The annual Dairy Women Ireland Conference returns on Friday, November 21, 2025 at the Charleville Park Hotel, Cork, promising another unforgettable gathering of women shaping the future of Irish agriculture.

The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Building Success, Breaking Barriers’ and promises to be another cracking event. 

For the first time ever, we will have a gala dinner and fashion show after the conference which has been kindly sponsored by FBD. 

Michael Berkery, chairperson of the FBD Trust said: “At FBD we are delighted to be supporting the Dairy Women Ireland organisation as sponsor of their 2025 conference.

"We are looking forward to the conference for what will be a great day of connection, learning and knowledge sharing.” 

We are all looking forward to a sparkling evening event after the conference to keep the discussions going and the network rolling. 

And this year, we have a fantastic giveaway.

Every attendee who books their conference ticket or membership before November 16, 2025 using the code Agriland25 will be automatically entered into a draw to win a premium DWI-branded gilet, a stylish and practical addition to any farmer’s wardrobe.

Highlights to look forward to this year

Keynote speakers: Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP and Maria Walsh MEP: Say yes, see success: Embracing opportunity with optimism;

There will also be a panel discussion on 'No success without setbacks: Lessons in resilience'.

Facilitator: Alice Doyle - Deputy President, Irish Farmers' Association (IFA)
Panel: Shannon Porter | Imelda Kinsella | Katherine O’Leary

In addition, there will be an exciting range of break-out rooms to choose from.

SESSION 1: From parlour to public: Exploring dairy’s social licence

Katie Gleeson - Dairy farmer, content creator, and columnist, Dairy Women Ireland
Roz O’Shaughnessy - Head of Communications, Bord Bia
Majella McCaffrey - Farm Advocacy Manager, National Dairy Council

SESSION 2: Juggling life and dairy farming

Dr. Mary Kinston - 2025 DWI President
Elaine Hickey - Dairy Farmer

SESSION 3: Managing lameness in your herd

Michelle McGrath - Programme Manager Hoof HealthCheck and Calf Care, Dairy Women Ireland
Dr. Ger Cusack - Veterinary Surgeon and Dairy Specialist
Ned Dunphy - Hoof Care Specialist

SESSION 4: Simple steps to smarter sire selection: Turning breeding decisions into business success

Mella Briscoe - Dairy farmer and Vice President DWI
Dr. Margaret Kelleher - Geneticist

SESSION 5: Interactive session on employment law and payroll

Deirdre Hynes - Dairy farmer, Dairy Women Ireland
Cara Jane Walsh - Barrister at Law
Mary Cronin - FDC Group

Looking back - last year's experience

We caught up with 2024 competition winner Mary Ellen O’Brien, who attended for the first time last year and had nothing but praise for the event.

What was your reaction when you found out you’d won?

“I was delighted when Ciara rang me to say we had won. Who’d say no to a girls’ night away with one of your best friends and a few drinks?”

Highlights from the social evening?

“We met so many amazing women, each with such different paths in farming. The stories of success and challenge show how proud we can be of the community we’ve created.”

Favourite conference moment?

“Ursula Kelly from Cormac Tagging was fascinating: her life story, the struggles, and how she built her business is unbelievable. She’s an inspiration. And we had a hypnotist, Jason O’Callaghan - he kept us laughing the entire time!”

Did it impact you afterwards?

“I went back to work the next day with a spring in my step realising there are so many women in the same position as me. I had a more positive outlook on my career.”

Would you recommend others to attend?

“Definitely. I don’t like to stand out specifically as a woman farming, if a job needs to be done, I’ll do it, but I’m proud to see more women of all ages involved.”

Why the conference matters - member Margaret McCormack shares her view

What inspired you to attend?

“To meet fellow farmers and to socialise.”

What was the atmosphere like?

“Very good. I was made feel very welcome, a lot of ladies introduced themselves to me.”

Standout moment?

“The two couples actively farming [Elaine & Pat Hickey and Siobhan & Mitchell Hayes]. They reminded me of my time with my young kids out milking cows and feeding calves. The small jobs mattered and they were happy.”

Advice to first-timers?

“Go. Women in farming are finally meeting and being recognised. We can learn from each other and it’s a day to dress up!”

Why is it important?

“To meet like-minded people and feel you have a place in the world. Hearing other female farmers speak makes me feel young and I’ve made real friends from it.”

Don’t miss out - book now and enter the giveaway

The DWI Conference is more than an event, it is a celebration of resilience, ambition and community among Ireland’s dairy women

Inspiring speakers and real-world farming stories;
A strong, supportive community;
A day to network, reflect and enjoy something for yourself.

Use code Agriland25 when booking your ticket or buying your membership before November 16 2025 and you will be in with a chance to win a free DWI gilet.