Last Tuesday night we had a date with our local branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA). It was AGM time in Ballincollig and time to cast our votes for the next tranche of leaders in IFA. Tim, Colm and I value our individual votes.

There was a fine turnout at the meeting and I was struck by the efficiency of the two officers in charge; Michael Griffin, chair and Donal O’Leary, secretary, and also the trust and goodwill exhibited towards them from the floor.

I don’t see Michael and Donal very often but there’s a familiarity about the way they farm and conduct their farming businesses.

Cartoon by Clyde Delaney.

Each morning when I look out the window, at least when dawn breaks, I can see both their farms carpeting the hill beyond. I see the lights in their yards and their cows coming and going from the milking parlour.

Likewise, they have a view of us. There are numerous houses dotted around this area that have nothing to do with farming.

We are now within the city boundary. We hope that the inhabitants have an understanding of what we do and how we produce food on our farms.

The meeting got under way and Anthony McSweeney, community garda, gave a talk on protecting our property and a few dos and don’ts that were familiar to us.

He also warned us to light up our houses outside and our yards to deter unwelcome visitors

He cautioned us to always lock the car and never to leave the handbag on the passenger seat. He also warned us to light up our houses outside and our yards to deter unwelcome visitors.

He encouraged the marking and photographing of tools and machinery so that property can be easily traced by the guards. He said that having a guard dog was a good idea. He also encouraged us to look out for our neighbours and to be alert for strange activity and vehicles and to use the community alert groups.

He and his colleague, Paddy Casey are always happy to communicate with farmers.

In the event of people without an invitation coming onto the farm; it is in order to ring the guards and to tell them that you might be fearful for yourself and others. Avoid conflict and call the guards.

Election time

Conor O’Leary, returning officer arrived. The elections were carried out efficiently and Conor left with his sealed envelope. I was very aware of the professionalism of the proceedings exhibited by the ordinary members at branch level.

The processes are proven, and IFA has a voice nationally and in Europe.

This standing of our mainstream farm organisation should not be taken for granted. It ought to be valued and supported. A few nights previous to that I found myself judging the national semi-final of impromptu debating for another of our recognised organisations, Macra na Feirme.

Subsequently, individual farmers brought Dublin to a standstill

Paul O’Regan, chair of the Seandun region officiated. The competition ran like clockwork. Again the wheels of the organisation turned effortlessly.

Subsequently, individual farmers brought Dublin to a standstill. It did not rest easy with me. That does not mean that I’m not sympathetic to the plight of beef farmers.

Nevertheless, long-standing goodwill can evaporate very quickly. There must be a better way.

They had sympathy with beef farmers but blocking up the city of Dublin was unforgivable

I was queuing in a small shop in Ballincollig on Thursday, last to be served. The man in front of me engaged in a conversation with the shopkeeper. “What did you think of the farmers yesterday?” A woman to the side was quick to join in. The tirade of disgust and anger that followed from the trio shocked me. They also discussed the prices of beef, the dispute with factories, the injunctions.

They were informed. They had sympathy with beef farmers but blocking up the city of Dublin was unforgivable. If individual farmers block up a city, there are difficulties for the government and authorities as to who are the negotiators.

Due to specialisation, many farmers no longer feel represented

Consequently, recognised farm organisations are weakened. There is need for real leadership to try to bring groups together and back to a place of co-operation with defined voices for the representation of all farming sectors.

Due to specialisation, many farmers no longer feel represented and this includes dairy farmers as well as beef farmers. Hence, the right to protest will continue to be used. There’s a real opportunity and challenge ahead for the new leaders in IFA to keep the reputations of farmers intact.