Donegal farmer Shannon Porter elected for IFA’s Ready to Lead 2025 Programme
Shannon, from Carrigans, was chosen from a highly competitive field, reflecting their strong leadership potential and dedication to agriculture
Shannon Porter from Carrigans has been selected as one of 30 participants for IFA’s ‘Ready to Lead’ Programme for 2025.
Run by IFA with the support of FBD Insurance and Farm Business Skillnet, the programme, which received over 80 applications, aims to develop the next generation of IFA leaders by equipping participants with insights into agricultural policy and lobbying at home and in Brussels. Shannon was chosen from a highly competitive field, reflecting their strong leadership potential and dedication to agriculture.
The national ‘Ready to Lead 2025’ programme will occur over three two-day modules throughout the year. It will feature sessions with industry experts, political engagement in Dublin, and a study tour to Brussels, where the IFA Brussels Office will host them. Each of the successful applicants will also be co-opted to an IFA National Committee.
The programme will officially commence on April 30 at the Farm Centre in Dublin. Speaking about her selection, Shannon said: “I am delighted to have been chosen for this programme. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded farmers and to better understand how decisions affecting Irish farmers are made at national and EU levels.”
The Milk Bar, based in Carrigans, was set up in September 2021 by Shannon and produces fresh, local milk in their very own pasteurisation room on the farmyard. The milk is sold on the home farm through a self-service milk vending machine inside a log cabin, which is less than 50 metres away from the pasteuriser room.
Among their products are a variety of flavoured milk syrups, which allow the customer to create their very own milkshake. Recently, the business has expanded by supplying local farm shops, coffee shops and restaurants.
IFA President Francie Gorman congratulated all participants and said the strength of Irish farming depends on fresh leadership and strong representation.
“The selection process was extremely competitive, but all candidates selected have shown real promise. We are confident they will make a meaningful contribution to IFA and the wider farming sector,” he said.
John Cahalan, FBD’s Chief Commercial Officer, underscored the significance of investing in future leaders, saying: “This programme is aimed at dynamic emerging leaders — an investment not only in their future, but in the future of Ireland’s farming sector. At FBD Insurance, we are proud to support this important initiative and wish the participants every success as they begin the programme”.
The ‘Ready to Lead 2025’ programme is fully funded by IFA, FBD Insurance, and Farm Business Skillnet, demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering the future leaders of IFA and Irish agriculture.