New IFA grain and animal health chairs elected

John “the Boiler” Murphy has been elected as the new chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) grain committee following a meeting on Thursday.

A tillage and dairy farmer from Monageer, Co Wexford, Murphy succeeds Kieran McEvoy, who has completed a four-year term as grain chair.

The committee acknowledged McEvoy’s significant contribution and leadership during his tenure.

“I am delighted to have been elected chair of the IFA grain committee and I look forward to working closely with the committee, farmers and sector stakeholders in the years ahead.

“Tillage farming is in the midst of a very challenging period, with incomes and confidence at an all-time low in the sector.

“I look forward to representing our grain farmers and will work hard to try and ensure Irish tillage is viable in the coming years,” Murphy said.

Animal health

Meanwhile, David Hall, a dairy and beef farmer from Newbliss, Co Monaghan, has been elected chair of the IFA animal health committee.

He succeeds TJ Maher, who has completed a four-year term as chair.

Hall acknowledged Maher’s work over the past four years and he is looking forward to taking up the role.

“My key priorities for the term ahead are getting TB levels back under control and reducing the enormous burden of the disease on farmers, by addressing the ceilings in the live valuation scheme and ensuring an effective wildlife control programme,” he added.

Both Hall and Murphy will formally take up their positions at the 71st IFA AGM next week.