The NDC Women and Agriculture Conference 2009
Location: Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone
Date: Tuesday, 20 October 2009
From Mairead Lavery - Editor, Irish Country Living
This time last year the Irish Farmers’ Journal and Irish Country Living organised a very successful conference for women in agriculture. We had great feedback from all who attended with many asking us to organise a similar event this year. And this is what we have done.
The 2009 Women & Agriculture conference takes place on Tuesday 20 October in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone. We have a great line up of speakers and we promise the day will be as uplifting, informative and entertaining as it was last year.
We're delighted to have the support of the National Dairy Council for this year's conference.
This year’s conference will focus on getting the balance right and top of the agenda is our keynote speaker psychologist, writer and broadcaster Dr Maureen Gaffney. She plans to talk about the challenges faced by farm women when they ‘marry in’, what makes us truly happy and how to negotiate more effectively.
Then we have Lyn Sykes who proved such a hit last year. She’ll be talking about the importance of good communication.
Declan McEvoy senior tax planning consultant with IFAC Accountants will tell us what farm families need to know about tax and finance and give practical advice on budgeting and managing cash flow.
We also have Mary Sherry, chairperson of the IFA National Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee who will update us on partnerships, PRSI and pensions for farm women.
Joe McCrohan of South Kerry Partnership will advise on how farm families can make the most of their entitlements.
Then there’s Fiona Hoban, counsellor and communications consultant who has advice on how to deal with anxiety and stress.
Michele O’Brien of the Irish Osteoporosis Society has the latest health information on this condition and how it can be prevented and alleviated.
We will also have fun time with celebrity chef Neven Maguire as he plans ahead for Christmas with lots of lovely recipes and a cookery demonstration.
The cost of the conference is €50 and that includes a three course lunch and morning and afternoon snacks. Everyone who attends will also receive a great goody bag.
We know it’s been a tough year, particularly for women as the problems in the yard impact on the life of the family. But this is one day where women in agriculture can re-charge their batteries, exchange views and gain useful information to help get through these turbulent times.
I look forward to meeting you in Athlone.
Mairead Lavery
Editor, Irish Country Living
01-4199500
mlavery@farmersjournal.ie
Book now to avoid disapointment