Finding a silver lining in recent times can be challenging, but Dr Anne Marie Butler offers a glimmer of hope for her year ahead as the 71st president of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA). “ASA is the voice of science and I would like my legacy to be that I’ve left it strong, if not stronger,” she says.
Walking around her family farm in north Kilkenny, her optimism is infectious and her passion for what she does shines through.
Anne Marie's daughter Keelin on the farm at Freshford, Co Kilkenny. \ Philip Doyle
Anne Marie grew up on a tillage farm, where she still lives with her husband Derek and two children, Keelin (10) and Senan (eight), with her mother Mary living just next door in the family home.
She explains that she has always had a burning passion for science and holds a degree and PhD in agriculture from UCD. She attributes her roles as senior agricultural manager in Ulster Bank and president of the ASA to her strong background in agriculture.
Career
Anne Marie lectured in UCD for three years before joining Ulster Bank in 2008. She explains that her role is twofold.
“I work with customers across the country, getting involved in lending applications and I also keep Ulster Bank up to date about what is happening in agriculture. From Brexit to climate change to milk price, what I learn from the farmer, I bring back to the bank,” she says.
Keelin with her pet sheep Maggie May. \ Philip Doyle
Anne Marie explains that her qualifications in agriculture have allowed her to progress in the job she has now. “In my role, you need someone who understands farming,” she explains.
Like many others, Anne Marie has been working from home since March. “I really miss being out and about, but I still have a lot of customer interactions online. Keeping that connection with customers is very important,” she adds.
Anne Marie explains that Ulster Bank is very conscious of sustainability. “A big part of Ulster Bank is looking after the environment. Through the bank, I’m doing a course provided by the University of Edinburgh on climate change. We’re having better conversations with customers and gaining a better understanding of who we’re lending to. In addition, we’ve launched a “green” mortgage to support environmentally friendly homes. At Ulster Bank, we are working on climate proposition to see what kind of products we can develop and also upskill staff.”
Anne Marie acknowledges the awareness of sustainability among Irish farmers within the sector.
“I think most farmers will agree that they’re doing their best to be sustainable. I really believe that the work of farmers needs to be recognised and be financially rewarded. They are playing a critical role in feeding the world and meeting multiple objectives while doing so,” she adds.
ASA Presidency
In her new role as president of the ASA, Anne Marie has identified a need to champion science in order to meet the challenges and embrace opportunities within the agricultural industry. 
“I have been a member of the ASA since I graduated. I’m interested in science and how science can help us overcome the challenges that climate and environment will bring. The ASA has always allowed me to keep that science and maintain that network, which I am very grateful for. We have 1,800 members, which means that we have 1,800 voices of science. Within the ASA, science is the bedrock that connects us all.”
Speaking about her aspirations for the year ahead, Anne Marie is confident and positive in her future endeavours for her term of presidency. “I have three main pillars of focus. For me, the ASA is about the people, the place and the science. People involved have a passion for science and that is our unique feature, it’s our common ground. Members take pride in their association and what that association can offer them as well as what the ASA can offer the agricultural industry,” she says.
“When you’re in the ASA, you see how important that community is. I’m proud to be an ASA member, and very proud to be the president. An integral part of our association is the diversity of person and the diversity of career among members.
“The ASA is a real mixed bag and there’s something on offer for everyone regardless of age, occupation or gender.
“Ultimately, we’re all ags and it’s great to have an association like the ASA that can help you with training and events. I want to grow our membership and continue to add value for our members,” says Anne Marie.
The ASA has launched a monthly podcast with each episode featuring an inspirational agricultural science graduate.
“We want to share what a solid basis an agriculture degree can give you and showcase what is happening at farm level. Each month you can tune into someone who has a story to tell.
“We hope that our podcasts will demonstrate what is on offer within the agricultural sector. The idea is that the person will speak about their career and provide advice for others working within the industry. The ASA is all about the people and this is where the idea for the podcasts came from.
“They’re available on our website and we’re getting great pick up on them so far.”
