Dairy Women Ireland (DWI) has launched its 5th Annual Conference, which will take place on Friday, November 20, at the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise.

This year's conference is titled 'Our Time Is Now'.

The event, which is sponsored by FBD, will bring together women from across Ireland’s dairy and agricultural sector for "a day of inspiration, learning, connection and conversation".

The organisers said the event will celebrate the contribution women make to the industry while looking towards the opportunities and challenges ahead.

According to DWI, the conference theme of 'Our Time Is Now' reflects "the growing influence and importance" of women within Irish agriculture and the "need to ensure that women have a strong voice in shaping the future of the sector".

The 2026 conference coincides with the United Nations (UN) International Year of the Woman Farmer.

One of the main elements of this year’s conference will be a panel discussion on farm succession titled 'Why not her?'.

The discussion will look at farm succession and will "challenge traditional assumptions" around who takes on the family farm.

This panel will be facilitated by Ruth Fennell of Teagasc, and will feature Laura and David Hannon, dairy farmers from Co. Meath; and Mella Briscoe, dairy farmer from Co. Galway.

The session will provide an opportunity to explore the importance of open conversations around succession and the role women can play in the future of family farms, DWI said.

The conference will be preceded by a networking dinner on Thursday, November 19.

Speaking at the conference launch event - which took place this week at the National Ploughing Championships in Co. Offaly - president of DWI Fiona O’Donnell said the theme of the conference "really captures where we are as women in dairy and agriculture".

"We have always played an important role in our farms, our families and our communities, but increasingly women are also taking their place at the table, having their voices heard and helping to shape the future of our industry," O'Donnell added.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the women already making such an important contribution to Irish agriculture, while also looking ahead and asking what more is possible for the next generation," she said.

The DWI president added that the ‘Why not her?’ panel discussion on farm succession is a particularly important part of this year’s programme.

"Succession is something that every farm family will face, and we need to have honest conversations about the opportunities available to women as well as men," O'Donnell said.

Also commenting on the upcoming conference, FBD Trust chairperson Michael Berkery said: "This year’s event is particularly significant as it takes place during the International Year of the Woman Farmer, providing an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution women make to Irish agriculture.

"The conference offers a valuable platform for connection, learning and knowledge sharing, and we look forward to supporting what promises to be another inspiring and impactful day," Berkery added.

DWI is encouraging women to "make the most of the event".