Ireland’s National Rural Network (NRN) have developed an insightful video series highlighting the pivotal role women play in Irish agriculture. Traditionally a male-dominated profession, the 2016 Central Statistics Office (CSO) data shows that of the 265,400 people working on farms in 2016, over a quarter of those were female (71,700). However, less than one quarter (16,100) of these females were holders of the farms on which they worked. The NRN’s video series however, confirms a new era for women in farming and shows resilient and innovative women leading the way on Irish farms.
The Irish Women in Agriculture Video Series details the experiences of five women involved in different sectors of agriculture and highlights their dedication and commitment to farming. These women include: Sinead Conry, a Pedigree Hereford breeder from Roscommon; Deirdre Divilly a dairy farmer from Galway, currently on placement in New Zealand from University College Dublin (UCD); Margaret Edgill an organic farmer from Offaly; Aoife Forde, a suckler farmer based in the Burren, County Clare; and finally, Daphne Scott a sheep farmer based in Co. Cavan, who also runs her own dog grooming, boarding kennels and mobile pet farm under the name Precious Pets.
The NRN will launch this video series from Monday the 13th of July, so keep an eye on our social media channels for this celebration of Irish women in agriculture. The NRN would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the women who participated in this series and gave so freely of their time.
Update: view video series here.
