Major woman and agriculture conference in trim this week

This Wednesday, Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, will open its doors to the biggest annual conference of women in the country. Over 600 women will attend the seventh annual Women & Agriculture conference, which is hosted by the Irish Farmers Journal and supported by FBD. The event has become an important date in the agricultural calendar, educating and informing women on issues important to their farming life.

As it’s the UN Year of Family Farming, this theme will dominate the talks throughout the day. Prof Mary Daly, President of the Royal Irish Academy will cover the history of farming in the state, while Prof Sally Shortall from Queens University will broach the topic of the changing roles in the farm family household. Family will also be a key theme for Dr Anne Cassidy from NUI Galway who will discuss sibling attachment to the land while Tanya Watson from Teagasc will talk about land ownership in Ireland.

Health, food, inspiring stories and, of course, lots of laughter are also on the agenda. Karl Henry will be talking fitness; we’ll have a special Christmas dinner demonstration from Clodagh McKenna; Secret Millionaire Margaret Farrelly of Clonarn Clover will be telling us her story; MEP Margaret Harkin will be discussing a range of issues which are truly at the heart of rural Ireland-agriculture and Minister of State Ann Phelan will be addressing delegates. Add to that special surprise acts plus X Factor’s Mary Byrne closing out the afternoon and it’s set to be a really enjoyable day.