Anne Marie’s mother, Mary Butler , Anne Marie, Derek, Keelin and Senan on the family farm just outside Freshford, Co Kilkenny. \ Philip Doyle
Adapting to a
changing world
The ASA is moving with the times and hosting online events to keep members engaged. The association has a reputation for providing quality educational events and Anne Marie is determined to preserve this despite current restrictions. By hosting events that appeal to everyone, the ASA is maintaining relevancy in today’s changing world.
“We recently hosted a webinar on grassland management and received great feedback. Our members range from college graduates to retired ‘wise owls’. For the ASA to stay relevant, we need to keep interest and be able to serve all our members and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.”
Anne Marie wants to remind people of the association’s crucial role in the sector.
“The ASA is bringing the latest in research and technology, which is allowing people to upskill all the time. We also need to reflect on the history of the ASA and what its members have given us regarding technological improvements. We’re producing more meat, milk and crops in Ireland than before and those responsible are predominantly ASA graduates.
Anne Marie grew up on a tillage farm, where she now lives with her family. \ Philip Doyle
This progression is a reflection of the people we have and the members that we want to retain.”
In association with FBD, the ASA is also launching a €10,000 fellowship in December entitled Promoting Excellence in Leadership, Science, Innovation, which will be open to all members. “We want an advocate for science and agriculture. We want someone who will promote and defend the importance of the sector while providing them with the opportunity to develop their own scientific and communication skills in their chosen area of expertise. The successful candidate will act as an ambassador for the ASA Fellowship programme with particular focus on media and presentation training,” she adds.
Anne Marie wants to do her part in promoting the ongoing need for science as president of the association. “I’m a big believer in doing what you enjoy and I am passionate about the importance of science. The ASA has allowed us to build a network where science is protected and we want to protect the ASA into the future. I want to hand the jersey back in better shape than I received it.”
Anne Marie is positive about the future of agriculture in Ireland. “Of course, there will be challenges with Brexit but there will also be opportunities. We can see young farmers coming through with experience in agricultural science and the business side of things. Overall, I am very positive and hopeful for the future,” she concludes.
Read more
ASA seeks ambitious individual for exclusive fellowship programme
Farmers face ‘hardest derogation review yet’
Finding a silver lining in recent times can be challenging, but Dr Anne Marie Butler offers a glimmer of hope for her year ahead as the 71st president of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA). “ASA is the voice of science and I would like my legacy to be that I’ve left it strong, if not stronger,” she says.
Walking around her family farm in north Kilkenny, her optimism is infectious and her passion for what she does shines through.
Anne Marie's daughter Keelin on the farm at Freshford, Co Kilkenny. \ Philip Doyle
Anne Marie grew up on a tillage farm, where she still lives with her husband Derek and two children, Keelin (10) and Senan (eight), with her mother Mary living just next door in the family home.
She explains that she has always had a burning passion for science and holds a degree and PhD in agriculture from UCD. She attributes her roles as senior agricultural manager in Ulster Bank and president of the ASA to her strong background in agriculture.
Career
Anne Marie lectured in UCD for three years before joining Ulster Bank in 2008. She explains that her role is twofold.
“I work with customers across the country, getting involved in lending applications and I also keep Ulster Bank up to date about what is happening in agriculture. From Brexit to climate change to milk price, what I learn from the farmer, I bring back to the bank,” she says.
Keelin with her pet sheep Maggie May. \ Philip Doyle
Anne Marie explains that her qualifications in agriculture have allowed her to progress in the job she has now. “In my role, you need someone who understands farming,” she explains.
Like many others, Anne Marie has been working from home since March. “I really miss being out and about, but I still have a lot of customer interactions online. Keeping that connection with customers is very important,” she adds.
Anne Marie explains that Ulster Bank is very conscious of sustainability. “A big part of Ulster Bank is looking after the environment. Through the bank, I’m doing a course provided by the University of Edinburgh on climate change. We’re having better conversations with customers and gaining a better understanding of who we’re lending to. In addition, we’ve launched a “green” mortgage to support environmentally friendly homes. At Ulster Bank, we are working on climate proposition to see what kind of products we can develop and also upskill staff.”
Anne Marie acknowledges the awareness of sustainability among Irish farmers within the sector.
