A weekend to Remember: Dairy Women Ireland Conference 2024
What a truly remarkable weekend we had at the Dairy Women Ireland Annual Conference 2024! A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our sponsors, especially our White Gold Level sponsors, FDC Group and Kerry Dairy Ireland, for making this event possible.
Innovation, Resilience, Growth – A Conference to Inspire
The theme of this year’s conference, Innovation, Resilience, Growth, set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. These values were put to the test when Storm Bert and its red weather warning for Cork threatened to disrupt our plans. But true to the spirit of dairy farming, we adapted, persevered, and delivered a fantastic event.
A Warm Welcome Dinner
The weekend kicked off in style on Friday evening with our Welcome Dinner at the Charleville Park Hotel. With over 50 women in attendance, it was a night of reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and sharing stories over a delicious meal. Despite the storm outside, the atmosphere was warm and lively, with laughter, spot prizes courtesy of Wawets, and great conversation setting the stage for the weekend ahead.
Conference Highlights
On Saturday morning, we got underway with a slightly delayed start at 10:30 AM, ensuring everyone’s safety amidst the challenging weather. The day began with an inspiring speech from Vice President Fiona O’Donnell, followed by a thought-provoking address from Pat Murphy, Chief Executive of Kerry Dairy Ireland, on the central role women play in Irish farming.
Keynote Spotlight:
The highlight of the morning was Ursula Kelly, Managing Director of Cormac Tagging. Her candid account of her personal and professional journey resonated deeply with the audience, earning a well-deserved standing ovation.
Breakout Sessions
Attendees then chose from five dynamic breakout sessions:
- Pelvic Health for Women in Agriculture – Practical tips from Leah Bryans and Ciara Lynch.
- Vaccination Calendar: Timing is Everything – Expert advice from Dr. Michelle McGrath, Charles Chavasse, and Mella Briscoe.
- Dairy Business and Technology Management – Strategic insights from Deirbhíle Brown and Deirdre Hynes.
- Where Do We Stand with Nitrates? – Environmental updates from Dr. Brendan Horan, Dr. Noeleen McDonald, and Dr. Aine O’Connell.
- Navigating Farm Schemes – Guidance from Fiona O’Donnell and Rachel Moloney.
Afternoon Delights
After a delicious lunch, we returned for an unforgettable session with Jason O’Callaghan, psychologist and hypnotist, who captivated the audience with his fascinating demonstration of the subconscious mind’s power.
Panel Discussion:
The day concluded with a refreshing panel discussion titled Taking the Lead. Moderated by Dr. Gillian O’Sullivan, the panel featured inspiring voices like Linda O’Neill, Ruth Kerrigan, Anne Marie Ryan, and Mary Troy. They shared their journeys in farming, each story a testament to innovation, resilience, and growth.
Looking Ahead
President Mary Kinston wrapped up the conference with an inspiring call to action: “Be the change you want to see in your career, and never stop believing in yourself.”
As the sun sets on another successful Dairy Women Ireland conference, we are deeply grateful to all who attended and contributed. For those looking to join our community, visit our membership page and keep an eye out for special offers and updates on next year’s events.
Here’s to another incredible year for Dairy Women Ireland, proudly supported by FDC Group and Kerry Dairy Ireland.
