I would like to start off by saying a big thank you to all the committee members who volunteered and helped out at the Ploughing – advising on safety, good mental health and pension queries. As well as talking to lots of people, I also attended launches of key safety initiatives: the AgriAware Maze, Embrace What’s left behind DVD launch and ESB’s Farm Safely with Electricity.

It was great to hear Minister Simon Coveney’s announcement at the end of the Ploughing about the support service now available through the Department for those poor families coping with a tragic farm fatality. And now there’s the new Farm Safety scheme as well, but if you want to apply be quick.

When I was chatting to people, it seemed to be the same thing over and over again – people know of the dangers, but there are too many superhero farmers out there, doing too much and thinking they are invincible. It could happen to you, so please do something before it does.

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The Fair Deal nursing home scheme keeps coming up and recently I was part of a delegation from IFA that met with key representatives from the Department of Health. We highlighted that the potential high cost of care for farm families is not in fact fair. The farm is a productive asset and IFA is looking for a cap on the maximum percentage that can be charged against the farm, to allay fears that the costs of care will put at risk the farm for the next generation. The meeting was positive and they will look into it, to see if this issue can be resolved.

Our committee had its annual outing to celebrate World Rural Women’s Day. We went to Airfield out in Dundrum, such a beautiful place. The tour was great and we managed to make time for a cup of tea as well.

I was honoured to speak at one of the main highlights of the year, the Women & Agriculture Conference. What a fantastic day that was, really enjoyed by all.

Meanwhile, Tegan has settled into first year, making lots of new friends and loving it. However, he’s not loving the 7.30am wake up calls. Craig assisted and starred in his Transition Year school fashion show. I can’t think where he gets his love of style from. As for Seamus, he is now playing five-a-side soccer, never thought I’d see him doing that, but he’s keeping fit and that’s the main thing. CL