“I think most farmers will agree that they’re doing their best to be sustainable. I really believe that the work of farmers needs to be recognised and be financially rewarded. They are playing a critical role in feeding the world and meeting multiple objectives while doing so,” she adds.
ASA Presidency
In her new role as president of the ASA, Anne Marie has identified a need to champion science in order to meet the challenges and embrace opportunities within the agricultural industry.
“I have been a member of the ASA since I graduated. I’m interested in science and how science can help us overcome the challenges that climate and environment will bring. The ASA has always allowed me to keep that science and maintain that network, which I am very grateful for. We have 1,800 members, which means that we have 1,800 voices of science. Within the ASA, science is the bedrock that connects us all.”
Speaking about her aspirations for the year ahead, Anne Marie is confident and positive in her future endeavours for her term of presidency. “I have three main pillars of focus. For me, the ASA is about the people, the place and the science. People involved have a passion for science and that is our unique feature, it’s our common ground. Members take pride in their association and what that association can offer them as well as what the ASA can offer the agricultural industry,” she says.
“When you’re in the ASA, you see how important that community is. I’m proud to be an ASA member, and very proud to be the president. An integral part of our association is the diversity of person and the diversity of career among members.
“The ASA is a real mixed bag and there’s something on offer for everyone regardless of age, occupation or gender.
“Ultimately, we’re all ags and it’s great to have an association like the ASA that can help you with training and events. I want to grow our membership and continue to add value for our members,” says Anne Marie.
The ASA has launched a monthly podcast with each episode featuring an inspirational agricultural science graduate.
“We want to share what a solid basis an agriculture degree can give you and showcase what is happening at farm level. Each month you can tune into someone who has a story to tell.
“We hope that our podcasts will demonstrate what is on offer within the agricultural sector. The idea is that the person will speak about their career and provide advice for others working within the industry. The ASA is all about the people and this is where the idea for the podcasts came from.
“They’re available on our website and we’re getting great pick up on them so far.”
Anne Marie’s mother, Mary Butler , Anne Marie, Derek, Keelin and Senan on the family farm just outside Freshford, Co Kilkenny. \ Philip Doyle
Adapting to a
changing world
The ASA is moving with the times and hosting online events to keep members engaged. The association has a reputation for providing quality educational events and Anne Marie is determined to preserve this despite current restrictions. By hosting events that appeal to everyone, the ASA is maintaining relevancy in today’s changing world.
“We recently hosted a webinar on grassland management and received great feedback. Our members range from college graduates to retired ‘wise owls’. For the ASA to stay relevant, we need to keep interest and be able to serve all our members and that’s what we’re trying to achieve.”
Anne Marie wants to remind people of the association’s crucial role in the sector.
“The ASA is bringing the latest in research and technology, which is allowing people to upskill all the time. We also need to reflect on the history of the ASA and what its members have given us regarding technological improvements. We’re producing more meat, milk and crops in Ireland than before and those responsible are predominantly ASA graduates.
Anne Marie grew up on a tillage farm, where she now lives with her family. \ Philip Doyle
This progression is a reflection of the people we have and the members that we want to retain.”
In association with FBD, the ASA is also launching a €10,000 fellowship in December entitled Promoting Excellence in Leadership, Science, Innovation, which will be open to all members. “We want an advocate for science and agriculture. We want someone who will promote and defend the importance of the sector while providing them with the opportunity to develop their own scientific and communication skills in their chosen area of expertise. The successful candidate will act as an ambassador for the ASA Fellowship programme with particular focus on media and presentation training,” she adds.
Anne Marie wants to do her part in promoting the ongoing need for science as president of the association. “I’m a big believer in doing what you enjoy and I am passionate about the importance of science. The ASA has allowed us to build a network where science is protected and we want to protect the ASA into the future. I want to hand the jersey back in better shape than I received it.”
Anne Marie is positive about the future of agriculture in Ireland. “Of course, there will be challenges with Brexit but there will also be opportunities. We can see young farmers coming through with experience in agricultural science and the business side of things. Overall, I am very positive and hopeful for the future,” she concludes.
Read more
ASA seeks ambitious individual for exclusive fellowship programme
Farmers face ‘hardest derogation review yet’
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