The IFA is hosting a series of open farmer meetings across the country to discuss a range of issues with farmers. In partnership with FBD and AIB, the meetings have farm finance as a key theme, with a focus on managing finances, Budget 2019 and fodder.

IFA president Joe Healy has encouraged all farmers to attend and hear advice on how to prepare for the winter ahead.

He said: “It has been a tough year for farmers and it is critical that they plan for the coming cold season. These events will allow farmers on the ground to give their opinion on the current issues facing them and policies they want the IFA to pursue.”

John Cahalan, chief commercial officer, FBD Insurance, said: “Protecting the future of Irish agriculture and all those employed in it is something very near to our hearts in FBD Insurance and something that we have been doing for the last 50 years.

‘‘With all the recent weather events and the ongoing fodder crisis, it’s important that we all address the pressing matters for farmers.”

Tadhg Buckley, head of agriculture, AIB, said: “AIB is delighted to partner with the IFA and FBD to provide this series of information meetings. 2018 has been an exceptionally difficult year, with higher costs, fodder deficits and an additional workload a feature of many farms throughout the country.

‘‘These meetings give us an opportunity to meet and discuss our range of farm cashflow support tools to help farmers overcome any current farm cashflow pressures.”

For more information on this series, visit www.ifa.ie or contact your local IFA office.