Brian Rushe

  • Kildare/West Wicklow IFA chair.
  • Farming with wife Rebecca and sons John (eight) and Rhys (four).
  • He converted from beef and tillage to dairying in 2013.

    • “The IFA needs to become more dynamic and proactive. That must come from the leadership, and these are qualities that I possess.

    “There will be more changes in the next 10 years in farming than there have been in the last 50.

    “There will be great opportunities from that change. It’s critical that we have strong leaders who recognise and seize those opportunities.

    “It will be my job to stand in for the president where he can’t be, to be a support and confidante, but also to drive the president on.

    “I’m a passionate believer in the importance of independent research that delivers for the farmer and, as a Teagasc board member, I would be advocating that. I would fight for fairness for farmers in the charter.

    “Communications are a big challenge for farmers. If we don’t bring the broader public on the journey with us, others will.

    “We need to tell our story, it’s a great story. I want the IFA to be a positive place.

    “I am concerned about the CAP. If we’re going to deliver for the environment, it’s a fair ask that we be paid for that.

    Unique

    “The greatest challenge is farm organisation unity. The IFA is nearly unique across the world in representing all farm sectors, with voluntary farmer leadership supported by staff. Us farmers have skin in the game, and that matters.”