'We need to celebrate women as much as men': Longford's Ballymahon Mart puts women in farming in the spotlight
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Three workshops are set to take place over three weekends this month at Ballymahon Mart to celebrate women in agriculture and their contributions to the industry
BALLYMAHON Mart is celebrating Women in Agriculture this month by hosting three workshops over several weekends.
The workshops will take place there on Friday, November 6, November 13 and November 20 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
Guest speakers throughout the celebrations include: Jim Dockery, An Garda Síochána, HSE, Agricultural advisor Charlie Burns, IFA’s Alice Doyle, Wolf Energy, Siobhan Brady Pilates and MEP Nina Carberry.
The workshops will focus on health and safety on the farm, succession and grant opportunities and wellness.
Each night will also have a panel of five local women discussing the success and challenges within the farming industry. Entry is free of charge and refreshments will be served following the workshops.
Speaking to Longford Live, Board Secretary/Accounts Manager for Longford /Westmeath Farmers Mart, Patricia Carrig Brady said:
“It's to celebrate women in agriculture and their contributions to the agricultural industry because this is the year of celebrating women in agriculture.
“For the people of Ballymahon and the people of Longford, Westmeath, and Roscommon, and all the local areas, it is a great event .
Ms Carrig Brady added that it’s “very rare” you hear from women in agriculture. “It's a great opportunity for them to come out and to celebrate them, hear their stories and listen to their stories. I think it's going to be a great event because we need to celebrate women as much as men.”
She explained that An Garda Síochána will be showing attendees how to get their equipment stamped because there has been a lot of thefts locally. “It's all about keeping your equipment safe, they'll also be coming back another day where people will be able to bring equipment and get them stamped by the guards.”
Ms Carrig Brady said every night they will have a panel of five local women who are in the agricultural community and contribute to the marts. “We have lots of people, lots of guest speakers coming, and it's just going to be a great event,” she noted.
On November 6, Ms Carrig Brady will give a speech on behalf of the shareholders of the mart.
Longford Enterprise Board will be in attendance on November 13 to discuss how to diversify your farm, and what grants are available through the Board.
Finally, on November 20, MEP Nina Carberry will make an appearance at Ballymahon Mart. Longford County Council’s Environmental Team and a mental health nurse will also be in attendance.