Macra kicked off the first of six election hustings at the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare, Co. Limerick last night (Monday, March 10).

A large crowd turned out to hear from the candidates hoping to become the farm organisation's new president and Munster vice-president.

There are two candidates in the presidential race: Josephine O’Neill, Callan Macra, Co. Kilkenny and Conor Murphy, Whitechurch Macra, Co. Cork.

Conor Murphy, who was drawn first to address the crowd, works in the family agricultural contracting business, holds a degree in history and politics, a masters in government and has completed the Green Cert.

The 31-year-old from Carrignavar in Cork has been a Macra member for 10 years during which time he has held a number of national positions.

Murphy said he wants to strengthen the lobbying position of Macra's Agricultural Affairs Committee in Ireland and Europe.

"Our farmers are continually battling against demands in national policy. I want to be our voice at these forums, meetings and discussions, but I also want our membership to have the opportunity to raise their own voices, alongside me, when possible," he said.

Murphy said that Macra's Rural Youth Committee must be supported to develop policies on challenges facing young people in rural Ireland, such as housing, transport and infrastructure, healthcare and the cost of living.

"Otherwise, we will be setting up Macra clubs in the deserts of Dubai and Australia," he warned.

Murphy, a former chair of the Competitions Committee, said that competitions are the "lifeblood" of Macra and regional workshops should be run to ensure more clubs are taking part.

He said that members are the most important part of the organisation and he pledged to run an annual recruitment campaign to attract more people.

Josephine O'Neill, the daughter of a beef and tillage farmer from Co. Kilkenny, is the current chair of the board of Macra.

The home economics and Irish teacher, who has applied for a career break if successful in her election bid, has been a member of Macra for almost 12 years and believes that now is the time to "give back" to the organisation.

In relation to the Macra financial deficit, she told the meeting "we have turned the tide, but there is still work to be done" and pledged to continue to build industry links "to bolster our financial position".

If elected, O'Neill vowed to "represent and advocate for young farmers across all sectors" on issues affecting them, such as the nitrates derogation, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), generational renewal and bovine tuberculosis (TB).

She also said she would develop a campaign to highlight the contribution of Macra members to the Irish agri-food sector.

O'Neill acknowledged the importance of the social side of Macra and committed to engage with members on providing more support for festivals and competitions.

During the questions and answers session, both candidates spoke about the need for better consultation with members and greater support for those sitting on the organisation's three sub-committees.

Growing "brand awareness" for Macra, working with other farm organisations to represent young farmers and increasing TB reactor numbers were also raised by members.

The four men in the running to become the next Macra Munster vice-president also addressed last night's hustings.

Liam Coppinger, Midleton Macra, Co. Cork; Tom Long, Rathkeevin Macra, Co. Tipperary; John Lonergan, Glanmire Macra, Co. Cork and William Clancy, Borrisoleigh Macra, Co. Tipperary were all given an opportunity to outline their priorities before taking questions.

Among the issues raised by members with the candidates were the increase in the Macra membership fee, the need for greater promotion of the organisation and supports for clubs and festivals.

Other topics discussed on the night included supports for young farmers and the ongoing issues around the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) Euro-Star ratings.

The remaining Macra election hustings, all of which begin at 7:30p.m, will take place as follows:

Tuesday, March 18: Cavan Crystal Hotel, Dublin Road, Co. Cavan;
Wednesday, March 19: Glenroyal Hotel and Leisure Club, Maynooth, Co. Kildare;
Monday, March 24: Abbey Hotel, Galway Road, Co. Roscommon;
Wednesday, March 26: Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Little Island, Co. Cork;
Thursday, March 27: Lord Bagenal Inn, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow.

Macra said that ballot papers will be issued to clubs throughout Ireland who are eligible to vote on March 14, with the count taking place in the Irish Farm Centre on April 4.