Nuala Hourihane, secretary of the Irish Charolais Cattle Society, won the Women and Agriculture Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ceremony, which took place at the Knightbrook Hotel in Meath on Wednesday, recognised the contribution women have made to agriculture and the innovative practices on farms across the country.

Originally from Bantry, Co Cork, Nuala has worked with the Irish Charolais Society for 40 years. During this time, she has seen membership grow from 77 in 1974 to 2,409, the largest of any beef breed society in Ireland. Just 235 Charolais calves were registered in 1974 when Nuala joined the group; this has since grown to 8,709 in 2014.

She has played a major role in genotyping and also represents the Irish Charolais Society internationally.

Accepting the awards, Nuala said women should not underestimate their importance on the farm. She added that the Irish Charolais Society supported her along the way.

“I was always encouraged and supported. If I was wrong about something, they encouraged me to learn more about it,” she said.

“This was one of the biggest surprises of my life. I’m really delighted and want to thank everyone who nominated me.”

Listen to an interview with Nuala Hourihane in our podcast below.

Other winners on the night included Margaret Farrelly of Clonarn Clover in Co Meath (innovation on-farm) and Sabine Rosler of Wells House and Gardens (Agri-Business innovation)

The Women and Agriculture conference takes place at the Knightbrook Hotel in Co Meath today. Over 650 farming women from across Ireland are expected to attend to hear speakers such as Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney, Majella O’Donnell and Evelyn O’Rourke.

Issues up for discussion will include succession planning, diversification and farm safety.

Winners, runners-up and finalists of the Women and Agriculture Awards

Winners

Nuala Hourihane, Irish Charolais Society: Lifetime Achievement Award

Margaret Farrelly, Clonarn Clover, Co Meath: On-farm Innovation

Sabine Rosler, Wells House and Gardens, Gorey, Co Wexford: Agribusiness Innovation

Runners-up

Rebecca Allen, Tinahely Farm Shop, Co Wicklow: Agribusiness Innovation

Joanne Buckley, Banteer, Co Cork: On-farm Innovation