speed.

Not only liked by colleagues, Rowena is universally respected by farmers and policymakers for her straight-talking and matter-of-fact manner.

Of all the issues the IFA has had to deal with over the past two years, finding Rowena’s replacement may be the most difficult.