The darker mornings and the nip in the air. It’s Ploughing week and although it always comes with an atmosphere of celebration, it also signals that winter is near. Don’t worry though, there are benefits to the colder season, like our Women & Agriculture Conference, brought to you by the Irish Farmers Journal in association with FBD Insurance and Sherry FitzGerald, which takes place in Co Carlow this year.

This marks the 10th year of the conference. Ten years where friendships were formed, laughs were had and we heard from some of the most inspirational and uplifting speakers.

This year, we will be adding to our fantastic repertoire of speakers, as well as inviting back some of your favourites, the people that impressed you most over the years.

One of those guaranteed to provide a laugh is Oliver Callan. When he took to the stage at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim a few years ago, he brought the house down with laughter.

This year, he will be entertaining at our Gala dinner on Wednesday 25 October, a delicious and impressive four-course meal where our ladies can catch up with old friends and enjoy an overnight treat at the beautiful Mount Wolseley Hotel. He will be joined on the night by Neven Maguire, who will be demonstrating tantalising treats.

On the day (Thursday 26 October) of the conference, we will be kicking off with economist David McWilliams. Author of The Pope’s Children and The Good Room, amongst others, this is the man who predicted the housing crash was on its way when the Celtic Tiger was booming. Now with rising house prices, he will be giving his insight into what the future holds for the Irish economy and how that will impact Irish farming families.

Succession planning will also be a key part of the morning session. Sian Bushell from Wales will be over to talk about the importance of starting the family conversation about the future of the farm. Drawing on real life examples from her work in the area, family mediator Clare O’Keefe will give the Irish perspective.

Putting money in your pocket will be another key topic, with advice from Noel Leahy on PRSI and pensions. We will also have an inspirational talk from female European farm leaders who have risen to the top of farm organisations. The afternoon once again will be focusing on your health and wellbeing. Over the years, there have been speakers that our ladies talk about again and again. Maureen Gaffney is one such speaker and after many requests from readers, we are delighted to announce that she will be our keynote speaker.

Flourishing is a book that meant so much to people, helping them deal with modern day life, and with her new book due out next year, she will be there to deliver a whole set of new messages that will ensure we will leave the conference inspired, invigorated, re-energised and ready to take on what life throws at us.

Speaking of re-energised, we will have two very fit men in the afternoon to inject some liveliness into the room, as brothers and rugby legends Rob and Dave Kearney will be helping us keep fit.

On top of that, Mary Ann O’Brien from Lily O’Brien’s will be talking about building her successful business; Sallyanne Clarke from l’Ecrivian and Siobhan Lawless of Food of Athenry will speak about keeping their business going in the face of adversity, and we will also be talking about the all-important Fair Deal Scheme. CL

To book your place now, contact 01 4199578 or go to www.farmersjournal.ie/womenandag

Packages:

Conference & Banquet (Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 October – including 4 course meal & entertainment on Wednesday night followed by conference on Thursday including teas & 2 course lunch) - €100

Conference (Thursday 26 October) – including teas & 2 course lunch - €60

All tickets booked by phone or online will be sent out two weeks in advance of the event. If booking by post, please send your cheque/postal order along with your name, address, phone number and number of tickets needed to: Women & Agriculture Conference, Irish Farmers Journal, Irish Farm Centre, Bluebell,Dublin 12.

*** Please note to book accommodation call the Mount Wolseley Hotel on 059-9180100 and quote “Women and Agriculture Conference” when booking. ***

Full timetable will be released one week in advance of the conference.