A celebration of the International Year of the Woman Farmer will take place in Donegal next week, featuring real-life stories from Irish women in farming.

‘Field of her Own’ is a free event set to take place at 11am on Thursday 28 May at The Milk Bar in Carrigans, Co Donegal.

The event is organised by Donegal IFA in collaboration with Inishowen Development Partnership.

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Line-up

Ella McSweeney, Ear to the Ground presenter, will host two discussions on the day.

Deputy president of the IFA Alice Doyle will also be speaking at the event.

The first panel discussion will explore how women in agriculture are creating new opportunities beyond traditional farming and it will include panellists:

  • Shannon Porter – dairy farmer and owner of The Milk Bar.
  • Edel Carty – farmer, environmental scientist, ag-innovation specialist and co-founder of Castle Adventure Open Farm.
  • Patricia McGonagle – farmer, primary school teacher and owner of Wild Alpaca Way in Donegal.

    • The second panel discussion will be centred around young female farmers using social media to tell the story of agriculture and it will include panellists:

  • Annie McGuiness – sheep farmer, environmental technician and agri social content creator.
  • Jenny McGrory – suckler and sheep farmer, and agri social content creator.
  • Orlaith McElduff – dairy and poultry farmer and agri social content creator.

    • Panel discussion line-ups for the event.

    “Recognising the International Year for Women in Agriculture, this event will celebrate the contribution of women to farming, while creating a space to support, connect and inspire women across the sector,” Joe Sweeney farm family support worker with Inishowen Development Partnership and current chair of Donegal IFA said.

    Women-led diversification

    An example of women-led diversification in Irish farming is the event host, 28-year-old Shannon Porter, owner of The Milk Bar.

    Shannon diversified her family farm in 2021 by establishing The Milk Bar which is a farm shop selling non-homogenised milk and homemade ice-cream produced on the farm.

    “It’s a real honour to host the Field of her Own event here during the International Year of Women in Agriculture. This event is about celebrating women in the industry, inspiring the next generation and creating space for important conversations,” Porter said.

    Events like this are vital in recognising the role women play in farm families, farm businesses and rural communities. Celebrating their contribution while encouraging future participation is central to building a sustainable agricultural sector

    Christine Friel, farm family chair with Donegal IFA said it was important for the IFA to highlight the leadership role women play in shaping the future of Irish farming.

    “Events like this are vital in recognising the role women play in farm families, farm businesses and rural communities. Celebrating their contribution while encouraging future participation is central to building a sustainable agricultural sector,” Friel commented.

    To conclude the day there will be a fashion showcase to celebrate rural enterprise, creativity, and entrepreneurship in Ireland.

    The event is supported by Skillnet Ireland Farm Business and will also raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Awareness Ireland.

    It will take place at The Milk Bar, Carrigans, Co Donegal, F93 ED34 at 11am.

    The event is free to attend, however registration is essential.

    For registration, visit www.ifa.ie/WomenAgDonegal.