The leaders of three parties allocated a large chunk of a day’s campaigning in the middle of a general election campaign to addressing the IFA AGM.

Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar’s presence was to be expected, as they vie for the lion’s share of the farming vote.

Martin brought a full entourage with him. Charlie McConalogue came all the way from Donegal, while Senator Paul Daly came from Westmeath. Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill had travelled much further than either of them – all the way from the ICMSA presidency to the IFA AGM.

Varadkar was pushed hard on the outgoing Government’s delivery for farmers. He was composed in what is not exactly home territory for a Dublin doctor. Andrew Doyle, a farmer and a minister, accompanied him.

Predictably, there was less stress around the opposition leader’s presentation than the Taoiseach’s, but convergence will be a big problem for the next government, because it divides farmers right down the middle.

Cycling

Eamon Ryan travelled alone, the Green Party leader cycling to the IFA’s Bluebell headquarters. Like the other two, he spent about 90 minutes thrashing out the issues.

As one farmer put it afterwards: “If all the Greens were like him, we’d have something to work with.”

The previous day belonged to the farmers. Tim Cullinan formally assumed office, with a lot of appreciation for both Joe Healy and Richard Kennedy for their massive contribution.

Varadkar was pushed hard on the outgoing Government’s delivery for farmer

Martin Stapleton won the four-way battle for the treasurer.

Francie Gorman said he was breaking his silence after four years to address the council, to much hilarity, as the outgoing Laois chair has been a vocal and forthright presence right through his tenure.

Typically, Gorman laid it on the line. “How can we represent beef farmers better? Restoring beef farmers’ incomes has to be the number one priority.”

Restoring beef farmers’ incomes has to be the number one priority

The broadening base of the IFA is reflected in the election of an organic farmer as the new Laois chair.

Willie Hanrahan, outgoing Clare chair, said he has to contend with the recently crowned FBD Young Farmer of the Year [his son Liam] at home now. “That could be more challenging,” he quipped.

Two men were stepping down from roles on council for the third time, a rare achievement.

It’s not that bloody easy to form a farm organisation

Richard Kennedy and Kilkenny chair James Murphy spoke of the importance of the IFA in representing farmers professionally.

“It’s not that bloody easy to form a farm organisation. It’s about good structures and good people,” he said.

Farmers have never needed strong representation more, and Tim Cullinan’s blunt call for clarity from the party leaders on the IFA’s “red line issues” is a positive start.