YFCU conference details revealed

Entitled ‘Inspire’, the event will be centred on the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. It will comprise a mix of formal presentations, work-shops and farm visits. Proceedings will culminate with a conference dinner on the Saturday evening.

“The event takes place at a time of tremendous change for agriculture in Northern Ireland,” said Robert McConaghy, chair of the YFCU agriculture and rural affairs committee. But with change comes opportunity. And it is this driver which will form the backdrop to the event.

“We want to enthuse and excite delegates about the tremendous prospects that exist as they plan the future of their own farming and related businesses. Regardless of sector, the event has something to offer every agribusiness.”

Robert continued: “Our conference is an event which will provide speakers with an opportunity to address all of the key drivers for farming moving forwards: market prospects, the future support needs of the industry and the absolute necessity to improve technical efficiency levels at farm level. As a result, it will resonate with farmers and stakeholder representatives of all ages.”

The day will begin with visits to three case study farms, all of which are at the forefront of their respective sectors. The farms in question are the specialist beef production business managed by the McCrea family from Cookstown, Red House Holsteins at Benburb and The Jungle NI at Tobermore.

The afternoon will comprise a choice of four presentations. These will cover a wide range of topics from improving sheep margins through to the uptake of new technology. One not to miss will be the presentation on soil management, given by the truly inspirational Gareth Davis. He is a man with a highly contagious enthusiasm for this topic!

For those who wish to enter the farming industry but cannot see a route into it, attendance at the Land Mobility workshop is an absolute must.

“Here they will learn of this amazing programme, which has been specifically designed to allow young people establish their own farming businesses,” said Robert McConaghy.

Massey Ferguson and The Ulster Farmers’ Union are the two keynote sponsors of the upcoming conference.

Massey Ferguson’s Lindsay Haddon said: “It is a great pleasure to once again support the YFCU Agricultural conference. Massey Ferguson is firmly focused on the new generation of farmers, and inspiring young people about the business of agriculture.

“Success in farming means always striving to be better. It is essential to optimise opportunities and have a clear strategy to realise your ambitions. Farming will always be a challenging profession but the long-term prospects for agriculture are strong. This weekend’s programme is about listening, learning and sharing - to make the most of your future.”

Commenting on the significance of the upcoming conference, Union president Barclay Bell said: “The UFU is delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor the YFCU’s “Inspire” Agri Conference.

“This is yet another example, following on from the joint “Land Mobility” initiative, of the two organisations working together on the major objective of delivering genuine and meaningful betterment for the farming industry in NI.”

For further information contact conference organiser Heather Stewart on (028) 90 9037 0713: e mail – [email protected]. The web link to the conference booking page is: yfcuinspire.eventbrite.co.uk.