Meath Macra na Feirme will this year host Macra’s Annual Young Farmers’ Conference, better known as the ‘Rally’, in the ‘Make It Meath Royal Rally 2017’.
The conference will be held in the City North Hotel, Gormanston, Co. Meath, which is located just off the M1 motorway, over the October bank holiday weekend.
The weekend will begin on Friday, October 27, when delegates from across the country will be welcomed to the City North Hotel.
On the Friday night, the official opening of the conference and the national final of Macra’s ‘Know Your Ag’ table quiz competition will take place. Entertainment on Friday night will be provided by Over the Limit and a DJ till late. Friday will be a fancy dress night in the hotel, with this year’s theme being ‘Heroes and Villains’.
On the Saturday, there is a host of activities promised, with tours organised for that morning. There will be: a beef tour of Kepak and Country Crest; a dairy tour of Joe Leonard and David Moore’s farms; and a ‘food safari’ through the Boyne Valley, that will include Michael Finnegan’s goat farm and Slane Distillery.
Saturday night will feature the national final of the Macra na Feirme Club of the year, Macra’s best new member as well as a Patrons night for all past Meath Macra members.
On Sunday morning, the national final of the Bord Bia Beef and Sheep Stock Judging contest will take place.
There will be a range of activities held for both Macra members and non-members, including: gladiator fights; bungee runs; an inflatable John Deere disco tractor; sumo wrestling; and a ‘puppy petting corner’ thanks to Dogs Trust, the charity partner for the rally.
The conference weekend will finish with a gala banquet on Sunday night, with entertainment from The Madisons and DJ till late.
Commenting at the launch of the rally last week, Dermot Connolly, the chairman of the rally committee said: “This is the first time Macra’s annual conference has been held in Co. Meath.
We are delighted to have the opportunity to host the largest young farmers’ conference in Ireland.
“With thanks to Meath County Council and all our sponsors we look forward to welcoming everyone from across the country to the City North Hotel this October.”
Organisers have stressed that the weekend is open to all, Macra and non-Macra members alike. For those interested, further information can be obtained on the rally website or through the rally Facebook page.